When asked what motivated her move from coastal Wollongong to the inland town of Deniliquin in the Edward River Council area, Skye Quirk didn’t hesitate: “My main motivation for the move was the affordability of housing, and the unrealistic goal of buying a home in Wollongong. Even just renting in Wollongong is a struggle with the rise in prices and cost of living - there was no opportunity to save.”
Skye’s decision reflects a growing trend of young Australians leaving expensive urban centres in search of a more sustainable and balanced lifestyle in regional towns. In fact, Millennials are leading this charge, with the Regional Australia Institute reporting that over 54,000 more millennials moved from capital cities to regional areas between 2016 and 2021 than in the previous five-year period. Factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, soaring housing costs, and the desire for a slower pace of life are all contributing to this regional migration trend.
Skye’s first encounter with Deniliquin was brief but impactful.
“I visited Deniliquin with my friend, spending only 24 hours in the town, and I fell in love. The overall vibe of lifestyle, personality, and it is just so much slower-paced than Wollongong,” she says.
That initial spark led her to return for a longer stay. “After looking into the town more after I visited, I came back for a week to fully explore, and that’s when I made my decision for the move!”
Skye acknowledges that the transition was smoother than most. “The move was relatively easy, although I did get lucky. I moved with my best friend and her family, making finding a house much easier!”
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As one of the primary reasons for her move, Skye was especially struck by the contrast in housing prices.
“Affordability in Deniliquin is, as I said, one of my biggest motivations for the move! Very different price ranges compared to where I am from. I mean, the houses here can be up to half the price!”
However, she also noted the limited rental market. “Finding a rental was difficult; not a lot available although, the rentals that were available were definitely cheaper than what I am used to looking at.”
And the data backs up Skye’s experience. As of December 2022, the median house price in Deniliquin was just $350,000, significantly lower than urban markets like Wollongong, where the median can exceed $900,000. For renters, the median weekly rent was $290 as of March 2023 — a welcome relief for those escaping the rising rental prices seen in larger cities. These figures highlight the real financial benefits of making the move to regional areas like the Edward River Council region.
Skye’s job hunt turned out to be surprisingly straightforward. As a childcare worker, her skills are in high demand, and she secured a job easily at River Region Early Education, which offers pre-school and child care throughout the region.
“I personally found it quite easy to find employment in Deniliquin. A couple months before I intended on moving, I applied for a job online purely just to get my name out there. A week or so later I got the call that a position that perfectly suited me had become available.”
With full-time work and university studies to juggle, Skye was initially balancing two jobs and part-time uni in Wollongong. Now, she says, life looks very different.
“I work 5 days a week Monday - Friday, different from me balancing 2 jobs on top of part time uni studies. I now get the afternoons and weekends to do my uni studies, catch up with friends and go to the gym. My work-life balance has improved a lot!”
Living in Deniliquin also means enjoying life by the water. Situated on the Edward River, the town offers a laid-back, nature-rich lifestyle that’s hard to come by in urban centres. From riverside walks and kayaking to peaceful spots perfect for reading or picnics, the natural setting plays a big role in helping residents like Skye unwind and stay connected to the outdoors. It’s a key part of why so many people are finding regional life more fulfilling.
One of the most surprising aspects of her new life has been the openness of the local community.
“The community has been more welcoming than I could have imagined. Everyone is so helpful and supportive. I enjoy the local cafes and the staff in stores, they are willing to chat about their experience in the town and share great places to explore!”
For newcomers wanting to meet people with similar interests, Deniliquin offers plenty of options. From The Depot — a unique automotive and heritage museum that hosts community events — to the creative programs run by South West Arts, there are countless ways to get involved. A huge variety of events, festivals, and local clubs are active throughout the year, making it easy to find your people and become part of the vibrant Edward River community.
“Making friends and meeting new people hasn’t been difficult, The Deniliquin Show is a great way for the community to come together, along with social groups and even just going down to the local pubs and cafes.”
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Reflecting on the overall experience of relocating, Skye admits that her expectations were far exceeded, with only a couple of minor hurdles.
“The move was difficult at the beginning when I was trying to find a rental due to there not being many available, although once I sorted out my housing situation, everything got easier from there. Having a job lined up and having explored the area prior to the move definitely made things go more smoothly for me.”
One of the challenges in the region has been access to healthcare, with a growing need for more health professionals. This presents a significant opportunity for healthcare workers across various disciplines to relocate and fill this gap.
Despite these obstacles, Skye says the benefits of living in the area continue to outweigh the drawbacks.
“I didn’t expect everyone to be so welcoming! I walk every day and the regular cars that pass by me wave out the window at me, everyone I cross says good morning/afternoon. In Wollongong, you’re lucky to get a head nod half of the time!”
She also discovered more local amenities than she anticipated. “The town has a lot more to offer than I imagined, when it comes to cafes, schools, pharmacies and grocery stores - I thought we would be way more limited. Definitely less variety than Wollongong, but more than I was expecting!”
Life in Deniliquin has also meant reconnecting with nature. When she’s not working or studying, Skye is out enjoying the region’s natural beauty and charm.
“I enjoy walking, the river walk is great! Stopping at the local cafes where a chat is always welcome. Watching the sunrise or sunset - somehow every single day, they’re just beautiful out here.”
“I always am so excited about all of the wildlife we get to see! We head out of town to Mathoura and pass emus or in town we see kangaroos all around. Something you don’t see in Wollongong!”
“There’s a great park too - even the adults can have fun there. There’s a bike track, basketball hoop and room for picnics or barbecues. I love heading down to the Waring Gardens in the centre of town, watching the ducks and reading a book.”
Skye’s advice for those considering a similar move is practical and positive.
“I would definitely have started looking into a doctor before moving, as an asthmatic and someone who needs to take regular medication. If you’re tired of the overpopulation in the city, Edward River Council is the place to be. So much slower, calmer and welcoming!”
Find out more about a Country Change to the Edward River area, here, or get in touch for help making your next big life move!
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