It makes so much sense that families are drawn to North Lakes QLD. This master-planned community has been designed with families in mind and includes all the mod-cons you might imagine. This includes a community centre, golf course, gold club, and even top-notch accommodation perfect for supporting business in the area. There are plenty of different precincts to explore and a strong sense of community in which to find great peace-of-mind.
If you’ve got a family or even if you’re just looking to move to North Lakes for any reason, we understand that getting quality, concise information matters. That’s why we’ve put together this convenient guide to all things North Lakes. It will show you not only data, but also first-hand perspectives from a genuine local perspective.
North Lakes at a Glance
- Local Government: City of Moreton Bay
- Population: 24,279 people (2023)
- Location: Approximately 31 km north of the Brisbane CBD
- Transport: The M1, Redcliffe railway line, Translink bus service
- History: North Lakes is located in the traditional Aboriginal territory of Yugarabul. It was originally a part of Mango Hill and was farmland. The name of an initial estate development in the area (also ‘North Lakes’) became the name for the entire suburb as the community and infrastructure took off in the early 2000s.
- Shopping: Westfield North Lakes, Ikea North Lakes, Costco, Bunnings, HomeCo. North Lakes, North Lakes Convenience Centre, Prime West North Lakes and North Lakes Central.
- Medical: Our Medical North Lakes, Best Life Medical Centre, Lakelands Medical Centre, North Lakes Health Precinct, North Lakes Specialist Medical Centre, and various other North Lakes Doctors; North Lakes Day Hospital, Montserrat Day Hospitals, North Lakes Day Hospitals: Endocrinology.
- Education: Choice of public, private, and vocational education providers.
- Real Estate: LJ Hooker North Lakes/Mango Hill (renting and buying): Options to suit all budgets.
Why You Should Move to North Lakes
The real question to ask yourself when considering a move to North Lakes might be, “Why shouldn’t you?” North Lakes is an awarding winning community. Even after just a brief stroll around, you’re sure to marvel at the sheer beauty and practical set-up of the place. North Lakes is almost mini city but thanks to careful design, it feels more like a warm and charming neighbourhood. A variety of distinct neighbourhoods, complete with their own parks and nature areas keep things evergreen and ever so inviting.
Within all this diversity, you can easily find both relaxed and more active forms of entertainment and recreation. And with convenient access to extensive resources, you know your family’s every need can be taken care of. Keeping a smile on everyone’s dial is probably the primary reason to relocate to North Lakes as soon as you can!
The shopping centre
Westfield North Lakes offers all you could possibly need in fashion, food, furniture, and fun. Home to some of the biggest brands, both in Australia and globally, the premier shopping district is the place to get in some much-needed retail therapy while also stocking up on your day-to-day supplies.
North Lakes food is just about as varied as you could possibly imagine, which might mean you end up having eyes bigger than your stomach. Westfield North Lakes is home to so many food outlets that you may not know where to begin. Along with the options found in the food court, there are other affordable to slightly upscale dining establishments to choose from. Additionally, you may simply grab-and-go by visiting one of the many cafes or the retailers selling drinks, deserts and other sweets that are spread throughout the centre.
If shopping up a storm is your thing, Westfield North Lakes will be like heaven on earth for you. You’ll find all the modern amenities like the cinema, an arcade, Ikea North Lakes, Myer, Kmart, Big W, Myer, Coles, and so many other exciting specialty shops at your disposal. The presence of hairdressers and a gym suggests that this is more than just a shopping spree – rather, it’s an opportunity for self-care! Keep in mind that if your ride also needs some love, you can drop your vehicle off at the car wash while you hit the retailers.
Lake Eden
As you might imagine from a suburb named North Lakes, there’s a body of water at the centre of it all. The area is anchored by the breathtaking Lake Eden North Lakes. The lake provides a tranquil outlook and surroundings. The strong sense of community is reinforced even further by the boardwalks and neighbouring eateries, which give people opportunities to have a chat, take the family for an outing, and otherwise congregate.
At the lake, you’ll see families with kids laughing and playing, joggers and walkers getting in their daily exercise, and plenty of people enjoying the scenery or stopping for a friendly chat with new friends and old. To top it all off, residents are able to enjoy the profusion of native wildlife and plant specimens that thrive in and around this spectacular location.
Housing
North Lakes is comprised of an incredible amount of residential housing, available in various formats. However, it’s mainly made up of family homes that spell comfortability and convenience for everyday Australians. Keep in mind that new forms of accommodation keep opening up, including those that provide a resort lifestyle, so there’s a strong luxury angle to North Lakes as well.
Expansion at North Lakes seems to be continuous, which contributes to the ongoing development of high-density housing. Overall, you have a good number of options in terms of the size and style of your home. There are apartments, town houses, and larger, more expansive types of properties. Plus, there are different precincts where you can choose to live, such as the more prestigious and central Corso and Laguna North Lakes. This also holds true if you decide to rent.
The median price for a house within North Lakes is $791,000 and the rental yield is a robust 4.4% (spelling good things for investment property holders). The median price of a unit is $523,750, offering options for those with a more confined budget. There’s great news for those looking for a house, however, with nearly a hundred properties of this type listed per month. North Lakes is made up primarily of families, i.e. 59 percent of residents live in North Lakes as part of a family unit. Therefore, for families looking to move to North Lakes, it’s nice to know that you’ll be in good company.
Employment
North Lakes jobs are full and varied, with the suburb’s own facilities providing a wealth of positions as well as the option to travel into other areas of Brisbane, including the CBD. The fact that North Lakes is directly next to the M1, the motorway that connects all of Brisbane and beyond, makes the situation more agreeable. Getting a family home is a highly sought-after opportunity. In order to achieve the ideal family living arrangement, individuals who do make the approximately 40-minute commute to Brisbane clearly view it as a worthwhile trade off.
Naturally, North Lakes has a large pool of employment opportunities for store managers and customer service assistants. Major job search websites like Seek make it easy to find white collar positions, such as those for accountants, office managers, administrators, and receptionists. You’ll find many preschools, primary schools, high schools, and other educational facilities dispersed throughout North Lakes. It follows that educators and other industry professionals would have little trouble finding employment in their field.
It’s also good news for those in the medical industry. This is because there are several hospitals, dental offices, and medical facilities in North Lakes. Furthermore, the area is home to a number of retirement communities, suggesting that employment opportunities for support-care workers, and similar, are plentiful.
Education
You can feel secure in your choice to move your family to North Lakes because of its exceptional academic positioning. Naturally, you want the best for your children’s future, so it makes sense to have a selection of public and private schools available nearby. It’s clear that residents of North Lakes are committed to giving their kids a top-notch education, and that starts at a young age. A quick search of childcare in North Lakes reveals an extensive list of providers, including early learning centres and outside school hours services.
You’ll find public schools in and around North Lakes:
- Bounty Boulevard North Lakes: Prep to Year 6.
- Mango Hill State School: Prep to Year 6.
- Mango Hill State Secondary College: Year 7 to 12.
Here are North Lake’s private educational facilities:
- North Lakes State College: Prep to Year 12.
- The Lakes College: Prep to Year 12.
If you are looking to buy a home in the area, check the catchment area of that house for the local schools.
Weather
North Lakes’ weather is typical of Brisbane and the surrounding areas, which are noted for their moderate winters (about 20 °C during the day and 10 °C at night), and warm summers (about 30 °C during the day). It’s the perfect climate to enjoy basking by the lake, morning strolls in the sunshine, and taking trips further away that take advantage of the long summers – such as the many islands just off the coast of Brisbane. This includes Moreton Island, K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), and North Stradbroke and South Stradbroke Islands (affectionately known as Straddie).
Getting There and Around
A great thing about North Lakes and one of the many reasons that it is so attractive as a place to live is its fantastic position, which is adjacent to the M1/Bruce Highway. This is the primary thoroughfare connecting North Brisbane with other parts of Brisbane and beyond. The M1/Bruce Highway also allows you to connect directly to areas further north and the Sunshine Coast.
To Brisbane: Depending on your location within North Lakes, you can take Anzac Avenue (1 minute drive to the motorway) or Endeavour Boulevard/Mason Street (8 minutes drive to the motorway) to the M1. From here, the drive takes about forty minutes, assuming ideal driving conditions and the use of a toll road.
To Redcliffe: The quickest route to Redcliffe is only 11 minutes or less (depending on traffic circumstances) by car via State Route 71/Anzac Avenue.
To the Sunshine Coast: Enter the M1/Bruce Highway in Narangba via Diamond Jubilee Way. You should reach the central Sunshine Coast region in about one hour by continuing with your vehicle’s trajectory north.
To the Gold Coast: Similar to travelling from North Lakes to Brisbane, head the direct route to the M1’s entry at Griffin. After some initial straightforward travel along the M1, take the Gateway route (includes a toll point) to the Gold Coast. You should allow at least two hours for travel time in case of traffic incidents.
Public Transport
To Brisbane: Catch the bus at North Lakes Bus Depot and take the three stops to Mango Hill train station. It will take 50 minutes in good conditions to reach Central Station in Brisbane.
To Redcliffe: Get the bus from North Lakes Bus Depot that arrives on the hour and continue onboard until you reach the stop at Anzac Avenue at the Redcliffe Museum. Travel time is an estimated 28 minutes.
Things to do and see around North Lakes
There’s no shortage of things to see and do around North lakes, especially when it comes to family-friendly activities. Shops and commercial centres abound, and there are also civic spaces like the fantastic local library, which offer a high level of connection and support to the community. Also, within North Lakes, there is a noticeable focus on managing substantial land areas for environmental reasons, so you can always rely on access to parks and nature areas.
With all the amazing sites of Moreton Bay located close by, your calendar of family activities should never run out. And with plenty of events offered by Moreton Bay Council, it will be more about what you can fit into your schedule than anything else, i.e you’ll never be bored in North Lakes! Check our events calendar to find out what is on locally for you.
Local Gems at your Fingertips
North Lakes Hotel: Featuring peaceful views of Lake Eden, this hotel is home to the inviting Boardwalk Cafe with bar and indoor/outdoor seating arrangements. It’s all within walking distance of Westfield North Lakes, so you can make it your regular for anything from breakfast through to dinner and drinks.
Red Lock Escape Rooms: In a race to escape, use your investigative skills to outwit your opponents! Red Lock Escape Rooms offer fun for all the family and are conveniently located near the restaurants and food court in Westfield Northlakes.
North Lakes Farmers Markets: Get your produce direct from the farmers every Sunday from 9am till 2pm. North Lakes Markets has a stellar following, attesting to the variety and vibrancy of goods they offer. Sip a beverage as you stroll through the many stalls. Why not make it a totally fresh and fabulous Sunday ritual for all the family to enjoy?
A Fantastic Weekend Adventure
Slickers Horse Riding: Saddle up at Slickers Horse Riding and learn how to ride a horse, or, for the more experienced rider, join a trail ride in the glorious Kurwongbah countryside. There are even school holiday programs, riding camps, pony parties, and farm stays on offer, so it’s fun for all ages. Slickers Horse Riding is located about 20 minutes drive from North Lakes, so it’s incredibly convenient too.
Mountain Wine Tours: Need to wine down? Mountain Wine Tours offers you time away in nature while discovering carefully curated tipples, including wines, beers, ciders, and spirits. Stay close by in Moreton Bay or choose to explore further abroad on the Sunshine Coast or Scenic Rim. With several choices in tours, including those that offer tastings, platters, and lunch, you’re sure to find the most fitting way to relax.
Surf Connect Watersports: Situated in the Bramble Bay part of Moreton Bay, this exciting company can coach you on your kitesurfing, windsurfing, stand-up-paddleboarding, kayaking and more. Surf Connect Watersports also offers equipment rentals and repair services. For those who would like to enjoy themselves at a little slower pace, they also do some awesome island tours. With activities suitable for all skill levels, why not check them out today?
Thinking about other places near North Lakes?
North Lakes’s close commute to North Brisbane’s other major suburbs (and even more tucked away areas) will make you very happy. It will also please you to know that the author of this guide is local to the region. Straight from the source, so to speak, has to be the most genuine method to find out about a place and everything it has to offer. Let’s explore some of the fantastic locations that are close to North Lakes.
Deception Bay is an Emerging Hotspot for Coastal Living
With its beautiful waterfront, Deception Bay is fast becoming a sought-after location for those who love the sea. It combines affordable living with the allure of coastal life, including stunning sunsets, fishing spots, and community parks that hug the shoreline.
Read more about living in Deception Bay here.
Why Rothwell Queensland is a Hidden Gem in Brisbane’s Northside
Perfectly situated between Mango Hill, Redcliffe, and Deception Bay is this true gem of a northside suburb. With a wealth of commercial and community facilities, Rothwell is ripe for relocating. Within this fantastic suburb, there are plenty of amenities to keep you and your family supported and well-entertained, including some top-notch shopping. Discover Rothwell right now; it’s a must-see location!
Read all about living in Rothwell here.
Mango Hill Queensland is the Family Suburb You’ve Been Looking For
Mango Hill is a picture-perfect setting that combines lush beauty with modern conveniences and excellent services. It’s especially great for families because there are so many types of recreational activities at hand. Not only that, but it’s in a prime location for getting to work and travelling. Find out why Mango Hill gets it all so right.
Read all about living in Mango Hill here.
Kallangur Queensland is An Affordable Suburb with the Lot!
Kallangur has a long history of being a family-friendly neighbourhood with a wide selection of reasonably priced homes. The neighbourhood has a distinct sense of community and provides a wealth of useful amenities. Yes, the cosy vibe is second-to-none. Let us show you why you really should consider Kallangur.
Read all about living in Kallangur here.
Come Walk with Me Through the Best Parts of Petrie Queensland
Petrie is a well-established North Brisbane suburb with charm in droves. That trendy vintage vibe, nevertheless, doesn’t detract from the exceptional convenience and amenities for which the area is renowned. This makes it perfect for any demographic – including families. Take in the historic town centre, play with the kids at a well-equipped park, and enjoy some coffee and cake at a local cafe. If you like the sound of everything mentioned, Petrie might be the place for you!
Read all about living in Petrie here.
Griffin Queensland is a New Suburb with a Big Future for Families
Boasting schools and nature areas, this relatively new suburb is indeed a great spot for families. It’s all situated around the beautiful waterfront of Hays Inlet. The coffee shop, fitness centre, and medical centre are just a few of the brand-new neighbourhood amenities available to residents. Griffin’s growth is expected to continue, so be sure to get the edge by checking out this vibrant suburb while it’s still a newbie.
Read all about living in Griffin here.
Come Home to North Lakes
You’ll come home to convenience for all the family when you come home to North Lakes. It is our aim that you take something useful away with you from this concise yet complete suburb guide. We’re a team of locals focused on giving you the insider information you simply won’t find anywhere else. Remember to become part of our mailing list to ensure you stay in the loop of all things North Lakes, and so much more.
