Tasmania is a popular relocation option thanks to economic opportunities and natural beauty. Photo: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.
Australia’s regional areas are undergoing a population boost as people move out of the cities.
Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is still the nation’s favourite spot for a regional move, but southern states such as Victoria and Tasmania are also seen as attractive options.
According to the latest Regional Movers Index (RMI), relocations from capital cities to regions are outpacing moves in the opposite direction by 36 per cent.
“We are seeing interesting moves in the southern states, with Victoria’s Wodonga seeing the strongest annual net migration growth, while three Tassie spots – Latrobe, Devonport and Huon Valley – are ranked second to fourth,” Regional Australia Institute (RAI) CEO Liz Ritchie said.
“Grouped together, these areas saw a fivefold increase in net migration over 12 months. Another Victorian local government area (LGA), Colac-Otway, rounded out the top five.”
New data from the RMI shows that:
- Net migration to the regions is up 11.8 per cent, indicating one of the highest levels of regional relocations since COVID.
- Capital-to-region moves account for 11.5 per cent of all major relocations, outpacing moves in the other direction.
- Sydney residents make up 53 per cent of net outflows, while Melbournians make up 33 per cent.
- Adelaide and Perth also showed an increase in those leaving for regional areas.
“Perth has gone from receiving net inflows to seeing a net outflow, with 3 per cent of the share of total city movers, reversing a previous trend,” Ms Ritchie said. “We continue to see the usual regions experiencing the largest net internal migration in the year to September 2025.
”The perennially popular top-three spots — the Sunshine Coast with 8.8 per cent of total net internal migration to regions, Greater Geelong with 7.7 per cent and Lake Macquarie 4.1 per cent — all feature, with Fraser Coast 3.6 per cent and Moorabool 3.5 per cent in a battle for fourth and fifth favourite.”
Regions such as North-West Tasmania are also recording increases in migration.
“North-West Tasmania is positioning itself as a growth region, with ongoing investment in infrastructure upgrades and economic development initiatives,” CBA’s executive general manager, regional and agribusiness banking, Kylie Allen, said.
“Coupled with a strong base of established industries, particularly the agriculture sector, its strategic port position, and easy access to Tasmania’s stunning landscapes, the region is an increasingly compelling place to work, live and invest.”
