The Best Regional Areas to Study in Australia

The Gold Coast is one of the main tourist destinations in Australia. It is also a very popular city for international students. The beaches are absolutely stunning, there is world class surf, vibrant night life, tropical climate and the cost of living is a lot cheaper than Sydney or Melbourne. The climate on The Gold Coast is also a major attraction to the coast. While the rest of the world is shivering through winter, The Gold Coast is blanketed in sunshine and warmth, and that’s just the beginning.

Perth is the largest city in Australia to be classified as a regional area for migration purposes. It is a lovely river city that is relaxed and also very fun. The climate in Perth varies greatly, being very hot in the summer and quite cold in the winter.

The Sunshine Coast makes the top of our list for Regional Locations in Australia, and it’s easy to see why. With its pristine beaches, surf for any level, rural subtropical hinterlands, upscale shopping and local markets, there is something for everyone in terms of lifestyle. Whether you are drawn to the ocean or the mountains; prefer the lavish life or the boho life, you’re sure to find it – and everything in between – on the Sunny Coast.

The population on the Sunny Coast is around 350,000, but this is spread out across the coast and inland, towards the mountains, meaning there is loads of opportunity and a thriving community without feeling like you are living like a sardine. People are catching on to this regional gem, and the population is expected to grow over the years, meaning this is the right time to make your move there.

Despite being about as Aussie as you can get in terms of lifestyle, almost 20 percent of the population was born overseas, with thriving British, Kiwi, Irish, Scottish, German and Italian communities. There are all sorts of fun events year-round, from music festivals to food and wine festivals, triathlon events and even a yoga festival. The Sunny Coast is about an hour to 90 minutes north of Brisbane, where you can get your dose of urban culture or easily catch a direct domestic or international flight.

If you’ve ever been to Australia, no doubt heard of the (in)famous Byron Bay, which is a close second on our list for Regional Locations. Byron, like the Sunshine Coast, offers something for everyone, from beaches to lush hinterlands. Byron Bay is known particularly for its mastery of the Boho-Chic Coastal Lifestyle and is perhaps the most “Instagrammable” city in Australia. In one day, you can surf with dolphins (and other pros), enjoy coffee grown in the hinterlands and roasted in town, savor raw/vegan treats, spot a Hemsworth brother working out, shop local and ethical brands exclusive to Byron, have fish and chips on the beach and catch a local band at the pub.

The population in Byron Shire is only about 30,000 making it much smaller than the Sunshine Coast. Where it lacks in population, it makes up for in personality. The community is very diverse and attracts people from the UK, NZ, USA, Europe and Brazil. There are dozens of events in Byron, such as Bluesfest, Splendour in the Grass, and countless cultural and alternative events for interests of all sorts. Situated about an hour south of Gold Coast and the international airport there, you’re never too far from a weekend getaway or international travel.

Perhaps the most under-rated city in Australia, Adelaide is a medium-size city with a “small town” feel. It’s a great place to begin your life in Australia and to eventually call home. Adelaide was ranked the fourth most desirable Australian study destination in 2017 for International Students. There is plenty of nightlife as well as day-time recreation, so you’ll never be bored. One major appeal of Adelaide’s lifestyle is the Barossa Valley, famous for producing some of the best Australian wines.

Adelaide has a metro population of about 1.3 million and like any city, it is much more diverse than the other regions on our list. The foreign-born population is about 30 percent, with various cultures represented, from Greek and Italian to Vietnamese and Chinese to Sri Lankan and Indian, meaning wherever you were born, you will feel a sense of connection and community in Adelaide. Adelaide has a major international airport, meaning you can find easy domestic and international flights.

Cairns is a tropical gem in North Queensland. If you could ever get tired of weekends spent exploring the incredible sites out on the Great Barrier Reef, you could always just take a short drive inland to explore ancient rain forests, woven together with winding rivers and grand waterfalls that have inspired people since the beginning of human history. Because it hosts millions of tourists each year, you can expect the culinary and shopping scene to be at the top of its game.

With a population of around 150,000, Cairns has all of the conveniences of a modern city but with multiple World Heritage Sites, the natural splendor of the region has been perfectly preserved. Cairns’ population is about as diverse as its scenery. Along with having a higher proportion of Indigenous Australians, there are many other cultures represented here. Many people from the UK, Japan, India, Korea, China, Italian and German now call Cairns home. Cairns also has an international airport with easy domestic flights as well as flights to shorter international trips (and a direct flight to Bali).

Often overlooked, Australia’s favourite island offers a smorgasbord of activities for those willing to face the chilly winters. From hiking or cycling across the vast terrains, fishing or kayaking in the pristine waters, and rock climbing the rugged mountains to sampling delectable wines and cheeses, shopping local artisan goods, and recharging at one of the many world-class spas, you will never be bored in Tasmania.

The population of the greater Hobart region, the capital city of Tasmania, is a little over 200,000. Though not as culturally diverse as other regions in Australia, Hobart is becoming a popular place to call home for people from the UK, Europe, and China. Hobart has an international airport, making it easy to get to the mainland for a visit or as a stop-over for longer international travel.

Bundaberg, situated between Brisbane and Cairns, is filled with Australian charm from another era. With many buildings and sites in the CBD being over 100 years old and the long-standing sugar cane farming and rum distillery traditions, Bundaberg heralds to seemingly simpler, quieter times; but don’t let that fool you into thinking that means there’s nothing to do.

Bundaberg is considered the Southern Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef as well as being the Number 1 Whale Watching Destination in Australia, which draws tourists year-round. This means that not only will you have plenty to do for weekend fun, but the CBD is designed to satisfy and impress, with great restaurants and pubs as well as outstanding markets featuring local tropical produce and authentic Aussie-made arts and crafts. Bundaberg also has stunning beaches and alluring forests in the hinterlands and is the access point to Lady Elliot Island, where you can swim with giant manta rays.

Bundaberg’s population has been slowly growing over the years and has reached nearly 100,000. It’s a popular place to call home for people from the Philippines, South Africa, Europe, China and the UK.