Sydneysiders and Melburnians are reshaping Australia’s population map, as tens of thousands trade city skyscrapers for regional coastlines and quieter communities.
Some 33,000 residents left Sydney and 8500 departed Melbourne over the 2024-25 financial year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as the lure of affordable housing, lifestyle, and space drives people to rethink where they live.
The Regional Movers Index reveals Queensland is seeing the largest influx, led by the Sunshine Coast as the state’s most popular destination for city escapees.
Other top regional destinations include Greater Geelong, the Fraser Coast, Lake Macquarie, and Moorabool.
Regional Australia Institute chief executive Liz Ritchie said the trend extends beyond just city-to-region moves.
“We are seeing a trend of capital-city dwellers still choosing popular locations, but regional-to-regional movers looking elsewhere,” Ms Ritchie said.
“Queensland remains popular, but regional movers are going further out from the Sunshine Coast in search of affordability.
“We are also seeing residents of Brisbane and Perth seek out the regions in greater numbers, a trend which is gaining momentum.”
Sydney and Melbourne remain the major contributors to regional population growth, accounting for 54 per cent and 38 per cent of net outflows, respectively.
“While most city leavers are from Sydney and Melbourne, the other capitals are also seeing outflows,” Ms Ritchie said.
“They might be seeking housing affordability or job opportunities. What hasn’t declined is interest in a regional move.”
Capital-to-region migration remains strong, with numbers at their second highest since the end of the pandemic.
CBA Regional and Agribusiness Banking executive general manager Kylie Allen said the growth shows no signs of slowing.
“It’s a broadening of regional growth beyond the usual hotspots,” Ms Allen said.
“Strong regional-to-regional movement and rising interest in centres like the Fraser Coast signal a maturing migration pattern, where people are making considered, long-term choices about where they live and work.
“That shift brings real opportunity and reinforces the need for co-ordinated planning around housing and investment in infrastructure so regions can sustain momentum and support growing communities.”
Despite the exodus, Sydney and Melbourne continue to grow thanks to overseas arrivals, with net migration of 78,000 and 81,000, respectively.
Brisbane grew by 34,000 due to overseas migration and 11,000 from internal movement, while Perth welcomed 37,000 overseas arrivals and 8000 from elsewhere in Australia.
