Nestled a few hours' drive from the bustling lights of Brisbane, the Southern Downs is luring city dwellers with deep pockets looking for a lifestyle change.
Adrian Dundas and his wife, Nancy, left their life on the Gold Coast and moved inland, chasing the steady pace of regional living.
Now calling Warwick home, Mr Dundas said it was the perfect location.
"We've always looked for a place to possibly shift to and/or invest in and this is a bit of a gem out here," he said.
"It's the environment, the geographical position of it, how friendly the people are out here, and how generous they are. The cost of living is a lot better out here too.
"It's a beautiful, beautiful place to live."
The Dundases have followed a well-trodden path it seems.
Migration to Queensland's Southern Downs went up by 23 per cent in the March quarter compared to the December 2021 quarter, according to data from the Regional Australia Institute (RAI).
Across the RAI's migration rankings, the Southern Downs ranks 63rd out of all local government areas in the country.
With the simplicity, rolling landscapes, and an increasing ability to work from home, it did not surprise Mr Dundas.
"We know a number of people who have done that [moved to the Southern Downs] simply because of the pace of life and how it's so much more relaxed out here," he said.
"It's very close to all other areas around here — heading west, heading east to all the beaches, you've got Gold Coast and Brisbane and obviously Toowoomba to the north.
"Regional towns that sit close to but outside major cities, I think they're going to become a strategic part in this working remotely."
Rural luxury
Properties such as the 145-year-old, heritage-listed Braeside Homestead have attracted high-end buyers with deep pockets.
The fully restored homestead, settled on just under 405 hectares, with nearly five hectares dedicated to gardens, is still on the market.
After 20 years in the industry, Southern Downs real estate agent Andrew Williams said it was one of the most distinctive properties he had seen.
"We had very big interest from people that were just looking for that rural retreat, rural lifestyle property, right through to professional people who had history with livestock and had the capacity to purchase something like this and enjoy the lifestyle," he said.
"The last two owners have spent some time and effort renovating the property and bringing it back to its state today."
The trend in city buyers was something Mr Williams had seen over the years.
"We're certainly seeing a lot of city-based people both professional and seeking the lifestyle who have the capacity and are selling from the more congested areas," Mr Williams said.
"They want a bit of peace, a bit of privacy, and probably some safety.
"Instead of that weekend beach house, they've got that rural weekend, come out on a Friday afternoon back into work on a Monday and have that rural lifestyle."
Another demographic that is heading to the Southern Downs in droves are retirees.
After experiencing health issues, Mandy Turner and her partner, Moses McNabb, from the Gold Coast bought land in Warwick.
Although they've never lived on acreage before, Ms Turner said buying some land to build on was the change they needed.
"Coming from the Gold Coast, which is very hectic and very busy and the traffic's just mad, it's all a learning curve … but it's a journey that we're looking forward to," Ms Turner said.
"It's just a lovely little town."
Investors' delight
It's not only those looking for a home who are choosing the Southern Downs, but intra- and interstate investors, who have seen the value in choosing the region.
The region has the lowest vacancy rate in Queensland at just 0.1 per cent.
Brisbane-based buyer's agent Colin Lee said the area was value for money.
"When you go out to the Southern Downs, you can get a property on about 1,000 square metres for less than $300,000, so it's certainly a very attractive region for a lot of people from Brisbane and the Gold Coast just because you can get more land for the same amount of money," he said.
"Because there's such a low vacancy rate, you're looking at rental returns sitting in around 7 to 8 per cent; the average in South Queensland is about 4 to 5 per cent.
"When you buy a property in Warwick, it pretty much pays itself off. In fact, you get a positive cash flow."
For Mr Dundas, moving back to a more laid-back lifestyle was a no-brainer.
"Rural properties are in my blood," he said.
"I was out of them for quite some time … but I had the opportunity to get back into rural life four years ago and haven't looked back really."
