Your First Month After Moving to the Sunshine Coast
Published 29 September 2026
Short answer
In your first month on the Sunshine Coast, update your address and licence, register with a GP, confirm school enrolment, register pets with council and join one local group. Doing the admin early makes the rest of settling in easier.
The first few weeks set the tone for a move. This is the order most families find works.
At a glance
- Update your address with Medicare, the ATO and the Electoral Commission
- Interstate movers must transfer their licence and registration to Queensland
- Dogs and cats must be registered with the local council
- New-patient GP waits are common - book early
What admin do you need to do first?
- Update your address with Medicare, the ATO, the Electoral Commission, your bank and insurers.
- Interstate movers: transfer your driver licence to Queensland and register your vehicle here. Check current timeframes with Transport and Main Roads.
- Register dogs and cats with your local council (Sunshine Coast or Noosa).
- Check your bins and collection day on the council website.
How do you find a GP on the Sunshine Coast?
Book early. Many clinics have waits for new patients, especially in Noosa and the hinterland. Ask for records to be transferred from your old GP.
What about schools?
Confirm enrolment and uniform orders, and ask about bus routes. The [family checklist](/family-checklist) covers the school steps in order.
How do you get to know the area?
Spend weekends testing daily routines: the school run, the supermarket, the drive to work. Join a surf club, sports club or school P&C - it is the fastest way to meet people. Local markets at Eumundi and Noosa are a good start.
What if the suburb is not right?
That is why many people rent first. If you want to change areas, [Executive Relocations](https://executiverelocations.com.au) can help with the next rental, and the [suburb match tool](/tools/suburb-match) can help narrow the shortlist.
Before you arrive, use the [relocation checklist](/relocation-checklist) and the full [moving to the Sunshine Coast guide](/moving-to-the-sunshine-coast).
Talk it through with someone local
Buying here? Home Scouts are Sunshine Coast buyer's agents. Renting first? Executive Relocations handle rental search and relocation support.
Frequently asked
How long does it take to settle in on the Sunshine Coast?
Most families say three to six months to feel settled, faster if children start school straight away or you join a club.
Do I need to change my licence when I move to Queensland?
Yes, interstate movers need to transfer to a Queensland licence. Check the current timeframe with Transport and Main Roads.