Over the last year, we have been highlighting different cities in Australia where you might choose to move to. In this first of our recap series, we are reviewing and featuring some of the most populated or fastest growing cities in Queensland. In this blog post, we will be recapping city spotlights for Brisbane, Toowoomba, Cairns, Townsville, Sunshine Coast, and Gold Coast. If you are moving to Queensland, we hope that this guide and the related detailed posts for each city will help you make a decision or learn about your new city and the easiest way to hire a moving truck to move there.
Map of Regions of Queensland Photo Credit: “Qld region map 2″. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Moving Tips for Australia
These are some general moving tips and advice if you are moving to Queensland, or anywhere in Australia. The important thing is to plan ahead, get organised, and don’t wait for the last minute.
Make sure your passport is valid and up-to-date. Obtain a visa if you are going to need one.
Get an international free email address so that you will be able to keep in touch. Checkout Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail.
Connect with a relocation agent to help you find a job and a place to live.
Start going through your clothing and other belongings to see what you can sell or giveaway before it’s time to pack.
If you are moving from another country, check the compatibility of your appliances. Australia uses voltage 220-240 volts.
Start to inventory the items you are taking and see if you have receipts for those items.
Start getting quotes for renting a moving truck or hiring a moving company and decide which one is best for you.
Ask about the cost marine insurance. This is based on the value of the things you are taking.
Take pictures of everything you are moving, especially the more expensive items to keep a record for insurance purposes.
Make a checklist and a calendar and stick to them.
City Spotlight, Moving to Brisbane, QLD
Brisbane Collage Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Brisbane River and Story Bridge Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Brisbane Moving Truck Rental Map Photo Credit: BudgetTrucks.com.au
If you are planning to move to Brisbane, you are not alone. It is on of Australia’s fastest growing cities and already has a population of over 2.5 million people. You can read our entire blog that covered a great deal of details about the capital city of Queensland. Australia’s 3rd largest city is known as BrisVegas because it has a laid back atmosphere, but there is still plenty to do. Hot summers and mild winters are what you can expect in this sub-tropical climate. Brisbane is not directly on the coast, but built around the Brisbane River. This gives the city a gorgeously flowing centerpiece that winds in and out and all around. Brisbane is divided into 5 areas: Inner Brisbane, Northern Suburbs, Southern Suburbs, Eastern Suburbs, and the Western Suburbs. Some of the suburbs you might consider include New Farm, Newstead, Ascot, Hamilton, Clayfield, Mt Gravatt, and Chermside. When it comes to renting a moving truck in Brisbane, there are many different Budget Truck locations to choose from.
City Spotlight, Moving to Gold Coast, QLD
Gold Coast Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Surfing in Surfers Paradise Photo Credit: SurfersParadise.com
Sections of the Gold Coast Photo Credit: BobInOz.com
Gold Coast Truck Rental Map Photo Credit: BudgetTrucks.com.au
Gold Coast is an exciting city to live in on the southern coast of Queensland 94 km south of the capital of Brisbane. Moving to Gold Coast means living in the 2nd most populated city in Queensland with a city centre located right on the beach. A variety of different people live here including singles, professionals, families with kids, retirees, and of course beach lovers. It is also known as the kid’s capital of Australia with plenty of nearby amusement parks. Surfer’s Paradise is the heart of the Gold Coast beachfront skyline. The city offers plenty of things to do, night or day. Surfer’s Paradise is a world renown surfing hub and a popular tourist destination. Locals can enjoy the sun and sand as well as the nightlife and bustling atmosphere of a city with tons of things to do all the time. In addition to the daytime surfing vibe, there is a rich nightlife with many dining and nightclub choices. If that is your thing, you will love living near Surfer’s Paradise. Of course, there are plenty of other less crowded local favourite beaches and hotspots that you will get to know once you live in the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast has a rising population, which means opportunities for growth and employment opportunities. If you are moving into the region for work or looking for work, chances are good for you with the growing and recovering economy of the region. When you are moving in town, there are two Budget Trucks locations in Gold Coast to choose from with great deals.
City Spotlight, Moving to Sunshine Coast, QLD
Sunshine Coast Photo Credit: SunshineCoast-Australia.com
Mount Beerwah in the Glasshouse Mountains Photo credit: Wikipedia
Map of the Sunshine Coast Region Photo Credit: BobinOz.com
Sunshine Coast Moving Truck Map Photo Credit: BudgetTrucks.com.au
Moving to Sunshine Coast means that you will be living in one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia. Nearby the one of the most popular attractions in the country, and definitely in Sunshine Coast, the Australia Zoo, the former home base of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin. The population of the urban areas and metropolitan areas is just over close to 500,000, making it the 9th most populous city in Australia. The region is subtropical and warm. If you are moving to Sunshine Coast for a job, it is likely either in the tourism industry or for a business in Maroochydore, which is the business, commercial, and retail hub of the Sunshine Coast. The beautiful beaches on the east coast, the Glasshouse Mountains to the west, and the Hinterland make it a great place for vacationers looking for a variety in their holiday. It is located on the coast 100 km north of Brisbane. Even though it is a popular tourist destination, it is not as loud or crowded as Gold Coast. There are 8 regions of Sunshine Coast:
Noosa (Fashion Forward)
Coolum (Kid Friendly)
Maroochydore (Business Centre)
Mooloolaba (Best Beaches)
Caloundra (Urban and Suburb Mix)
Maleny (Hinterland Village)
Montville (Hinterland Village)
Mapleton (Hinterland Village)
If you are moving in our out of any of the regions in the city, there are several Budget Truck rental centres in Sunshine Coast for you to choose from.
City Spotlight, Moving to Townsville, QLD
Townsville Skyline Photo Credit: TownsvilleNorthQueensland.com.au
City of Townsville Aerial View Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Townsville Truck Rental Location Map Photo Credit: BudgetTrucks.com.au
Moving to Townsville means that you will be living in tropical, northern Queensland. It is the unofficial capital city of Northern Queensland. It is one of the major port cities to the Great Barrier Reef, adjacent to the central section of the reef. This is the dry tropics region of Queensland and Townsville is the largest urban centre in the north. The population is about 200,000 and many government, community and business events are hosted or held here. Townsville is a modern city that is almost always bustling with things to do for both residents and tourists. It is situated between the sparkling blue Coral Sea and the big red hill that is the centerpiece of the city. Townsville is a pedestrian-friendly city with something for everyone including museums, the aquarium, beaches, watersports, and diving, two major sports teams, a happening nightlife and the famous, never ending esplanade along the beach. On top of all that, locals have a built in holiday destination nearby that is just a fast ferry ride away on Magnetic Island. Moving truck rentals are available for hire at the Townsville Airport Budget Trucks location and there is a Budget Trucks Rental location in the city of Townsville too.
City Spotlight, Moving to Cairns, QLD
City of Cairns Photo Credit: Cairns-GreatBarrierReef.org.au
Cairns Skyline Photo Credit: Cairns.qld.gov.au
Cairns Map Photo Credit: Google Maps
The city of Cairns is located on the east coast of the Far North Queensland and is one of the main ports with access to the Great Barrier Reef and is often a stopping point for travelers heading to Cape York and other points in the Far North of Queensland. In addition to Great Barrier Reef excursions, the port houses a large amount of exportation business for the city. Cairns is an exciting city to live in bordered by mountains and rainforests on the mainland sides, with the clear blue and turquoise waters of the Coral Sea to the east. This region is known as the Tropical North and the climate is predominately warm and wet. The city offers a laid back atmosphere and relaxed lifestyle. A little over 150,000 people live in Cairns now. There are plenty of schools available in Cairns. For families moving to Cairns, you can choose from private, religious, or public schools. There are also universities located in Queensland specializing in higher educations and vocational studies including the Tropical North Queensland Institute of Tafe with the Cairns Maritime Academy. Living near the Kuranda and Daintree Rainforests are a big part of the culture of the Far North and so is keeping in tune with the aboriginal culture, which is abundant in the Far North of Queensland. When moving in Cairns, you can rent a moving truck from Budget Trucks in Cairns City or rent a moving van from the Cairns Airport.
City Spotlight, Moving to Toowoomba, QLD
The annual Flow Festival is a chance to show off Toowoomba’s parks and gardens at their best. Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Toowoomba Central Business District Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Toowoomba Truck Rental Map Photo Credit: BudgetTrucks.com.au
If you are planning to move to Toowoomba, read more about the “Garden City” here. It is the largest city and provincial capital of the Darling Downs region of Queensland. Darling Downs is primarily a farming region. In addition to agriculture, mining also is a large part of the economy. The region is situated on the western slopes of the Great Diving Range. Residents of this city benefit from the best of both worlds with a laid back and relaxed atmosphere but also is close enough to the major cities along the coast. Toowoomba is the 16th largest city in Australia. With over 157,000 residents, it is the most populous inland non-capital city in the country. There are two Budget truck rental locations in Toowoomba.
Stay tuned for more summaries of city spotlights to help you choose which city in Australia is the best one for you to live in or move to. Here is a list of our other city spotlights for moving to other cities in Australia:
VICTORIA
City Spotlight, Moving to Melbourne, VIC
http://blog.budgettrucks.com.au/2014/10/city-spotlight-moving-to-melbourne/
City Spotlight, Moving to Geelong, VIC
http://blog.budgettrucks.com.au/2015/04/city-spotlight-moving-to-geelong/
NEW SOUTH WALES
City Spotlight, Moving to Sydney, NSW
http://blog.budgettrucks.com.au/2014/09/tips-for-moving-to-sydney-australia/
City Spotlight, Moving to Wollongong, NSW
http://blog.budgettrucks.com.au/2015/03/city-spotlight-wollongong/
City Spotlight, Moving to Newcastle and Maitland, NSW
http://blog.budgettrucks.com.au/2015/02/city-spotlight-newcastle-and-maitland/
City Spotlight, Moving to Tweed Heads, NSW
http://blog.budgettrucks.com.au/2015/07/city-spotlight-moving-to-tweed-heads-new-south-wales/
City Spotlight, Moving to Canberra, ACT
http://blog.budgettrucks.com.au/2015/01/city-spotlight-moving-to-canberra/
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
City Spotlight, Moving to Perth, WA
http://blog.budgettrucks.com.au/2014/08/city-spotlight-moving-to-perth/
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
City Spotlight, Moving to Adelaide, SA
http://blog.budgettrucks.com.au/2014/08/moving-to-adelaide/
NORTHERN TERRITORY
City Spotlight, Moving to Darwin, NT
http://blog.budgettrucks.com.au/2015/05/city-spotlight-moving-to-darwin-northern-territory/
City Spotlight, Moving to Darwin, NT
http://blog.budgettrucks.com.au/2015/01/city-spotlight-moving-to-darwin/
TASMANIA
City Spotlight, Moving to Hobart, TAS
http://blog.budgettrucks.com.au/2015/01/city-spotlight-moving-to-hobart/