Lifestyle proves a winner

IT’S the lifestyle – the sunshine, the ocean, and the relaxed people – which is attracting city dwellers across the country to Cairns in droves, experts say.

Melissa Mills, a mother of two who moved here at the end of 2022, said it was the relaxed vibe without the hustle and bustle of city living that attracted her to the region.

Ms Mills had lived in the Cobourg Peninsula for the past 20 years and had a “10-year debate” trying to decide where her and her family should live.

“We were looking at anywhere along the Eastern seaboard because of my love for diving and the ocean, but really didn’t want the hustle and bustle of a city,” she said.

“We needed somewhere that was affordable, relaxing, offered an enjoyable lifestyle, and was a flight away to places like Melbourne and Newcastle where our ageing parents are.”

Ms Mills said she loved how accessible her hobbies were in Cairns.

“I’m joining the park run and the gardening opportunities are endless,” she said.

“I go for laps of the pool and I get to go to a concert tomorrow night. On top of everything, the weather is inviting … my life here is just so relaxing,” she said.

Ms Mills and her family have visited places including Fitzroy Island and Green Island.

Similarly, Emma Hollingworth and her son Noaah decided to move to Cairns chasing a “more enjoyable life”.

Ms Hollingworth and her son are preparing to drive to the Far North from Cohuna, a small country town near the Victorian-NSW border.

“Sometimes you just need to get out,” Ms Hollingworth said.

“I’m looking forward to being around people who are like-minded with a strong sense of community … avoiding all the hassle of a big city.”

FNQ Buyers Agent founder and director Rodney Reinsma said people were “itching” to come to Cairns because of the lifestyle.

“We’re busier than ever because people want the life of the tropics with the benefits of having everything they need at their fingertips,” he said.

“The weather is a main driver and ever since working from home became so possible, so many people just decided it was better to live in the tropics.”

Mr Reinsma said that Cairns was not only the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, but to the rest of Australia and the world with direct flights to “almost everywhere” and an international airport just outside the city.

“We see that our main drivers are accessibility, affordability, climate and size – Cairns isn’t just a little country town.”

Regional Australia Institute CEO Liz Ritchie, who spoke in Cairns this week, said Cairns ticked all the boxes.

“The top three reasons people are moving are time, space, and they want access to natural amenity and Cairns ticks all three,” Ms Ritchie said.

“What they are wanting to leave behind are stress and anxiety, congestion and debt, and you tick all that as well. “You do have an amazing package.” Ms Ritchie added it was the liveability which attracted people to Cairns.

“It’s an incredibly liveable city and it’s already got runs on the board,” she said.

“It’s famous for its international appeal but with Covid you have seen the acceleration of people moving from the capital cities to the regions.

“Cairns is up there near the top of the list.”