The top Victorian destinations for a tree change or sea change revealed

Ever since the pandemic struck, Victorians have been trading the city for the countryside in droves. Now the state’s most liveable towns have been revealed.

Holgate Brewhouse owners Natasha and Paul Holgate. Picture: David Caird

Woodend in the Macedon Ranges has been ranked the most liveable town in regional Victoria, according to exclusive analysis from PwC.

The popular town was considered the No.1 tree-change destination based on a range of measures, including transport links, services and job opportunities.

Bellarine hot spots Torquay and Ocean Grove were ranked No.2 and 3 in the first ever PwC RegionalPulse survey. Mt Martha and Anglesea rounded out the top five.

PwC Melbourne managing partner Suji Kanagalingam said the analysis recognised that many of the reasons that attracted families and homeowners were difficult to quantify, but the top destinations shared certain characteristics.

Holgate Brewhouse owners Natasha and Paul Holgate moved to Woodend thirty years ago. Picture: David Caird

“Since Covid, we’ve witnessed a profound trend in Victoria where many families have traded city living for a regional experience, especially now that many jobs can be done flexibly and remotely,” he said.

“This shift is here to stay, so it’s important we get the planning right when it comes to the services and infrastructure required for these growing regional communities.”

Mr Kanagalingam said the best tree-change locations had a mix of entertainment, family amenity, jobs and transport links – and were seen as a safer alternative to city living.

Regional centres to score well were those with popular entertainment venues, good state schools, parks and gardens, and having easy access to hospitals.

Negative factors to reduce the liveability score included bushfire risk, high crime rates and unemployment.

Woodend has long been a popular destination for “tree-changers” but, like many other tree-change destinations, the prospect of a cheap shack in the country has all but vanished.

Woodend has been rated the most liveable town in regional Victoria. Picture: David Caird

The median house price for Woodend in 2022 was $1.062m, a 2.3 per cent dip from the previous year.

Torquay’s median house price was $1.29m and Ocean Grove $1.098m.

Woodend’s population in the 2021 census was 6732, up 24 per cent from the 2011 count of 5413 people.

Natasha and Paul Holgate, owners of the landmark Holgate Brewhouse at the top of town, moved to Woodend more than 30 years ago.

“We love the area, it’s very picturesque. Has that country feel but is still close to Melbourne,’’ Ms Holgate said.

The couple set up the brewhouse in 1999 and took over the pub in 2002.

Mr Holgate said the opening of the double-lane Calder freeway about 2000 helped to open the area to more residents and businesses.

The study identified “pockets’’ of desirable towns for regional migration.

Regions including the Macedon Ranges, Mornington Peninsula, Surf Coast Shire and Bellarine Peninsula scored highly.

Out of the top 35 suburbs in the analysis, seven were on the Mornington Peninsula, six from the Macedon Ranges and six on the Bellarine.

Mr Kanagalingam said transport connections were critically important, as many people still wanted to still be close to Melbourne.

Woodend locals describe the town as very picturesque. Picture: David Caird

“But so too are quality local services, amenities and jobs, because regional Victorians don’t want to be relying on Melbourne to access the services they need,’’ he said.

“There are obvious benefits to Victoria from having a more decentralised population, such as reducing pressure on services in the city, driving local economies and better lifestyle, but proper planning and investment is crucial when it comes to ensuring tree-changers who make a decision to relocate don’t regret their move.’’

Woodend residents Liam Carter and Chris Hewitt with their kids, Elliott, 4, and Gwendoline, 3, in their garden. Picture: David Caird

‘No regrets’ about moving to the country

Moving to the country was always a long-term goal for Liam Carter and partner Chris Hewitt – but Covid just sped up the process.

“The pandemic just hastened a process that we thought would be five years away,’’ Liam said.

The couple bought their new home in July 2021 – between lockdowns – and moved to Woodend in the November.

“We had a nice house in Coburg but it was just too small.

The Macedon Ranges was an obvious choice for them and their children, Elliott, 4, and Gwendoline, 3.

“You still have access to Melbourne but it’s a beautiful area with great food and wine.

“And we had friends in Woodend so it made sense.

“It’s fantastic, we’ve gone from living Coburg to an acre and also have an amazing established garden.

“There’s just so much more space for the kids.

“We can walk to a cafe or the pub and childcare is just around the corner.

“Life is slower and more relaxed.’’

Chris works as a teacher in Gisborne, while Liam has now secured work at La Trobe University in Bendigo.

And how have they coped, fitting in to a small town?

“The people are nice and you get to meet people through the kids anyway.

“We have no regrets about moving here. And we are still close enough to dart into Melbourne whenever we need to.’’