Top five regional hotspots attracting Aussies with a change of lifestyle

They’ve captured the hearts and minds of Australians for their lifestyle appeal and promise of a different daily pace. 

According to the latest instalment of the Regional Movers Index (RMI) – a quarterly publication from the Regional Australia Institute and Commonwealth Bank – Australians continue to be wooed by regional locations that offer a combination of space, affordability and community. Several towns in particular have proven more popular than others for their unique blend of liveability and connectivity.

Not only have they captured former residents of the major capitals looking for a different pace of life, but they’re also proving to be favourable for movers from other regional areas, perhaps looking for that special mix of amenity and lifestyle. 

According to the latest RMI, these are the top five LGAs by share of total net internal migration to regional Australia, based on the 12 months to June 2025. 

5. Fraser Coast, Qld 

Known as the whale watching capital of Australia, the Fraser Coast – encompassing towns such as Maryborough and Hervey Bay as well as the island of K’gari – has a population of just over 100,000 and growing. 

According to the latest RMI, the Fraser Coast captured 1.7% of overall city movers in Australia and 1.5% of regional movers, taking in 3.2% of the nations total relocators over the last 12 months. 

With the world-heritage listed natural site K’gari just off the coast, this region attracts nature lovers keen for a laidback way of life, but still within proximity of a major capital just three hours north of Brisbane.

Hervey Bay airport also offers connectivity to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. 

In a waterside suburb of Hervey Bay, new estate Beachside Dundowran Beach is offering the chance to build a new home, with the first release of this 1600-homesite community now selling lots ranging from 2000sqm to 3000sqm. 

4. Maitland, NSW 

Wine tourists to the Hunter Valley are finding plenty to stay for, with Maitland – the region’s major central town – coming in fourth on the Regional Movers Index.

This classic slice of rural Australia was a new entrant into the top five on the last RMI, and appears to have maintained its appeal. 

Over the 12 months to June 2025, the region attracted 1.6% of total city relocators and 1.7% of all regional movers. 

But there are more drawcards for new residents than just the region’s wineries. Maitland offers a bustling downtown with lots of creative appeal – boasting a regional art gallery and numerous studios of local artists. All of this is set against the picturesque banks of the Hunter River. 

Just 11km west of Maitland’s downtown, new estates like Lochinvar Ridge are expanding the housing options in the area, and providing room for locals and new residents alike to build a home that suits their needs.

These 700sqm blocks are typical of the area, with many residents seeking a Hunter Valley lifestyle because of the space it offers outside of major metropolitan centres.  

3. Lake Macquarie, NSW 

The banks of Australia’s largest coastal salt water lake – in fact, the largest consistent salt water lake in the Southern Hemisphere – have long attracted Australians looking for affordable living within proximity of the water. That the region also offers excellent connectivity to a major metropolitan capital is a bonus.

Sydney is just a 90 minute drive from the towns surrounding Lake Macquarie. If the proposed high-speed rail link between Newcastle and Sydney goes ahead, it could be even closer.

Its major city proximity is perhaps the reason that the Lake Macquarie region attracted far more city dwellers looking for a lifestyle shift than it did movers from other regions. 

In the latest RMI, 3.8% of relocators from capitals chose Lake Macquarie, while just 0.9% came from other regional or rural towns. 

Ambitious projects like Trinity Point, which is currently selling land lots, are promising future amenities that will bring new, thoughtfully-planned communities to the area. 

The subject of a master plan, Trinity Point will eventually incorporate a boutique hotel, residential apartment complex, multiple dining options, wellness clinic and function centre all set under green roofs that reflect the surrounding hillside. 

2. Greater Geelong, Vic  

Greater Geelong may have taken out the top spot in the last RMI, but its current position in second place hardly means the area is waning in popularity. Missing out on the number one ranking by a slim margin, Greater Geelong captured 7% of city movers and 1.5% of regional relocators in the latest RMI.

Within easy distance of Melbourne but a bustling commercial hub of its own – coupled with waterside access and proximity to the surf coast – it’s easy to see why Geelong appeals. 

Much of the development in the area has been centered around Armstrong Creek, south of Geelong’s CBD, where numerous new land estates are in development. 

But in other parts of the area, projects like Gen Fyansford are offering the ability to buy a slice of Geelong life and build a dream home within this attractive small city. 

1. Sunshine Coast, Qld 

Regaining its place at the top after falling into second last quarter, the Sunshine Coast has once again proven to be the most popular location for domestic relocators. 

North of Brisbane, with exceptional expanses of stunning beaches, this hotspot has been capturing the hearts and minds of sea-changers across the country for years.  

The coastal Queensland enclave spent nine consecutive quarters at the top of the RMI before being temporarily dethroned last edition. 

From the suburbs that dot the coast like Coolum, Mooloolaba and Caloundra, to hinterland towns like Maleny, Mapleton and Landsborough, the communities that make up the Sunshine Coast have proven as popular as each other, with new residents finding homes across this Queensland LGA. 

Overall, the region attracted 7.4% of city movers and 1.5% of regional relocators, to account for a total of 8.9% of all domestic moves in the last 12 months. 

In hinterland Eumundi – a town known for hosting the country’s largest arts and crafts markets every Wednesday and Saturday – the Hazlewood Estate is offering a rare chance to secure land in the area. 

These large lots range from 1.5 to 12 acres, with sweeping views of the Sunshine Coast’s classic rolling hills. 

Are you interested in making a move and building your dream home? Check out our dedicated New Homes section.

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