The idea of relocating from bustling cities to remote areas in Australia isn’t for everyone, but increasing living costs are leading more individuals to consider a ‘tree change’ for a country lifestyle and more affordable housing options.
Caitlin Buckle, a City Planning lecturer at the University of NSW, notes a significant shift in attitudes toward regional migration in recent years, suggesting that COVID-19 has prompted many to reassess their life priorities. This desire for a different lifestyle has particularly influenced couples like Deb and Ian Green, who fell in love with the small township of Silverton during a caravan trip and decided to leave behind their life in Yerrinbool.
The Greens’ move unlocks housing opportunities for their adult daughter, mitigating the challenges of the housing crisis facing younger generations. New research from the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute highlights affordability as a main driver for regional relocations, along with employment opportunities and lifestyle factors like work-life balance and community sense.
Similarly, Conrad Brown and Shona Collins relocated from the Gold Coast to Wilcannia, where they have become integral members of the community by running a local café, creating jobs, and challenging misconceptions about the town. Both couples express a commitment to contributing positively to their new communities.