’Economic leader’: Aussies flock to new regional hotspot

Australians are giving up moving to the warmth of Queensland and choosing to go south instead, and there’s one spot in particular they’re flocking to.

Victoria’s Greater Geelong has become the nation’s new top spot for regional migration, according to Commonwealth Bank’s Regional Mover Index.

Greater Geelong has toppled the Sunshine Coast’s two-year winning streak with 9.3 per cent of total net internal migration in the March quarter 2025.

The report, in partnership with the Regional Australian Institute, shows the trend of moving regionally that accelerated during the Covid pandemic is continuing, with 25 per cent more people moving from capital cities to the regions.

The Sunshine Coast has been overtaken as Australia’s top regional hub. Picture: NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar

RAI chief executive Liz Ritchie said Australians were leaving capital cities for the regions and not coming back.

“Regional Australia is being reimagined,” she said.

“The regions’ enviable lifestyle offerings, buoyant jobs market, position as an economic leader and diverse communities are proving to be an ongoing lure, particularly for those in metropolitan areas.

“Contemporary regional Australia has what people are looking for and it’s clear cliched images and misconceptions about regional living are well and truly a thing of the past.”

Regional Australia’s population now sits at 9.91 million, with the CBA indicating that number will continue to grow.

CBA acting executive general manager Josh Foster said Geelong demonstrated Victoria’s vitality.

“It’s pleasing to see annual population growth is continuing to benefit Australia’s regional economy as more people are drawn to the lifestyle and employment opportunities found beyond metropolitan areas,” he said.

“In a first for the RMI, Greater Geelong has become the star performer due to its idyllic location, established services and range of employment opportunities.”

To support the demand for housing, the Victorian government has set a target of an additional 128,600 dwellings in Greater Geelong by 2051.

The corpse flower in full bloom at the Geelong Botanic Gardens. Picture: NewsWire / Nadir Kinani

Sydney exodus continues

Sydney continued to record the largest net outflows of all capital cities, driven by higher house prices in the Harbour City.

The report said 40 per cent of those leaving Sydney were going to regional NSW, while 17 per cent were heading north to regional Queensland, a drop from 30 per cent this time last year.

Despite the fall, the Sunshine Coast still ranks second overall, while the Gold Coast, Townsville and Fraser Coast are also picking up ex-Sydneysiders.

“Queensland’s warmer climate and generally more affordable housing in regional locations ensures that it remains a magnet for movers from Sydney and Melbourne,” Mr Foster said.

Movement was not restricted to the eastern seaboard, with Victor Harbor in South Australia recording strong interest from regional movers and Denmark and Harvey in Western Australia remaining popular with both regional and city movers alike.

The index focuses specifically on movement to and from regional areas and excludes capital city moves.