Categories > Guides and Tips
Reasons Why St. Lucia is an Ideal Brisbane Suburb to Live In
- Is St. Lucia a good suburb in Brisbane?
- Getting Around St. Lucia
- The Best Things to Do in St. Lucia
- Swing a Club at Garden Golf Putt Putt
- Be Artsy at the University of Queensland Art Museum
- Grab a Cuppa at If You Say So Espresso
- Have a Sensory Play at University of Queensland Playground
- Explore Ancient Artefacts at Antiquities Museum
- Get on a Fitness Challenge Course at Guyatt Park
Ever heard that St. Lucia is home to Guyatt Park, a place that served as a camp for American soldiers stationed in Australia during World War II?
Fast forward to today, and St. Lucia has transformed into this blend of rich history and contemporary charm, making it a good suburb to settle in.
Keen to uncover more about what St. Lucia is like now? Read more and see if this suburb is good enough to live in for you!
Is St. Lucia a good suburb in Brisbane?
St. Lucia is a good suburb to call home because it has lots of lush greenery, the Brisbane river is just around the corner, and the lively University of Queensland brings a youthful glow to the area. It has trendy cafes, chill parks, and a friendly community.
It’s easy to hop on public transit, dive into recreational activities, and soak in that laidback vibe. So, if you’re all about city living with a splash of nature, St. Lucia could be your dream spot!
Want to know more? Keep reading and find out if St. Lucia is the perfect fit for you!
St. Lucia has a thriving community
St. Lucia is an awesome melting pot of people. The community here is a mix of locals and a bunch of cool students from the University of Queensland!
Here, you’ve got all sorts of cultural influences adding flavour to the neighbourhood, making it welcoming and inclusive.
St. Lucia is a community where around 12,574 people call it home. In this mix, about 48.0% are the guys, bringing in their energy, and the gals make up 52.0%, adding their own flair to the scene.
The vibe here is young and lively, with the median age hanging around 23 years.
You’ve got the little ones, those aged 0-14 years, making up about 8.5% of the crowd, and the seasoned folks, aged 65 years and over, adding their wisdom and making up 8.2% of the St. Lucia crew.
People in St. Lucia are known for being friendly, and that sense of community really shines in local events and shared spaces such as parks and restaurants.
St. Lucia has a subtropical climate
For us, living in St. Lucia is a breeze, all thanks to its awesome subtropical climate. With around 300 days of sunshine annually, you’ve probably got the ideal backdrop for endless outdoor adventures.
Whether it’s a stroll along the Brisbane River or a chill day in one of the many parks, St. Lucia’s weather is all about that relaxed, sun-kissed lifestyle.
St. Lucia has great learning centres
St. Lucia Brisbane is not just a good suburb, it’s an ideal place for families with kids in school. Here’s a glimpse of the educational landscape in St. Lucia:
Primary Schools:
- Ironside State School, St. Lucia
Ironside State School in St. Lucia is not your typical school, it’s a mix of quality academics and cultural diversity since 1870.
This school goes beyond textbooks with cool extracurricular activities like the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) and the Australian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads (APSMO).
If your kids love to practise exchanging their views, they’ll probably enjoy debating challenges by Ironside State School.
- Brisbane Boys’ College, Toowong
Brisbane Boys’ College is a mix of structured and play-based learning, focusing on the basics like literacy and numeracy.
And here’s the cool part, your kids will love how the school spice it up a bit with educational activities such as chess, camps, musicals, and even public speaking.
Your boys will likely enjoy other activities such as Visual Art, Christian Education, Music, Technology, and Physical Education. Here, the school’s not just to boost literacy, they make sure the boys build a love for it.
Secondary Schools:
- St. Peters Lutheran College, Indooroopilly
A short distance from St. Lucia, St. Peters Lutheran College offers a comprehensive second education. Student are highly likey to enjoy individualised learning a supportive environment.
This school is known for its exchange program with its sister school, Immanuel College in Adelaide. Your kids will probably love meeting other students their age who they can relate their activities and curiosities to.
- Indooroopilly State High School, Indooroopilly
Indooroopilly State High School’s programs focus on preparing students for future success, both academically and personally.
With its wide curriculum, you can enjoy letting your kids choose subjects in Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma which also involves your kids with community service.
Tertiary Institutions:
- University of Queensland, St. Lucia
St. Lucia is proud to host the renowned University of Queensland. Positions along the Brisbane river, this university offers a world-class tertiary education with a diverse range of disciplines and a vibrant campus life.
Did your kids ever dream of uncovering the mysteries of the universe? Astrophysics might be their jam. Or maybe diving into the intricate workings of the human mind? Psychology could be their calling.
With a range of disciplines, UQ is not just a university—it’s a place where you can turn your passions into a career. So, if your kids are thinking of taking the plunge into higher education, UQ is the spot to be!
St. Lucia has exciting job opportunities
Living in St. Lucia is not just about enjoying the picture-perfect landscapes, it also provides exciting and diverse job opportunities.
This vibrant suburb offers more than just a stunning backdrop, it’s a thriving hub with industries that cater to various career paths.
Let’s explore the job landscape in St. Lucia:
- Education and Research:
St. Lucia is home to the prestigious University of Queensland, making it a hotspot for academic and research opportunities.
We’re talking roles like being the Institute Manager, where you’re steering the ship, or rocking the Academic Board Chair hat.
And hey, if you’re more into research vibes or just want to keep the wheels turning behind the scenes, there are administrative roles that open up a whole world of possibilities.
- Healthcare and Medical Services:
When it comes to healthcare, St. Lucia’s got it covered. With top-notch hospitals around, you’ve got choices – be it rocking the nursing scene, owning it in medical admin, or doing your thing as a healthcare pro.
St. Lucia’s medical field is like a treasure chest of exciting opportunities.
- Technology and Innovation:
So, St. Lucia is also bustling with tech vibes. We’re talking software development, IT consultancy – basically, a playground for tech enthusiasts and project managers.
If you’re dreaming of being a part of the digital revolution, then St. Lucia may be the best suburb for you!
- Hospitality and Tourism:
The hospitality and tourism scene is thriving in St. Lucia.From rocking hotel management roles to being part of local attractions, St. Lucia is the place to be if you’re all about creating unforgettable experiences for visitors.
St. Lucia has quality healthcare facilities
Residing in St. Lucia, Brisbane, not only treats you to the tranquil surroundings and scenic beauty but also ensures that your well-being is well taken care of through its excellent healthcare facilities.
The St. Lucia Medical Centre is right on the University of Queensland campus. It’s like having your own health sidekick for students, international folks, and staff.
The talented doctors and health pros? They’ve got your back for everything – mental health, skin checks, travel tips – you name it!
It’s health made easy, right on campus.
- The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower
Just 5 kilometres away from St. Lucia, Wesley Hospital is like your health hub! It’s a seasoned player in the healthcare game, known for its rock-solid commitment to taking care of patients.
With all the modern bells and whistles, they’ve got you covered for surgeries, check-ups, and those extra-special treatments.
St. Lucia is a safe suburb
Living in St. Lucia is like having a safety net wrapped around you! According to AU Crime Rate, this suburb’s crime stats are a shining star. St. Lucia is considered safer than 81% of suburbs in Australia.
Sure, it’s higher than about 32% of other suburbs in Queensland, but when it comes to public safety, St. Lucia’s got top scores.
Wondering about your chance of becoming a crime victim here? It’s just 1 in 39, based on the combined crime rate for offenses against people and property. Compare that to Queensland’s 1 in 16 – not too shabby!
And property crime? Your odds here are 1 in 43, with a rate of 2,254 incidents per 100,000 residents. Now, all these say something about St. Lucia being a safe haven!
Getting Around St. Lucia
Moving around St. Lucia is easy-peasy with lots of options for you! Here, you can choose to go around in your own wheels, hop on a ride-sharing service, grab a cab, or get on the St. Lucia vibe with buses, trains, or even a ferry!
Buses by Translink are available around every 15 minutes, making it a breeze to get from Coldridge Street to Roma Street Stop 138, just near Ann Street.
We suggest trying the fancy scenic route by hopping on the St. Lucia to Brisbane ferry.
It’s a short 14-minute journey covering around 5 km, setting sail from Guyatt Park ferry terminal to the North Quay ferry terminal.
So, whether you’re up for a smooth bus ride, a breezy ferry journey, or just rocking your own wheels, St. Lucia’s got the moves for every kind of traveler!
The Best Things to Do in St. Lucia
Image ideas:
- An image of restaurant interiors
- A view of the Brisbane river overlooking from a scenic spot / restaurant
St. Lucia in Brisbane has a laidback charm mixed with a dash of excitement. Here, you can find peaceful strolls along University of Queensland (UQ) lakes, enjoy a lazy afternoon at Guyatt Park, or even explore your artsy side at UQ Art Museum.
Let’s continue to dive in and see what this suburb has in store for you!
1. Swing a Club at Garden Golf Putt Putt
Address: Golf Links, Carawa St, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
Website: https://www.hillstonestlucia.com.au/golf/
Contact Details: +61 7 3870 3433
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Residents living in St. Lucia can kick back and enjoy swinging a club at Garden Golf Putt Putt – it’s like regular golf but with a whole lot more fun and way less skill needed!
It’s a kid-friendly golf course, so you can bring your entire family for some activity.
Located in St. Lucia’s lush foliage, this putt-putt course is a treat for the eyes. Each green offers stunning views, shaded by the natural landscape.
And don’t be fooled by its mini size, even if you’re already a seasoned golfer, you’ll still get challenged by its slopes, and tricky obstacles like mountainous rocks and ricochet walls.
If you’re wondering how mini golf works, just remember to grab a golf club, swing away—with little to no skill required. Plus, with just nine rounds, you can hit the bar sooner!
2. Be Artsy at the University of Queensland Art Museum
Address: James and Mary Emelia Mayne Centre Building, University Dr, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
Website: https://www.hillstonestlucia.com.au/golf/
Contact Details: +61 7 3365 3046
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Imagine strolling into a light-filled hall packed with over 3000 Aussie artworks. You’ve got everything from old-school classics to the coolest modern pieces – we feel that there’s something for everyone.
They’ve also got pieces from the big names – Rupert Bunny, Rosemary Gascoigne, Sidney Nolan, Arthur Streeton, and Charles Conder.
It even gets better as they’ve got colonial wonders by Conrad Martens from the early settlement days and a piece by convict artist Thomas Wainewright showing off Sir John Franklin.
But hey, it’s not just about Aussie vibes – there’s a bunch of Chinese antiquities in the mix too!
And here’s the kicker – you won’t spend a single buck to soak in all this art goodness. Yep, it’s free, all day, every day. So, whether you’re feeling artsy or just want to chill with some cool masterpieces, the UQ Art Museum is the place to be.
3. Grab a Cuppa at If You Say So Espresso
Address: 88 Gailey Rd, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
Website: https://theblacklabcoffee.co/
Contact Details: +61 7 3076 2659
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Living in St. Lucia also means having the chance to grab a cup of coffee in suburban cafes (cafe brisbane) like If You Say So Espresso.
Step inside, and you’ll find a vibe that’s just as good as their brews – a chic setup with a large terrazzo counter, timber trim, and all the good coffee feels. If you’re into coffee, you’ll love their selection of house blends and single origins by Black Lab, filter options, and cold-drip brews.
And if you’re more of a tea person, you’re in luck – they’ve got organic herbal goodness from Little Wilding Co and small batch chai from Byron Bay’s Chai La Lai.
Of course, this cafe also has great food selection for you. If you’re feeling a bit peckish, they’ve got you covered with everything from bacon and egg rolls to banana bread and flaky pastries.
Here’s the kicker – you can enjoy it all in their pocket-sized space with lots of tables inside. This is also great news for those who want to bring their pets as four-legged pals are welcome here.
4. Have a Sensory Play at University of Queensland Playground
Address: The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Residents with kids in St. Lucia can elevate playtime with some sensory wonders at the University of Queensland Playground.
If you’re looking for a sensory-friendly place where your little ones can dive into knowledge-themed fun, this place has it all. Picture a flying fox, towers, slides, sand and water play, and interactive zones—all designed to spark creativity.
Plus, there’s an onsite cafe, BBQ, and picnic spots for those relaxing family moments. Head next to the tennis courts by the river, and you’ll discover a beautifully landscaped playground connected by paths and bridges.
Throughout, you’ll find quotes by poets, presidents, writers, and even algebraic and physics equations, adding an extra layer of educational charm.
But here’s the real excitement: a sensory dome, a 40-metre flying fox-style zipline, and a sandpit where your little archaeologists can dig for ‘dinosaur bones’.
And if you want your kids to blend outdoor play and video games, let them enjoy Yalp Memo Zone. This zone features a range of digital games and challenges that encourage physical movement and engagement.
5. Explore Ancient Artefacts at Antiquities Museum
Address: Level 2, Building 9, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
Website: https://antiquities-museum.uq.edu.au/
Contact Details: +61 7 3365 3010
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Residents of St. Lucia who are into history can enjoy a day of exploring artifacts at the Antiquities Museum.
If you’re fascinated by the secrets of ancient civilizations, this hidden gem belonging to the University of Queensland, dating back 4000 years, is like your own private time travel chamber.
Tucked away upstairs in one of the Great Court Buildings, this museum is a small but comprehensive showcase of trinkets, jewelleries, and household goods from the Mediterranean.
For those of you seeking a rare and intriguing glimpse into the past, you’ll likely find this collection absolutely captivating.
Imagine encountering Egyptian funerary masks, intricate beaded necklaces, fine Italian figurines from the 3rd century, burial urns, Greek vases, miniature pottery from 500 BC, and even Roman tombstones, – all well-preserved relics that bring history to life.
6. Get on a Fitness Challenge Course at Guyatt Park
Address: Guyatt Park, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
Website: https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/things-to-see-and-do/council-venues-and-precincts/parks
Contact Details: +61 7 3365 3010
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
For those of you seeking a unique adventure, Guyatt Park, a lovely riverside spot, has leveled up with a fantastic fitness challenge course – perfect for your little ninja warriors from age 12!
Whether you’re a fan of the Ninja Warrior TV series or just a fitness enthusiast, you’re in for a treat. This warrior course is designed to not only build strength, fitness, and agility but also inject loads of fun into your workout.
In total, there are 11 obstacles waiting to test your agility, coordination, and upper-body strength. And if you choose to accept the mission, be excited to conquer all these challenges without touching the ground under a time limit!
Feeling curious or competitive? Scan the QR Code available at the park to access video instructions and rules for the course. You can even record and save your time, with a leaderboard proudly displaying the top times.