Australia's Great Regional Migration: Where People Are Moving in 2025

Discover where Australians are moving in 2025. Greater Geelong tops regional migration with 10.5% increase from cities. Latest migration trends revealed.

8 min read

Australia's love affair with regional living shows no signs of slowing down. If you've been thinking about swapping the hustle and bustle of city life for something a bit more laid-back, you're definitely not alone. The latest Regional Australia Institute data reveals some fascinating trends that might just inspire your next move.

But this isn't just about lifestyle anymore – it's a fundamental shift in how Australians are choosing to live, work, and build their futures.

The numbers don't lie: regional moves are booming

Here's something that might surprise you – capital city people moving to Australia's regions increased by 10.5 per cent in the March quarter of 2025. But this isn't just a recent trend. The number of capital-city people moving into Australia's regions each quarter has remained elevated since the onset of the pandemic through to the post-COVID era; remaining around 20.5 per cent higher the pre-COVID average level of quarterly migration.

What's really interesting is who's making these moves. Contrary to what you might think, the people leaving cities are typically not young people at the start of their careers, but are older people with more financial resources. These folks are often looking for a better lifestyle and often become homeowners in their new location.

The regional advantage: why 25% more people choose regions over cities

In the March 2025 quarter, capital city people moving to Australia's regions outnumbered regional people making the opposite direction by 25 per cent. This isn't just a statistical blip – it represents a fundamental shift in Australian living preferences that's been building for over a decade.

Where everyone's heading: the regional hotspots of 2025

So, where exactly is everyone going? The data reveals some clear winners in the regional popularity contest.

The top five destinations taking the crown

Greater Geelong has toppled the Sunshine Coast to be the LGA receiving the largest inflow of net internal migration in the 12 months to March 2025. Here's how the top five stack up:

[CHART PLACEHOLDER: Top 10 Regional Destinations by Migration Share - Horizontal bar chart showing Greater Geelong leading at 9.3%]

1. Greater Geelong, VIC – 9.3% of all regional migration
2. Sunshine Coast, QLD – 8.9%
3. Lake Macquarie, NSW – 5.3%
4. Moorabool, VIC – 3.7%
5. Maitland, NSW – 3.5%

What's particularly fascinating about Greater Geelong's rise to the top is that you can enjoy the coastal lifestyle without the Melbourne prices, and still be just an hour's train ride away if you need to catch a game at the MCG.

The rising stars: fastest-growing regional areas

While established favourites continue to draw crowds, some unexpected places are experiencing remarkable growth. Latrobe in Victoria recorded the strongest annual growth in net internal migration during the 12 months to March 2025, with a staggering 790% increase.

The fastest-growing regional destinations include:

• Gladstone, QLD (431% growth)
• Harvey, WA (194% growth)
• Murrindindi, VIC (300% growth)
• Denmark, WA (259% growth)
• Richmond Valley, NSW (224% growth)

Breaking down Australia's internal migration patterns

The Regional Movers Index reveals fascinating patterns about how Australians are moving within the country. Here's the complete picture of where people are going:

• 66.4% remain within or move between capital cities
• 12.8% move from capitals to regional areas
• 11.6% move within regional areas
• 9.2% move from regional areas to capitals

This breakdown shows that while most people still prefer capital city living, the regional migration numbers are significant – nearly one in four major relocations involves a regional area.

The great state shuffle: where regional migrants settle

The net migration from capitals into regions is being channelled predominantly into regional NSW and regional Victoria, accounting for nearly three quarters of the total net migration to all regions:

• Regional NSW: 40% of net regional inflows
• Regional Victoria: 34% of net regional inflows
• Regional Queensland: 17% of net regional inflows
• Other states: 9% combined

Interestingly, Tasmania has seen a complete reversal from the previous year. While it experienced net outflows from its regions in 2024, it's now receiving net inflows in the March 2025 quarter, accounting for 3% of all net inflows to regions.

The surprising winners: where growth is exploding

Some regional areas are experiencing growth that defies expectations. Townsville, which typically attracts residents from other regions, recorded the most significant growth in net migration from capitals with an extraordinary 857% increase.

Fastest growing destinations for capital city migrants:

1. Townsville, QLD – 857% growth
2. Gladstone, QLD – 431% growth
3. Greater Bendigo, VIC – 257% growth
4. Denmark, WA – 281% growth

Meanwhile, for regional-to-regional migration, Harvey, WA tops the growth charts with a massive 795% increase, followed by Ballina, NSW and Victor Harbor, SA.

What's driving the great regional escape?

Cost of living pressures

Let's be honest – money talks. The cost of living crisis driving more and more people away from the expensive capitals is a major factor in these decisions. With affordable housing to reduced transportation costs, regional living can mean more money in your pocket — without compromising quality of life.

Lifestyle choices and infrastructure improvements

But it's not just about saving dollars. Regional hotspots experiencing the strongest growth are those close to major cities and along the coast, where climate, education levels and tourism industries are key drivers. Areas like the Gold Coast, Ballarat, and Townsville continue to attract newcomers seeking that perfect balance of lifestyle and opportunity.

Infrastructure developments are also playing a crucial role. Bunbury in southwestern Western Australia has retained its position as one of the nation's fastest growing hotspots for capital movers, with its appeal supercharged by major infrastructure developments such as the completion of the Wilman Wadandi Highway, helping ease travel times between city and region.

Similarly, Albany, WA – located almost five hours drive from Perth – recorded the third highest growth in net internal migration, offering an idyllic lifestyle, reliable healthcare and education services, as well as strong employment opportunities across several sectors including agriculture, aquaculture, renewable energy and tourism.

The ripple effects of regional migration

This mass movement to regional areas isn't happening in isolation. Housing costs in regional areas are rising because of internal migration, and the increased demand for housing in these areas has led to significant price hikes, displacing lower-income households to more remote regions.

The research highlights the growing connections between urban and regional house prices. With more people moving to regional areas putting pressure on housing costs, low-income renters in regional areas need support through financial help and rental relief. There's also a real need to increase social and emergency housing investments in regional Australia.

The policy implications

This sustained regional migration trend has significant implications for planning and infrastructure. The desire for regional living remains strong, with 32% more people moving from big cities to regions than in the opposite direction. However, this growth needs to be managed sustainably.

Governments need clearer data and more consistent planning approaches to handle this ongoing regional population boom. The research suggests actions including developing nationally consistent programs for gathering timely data, creating incentive schemes to attract people to regional areas (particularly for high-value industries like research and technology), and investing in regional infrastructure like airports, transport, universities, health and school facilities.

Making your regional move: what to expect

If you're considering joining the regional migration trend, here's what you need to know about the practicalities. For a comprehensive guide to the moving process, check out our ultimate guide to moving homes.

Moving costs to consider

The estimated average cost of moving house in Australia is around $300 to $3,500 for a local move. Interstate moving can cost you as high as $8,000. However, these costs can vary significantly based on:

• The distance of your move
• The size of your household
• The level of service you choose
• Seasonal demand

In Australia, the average moving cost may range from $75 to $300 per hour, so getting multiple quotes is essential to ensure you're getting the best deal.

What regional living really costs

While regional areas often offer more affordable housing, it's worth understanding the full picture. Housing in big cities is generally more expensive than in regional areas. However, there are typically more options to choose from in the cities and larger regional towns.

Some considerations for regional living:

• Transport: In many parts of Australia, cars are the primary mode of transport, which means factoring in petrol, insurance, and registration costs
• Internet connectivity: Mobile phone and internet reception is good in the large towns and cities but can be patchy in regional areas
• Services: Public transport is very limited in rural areas

Regional migration isn't slowing down

The data suggests this trend has serious staying power. People migrating out of Australia's cities to live in regional areas is a long term trend, predating the impacts of COVID by nearly a decade. Places like Bendigo, Newcastle, and Toowoomba have been drawing city dwellers for years. In fact, since 2007 in every year apart from from one, more people moved out of Australia's state and territory capital cities than moved in to those cities from regional or rural areas.

Inter-regional mobility remains high

What's particularly interesting is that regional people are also highly mobile. The Inter-Regional Migration Index reached a level indicating that inter-regional migration during the quarter remained on par with the elevated, post-COVID average. Regional people are relocating in greater numbers compared with both the pandemic period and prior to the pandemic.

However, there may be some moderation on the horizon. The number of regional people making a regional move in the March 2025 quarter was 2.5% lower than in the March 2024 quarter, with annual declines recorded for six consecutive quarters. This suggests that while regional migration from capitals continues to grow, movement within regional areas may be stabilising.

Tips for a successful regional move

If you're ready to make the leap, here are some insider tips to make your regional move as smooth as possible:

Research thoroughly

Don't just fall in love with the lifestyle – understand the practicalities. Research local services, internet connectivity, transport options, and job opportunities in your field.

Get multiple moving quotes

Whether you're moving locally or interstate, getting several quotes from reputable removalists can save you significant money. Consider the level of service you need and factor in any additional costs like storage or packing materials.

Plan for the transition

Moving to a regional area often means adjusting to a different pace of life. Plan for potential changes in commute times, service availability, and social opportunities.

Consider the long-term

Regional visas often come with five-year validity and a direct pathway to permanent residency after fulfilling conditions like three years of residence and minimum taxable income for those on certain visa categories.

The future looks regional

As we look ahead, all signs point to continued growth in regional migration. The desire for regional living remains strong, with 32 per cent more people moving from big cities to regions than in the opposite direction.

Whether you're drawn by the promise of more space, better value for money, or simply a change of pace, Australia's regional areas offer compelling alternatives to capital city living. For those considering a move to Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, or Adelaide first, remember that the data shows increasing numbers are making the reverse journey to regional areas. Whether you're looking at coastal towns like Albany or Bunbury, or inland centres like Orange or Albury, the key is finding the right fit for your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals.

If you're considering making the move, remember that a successful relocation starts with proper planning and choosing the right moving partner. At Find a Mover, we connect you with reliable, vetted removalists who understand the unique challenges of regional moves. Get multiple quotes, compare services, and make your regional dream a reality without the stress.

For more moving tips and advice, explore our comprehensive guides on moving with seniors, eco-friendly moving, and 50 genius moving hacks to make your relocation as smooth as possible.

Ready to explore your regional moving options? Start your journey with Find a Mover and discover how easy your tree change or sea change can be.