Queensland is located in the north easterly region of the mainland of Australia. The capital of the state is Brisbane which is also the most populous city in the state. Queensland is the 3rd largest state in Australia in terms of population, although only 5th largest in terms of population density.

Queensland has earned the nickname of The Sunshine State due to the fact a major proportion of the state is located in the tropics. It enjoys a warm climate all year round. Tourism is a major industry in Queensland, with cities like Gold Coast attracting many people each year. The Great Barrier Reef also lies off the coast of Queensland and is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Australia.

Queensland – Employment

The region of Queensland has many job opportunities for expats as there is a shortage of skilled workers in the region. The area has a shortage of trained medical staff such as doctors and nurses and those who have in demand skills have a strong chance of being approved on the skilled migrant programme. Other in demand professions include veterinary staff, construction workers, IT professionals and teachers. Most opportunities are in the cities such as Brisbane, but there are many smaller towns and rural areas with employment opportunities. Health care workers are needed in most areas, as are teachers.

Brisbane has a large commercial sector with many large companies based there, so there are opportunities in a number of areas and at all levels. The city has low unemployment levels which attracts many expats to the area. In the surrounding areas one of the main industries is tourism and the region is ideal for those who want to run their own hotel or guest house as large numbers of people visit each year.

As with all states, there are also opportunities for those who wish to open their own business or invest in an existing one. The state government has a number of programmes to help those who want to establish a business, and businesses which will offer work opportunities to Australian citizens will be looked upon favourably.

Queensland – Property

Queensland has property that covers every taste and budget range, from large family homes to modern apartments to rural properties with land. Most expats will make the city of Brisbane their first port of call and there is a neighbourhood to suit most people. The city centre, for example, has modern high rise buildings and streets filled with 19th century homes. The area is home to the dockland neighbourhood, which has been regenerated in recent years and is attractive to young professionals. Property prices in the city centre are naturally higher than in most other areas.

The Manly district is located south east of the centre. Popular with sailing enthusiasts, there is a popular harbour and the district has a long maritime history. The areas close to the waterfront are mainly tourist attractions, with many gift shops and cafes. Homes in the area are mainly apartments, with more houses located further inland. The area is increasing in popularity and prices are increasing in line with that.

The Kangaroo Point and Woolloongabba districts are much sought after by families as there are many parks and other open spaces. Homes are mainly single family homes, usually with large gardens. The city centre is easily reached from this area. The Cleveland district is popular with tourists as there are a number of scenic attractions, but is it is still a fairly quiet area of the city in the residential streets. The homes are mainly family homes, many of them single storey and prices are on a par with the regional average.

Smaller towns such as Cairns also have much to offer expats. Cairns has expanded a great deal in recent years so there are many fairly new developments aimed at families. The town also has several beach communities so is popular with tourists but suburbs such as Smithfield are ideal for those who are raising families. Smithfield is a reasonably priced area which has good schools and everything you could need for daily life. The area of the Redlynch Valley has a number of residential communities which are ideal for those raising a family and there are plenty of leisure facilities in the area. Young professionals are attracted to more modern developments in the centre of Cairns.