New Lines New Lives: How Rail Is Redrawing Queensland’s Coastal Growth Story

The Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast have long been known for surf and holidays. But right now, both are being redrawn not by the tide but by transport lines.

The next decade of growth in Queensland will be built along the tracks. The Sunshine Coast Rail project and the Gold Coast light rail expansion are reshaping what it means to live and invest on the coast. They are turning lifestyle destinations into connected, full-scale economies where people can live, work, and commute with ease.

On the Sunshine Coast, the transformation is already visible. The new rail line will link Maroochydore directly to Brisbane, unlocking affordable housing corridors that were once considered too far for city workers. Combined with the airport redevelopment and the emerging Maroochydore CBD, this region is fast becoming one of the most connected coastal markets in Australia. Infrastructure investment is fuelling demand for modern apartments, townhouses, and house and land packages near transport hubs where residents can balance lifestyle with access.

Further south, the Gold Coast is rewriting its own story. The extension of the light rail to Burleigh Heads, the Coomera Connector, and major precinct developments like the Gold Coast Arena and the Screen Industry Precinct are creating jobs and anchoring long-term housing demand. These projects signal a maturing economy that is no longer reliant on tourism but built on creative industries, logistics, and health.

Together, the two coasts form a powerful growth corridor that is defining Queensland’s next property chapter. The Sunshine Coast is evolving into a connected smart city, while the Gold Coast is becoming a diversified metropolitan hub. Between them, they capture the full spectrum of opportunity from affordable entry points in emerging suburbs to premium stock near new infrastructure.

For investors, the message is clear. Growth follows connection. As transport lines expand, so do liveability, demand, and long-term value. The real property line to follow in 2025 is not the shoreline, it is the rail line.

Want to explore projects connected to Queensland’s next growth corridor?
Contact enquiries@propertyclub.com.au for current opportunities and coastal stock options.

Source: Cotality RP Data, ABS, HTW Research