Richmond Valley, Bega Valley and Wingecarribee in NSW, as well as Wodonga in Victoria, have emerged as some of the fast-growing regional areas in Australia.
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The Sunshine Coast retained its position as the most popular regional destination for the ninth consecutive quarter.
However, it wasn't all good news in the latest Regional Movers Index (RMI), a partnership between the Regional Australia Institute and Commonwealth Bank, which analyses quarterly trends in internal migration.
It found the Sunshine Coast accounted for a 10 per cent share of net internal migration in the 12 months to December 2024 - down from a massive 175 per cent a year ago.
Greater Geelong in Victoria came in at number two with an 8.5 per cent share of net internal migration.
Lake Macquarie came in third place with a five per cent share, followed by the Victorian LGA of Moorabool with a 4.1 per cent share and Maitland with a 3.6 per cent share.
Growth hotspots
The top five local government areas by annual growth in total net internal migration were dominated by regional NSW.
NSW secured three of the top five spots.
Wingecarribee in NSW's southern highlands debuted in top position, attracting both regional and city dwellers. This is because of a four-fold increase in net internal migration over the year to December 2024.
Richmond Valley in northern NSW recorded a comparable annual growth rate.
Its growth was largely driven by regional movers who accounted for around 86 per cent of net migration inflows.
Albany in Western Australia ranked third fuelled by city dwellers making a sea change.
The Bega Valley was the only regional LGA to previously make the top five securing its third consecutive appearance thanks to strong demand from city movers.
Wodonga in Victoria rounded out the top five on the back of an influx of city dwellers.
The Regional Movers Index was launched in 2021.
It tracks movements between Australia's regions and capital cities, using Commonwealth Bank data from relocations from more than 14.3 million customers.
Commonwealth Bank acting executive manager Josh Foster said the data showed that regional migration is being felt "deep within our regions".
He said economic and lifestyle gains no longer were contained to areas within commuting distance.
"With the right commercial and industry investments this offers a win-win for consumers as well as businesses," he said.
Carla Mascarenhas
Carla Mascarenhas is a journalist with Explore Travel and The Senior. She specialises in deep issues affecting Gen X and beyond, and the latest in travel news. Contact her on carla.mascarenhas@austcommunitymedia.com.au
