Brisbane

There are lots of nice places to visit and stay up the coast, but I don't have experience living there. It's worth keeping in mind that holidaying and living in a place are very different things and we tend to look at holiday locations through a different lens.

On the other hand, if you want something like the coastal lifestyle, but within commuting distance to Brisbane City, have a look at Shorncliffe, Sandgate, Brighton and the Redcliffe Peninsula. Prices will typically decrease in that order, as you get further North. Shorncliffe and Sandgate are on the train line, which is always a positive and Redcliffe has a different line, although the station for that is away from the nicer coastal suburbs.

I'd recommended a day trip to the Shorncliffe Pier, where there is a little beach (although probably too cold to paddle in for your young one at the moment), a great playground (which is unfortunately currently closed for repairs), but plenty of fish and chips and ice cream to be had, or make use of the free BBQs.

From there, you can explore Sandgate town centre, and drive over the bridge to Redcliffe to have a look. There is a great artificial lagoon there, which is popular in summer.

Having moved to the Sandgate area a few years ago, I think it's a great balance of city services and coastal vibe, with nice small town feel and ready access on the motorway to the Sunshine Coast for weekend or holiday getaways.