Building Beauties – The 5 Best Locations To Build in Australia
Choosing where to build is one of those “fun” decisions that becomes not fun the second you open a spreadsheet.
Because it’s not just land price. It’s school zones. Commutes. The vibe. Whether you’re going to be doing the school run in traffic every morning while quietly questioning your life choices. Also whether the kids will actually have somewhere to kick a footy without smashing a window. Small details. Big feelings.
And yes, the cost of living situation is real. So the goal isn’t the perfect dream location. The goal is “we can afford this and it won’t make us miserable.”
Here are five places that keep coming up for young families for pretty normal reasons. Not influencer reasons.
1. Ocean Grove, VIC
Ocean Grove is one of those places that makes you think, hang on, this is actually liveable.
It’s Surf Coast, but it’s not pretending to be Byron. It feels like a real town where people raise kids and wear sand in their cars year-round. Beaches, walks, parks, that whole outdoor thing without needing a huge lifestyle budget to enjoy it.
It’s also close to Geelong, which matters because you’ll want the “big stuff” nearby, medical, sport, proper shopping, all of that. But Ocean Grove itself still feels local. Not too busy. Not too quiet.
If you’re building here, it’s worth working with proper Ocean Grove home builders who understand coastal conditions and won’t design something that looks great in a brochure but feels annoying to live in. That happens more than people admit.
2. Ballarat, VIC
Ballarat is the kind of choice that sounds boring until you realise boring is sometimes the goal.
It’s established. It’s not trying to become something else. Schools are there. Amenities are there. It’s got that “we can actually make this work” energy. Land is still generally more attainable than Melbourne, and it’s big enough that you’re not constantly driving somewhere else for basic life stuff.
It’s cold though. Like actually cold. If you hate winter, don’t pretend you’ll suddenly love it. But if you can handle jumpers and heating bills, Ballarat feels stable and family-friendly in a way a lot of places aren’t right now.
3. Mount Barker, SA
Mount Barker is a bit of a sleeper.
It sits in the Adelaide Hills, which means greenery and cooler weather and that slightly calmer pace that makes parenting feel 10% less chaotic. It’s grown a lot, yes, but it’s also one of the growth areas where services have mostly kept pace. Schools, roads, shops. That matters.
It’s also close enough to Adelaide that you’re not isolated, but far enough that you can usually get more land for your money.
If you’re a “we want space but we’re not moving to the middle of nowhere” family, Mount Barker tends to make sense.
4. Springfield Lakes, QLD
Springfield Lakes is for families who want practical wins.
It’s planned. It’s built for families. You get schools, parks, shops, transport, and a setup that feels like it was designed by someone who’s actually had to live with kids. Not perfect, but functional.
It’s not quirky. It’s not a hidden gem. It’s just reliable. And honestly, reliable is underrated when you’re trying to get through the week without losing your mind.
If you want a place where the basics are already sorted, this one belongs on the list.
5. Alkimos, WA
Alkimos feels like one of the last coastal-ish options that still looks achievable on paper.
North of Perth, newer estates, generally decent block sizes, and a lifestyle that leans into outdoor living without being fancy about it. Beaches nearby, open space, family vibe.
Infrastructure is still rolling out, but it’s not nothing. It’s a genuine growth area, which means it’s not going to feel “finished” in the way older suburbs do. Some people love that. Some people hate it. Depends how you’re wired.
But if you want a clean slate and room to grow, Alkimos is worth a serious look.
Final Thought
Finding the single best location to build in Australia is definitely a relative concept.
Every family has different needs and priorities, so it really comes down to what kind of life you are trying to build, and what lifestyle factors are most important to your tribe. Some locations will speak to some families and not to others. That’s just part of the journey of being human.
You and your crew win when you find a spot where the the things that are important to you are in place, and any trade-offs feel fair. Importantly, the numbers need to feel doable, and the day-to-day life experience should be something that you can not only live with, but genuinely thrive in
Good luck, and happy living; always!