The Sunshine Coast is the country’s most popular destination for city movers. Picture: iStock
Australia’s shift to regional living has reached a record peak, with new data naming the Sunshine Coast in Queensland the country’s most popular destination for city movers.
The latest Regional Movers Index (RMI), recorded its highest level of migration since the report was first published in 2021, as more Australians embrace the benefits of regional living.
The Index, a partnership between the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) and the Regional Australia Institute, was up 20.1 per cent on the December 2025 quarter and 4.7 per cent higher than a year earlier.
Aerial image over Sunshine Beach. Picture: Lachie Millard
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Capital city residents moving to Australia’s regions outnumbered those moving in the opposite direction by 29.7 per cent, RMI data for the quarter showed.
Regional Australia Institute CEO Liz Ritchie said the record result confirmed the enduring and growing appeal of regional living and cemented the need for a co-ordinated national approach to population planning.
Regional Australia Institute CEO Liz Ritchie. Picture: Supplied
“This is the highest level of capital-to-regional movement the RMI has ever recorded. Australians are continuing to choose regional life in greater numbers, even as economic conditions shift,” Ms Ritchie said.
“Across Covid, inflation, housing pressures and tight labour markets, the trend has been remarkably consistent – people are leaving capital cities for regions, and they’re doing so at increasing rates.”
Aerial view over Noosa Heads on the Sunshine Coast. Picture: Lachie Millard
The Sunshine Coast maintained its mantle as the most popular destination with an 8.8 per cent share of total net migration, again dominated by metro movers.
Greater Geelong (VIC) was second, though its share eased to 5.3 per cent.
Fraser Coast (QLD), Moorabool (VIC) and Lake Macquarie (NSW) rounded out the top five destinations.
Sydney and Melbourne continued to dominate regional moves in the March quarter, making up 55 per cent and 36 per cent of net outflows respectively.
But their combined share is lower than a year ago, with Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide all recording an increased share of net outflows, indicating movement from capital cities is becoming increasingly broadbased.
An aerial photograph of Toowoomba looking towards the CBD by Statik Illusions for LJ Hooker.
The March quarter results highlighted Toowoomba’s role as a major regional hub, with the Queensland city recording the strongest year-on-year growth in net inflows from capitals of any local government area in Australia.
Toowoomba’s appeal is not limited to those relocating from capitals, with many regionally based movers also favouring the Garden City.
Aerial view of Gowrie Junction from McMahon Park looking east towards Toowoomba. Picture: Kevin Farmer
A new Queensland entry to the RMI included Douglas in Far-north Queensland.
“This data is extremely valuable and underscores the original purpose of the RMI,” Ms Ritchie said.
“We’re not just tracking movement but providing early indications of where regional growth is emerging, so government, investors, industry and communities can respond before pressure builds.
“It helps identify the places that are emerging as hotspots that may need new thinking around housing and infrastructure.”
Aerial view over Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. Picture: Lachie Millard
CBA regional and agribusiness banking executive general Manager Kylie Allen said the record RMI result reinforced the long-term strength of regional Australia.
“This is a significant milestone, and the data shows Australians are making long term, considered decisions to build their lives in regional communities,” Ms Allen said.
“What stands out this quarter is the scale of movement we’re seeing, both from capital cities and between regional communities.
“It reinforces the role that regional centres like Toowoomba play as important hubs, supporting surrounding towns through jobs, services and local business activity.”
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