Sunshine Coast and Albury among top destinations for relocating city residents
Regional Australia continues to draw residents from major cities, with the latest Regional Mover Index (RMI) for the June quarter revealing that 26% more people moved from capital cities to regional locations than the reverse.
Centres such as Albury in New South Wales, Townsville in Queensland, and Bendigo in Victoria have seen increased arrivals, attributed to factors including affordability, lifestyle, and employment prospects. Greater Geelong, which topped the list in the March quarter, has now moved to second place, while the Sunshine Coast has reclaimed its position as the leading destination for net migration to regional Australia in the year to June 2025.
“Across Australia, this quarterly report shows an overall downturn in movement across the country of 15.2%, which includes capital to capital relocation,” said Liz Ritchie (pictured top left), chief executive of Regional Australia Institute. “However, regional Australia is no longer a second choice – it’s the smart choice. From career opportunities to community connection, the regions are delivering.”
Queensland has strengthened its appeal to internal migrants, increasing its share of net movement from capital cities to regional areas from 19% in 2023-24 to 31% in 2024-25, now just behind New South Wales at 34%. Tasmania has also shifted from net outflows to a 4% net inflow to its regional areas.
The East Pilbara in Western Australia recorded the highest annual growth in migration, with a 31% increase. Other areas experiencing notable rises include Hinchinbrook in Queensland, Murrindindi in New South Wales, Greater Shepparton in Victoria, and Albury in New South Wales.
Albury, in particular, experienced a substantial rise, with net migration from capitals increasing 16-fold in the year to June 2025, according to the RMI report.
“Albury and neighbouring Wodonga offer exceptional lifestyle and economic opportunities attracting both business investment and workers choosing to relocate there,” said Kylie Allen (pictured top right), executive general manager regional and agribusiness banking at CBA. “With more affordable land in close proximity to major cities and airports, a range of major employers based there that are continuing to recruit, educational institutions and many lifestyle benefits, it’s no surprise to see how these regions are thriving.
“Albury and Wodonga are an example of how successful regions have a mix of good infrastructure, employment opportunities, available housing and lifestyle benefits to attract the many Australians who want to leave the cities for a tree change. It’s exciting to see how many regional businesses, and large employers, are looking for ways to create opportunity in regional Australia to create prosperity in their communities and drive growth.”
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