Austate Removals Blog

Moving to Regional Victoria: Your guide to a country lifestyle change

Written by Chris Cornish | 24 April, 2025

Are you considering moving to Regional Victoria? The charm of country towns, stunning natural landscapes, and a more relaxed pace of life are drawing more Australians away from metropolitan areas than ever before. Whether you're seeking affordability, space, community connection, or a complete lifestyle overhaul, regional Victoria offers diverse options for those looking to escape the city hustle.

Why moving to Regional Victoria makes sense right now

Regional Victoria is like a social mecca wrapped in a big warm rug with a huge fire going that bursts with exciting entertainment like festivals, AFL, horse racing, restaurants, coffee bars, boutique wineries and breweries, quaint cottage industries, beautiful stone fruit, jams, pastries and much, much more. 

Regional Victoria presents a compelling alternative to Melbourne living, with property prices generally more affordable and communities that offer a strong sense of belonging. From the goldfields region to coastal havens and alpine country, Victoria's regional areas offer a plethora of stunning landscapes and lifestyles to suit many different preferences.

The rise of remote work has made moving to regional Victoria more feasible than ever. With improving infrastructure and internet connectivity, many professionals can now enjoy country living while maintaining their city-based business interests or careers. This shift has breathed new life into regional centres, with growing economies and evolving amenities.

Popular destinations when moving to Regional Victoria

When planning your regional relocation, consider these thriving Victorian regions:

  • Ballarat and Bendigo: Historic gold rush cities with impressive architecture, cultural institutions, growing professional communities and outstanding amenities.
  • Semi-dry regions along the Murray River, like Albury to Murray Bridge 
  • Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula: Coastal living with excellent connections to Melbourne
  • The Great Ocean Road with towns from Torquay to Warrnambool and amazing coastal scenery
  • Macedon Ranges: Picturesque towns with easy access to Melbourne for commuters
  • Gippsland: From coastal towns to mountain villages with affordability and natural beauty
  • Mornington Peninsula: Beachside lifestyle with wineries and a holiday atmosphere
  • High Country: Alpine towns offering seasonal tourism, outdoor lifestyle opportunities and absolutely stunning mountain scenery

Each region offers unique advantages, so research thoroughly based on your specific needs for employment, education, healthcare, and lifestyle preferences.

Practical considerations for your regional move

Relocating to country Victoria requires preparation and planning. If this is your plan, then keep our house moving checklist in mind as an aid to fulfilling your plans. Here are some key factors to consider.

Finding a reliable mover interstate

When relocating to regional Victoria, especially from another state, selecting the right mover interstate is crucial. Look for removalists with experience in regional relocations who understand the challenges of accessing rural properties and navigating country roads. An experienced interstate removalist will help make your transition smoother, especially when dealing with greater distances.

Request detailed quotes from several companies, check their reviews and insurance coverage, and ask about their experience with regional Victorian moves specifically. Some removalists offer additional services like packing, temporary storage, and vehicle transport that might be valuable for your relocation.

Housing and property research

Research the property market in your chosen area thoroughly. While regional properties generally offer better value than Melbourne equivalents, prices vary significantly between towns and regions. Popular tree-change destinations have experienced substantial price growth in recent years, as have seachange-oriented coastal locations.

Consider renting initially to get a feel for different towns before committing to a purchase. This gives you time to explore neighbourhoods and understand local facilities and community dynamics.

Employment and remote work options

If you're not relocating for a specific job opportunity, research the employment market in your chosen region. Some areas have strong industries in sectors like healthcare, education, tourism, agriculture, or manufacturing.

For remote workers, verify internet connectivity in your preferred location. The National Broadband Network has improved regional connectivity, but service quality varies. Consider establishing a relationship with a co-working space if available, which can provide professional facilities and networking opportunities.

Settling into your new regional Victorian life

After your mover interstate has delivered your belongings to your new home, focus on integrating into the community. Regional Victorian towns typically have strong community networks through sporting clubs, volunteer organisations, and local events.

Make an effort to support local businesses, attend community events, and introduce yourself to neighbours. While some regional communities have reputations for being close-knit, most are welcoming to newcomers who show genuine interest in contributing to local life.

Challenges of moving to Regional Victoria

While regional living offers many benefits, it's important to acknowledge potential challenges:

  • Some services may be more limited than in metropolitan areas
  • Public transport options typically require more investigation
  • Access to medical specialists might necessitate travel to larger centres
  • Extreme weather events like bushfires, floods, or drought can impact communities
  • Victoria has a generally temperate climate, which translates to cooler temperatures for much of the year

However, with proper planning and realistic expectations, these challenges can be managed effectively. Many who make the move find that the benefits far outweigh any adjustments required.

Enhancing your move with professional support

When preparing for your regional Victorian relocation, engaging a professional mover interstate can significantly reduce stress. These specialists understand the logistics of long-distance moves and can provide valuable advice on packing, timing, storage and transport options.

A quality mover interstate will offer comprehensive services, including packing materials, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and insurance coverage. They'll also be familiar with access issues that might arise with rural properties, such as narrow driveways or unsealed roads.

Should you move to Regional Victoria?

Moving to Regional Victoria offers an exciting opportunity to transform your lifestyle while enjoying the natural beauty and community spirit that characterise Victoria's countryside. With careful planning, research, and the support of a professional mover interstate, your tree-change or sea change can be the beginning of a rewarding new chapter in your life.

Whether you're seeking affordability, space, community connection, or natural surroundings, regional Victoria has something to offer. As more Australians embrace regional living, country towns continue to evolve with improved services and amenities, making now an excellent time to consider your own move to regional Victoria.

Happy Moving!