Relocating to Bundaberg: What You Need to Know Before the Big Move
According to The Regional Movers Index, Bundaberg was the most popular destination for existing Australian residents to relocate to in 2022.
This may not come as too much of a surprise to those in the know. Its many drawcards include its famous rum distillery, the turtles at Mon Repos, its beautiful coastline, and its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef.
But for those who are seriously considering moving there permanently, the laid-back regional city offers plenty of opportunities, not least to enjoy a more relaxed way of life.
However, before you pack up your things to start a new life at ‘Bundy’, there are some things you should know about relocating there.
In this post, we’ll highlight some of the major factors you should be aware of to ensure your big move is as successful as you dreamed it would be.
- Moving can be logistically complicated
If not planned properly, moving to Bundaberg from outside of the Fraser Coast or Wide Bay area can be a logistical nightmare.
Not only will you have to pack up your possessions from your previous residence, but you will also have to transport them to your new address.
For those coming from Brisbane, Far North Queensland, or out of state, it can be especially stressful, particularly if you are still having to work in the lead-up to the move.
Subsequently, you would be well advised to hire the services of a professional company such as Brisbane Removalists with Muval who can take most of the hassle away for you.
- Job Market
Unless you are retiring, you’ll still need to work when you move to Bundaberg. Therefore, it is worth taking the time to understand your employment options prior to your move.
The economy in Bundaberg is primarily driven by agriculture, particularly sugarcane farming, while food processing and manufacturing are also dominant influencers too. Additionally, tourism and healthcare are fast-growing industries. So, if you have experience in any of these sectors, you may well find plenty of job opportunities.
That said, for those looking for corporate roles or jobs in niche sectors, it might take some time to land something suitable. For this reason, it may be worth trying to secure a new role before deciding to move.
- Cost of Living
In comparison to many other cities like Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra, Bundaberg offers a more affordable cost of living. However, if you are moving from places like Biloela, Emerald, Longreach, or any other similar-sized country town, it may not.
Therefore, when weighing up whether to move, it is worth gaining a picture of what the cost of living will actually be like in Bundaberg for you. A great way to do this is by researching the cost of rent or house prices (mortgage), petrol, utilities such as heating or air conditioning, and other expenditures like groceries and eating out.
Doing this will enable you to draw up a budget that can help you understand the degree to which you will be financially better off or not.
- Weather
Bundaberg’s subtropical climate means it enjoys warm summers and mild winters, which is very attractive to many people.
However, knowing what the weather will be like is one thing. But actually being able to comfortably live in it is another thing entirely.
The city enjoys over 300 days of sunshine every year, including plenty of days when the mercury pushes beyond 30°C (86°F) and 70% humidity. However, if you are not used to prolonged periods of these temperatures, this can be very uncomfortable.
It is also worth noting that the area is prone to flooding during the storm season, which can lead to significant disruption and damage. (The last major flash flooding event took place in 2013; before that, it was 2010).
- Education
If you are planning on relocating with children, you’ll need to research the schools in the area. Overall, Bundaberg has a range of public and private primary and secondary schools, which you can find out more about here.
For those seeking higher tertiary education opportunities, the Central Queensland University (CQUniversity) has a Bundaberg campus that offers of courses in a wide range of subjects.
- Healthcare
Another aspect of relocating to Bundaberg that you will need to understand before moving there is what is the quality of healthcare provision like.
Overall, the healthcare system in Bundaberg is well-established, with the Bundaberg Hospital and several private medical centres offering a range of comprehensive services.
However, if you require specialised care, you will need to ascertain how readily available it is in the Wide Bay area. You should be able to call upon Telehealth services, and Brisbane is only a four-hour drive away. But that might not be good enough.
- Making Friends
Lastly, if you move to Bundaberg, you may need to make friends. The best way to do that is to immerse yourself in the local community.
If you play sports, there are several teams you can join across all sporting codes. Additionally, a simple Google search or your local library should provide plenty of information about various clubs and social groups you can participate in that cover pretty much every hobby and interest you can think of.
