The best regional towns for teachers across Australia.
Moving to a regional town can open up a new chapter for teachers – one that blends career growth with an enviable lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for affordable housing, a stronger sense of community, access to nature, or the chance to immerse yourself in a vibrant local culture, regional Australia offers plenty of rewarding options.
At SchoolHouse, we support teachers at every stage of their journey. This guide highlights the best regional towns for teachers in 2025, based on affordability, lifestyle appeal, community spirit, and access to services. You’ll also find insider Teacher Tips to help you make the most of your move.
New South Wales
New South Wales offers a rich mix of inland university cities, wine regions, and thriving regional hubs. Teachers here can enjoy four distinct seasons in some areas, a strong arts culture, and access to both coast and countryside.
Orange
Housing: Median house price around $685,000; rent roughly $550 per week.
Lifestyle: Known for its cool-climate wines, gourmet food scene, and stunning autumn colours. Farmers markets, boutique shops, and nearby Mount Canobolas walking tracks give locals plenty to enjoy.
Community & Facilities: A major health hub with Orange Health Service, multiple primary and secondary schools, and an active arts calendar.
Location & Access: About 3.5 hours from Sydney by car, with regional flights from Orange Airport.
Teacher Tip: Look into the seasonal wine and food festivals — they’re fantastic for meeting locals and integrating into the community.
Wagga Wagga
Housing: Around $600,000; rent about $495 per week.
Lifestyle: The Murrumbidgee River, botanic gardens, and a thriving café culture give Wagga Wagga a big-city feel with country charm. Sporting clubs, music events, and an active theatre scene keep the calendar full.
Community & Facilities: Charles Sturt University campus, a large hospital, and direct flights to Sydney and Melbourne.
Location & Access: About 5 hours from Sydney or Melbourne by car; 2 hours 45 minutes from Canberra.
Teacher Tip: Join local sporting or arts groups early on — the community is welcoming, and it’s a great way to build networks.
Armidale
Housing: Around $515,000; rent about $460 per week.
Lifestyle: A true university city with a blend of heritage architecture, cool winters, and easy access to spectacular national parks like Oxley Wild Rivers and New England National Park. The area offers scenic drives, waterfall trails, and a vibrant arts and music scene. Weekly farmers markets showcase local produce, and the cooler climate means cosy winters by the fire are part of the charm.
Community & Facilities: Home to the University of New England, multiple well-regarded schools, and a strong cultural calendar including music festivals and art exhibitions. Well-serviced with healthcare, libraries, and sporting facilities.
Location & Access: About halfway between Sydney and Brisbane on the New England Highway, with regional flights from Armidale Airport to Sydney. Scenic Waterfall Way provides a picturesque route to the coast.
Teacher Tip: Winter temperatures can drop below zero — invest in quality warm clothing and heating to make the most of the season’s charm.
Victoria
Victoria’s regional towns combine heritage charm with access to Melbourne via fast road and rail. From wine regions to lake districts, these towns offer plenty of culture alongside nature.
Ballarat
Housing: Around $615,000; rent about $460 per week.
Lifestyle: Historic streetscapes, Lake Wendouree walking and cycling trails, and regular farmers markets. The city also boasts excellent restaurants and the Art Gallery of Ballarat.
Community & Facilities: Major hospital, universities, and a strong network of schools.
Location & Access: About 1.5 hours by train or car to Melbourne.
Teacher Tip: Check out Sovereign Hill for school excursions and community volunteering — it’s a great local connection point.
Bendigo
Housing: Around $635,000; rent about $470 per week.
Lifestyle: Gold-rush architecture, Bendigo Art Gallery exhibitions, and regional food festivals. Nature lovers can explore Greater Bendigo National Park’s walking and cycling tracks.
Community & Facilities: New hospital facilities, sporting precincts, and well-served education sector.
Location & Access: 2 hours from Melbourne by car or frequent V/Line services.
Teacher Tip: Use the Bendigo Writers Festival and gallery events to build local friendships and professional connections.
Apollo Bay
Housing: Around $850,000; rent about $600 per week.
Lifestyle: Gateway to the Great Ocean Road, stunning beaches, and nearby Otway Ranges for rainforest hikes and waterfalls. Popular weekend farmers markets with fresh local seafood.
Community & Facilities: Local primary and secondary schools, strong tourism and fishing economy.
Location & Access: About 3 hours from Melbourne; scenic coastal drive or inland via Colac.
Teacher Tip: Consider off-season rentals for better value housing.
References & Resources — Victoria
Victoria Government Housing Data
Visit Ballarat
Bendigo Tourism
Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism
South Australia
South Australia’s regional towns mix coastal escapes, seafood capitals, and scenic limestone landscapes.
Mount Gambier
Housing: Around $490,000; rent about $450 per week.
Lifestyle: Blue Lake, volcanic craters, caves, and nearby wine regions. Local markets and a thriving art scene.
Community & Facilities: Regional hospital, strong sport culture, and schools.
Location & Access: Halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne; regional flights to both.
Teacher Tip: Get involved in wine or food festivals — they’re a community favourite.
Port Lincoln
Housing: Around $500,000; rent about $475 per week.
Lifestyle: Seafood capital of Australia, national parks, and beautiful coastal hikes. Great for fishing, sailing, and beach days.
Community & Facilities: Hospital, schools, and active tourism industry.
Location & Access: Flights to Adelaide or scenic coastal drives.
Teacher Tip: Volunteer at community seafood events to meet locals quickly.
Victor Harbor
Housing: Around $580,000; rent about $450 per week.
Lifestyle: Stunning beaches, whale watching, and the Granite Island causeway. Popular weekend markets and coastal walks.
Community & Facilities: Health services, schools, and strong tourism economy.
Location & Access: Just over an hour from Adelaide.
Teacher Tip: Ideal if you want a coastal community close to a capital city.
References & Resources — South Australia
SA Housing Data
South Australian Tourism Commission
Eyre Peninsula Tourism
Queensland
Queensland offers tropical and subtropical living, from lush hinterlands to reef-side cities. Teachers enjoy strong relocation incentives in some areas.
Toowoomba
Housing: Around $665,000; rent about $470 per week.
Lifestyle: Known as the Garden City, with spring flower festivals, nearby national parks, and scenic drives. Strong café culture and fresh produce markets.
Community & Facilities: Large hospital, universities, and strong school networks.
Location & Access: 1.5 hours from Brisbane; local airport with interstate flights.
Teacher Tip: Explore the Lockyer Valley farmers markets for weekend food adventures.
Townsville
Housing: Around $665,000; rent about $540 per week.
Lifestyle: Tropical climate, Magnetic Island ferries, and nearby Great Barrier Reef access. Outdoor fitness is a way of life with beachfront trails and dive tours.
Community & Facilities: Tertiary hospital, James Cook University, and active arts community.
Location & Access: Direct flights to capital cities; 17-hour drive from Brisbane.
Teacher Tip: Join local dive clubs to fully enjoy reef life.
Cairns
Housing: Around $500,000; rent about $655 per week.
Lifestyle: Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Night markets, esplanade lagoon, and endless adventure tourism.
Community & Facilities: Major hospital, TAFE, and strong tourism economy.
Location & Access: Direct flights across Australia; Spirit of Queensland rail to Brisbane.
Teacher Tip: Book reef trips during quieter weekdays for smaller groups and better conditions.
References & Resources — Queensland
Queensland Government Housing Data
Tourism Queensland
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Western Australia
WA’s regional towns offer stunning coastlines, heritage cities, and easy access to world-class natural attractions.
Bunbury
Housing: Around $700,000; rent about $640 per week.
Lifestyle: Beaches, dolphins in Koombana Bay, and quick access to Margaret River wine region. Outdoor markets and cycle trails.
Community & Facilities: Regional hospital, schools, and growing business sector.
Location & Access: 2 hours from Perth by car or train.
Teacher Tip: Weekday wine tours in Margaret River mean smaller groups and more personal tastings.
Albany
Housing: Around $665,000; rent about $555 per week.
Lifestyle: National Anzac Centre, historic whaling station, and pristine beaches like Little Beach. Local produce markets and whale watching.
Community & Facilities: Large regional hospital, schools, and arts community.
Location & Access: 5 hours from Perth; regional flights available.
Teacher Tip: Explore the Bibbulmun Track for multi-day hikes in your holidays.
Geraldton
Housing: Around $440,000; rent about $480 per week.
Lifestyle: Warm climate, water sports, Abrolhos Islands tours, and local fishing. Strong farmers market scene.
Community & Facilities: Hospital, schools, and growing tourism.
Location & Access: 4.5 hours north of Perth by car; regional flights available.
Teacher Tip: Great base if you want access to Ningaloo Reef without the crowds.
References & Resources — Western Australia
WA Housing Data
Tourism Western Australia
Parks and Wildlife WA
Tasmania
Tasmania’s regional towns combine natural beauty, cooler climate, and strong community ties.
Launceston
Housing: Around $725,000; rent about $490 per week.
Lifestyle: Tamar Valley wineries, Cataract Gorge walks, and weekly farmers markets.
Community & Facilities: Large hospital, schools, and cultural festivals.
Location & Access: 2.5 hours from Hobart; direct flights to mainland cities.
Teacher Tip: Join local walking groups for social and scenic outings.
Devonport
Housing: Around $495,000; rent about $460 per week.
Lifestyle: Coastal living, ferries to mainland, and nearby Cradle Mountain hikes.
Community & Facilities: Hospital, schools, and community sports clubs.
Location & Access: 1 hour from Launceston; home to the Spirit of Tasmania terminal.
Teacher Tip: Plan weekend trips to the Tarkine Rainforest.
Burnie
Housing: Around $450,000; rent about $340 per week.
Lifestyle: Surf beaches, penguin viewing, and weekly markets.
Community & Facilities: Hospital, schools, and strong volunteer culture.
Location & Access: 2 hours from Launceston; coastal highway access.
Teacher Tip: Watch the penguins come ashore at dusk – a local favourite.
References & Resources — Tasmania
Tasmania Housing Data
Discover Tasmania
Tourism Northern Tasmania
Australian Capital Territory
Although the ACT is dominated by Canberra, its suburban hubs and semi-rural pockets offer teachers the blend of city convenience with a smaller-community feel.
Canberra – Inner North
Housing: Around $950,000; rent about $700 per week.
Lifestyle: Leafy streets, heritage homes, and close proximity to the Australian National University, Lake Burley Griffin, and the bustling Braddon dining strip. Weekend options include farmers markets at EPIC and bushwalking in nearby nature reserves.
Community & Facilities: Exceptional access to schools, tertiary education, cultural institutions, and major hospitals.
Location & Access: Canberra Airport connects to major Australian cities within 1–2 hours.
Teacher Tip: Tap into professional development workshops run by local universities and education bodies.
Tuggeranong
Housing: Around $850,000; rent about $600 per week.
Lifestyle: Surrounded by bushland, with easy access to Namadgi National Park for hiking and picnics. Local lakeside paths are popular for cycling and running.
Community & Facilities: Multiple primary and secondary schools, strong sports clubs, and community facilities.
Location & Access: 20–30 minutes from Canberra’s CBD by road; good public transport connections.
Teacher Tip: Get to know the smaller suburbs -some have hidden green spaces and walking tracks right on your doorstep.
Gungahlin
Housing: Around $870,000; rent about $620 per week.
Lifestyle: A fast-growing area with modern amenities, shopping centres, and community parks. Local markets and food festivals are becoming regular fixtures.
Community & Facilities: New schools, health centres, and light rail link to the city.
Location & Access: 20 minutes to the CBD via light rail or road.
Teacher Tip: Great choice if you prefer newer housing and a master-planned community feel.
References & Resources — ACT
ACT Government Housing Data
Visit Canberra
ACT Education Directorate
Northern Territory
The NT offers unique cultural experiences, tropical and desert landscapes, and strong incentives for teachers in regional and remote schools.
Darwin
Housing: Around $620,000; rent about $600 per week.
Lifestyle: Tropical climate with year-round outdoor living. Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, Darwin Waterfront, and access to Litchfield National Park for waterfalls and swimming holes.
Community & Facilities: Major hospitals, multiple schools, and a diverse arts and cultural scene.
Location & Access: Darwin International Airport links to all major Australian cities and some international destinations.
Teacher Tip: Plan your outdoor activities around the wet and dry seasons for the best experiences.
Katherine
Housing: Around $420,000; rent about $450 per week.
Lifestyle: Gateway to Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park with stunning hiking trails and canoeing. Strong sense of community and connection to Indigenous culture.
Community & Facilities: Schools, health services, and community centres.
Location & Access: About 3 hours’ drive from Darwin along the Stuart Highway.
Teacher Tip: Join local sporting clubs or cultural groups to integrate quickly into the community.
Alice Springs
Housing: Around $530,000; rent about $520 per week.
Lifestyle: Surrounded by the MacDonnell Ranges, perfect for hiking and exploring desert landscapes. Rich Indigenous art scene, regular markets, and festivals.
Community & Facilities: Schools, hospital, and active arts organisations.
Location & Access: Alice Springs Airport with flights to major Australian cities; remote but well-connected for supplies and services.
Teacher Tip: Take advantage of school holiday breaks to explore Uluru and Kings Canyon.
References & Resources — NT
NT Government Housing Data
Tourism NT
NT Department of Education
Relocating to a regional town is more than a career move – it’s a lifestyle shift that can bring balance, opportunity, and a deeper sense of community. Each of these towns offers something unique, whether it’s coastal beauty, vibrant arts, affordable housing, or proximity to some of Australia’s most stunning natural landmarks.
At SchoolHouse, we’re here to help teachers find not just a job, but a home and a community where they can thrive. If you’re ready to explore opportunities in any of these locations, get in touch with us today – your next chapter could be just beyond the classroom.