First Home buyers for a young couple starting out fresh in Queensland.

I am interested in moving over to Queensland from Perth. I am trying to convince my partner about the beaches and lifestyle over here as i find it more attractive to live in. We want to be near the beach but we are only first home owners so we need to stick to a budget of around $400,000. What are the top suburbs to move to near the beach and somewhere appropriate for doing police officer duties around that area, travel etc? I like the look and sound of Burliegh heads as its not to far to travel to the city etc, but its too expensive for a first home owner! Locals please give me a heads up, i have been looking everywhere and this is my last resort! Need help please!