Australians are leaving the capital cities for the regions at a pace not seen since the height of the COVID tree-change boom. Commonwealth Bank data analysed by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) shows city-to-regional migration in the June 2026 quarter matched the record set in June 2021, with people moving to the regions outnumbering those heading the other way by about 30 per cent.
Sydney and Melbourne are doing most of the losing. Sydney alone accounted for 52 per cent of the net outflow to regional Australia in the quarter. The Sunshine Coast remains the top destination, taking 8.7 per cent of net migration over the year, followed by Greater Geelong. For people already living in the regions, Victoria’s Central Goldfields and the NSW Snowy Mountains were the most popular moves.
North Queensland is the stand-out growth story. The Burdekin, the sugarcane and horticulture district south of Townsville, recorded a 238 per cent jump in city movers over the year, while the Atherton Tablelands near Cairns saw a 131 per cent rise. Locals point to cheaper living and free lifestyle perks such as fishing and camping within minutes of town.
What it means for your money
Strong inflows tend to push up rents and house prices in popular regional centres, while easing pressure slightly in the big cities. RAI chief executive Liz Ritchie says regional populations are routinely under-projected, which can leave housing, health and transport services playing catch-up. Anyone weighing a sea or tree change should factor in local rental vacancy rates, job options and infrastructure plans, not just the lower purchase price.
Source: ABC News