If you’re looking for an affordable place to move to in Australia, you should check out the cheapest coastal towns in Queensland. You don’t have to spend millions to purchase a great house. There are affordable beach suburbs just a stone’s throw away from stunning beaches.
Some of these Queensland coastal towns offer wonderfully affordable housing such as Hervey Bay (great for whale watching), Mission Beach, and Barney Point, in Gladstone.
Other than the cost of the property, you’ll also need to consider the beachside suburb on your property’s location.
If you’re looking for cheap land for sale in QLD to build a house, you can do the same in a coastal town as well! Some of the cheapest beach towns in Australia are found in Queensland! So, let’s start exploring.
Cheapest coastal towns in QLD
Suppose you are looking for an affordable two-bedroom home. In that case, don’t compromise too much on factors such as good schools, walking distance to the CBD or the beach, and safety. Gladstone’s housing market is ideal. Moreover, it offers everything you might need to move your family to Queensland, Australia.
The following are some of the cheapest towns in Queensland that you should consider if you’re planning to move there. And the bright side? They’re also some of the best coastal towns in Queensland too!
| Town | Median House Price | Median Rent | Unique Charm | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barney Point | $277,500 | $360/week | Surfing, fishing, relaxed community | Limited amenities, short drive to shops |
| Mission Beach | $560,000 | $450/week | Cassowaries, stunning beaches, lush greenery | Higher rainfall, occasional flooding |
| East Innisfail | $255,000 | $387/week | Rural charm, close to beaches | Prone to floods, limited amenities |
| Gladstone Central | $390,000 | $350/week | Fishing, boating, natural attractions | Recovering job market, slightly higher crime rates |
Let’s explore these towns in detail:
1. Barney Point
- Median house price: $277,500 (as of April 2024)
- Median house rent: $360/week
Barney Point is one of the most affordable beach suburbs. It is on the outskirts of the Gladstone region, about 3.5 kilometres from the CBD. In the 2021 census, it had a total of 1,065 residents. If you’re looking for cheap beach houses for sale in Queensland, definitely check out Barney Point.
Some of the main attractions of the town are boating and fishing. This coastal town has cheap rental units and homes thanks to the lack of all-year-round demand.
The town has beautiful beaches with stunning views and a sports club. Here, you can enjoy a cold drink and great food with your family.
- Unique charm: Perfect for surfers with consistent waves and a relaxed community. Fishing enthusiasts rejoice – the nearby harbour teems with diverse marine life.
- Budget-friendly: Score beachfront bungalows at significantly lower prices than other coastal towns.
- Drawbacks: Limited amenities and nightlife. Grocery shopping might require a short drive to Gladstone. Consider it a peaceful escape, not a bustling hub.
Discover more properties for sale in Barney Point.
2. Mission Beach
- Median house price: $560,000 (as of April 2024)
- Median unit rent: $320 per week (as of April 2024)
On top of the stunning beaches, Mission Beach is also famous for its population of cassowaries. These giant birds are native to Mission beach. Furthermore, you can’t find them anywhere else in the country. If you plan on renting for a quick visit, springtime will be ideal for viewing these majestic birds.
The town also caters to homeowners who want to invest in expensive beachfront property. The city has shops, restaurants, cafes, and many places to explore, either by boat or walking.
- Hike through Daintree National Park, explore the Great Barrier Reef, or simply relax on the beach, surrounded by lush greenery.
- Family-friendly: Laid-back atmosphere, safe beaches, and plenty of outdoor activities make it ideal for families.
- Considerations: Higher-than-average rainfall with the occasional risk of flooding. Job opportunities mainly revolve around tourism.
Discover more properties for sale in Mission Beach.
3. East Innisfail
- Median house price: $255,000 (as of April 2024)
- Median rent: $387 per week (as of April 2024)
East Innisfail offers amazing and cheap housing. It is a stone’s throw from some beautiful beaches.
This rural town produces bananas and sugar. However, it’s prone to floods due to its location and available rivers. It does have a beach, but it’s small and only entails a surf club and caravan park for tourists and locals looking to enjoy the ocean.
- Affordability: Snag a charming beachside bungalow at a fraction of the cost of other coastal towns.
- Rural charm: Immerse yourself in the laid-back pace of rural life,surrounded by banana and sugar plantations.
- Trade-offs: Limited amenities and job opportunities. The town is small and isolated, with the nearest major center requiring a drive. Flooding can be a concern due to its riverine location.
Discover more properties for sale in East Innisfail.
4. Gladstone Central
- Median house price: $390,000 (as of April 2024)
- Median rent: $350 per week (as of April 2024)
Gladstone’s housing market hit rock bottom when mining operations in the town ended. However, it has excellent fishing and boating activities that attract tourists and families. Gladstone harbour offers a great experience and natural beauty like the round hill lookout, Tondoon Botanic gardens, and east shores.
It’s set to make a comeback, which could increase house prices. The time to invest in Gladstone Central is now.
- Affordable access to nature: Enjoy excellent fishing, boating, and stunning natural attractions like Round Hill Lookout and Tondoon Botanic Gardens, all at lower prices.
- Rebounding potential: The town is on the upswing, offering exciting possibilities for future growth.
- Cautions: Job market recovery is ongoing, with limited options outside specific industries. Crime rates are slightly higher compared to other towns on this list.
Discover more properties for sale in Gladstone Central.
Remember, the “best” town depends on your unique recipe for happiness. Consider your lifestyle preferences, job needs, tolerance for isolation, and desired level of amenities. Do your research, visit if possible, and choose the gem that resonates most with your soul (and wallet)!
With a little planning and these insights, you can turn your Queensland coastal dream into a reality, proving that paradise doesn’t have to come at a premium. Now, go forth and explore! ☀️
People Also Ask about Cheapest Coastal Towns in Queensland
Where not to buy property in Queensland?
Though Queensland has many great towns to invest in property, there are several places you should stay clear of. A good example is towns that rely heavily on resources such as coal mining. These towns tend to have fast growth periods that don’t last long.
Investors go all in. As a result, towns end up having excessive homes affecting the prices. Therefore, it gets hard to get tenants or even sell your house.
Looking to buy on a budget? Check out our round up of cheap houses for sale in Queensland!
What is the safest town in Queensland?
Some of the safest coastal towns in Queensland include Cannon Hill, Rocklea, and Nathan, to mention a few. This information is according to the crime rate statistics provided by the Queensland police department in Aug 2022. These safe towns are mainly located outside the CBD and have low populations.
On holiday, you need a home with easy access to the beach, safe and affordable. Safety is great when looking for a dream house. However, you should also consider good schools and a favourable median price.
What is the poorest town in Queensland?
Mungallala is one of the poorest towns in Queensland and has a population of less than a couple hundred people. Though the residents earn an average salary of $3,000 annually, it boasts a healthy community life. The crime rate is low even though most town residents don’t have stable employment.
The town’s poverty is due to some bad luck that has befallen it. The sawmill, the largest employer in town, only employs about 30 people. It was also declared a drought area in 2013, and the status remains the same.
