Aerial image of Kings beach, Caloundra, Queensland.
Queensland’s Sunshine Coast has retained its crown as Australia’s top migration destination, but regional residents are now venturing further afield in search of affordable living.
The latest Regional Movers Index (RMI), powered by Commonwealth Bank data and produced in partnership with the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), reveals city dwellers continue to move to the Sunshine Coast and Greater Geelong (Vicgtoria) – though at a reduced volume compared to this time last year.
The top five destinations for net internal migration were the Sunshine Coast, Greater Geelong, followed by third-placed Fraser Coast, which bumped Lake Macquarie (NSW) into fourth ahead of Moorabool (Victoria) in fifth place.
Aerial image over Sunshine Beach on the Sunshine Coast. Picture Lachie Millard
Sitting north of the Sunshine Coast and encompassing Hervey Bay and Maryborough, the Fraser Coast has emerged as a popular destination for those making the move from one regional area to another.
RAI CEO Liz Ritchie said regional movers were looking further afield, leading to greater diversity in the top destinations for movers.
“We are seeing a trend of capital-city dwellers still choosing popular locations, but regional-to regional movers looking elsewhere.
“Queensland remains popular, but regional movers are going further out from the Sunshine Coast in search of affordability,” Ms Ritchie said.
“We are also seeing residents of Brisbane and Perth seek out the regions in greater numbers, a trend which is gaining momentum.
“Brisbane, which previously attracted net inflows, recorded net outflows to regional areas.”
Capital-to-regional migration accounted for 11.6 per cent of all relocations between local government areas across Australia.
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Aerial image over Point Cartwright on the Sunshine Coast. Picture Lachie Millard
It was the second highest share since the end of the pandemic in 2022 and outpaced movement in the opposite direction (regional-to-capitals) by 31 per cent.
Sydney and Melbourne remain the major contributors to regional population growth, accounting for 54 per cent and 38 per cent of net outflows respectively.
“While most city leavers are from Sydney and Melbourne, the other capitals are also seeing outflows,” Ms Ritchie said.
“They might be seeking housing affordability or job opportunities,” Ms Ritchie said.
“What hasn’t declined is interest in a regional move.
“Capital-to-region migration remains robust, recording the second highest migration figures since the end of the pandemic.”
Buddina on the Sunshine Coast.
CBA Regional and Agribusiness Banking executive general manager Kylie Allen said the RMI findings continue to make a case for investment in regional Australia.
“Long-term RMI trends show solid and consistent growth that we expect to continue.
“It’s a broadening of regional growth beyond the usual hotspots. Strong regional-to-regional movement and rising interest in centres like the Fraser Coast signal a maturing migration pattern, where people are making considered, long-term choices about where they live and work,” she said.
“That shift brings real opportunity and reinforces the need for coordinated planning around housing and investment in infrastructure so regions can sustain momentum and support growing communities.
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