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Settling in the Gold Coast: Queensland's Beachside Tourist City

June 10, 2026 3 min read By My Second World
Settling in the Gold Coast: Queensland's Beachside Tourist City
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Gold Coast migration is an option for skilled workers who want a coastal, tourism-oriented lifestyle in Queensland. Gold Coast migration is a designated area for the 491 visa. This article analyzes it for skilled migrants.

Gold Coast Migration: The Labor Market and Jobs

Gold Coast migration offers a labor market distinguished by tourism (Surfers Paradise and major theme parks including Movie World, Sea World and Dreamworld), entertainment and events, healthcare (Gold Coast University Hospital), education (Bond University, Griffith University) and construction.

Skilled migrants in healthcare, education, tourism, construction or services have opportunities. The Gold Coast is also developing its technology and film industries, home to Village Roadshow Studios.

Life and Cost of Living on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast has average living and rental costs by Australian standards, lower than Sydney or Melbourne but rising considerably in recent years due to migration from major cities. It is known for its 70 km of beautiful golden beaches.

The climate is warm subtropical with plenty of sunny days. With around 700,000 residents, it is Australia’s largest city that is not a state capital. Its coastal, outdoor lifestyle suits people who love a warm, sunny environment.

The Vietnamese community and visa notes

The Gold Coast has a growing Vietnamese community, especially in the Southport and Mermaid Waters areas. The community is smaller than Brisbane’s but still has Vietnamese markets and restaurants to meet demand.

The Gold Coast is a designated area for the 491 visa, and residents there receive a 15-point bonus under this category. This makes it one of the most attractive destinations for skilled migrants who want a coastal lifestyle. Skilled migration to the Gold Coast still follows the federal system; you should check current requirements.

You should refer to official Home Affairs website and Home Affairs – Skilled visas to check current conditions.

Summary

Gold Coast migration involves a coastal Queensland city of about 700,000 residents (Australia’s largest non-capital city). Jobs are in tourism (Surfers Paradise, theme parks), entertainment, healthcare (Gold Coast University Hospital), education (Bond, Griffith) and construction. Costs are average. It has 70 km of golden beaches and a subtropical climate. The Vietnamese community is growing. It is a designated 491 area (15-point bonus).

# Australian states

→ Skilled migration to Australia: overview

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