Cooler climate regions gain appeal as regional migration continues

Migratory data Australians continue to favour regional living, with the latest Regional Movers Index showing moves from capital cities to regional areas outpacing the reverse by more than one third.

While Queensland’s Sunshine Coast remains the most popular destination nationally, the report shows growing interest in cooler climate regions, particularly in regional Victoria and Tasmania.

Victoria’s Wodonga recorded the strongest annual net migration growth, while Tasmania’s Latrobe, Devonport and Huon Valley ranked close behind, together recording a fivefold increase over 12 months.

Sydney and Melbourne residents made up the majority of capital city movers, although regional Western Australia is also seeing renewed interest, with Broome and parts of the Pilbara among emerging destinations.

Researchers say continued infrastructure investment, job creation and strong agricultural industries are helping drive long-term regional growth.