With serene surroundings and beautiful, tree-lined landscapes, here are the regional towns and cities that are attracting metro dwellers looking for a change of pace.
There are a few different ways to escape the hustle and bustle of city living. One is a tree change – where buyers pack their bags and move to a regional or remote area for its smaller community and laid-back lifestyle.
The lure for regional living has seen a continued uplift since the pandemic and the appeal remains strong.
The latest Regional Movers Index (RMI), found that as of the September 2024 quarter, 35.6% more people were moving to regional areas from capital cities than vice versa.
In contrast, migration from regional areas to capital cities fell by 5% over the same period.
So why consider a tree change? For many buyers, a tree change can be appealing for a few reasons.
The first is housing affordability with many regional areas giving buyers flexibility in finding a home that suits their needs for less. Another reason is the lifestyle, which often comes with less traffic, noise but also much more nature landscapes.
As the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the trend of Australians moving to regional locations, one challenge has emerged: the availability of housing.
Here, we look at key regions that offer that attractive change of pace, but that also have new homes in supply thanks to new targeted developments aimed at enhancing the existing communities.
1. Margaret River, Western Australia
Located three-hours south of Perth is Margaret River, a renowned wine region filled with plenty of natural beauty.
The area continues to attract tourists but also locals, with the August-Margaret River LGA holding an 18.3% share in internal migration for the September 2024 quarter – the second largest for Western Australia.
One land estate that could be an opportunity for buyers is Yolk Property Group’s Arbour Margaret River, nestled just five minutes from the town centre.
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Arbour Margaret River features over 7,500 trees in stage one. Picture: realestate.com.au
Calling itself the “ultimate tree change community”, Arbour Margaret River is a masterplanned estate featuring over 7500 trees in stage one alone. It also has two kilometres of custom-designed mountain bike trails, four kilometres of walking trails and a range of amenities to suit different buyers.
This includes a $15 million residents’ clubhouse with resort-like facilities, a district oval providing a shared playing field for sports and an integrated over 55s land lease lifestyle community.
Land here starts from $352,000 with the Stage 1A Marri release now selling.
2. Woodhill, Queensland
The rural town of Woodhill is a versatile tree-change location, lying off the Mount Lindesay Highway between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
It’s also a 10-minute drive from the town of Jimboomba, which has a variety of schools, shopping centres, local markets and public transportation.
QM Properties’ Glenlogan Rise is one land estate that offers the feeling of country living, while being close to urban amenities.
Built on former farmland in Woodill, Glenlogan Rise offers lot sizes starting from 3,000sqm. Picture: realestate.com.au
The estate is built on a former farmland in Woodill. Lot sizes are generous and start from 3000sqm, providing buyers enough space to build their dream home.
All lots also have NBN internet, full pressure town water and underground power.
Acreage land starts from $499,000 and acreage house and land packages start from $1 million.
3. Nagambie, Victoria
Only 90 minutes from Melbourne and 40 minutes from Shepperton is Nagambie, a region known for its wine, nature and proximity to amenities.
One popular attraction is Lake Nagambie, which holds numerous rowing and kayaking championships throughout the year.
Elloura spans 49 acres on the Nagambie lake waterfront. Picture: realestate.com.au
Located right on the lake waterfront is Elloura, a masterplanned estate set across 49 acres by Hallmarc Developments.
The estate has a range of lakeside homes suitable for first home buyers to downsizers.
Among the countryside, residents also have access to Club Elloura, which includes facilities like a tennis court, swimming pool, gym and function room.
Stage 11 at Elloura is now selling with land starting at $235,000.
4. Orange, New South Wales
For those looking for rural, but not remote living, Orange in New South Wales could be the perfect location.
Located in the Central Tablelands region and three-and-a-half hours west of Sydney, Orange is one of the state’s largest regional cities.
The area is known for its mix of rolling countryside views and contemporary living culture.
One development capitalising on this is Oakstand’s masterplanned estate Alchemy Orange.
Alchemy Orange offers homes designed to blend with the natural surroundings. Picture: realestate.com.au
Only minutes from the city centre, this land estate offers a range of homes across four hectares of parklands, with the design purposefully blending with the surrounding nature. Each home maximises natural light, views and privacy all while being surrounded by tree-lined streets.
Amenities include a children’s playground, green spaces and various trails to connect to the town centre.
The February 2025 stage release is now selling from $900,000 and features:
- Three blocks of 780sqm with 324sqm living area
- Five blocks of 780sqm with 336sqm living area
- Five blocks of 715sqm with 280sqm living area
- 12 blocks of 427sqm with 228sqm living area
5. Victor Harbor, South Australia
One hour south of Adelaide is Victor Harbor, a coastal town that offers a wealth of nature surroundings.
The area also ranked highly in the latest RMI, holding a 19.4% share in internal migration for South Australia.
Buyers can find Océane Living here, a masterplanned estate by Kingsley Andrew.
Océane Living’s homes are inspired by European and Scandinavian architecture. Picture: realestate.com.au
Inspired by European and Scandinavian architecture, Océane Living’s homes neighbour bushland and Hindmarsh Valley outlooks of the ocean.
Just five minutes from Victor Harbor’s centre, Océane Living is also a short walk to Hayborough Beach and Chiton Rocks
The estate has its own village centre and river precinct, which is adjacent to the McCracken golf club.
Stage one is over 50% sold and house and land packages are available through builders such as Metricon and Rossdale Homes.
Are you looking to buy or build new? Check out our New Homes section.
