Every year, thousands of people pack up in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and beyond and head north to South East Queensland. Some come for work, some for family and plenty for the weather.
Moving here from interstate is a little different from moving house within Queensland. As well as changing your address, you’ll be transferring your licence and your car’s registration, and possibly choosing where to live in a region you don’t know well yet.
At Wecube Removals, we’ve been helping families and households relocate to Queensland for more than 10 years. This guide covers what to organise, and when.
Your Licence and Car: The Two Deadlines That Matter
These are the jobs with fixed timeframes, so put them at the top of your list.
Car Registration: 14 Days
If you move to Queensland with an interstate-registered vehicle, the Queensland Government says you have 14 days to register it here. You’ll need a current Queensland safety certificate for the vehicle, and you’ll hand in your interstate number plates. Any refund for the rego you’ve already paid comes from your old state’s registration authority. Check the full steps on the Queensland Government’s interstate vehicle page before you arrive.
Driver Licence: 3 Months
Once you’ve been living in Queensland for three months, you need to transfer your interstate licence to a Queensland licence.
Plan Ahead for the Rego Deadline
The 14-day rego deadline catches a lot of newcomers out, because it lands in the middle of unpacking. It’s worth finding a safety certificate provider near your new home before the truck arrives.
Should I Live in Brisbane or the Gold Coast?
This one is personal, but a few differences are worth thinking about:
- Brisbane is the state capital, and many people choose it to be close to work in the city. Housing ranges from inner-city apartments in areas such as Newstead and Hamilton to classic high-set Queenslanders and family homes in the suburbs.
- The Gold Coast is built around the beaches, with high-rise living in areas such as Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, canal-front homes and gated estates, and fast-growing family suburbs in the northern corridor.
- The Sunshine Coast, north of Brisbane, is smaller and more spread out, with a mix of coastal towns and hinterland communities.
The three regions are connected by the M1 and the Bruce Highway, and plenty of people live in one and work in another. If you’re unsure, renting for six to twelve months before you buy gives you time to get to know the area.
Other Things That Change When You Move to Queensland
No Daylight Saving
Queensland doesn’t move its clocks forward in summer. If you’re coming from Sydney, Melbourne or Adelaide, you’ll be behind home for about half the year, which is worth remembering when you’re booking calls with family or your old workplace.
Summer Storms
Summer in South East Queensland is hot and humid, with regular afternoon storms. If you’re moving between November and March, pack a few waterproof covers for anything that needs to stay dry between the truck and the front door.
High-Set Homes
Many older Brisbane homes are high-set Queenslanders with external stairs and verandahs. Let us know about stairs and access when you book, because it affects the crew and time needed.
What Should I Organise Before Moving to Brisbane?
Most of your planning is the same as any move, with a few newcomer additions:
- Book your removalist early. For an interstate move, we recommend booking six to eight weeks ahead, especially during busy periods.
- If you don’t have a lease or settlement lined up yet, ask us about storage. We can hold your belongings until you have the keys.
- Organise electricity, internet and water at your new address so they’re ready when you arrive.
- Update your address with your bank, employer, insurer, Medicare, the Australian Taxation Office and the electoral roll.
- Check Queensland school term dates before you choose a moving date, as they differ from other states.
- Register your dog with your new local council, and update your pet’s microchip details with your new address.
For a week-by-week countdown of who to notify and when, use our Queensland moving house checklist.
How Long Does an Interstate Move to Queensland Take?
It depends on where you’re coming from and how your belongings travel. Sydney to Brisbane is generally around two to five days as a guide, and longer moves from Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth take more time again. If your belongings are sharing a truck with other loads, your delivery date will usually be a window rather than a fixed day.
Pack a bag with clothes, toiletries, medication, chargers and important documents so you can get through the first few days comfortably if the truck arrives after you.
Settling In
Once you’ve arrived, you may find you need a hand with the next move too. Plenty of newcomers rent first, then buy a year or two later once they know the area. Whether you’ve settled in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast, our local teams can help when that time comes. See our Brisbane removalists and Gold Coast removalists pages, or our home removals service for a full household move.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to do when moving to Queensland?
Register your interstate car in Queensland within 14 days, transfer your driver licence after three months of living here, and update your address with your bank, employer, Medicare, the ATO and the electoral roll. Also arrange utilities, register your dog with the local council and check school term dates.
How long do I have to change my licence after moving to Queensland?
You need to transfer your interstate licence to a Queensland licence once you’ve been living in Queensland for three months. Your car registration has a shorter deadline of 14 days.
Should I live in Brisbane or the Gold Coast?
It depends on your work, lifestyle and budget. Brisbane suits people who want to be close to the city and its jobs, while the Gold Coast suits people who want to live near the beach. Many newcomers rent for six to twelve months before deciding where to buy.
What should I organise before moving to Brisbane?
Book your removalist six to eight weeks ahead, secure your lease or settlement date, arrange utilities, and plan for the 14-day car registration deadline. If you don’t have your keys yet, ask about storage so your belongings can wait safely until you do.
Moving to Queensland from interstate? Request a free quote or call our team on 0423 690 837.