From Wollongong to Brisbane: Your A–Z Guide to Renting, Moving, and Setting Up Utilities
Making the big move from Wollongong to Brisbane can feel like a mountain of paperwork, emails, and packing tape. But once you break it down step by step, it’s all pretty manageable. Here’s a no-nonsense, Aussie-friendly guide to applying for a rental property in Brisbane, including all the documents you’ll need, how to prove your income, and how to sort out your electricity and internet once you’ve landed.
Step A: House Hunting
Start with http://realestate.com.au/ and Domain—the two main platforms for rentals. In Brisbane, good properties move fast, so:
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Set alerts for the suburbs you like.
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Have your documents ready before you even book an inspection.
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Be prepared to apply on the spot after viewing.
Step B: Documents Checklist
Agents in Brisbane usually want the “100 points of ID” plus proof you can actually pay the rent. Get these ready:
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Photo ID (passport or driver’s licence).
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Medicare card or birth certificate.
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Bank statements (last 3 months is the standard).
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Payslips (last 2–3, or an employment contract if you’re starting a new job).
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Rental history (previous lease agreement, or a letter from your past agent/landlord).
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Utility bill (shows your name and current address).
If you’re moving interstate and don’t have a Brisbane rental history, personal references from employers or community figures help a lot.
Step C: Proof of Income & Bank Details
Agents want to know you’re good for the rent. In most cases, they’ll check:
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Your income should be at least 3x the weekly rent.
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Bank statements showing consistent salary deposits.
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A savings buffer helps if you’re between jobs.
If you’re self-employed, you’ll need a recent tax return or an accountant’s letter.
Step D: The Application
Most Brisbane agents use 1form (now Ignite) or their own agency portal. Fill it out once, upload all your docs, and then it’s just a matter of clicking apply each time you like a place.
Step E: Bond & Upfront Costs
In Queensland, your rental bond is usually 4 weeks’ rent, plus 2 weeks rent in advance. Bond is lodged with the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA), and you’ll get a confirmation email.
Step F: The Move from Wollongong to Brisbane
This is the fun (and stressful) bit.
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Book removalists: Get at least 2–3 quotes. Interstate moves from Wollongong to Brisbane usually take 1–2 days depending on load size.
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Declutter: The less you take, the cheaper it is.
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Insurance: Check if the removalist offers transit insurance for your belongings.
Step G: Utilities – Electricity, Gas & Internet
Once you’ve got your new lease signed, line up your connections so you’re not stuck in the dark.
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Electricity & Gas: Compare providers on Canstar Blue or Compare the Market. Popular choices in Brisbane include Origin, AGL, and EnergyAustralia. You can usually set the start date for the day you move in.
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Internet: Check if your property is NBN-ready. If so, you’ll just need to pick a plan (Aussie Broadband, Telstra, TPG, etc.). Book it early—sometimes it takes a week or two for activation.
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Water: In Brisbane, water rates are usually paid by the landlord. You may just get billed for usage if it’s written into the lease.
Step H: Moving Day Essentials
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Do a condition report with photos the moment you step inside.
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Check doors, windows, taps, and appliances.
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Keep copies of everything—agents love paperwork.
Step Z: Settling In
Brisbane is more laid back than Sydney, and rental competition (while still tough) isn’t quite as cutthroat as Wollongong or the Illawarra. Once you’re in, register your new address with:
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The electoral roll.
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Your bank.
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Medicare and any other services
Applying for rentals in Brisbane is all about being organised and fast. Have every document ready before you even click “book inspection,” show up on time, and apply straight after viewing. From there, lining up your move from Wollongong and setting up electricity and internet will feel like a breeze.