The Best Places To Live in Australia (From The People Who Live There)

Thinking of emigrating to Oz? With its buzzing beach-side communities, sophisticated cities and family-friendly suburbs, it’s not short of amazing places to call home.

But with so much choice on offer, it can be hard to figure out the best place for you to lay down roots. So who better to offer advice on where to live in Australia than the people already living there?

Here, two expats and one local travel writer reveal why theirs are the best cities to live in Australia.

Best place to live in Australia for families

The perfect place for expat families is Brisbane, according to mum Courtney from Alkeks Abroad, who made the move with her family after her husband was offered a job there. “Australia has always been on our wish list of places to live and Brisbane is a family-orientated and extremely liveable city.”

So what inspired Courtney and her family to choose the capital of Queensland as their new home? “The city has a lower cost of living compared to other major cities in Australia. We can also spend time outdoors all year round, thanks to the temperate climate. Both of these factors were important to us.”

Its international airport makes Brisbane handy if you’ve got family visiting from back home, and it’s also very easy to get around. “Brisbane is a big city with a small-town feel. It’s got a great public transport system, so it isn’t necessary for families to have a second car.”

Courtney’s top tip for moving your family to Australia? “Do your research beforehand and look for walkable neighbourhoods where you don’t need to use a car all the time. New Farm, Paddington and Bulimba are all great, family-friendly neighbourhoods in Brisbane with short commutes to the city.”

Best place to live in Australia for couples

“Cosmopolitan, ambitious, stylish and surprisingly full of nature.” This is how Rachel from A Nesting Nomad describes Sydney, her new home. She decided to relocate to the city – where she already had some family – with her husband after falling in love with it on previous visits. “We were drawn by the combination of incredible natural beauty and enough buzz to keep things interesting.”

There are many aspects of the New South Wales capital that make it ideal for expat couples. “I love the fact that pristine beaches and striking National Parks are just a short drive away. People take food and wine seriously here, so you can get a great meal for relatively little. The weather is a big bonus, too!”

It was the Chatswood district specifically that Rachel chose to call home. “We decided to settle in Chatswood as it’s within easy distance of the central business district and has great transport links. It’s so multi-cultural, you feel like you’ve visited a number of countries, all in one afternoon.”

Rachel’s advice for other couples considering a move to Sydney? “If living here is something you’re considering, and you’re at a stage in life when it’s relatively easy to do, then what better time to try something new? As the saying goes – if not now, when?”

Best place to retire in Australia

Planning to retire to Australia? With its year-round sunshine, healthy lifestyle and burgeoning restaurant scene, Perth could be the perfect place for you. That’s according to Fleur Bainger, an Australian journalist who stopped in the city en route to Melbourne in 2006 – and never left.

Closer to Bali than it is to Sydney, it’s this remoteness that makes Perth so special. As Fleur explains to The Telegraph, “Being one of the most geographically-isolated cities in the world has worked in Perth’s favour. It has a distinct personality, shaped by its outdoor-loving residents.”

Lonely Planet agree, praising Perth’s “pristine parkland [and] river and ocean beaches” which are easy to get to, thanks to a “good public-transport system.” Perfect for those who can fill their days with exploring instead of working!

For expat retirees who enjoy the finer things in life, Fleur notes the high number of “fabulous little eateries and slick wine bars that have been popping up over the past few years”. And if all that doesn’t tempt you, the weather might. Fleur reveals that locals panic when the mercury dips below 22C in winter.

With great insider tips and recommendations, CurrencyFair hope to help you choose a place to call home in Australia. When it comes to transferring money to Australia, CurrencyFair will be on hand to give you fast, secure AUD transfers at a great exchange rate.