Greater Geelong has officially claimed the title of Australia’s most popular regional destination, overtaking Queensland’s Sunshine Coast after a two-year reign at the top, according to the latest Regional Movers Index (RMI) report.
The report, released this week, reveals that Greater Geelong recorded a 9.3 per cent share of total net internal migration over the 12 months to the March quarter, edging past the Sunshine Coast’s 8.9 per cent.
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The data marks a significant shift in internal migration patterns, with a growing number of Australians opting to leave metropolitan centres in favour of regional living. According to the RMI, capital city to regional relocations rose by almost 11% in the March quarter alone, placing total movements 20.5% above pre-COVID levels.
The RMI is compiled by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) in partnership with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA). It tracks quarterly and annual movements of Australians relocating between capital cities and regional areas, drawing on real-time banking data to identify migration hotspots.
RAI CEO Liz Ritchie said the data in this quarter’s report demonstrates shifting migration patterns within Australia.
“Regional Australia is being reimagined. The regions’ enviable lifestyle offerings, buoyant jobs market, position as an economic leader and variety in communities are proving to be an ongoing lure, particularly for those in metropolitan areas. Contemporary regional Australia has what people are looking for and it’s clear clichéd images and misconceptions about regional living are well and truly a thing of the past,” Ms Ritchie said.
The findings come as Geelong continues to invest heavily in infrastructure, education, health, and arts and culture, making it an increasingly attractive destination for families, professionals, and entrepreneurs seeking a better lifestyle outside capital cities.
Access the RMI March 2025 quarter report here.
