Geelong over Sunshine Coast for regional migration
Geelong has officially overtaken Queensland’s Sunshine Coast as the top destination for internal migration in Australia, according to the latest Regional Movers Index published by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI).
The March 2025 quarterly report reveals that Geelong now leads the nation for the highest number of people relocating from capital cities to regional areas.
The index, based on Commonwealth Bank data from customer relocations, shows Geelong accounted for 4.4% of all regional moves from capital cities during the 12 months to March 2025, just ahead of the Sunshine Coast on 4.3%.
According to the City of Greater Geelong, the region is projected to accommodate over 100,000 new residents by 2050.
Why Are So Many People Moving to Geelong?
Located just over an hour from Melbourne by car or train, Geelong offers a blend of coastal living, affordability relative to Melbourne, and growing employment opportunities.
The RAI report points to Geelong’s position within commuting distance of Melbourne as a “key driver” for its popularity, particularly as more Australians embrace flexible and hybrid working models.
The city also offers an increasingly diverse economy, with growth in health, education, construction, tourism, and advanced manufacturing.
Recent upgrades to the Geelong train line, Princes Freeway, and Avalon Airport have also contributed to its increasing liveability.
Armstrong Creek: Hidden Gem
Located just south of central Geelong and on the way to the Surf Coast, Armstrong Creek is one of Australia’s largest growth fronts. Developments in the area have been masterplanned and purpose-built to meet the demands of a growing local population, both in Geelong or internal migration.
Armstrong Creek features modern schools, medical centres, and neighbourhood shopping precincts. It offers a rare mix of urban convenience and coastal proximity, with the famous beaches of Torquay, Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove all within a 20-minute drive.
The Armstrong Creek Regional Sports Precinct is coming soon. It’s a multi-million-dollar sporting complex featuring indoor courts, outdoor sports fields, and event space.
A Look Back: Geelong’s Transformation Since 2000
The Greater Geelong area has undergone a steady and strategic transformation over the past 25 years.
From the mid-2000s onward, Geelong began to reposition itself. The development of Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus and the relocation of WorkSafe Victoria to Geelong helped to establish the city as a hub for knowledge, safety, and public administration jobs.
The redevelopment of the Geelong waterfront, along with investment in local tourism and events, including the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and the Festival of Sails, bolstered the city’s image as a destination in its own right.
The Victorian Government’s designation of Geelong as Victoria’s “second city” has driven infrastructure investment, job creation, and long-term planning.
Projects like the Geelong Convention and Exhibition Centre underscore the city’s forward momentum.
Go Cats.