What is your advice on the best places to rent if you work in the Public Service?

I work in the public service here in Canberra but I would like to move to QLD - hopefully with a job transfer. I am single and debating whether to find a nice place to rent either in or close to the city for work or outer suburbs or even the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast areas (close to the train network to travel into the city). Any advice or recommendations much appreciated!?