Geelong Overtakes Sunshine Coast as Australia’s Top Destination for City Escapees
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📰 The quick summary: Geelong has overtaken Queensland’s Sunshine Coast as Australia’s most popular destination for people relocating from capital cities, reflecting a growing trend of Australians choosing regional living.
📈 One key stat: The rate of Australians moving to regional areas increased by more than 10% in the March quarter, showing a significant acceleration in the urban-to-rural migration trend.
💬 One key quote: “They’re idyllic locations to move, whether people want the tree-change or the sea-change. I certainly don’t see it going back,” according to Commonwealth Bank executive Josh Foster.
1️⃣ The big picture: Greater Geelong has become Australia’s most popular destination for people looking to escape city life, surpassing Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. This Victorian coastal region, along with Lake Macquarie in NSW, Moorabool in Victoria, and Maitland in NSW, tops the list of areas welcoming former city dwellers. The Regional Movers Index shows migration to Australia’s regions jumped more than 10% in the March quarter, with most relocators coming from Sydney and Melbourne. This shift toward regional living, which accelerated during COVID lockdowns, continues to reshape Australia’s population distribution.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: The surge in regional migration creates economic opportunities for areas outside major cities, helping to spread development and investment more evenly across Australia. Communities in places like Geelong benefit from population growth that brings new businesses, services, and cultural diversity. For individuals, these moves offer improved quality of life with coastal or countryside settings while maintaining access to essential amenities. Regional Australia’s population approaching 10 million signifies a more balanced national development pattern that can reduce pressure on overcrowded cities. This population shift also acknowledges the lifestyle advantages and economic viability of living outside metropolitan areas.
3️⃣ What’s next: Local governments must address growing pains like housing shortages and infrastructure needs to accommodate new residents successfully. According to Liz Ritchie, chief executive of the Regional Australia Institute, communities need proper funding and support to welcome all those choosing regional life. Greater Geelong is already planning for this expansion through its draft five-year plan to manage its status as one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.
Read the full story here: The Guardian – Geelong overtakes Sunshine Coast as top tree- and sea-change destination
