Making the leap from the bustling city of Brisbane to the tropical paradise of Cairns is an exciting decision that promises a lifestyle filled with natural beauty, adventure, and a more laid-back pace of life.
Whether you're seeking the serene beaches, the Great Barrier Reef, or the lush rainforests, moving from Brisbane to Cairns offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of Far North Queensland (FNQ) and Cairns is the very centre of the best of the far north. Lush green all year round and surrounded by rainforest-covered mountains that are richly inhabited by amazing Australian wildlife.
Cairns has an expected population of around 175,000 this year and is Queensland's most northern city. It's a jumping-off point for many tourism adventures and is extremely well-placed as a service centre for the hinterland.
Its climate is most definitely tropical with an average temperature of 23-31 deg C in summer and 18-26 deg C in winter. Prevailing winds are from the north to northeasterly in summer and east to southeasterly in winter.
If you are fed up with the cold, particularly for our southern cousins, then Cairns will certainly be the place for you. In fact, you will find Cairns full of Southerners in winter heading up to defrost.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the essentials of planning your relocation, with tips from experienced Brisbane interstate removalists to ensure a smooth transition.
Planning your move from Brisbane to Cairns
Choosing the right moving company
The first step in your relocation process is to choose reliable removalists who have experience with long-distance moves, especially the journey from Brisbane to Cairns (1700 km). This move covers a significant distance, so it's crucial to work with a removalist company that knows the ins and outs of interstate relocations, including the logistics, regulations, and best routes. Look for companies with good reviews, competitive quotes, and comprehensive services, including packing, storage, and insurance options.
Timing your move
When moving from Brisbane to Cairns, consider the time of year. Planning is an essential part of making your move a timely and efficient one. Sit down together and work out a timeline for your move that takes into account holiday seasons, seasonal weather changes, work schedules if appropriate, school terms and any other factors that are relevant to your lives.
To help with this, have a look at our moving house checklist.
Cairns experiences a tropical climate, with a wet season typically running from November to April. Relocating outside the wet season can make your move potentially easier, avoiding delays due to heavy rains or cyclones. However, our removalists are well-versed in handling moves all year round, so with their expertise, you can plan a successful relocation.
Preparing for a new lifestyle
Moving from Brisbane to Cairns isn't just a change of address; it's a huge lifestyle shift. Cairns offers a more relaxed pace of life with a strong focus on outdoor activities and is a tourist mecca, especially during the cooler months.
Familiarise yourself with the local area, including schools, employment opportunities, healthcare facilities, and community groups. A good start is through the Cairns Regional Council. This will help you integrate more quickly and make the most of your exciting new surroundings. Engaging with the local tourist bureau can be an eye-opener to newly arrived residents and tourists alike.
Budgeting for your move
Budgeting accurately for your move is essential. Moving Brisbane to Cairns can come with various costs, including removalist services, temporary accommodation, and the setup of your new home.
Brisbane interstate removalists can provide detailed quotes to help you budget for the moving process but remember to also consider the cost of living differences between Brisbane and Cairns. Cairns might offer a lower cost of living in a lot of areas, allowing you to allocate financial resources elsewhere.
By the same token because of its distance from Brisbane and other centres, some items can work out dearer due to transport costs. It is worthwhile to have a look on the internet to get a feel for the real estate market in Cairns whether for purchasing or rental application. Keep in mind that Cairns is a smaller city so it’s within easy reach of outlying and smaller towns which might give you another option for relocation. Just some are Mossman, Smithfield, Trinity Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Palm Cove, Edmonton, Gordonvale and Kuranda.
Settling in
Once you've arrived in Cairns, take the time to explore your new home. From the stunning beaches to the vibrant local markets and community events, there's plenty to see and do. The hinterland from Cairns is a truly wondrous and beautiful place to explore too. The Atherton tableland has so many amazing scenic features that are easily within reach of Cairns city. Just some of the features include:
- The crater lakes, Eacham and Barrine
- Mareeba
- Atherton
- Windy Hill wind farm
- Tinaroo Dam
- Kuranda and Barron Falls
- The Kuranda Skyrail
- The train trip to Barron Falls
- Cape Tribulation
- Mossman and Mossman Gorge
- Daintree River
- Green Island and the Great Barrier Reef
Engaging with your new community can help you feel at home more quickly. Additionally, stay in touch with your Brisbane interstate removalists for any post-move services you might need, such as unpacking or storage solutions.
Ready to get packing?
Moving Brisbane to Cairns is an adventure that promises a new lifestyle amidst some of Australia's most beautiful natural landscapes. By choosing the right Brisbane interstate removalists, planning your move carefully, and embracing the opportunities that Cairns has to offer, you can ensure a smooth and successful relocation. Cairns is ready and welcoming to you and your loved ones. Welcome to your new home in Far North Queensland, where a world of adventure and exploration awaits.
Happy Moving!
