Most of my friends whom I met in Sydney now reside in Queenslands capital, Brisbane or further north including Townsville. My brother moved to Brisbane some years ago and is where my dad is living as well. 

One of the main reasons people migrate north is the cost of property, which until recent years was significanntly lower than Sydney but also the climate. Brisbane enjoys a much warmer climate than Sydney particularly during the winter months. It can still get cold during evening hours but the days are noticably warmer. And in summer, the climate is almost tropical. 

Brisbane is located a fair distance from the coast, still surrounded by water but by river rather than beaches and ocean. 

Another attraction of Brisbane is the close proximity to places like the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast including Byron Bay, a very popular tourist spot for the alternative traveller. It's a much smaller city than Sydney but more modern in many ways with a planned, grid like system of houses and offices. Their domestic and international airport is combined into one and travel to/from there is made quite easy with a dedidated airport train and is within a short distance from the CBD.