I’ve had 4 lovely years in Brisbane come January (can you believe it?! It has gone so fast!) and it’s now time to follow the army’s orders and move on. We’re heading to Canberra at the end of the year! But don’t worry we’ll be back. Winter holidays will now be going north instead of south to Melbourne and we’re fairly certain we would like to settle in Queensland one day. I want to share with you my top 10 reasons to live in Queensland.
1. Great Weather
A cold winter (i.e. coat worthy) is only for about 2-3 weeks here. The rest of winter you can get away with just a cardigan and jeans. It does rain a little in summer with afternoon storms but the rest of the time it is very warm! You adapt to the summer heat and it’s humidity. It’s the perfect time to try this mango salad or this squash salad.
2. Next-door to some of the world’s best beaches and Reefs
There’s the amazing Whitsunday Islands…
And so many of these beautiful sandy paths, filled with those pine leaves that crunch between your toes as you wander down to the big blue, letting out a sigh of relief that you’ve finally escaped to your second home.
3. National Parks
There are so many spectacular national parks to walk in. If you’re in far north Queensland, a trip to the Daintree is a must. Here, the rainforrest meets the ocean and lakes are filled with crocodiles.
If South-East Queensland is your hub, the climb up Mount Tibrogargan (in the Glass House Moutains) is scary but also so much fun. If this one is closed due to rock movement, then try one of the other nearby mountains, there are plenty of great walks and you can find some more here.
4. The people
People in Queensland are friendly and life here goes a little slower than Sydney. For example, everyone drives 5-10km under the speed limit, so leave your Sydney road rage at home – or you’ll be frustrated quickly. The courteous wave of thanks is still in full swing whilst driving – there are two options – out the window (typical of tradies) or through the back windscreen. Often the other driver will wave back to say – no worries mate! I love this. But seriously, it’s a reflection of the fact that people here take the time to care about YOU.
5. Outdoor exercise
Another thing I love is that so many people exercise outdoors! There’s almost always someone walking or running along the pathways and the parks are filled with kids parties, sport, group exercise classes (including tai chi and other classes provided for free by Brisbane City Council). Don’t forget about the wonderful 5km free Parkruns every Saturday with around 300-400 other people (although these aren’t specific to Queensland, I discovered them here)!
6. Good Church community
I have found so many wonderful and genuine friends through church. There are many churches in Brisbane that love God and aim to be his hands and feet to the community around them. If you want to get involved in a church and need some suggestions of which to attend just flick me an email and I can give you some suggestions about which ones I recommend.
7. Cute Cafe Culture
Brisbane loves it’s coffee shops and the thing that makes many of the suburban cafes special is that they are tucked away from the hustle and bustle in highly characterised old Queenslanders. One of my favourites is Kettle and Tin (image via). 
8. Good local council in Brisbane
Brisbane City Council (BCC) is one that really takes pride in it’s city. This is seen by the effort that has gone into redoing the libraries and encouraging community participation in caring for the herb gardens that provide the local community with fresh herbs. My favourite library is Mitchelton and there’s a cute coffee cart out the back that overlooks the park too.
9. Bikeways
The bikeways they have put in here are phenomenal. You can get around most places on bikeways the whole time.
10. Dog Parks
Honey loves the dog parks here too, there are so many nearby (thanks again to the wonderful BCC!) and she loves visiting her puppy pals!
You can find more information from some of my blogging friends in this free ebook about about outdoor living in Queensland.
What do you love about Queensland? If you’re a resident, help me grow this list! Against my husband’s better? judgement I say: QUEENSLANDER!
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