Regional Australia is becoming the nation’s destination of choice,’ with migration from the cities accelerating even faster than during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

According to Chris Hagney, a property consultant from Raine & Horne Rural Bathurst, this shift is expected to have positive implications for all types of regional and rural properties, including lifestyle farms.

According to the latest Regional Movers Index (RMI) report from the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), in the September 2024 quarter, city-to-regional relocations were 19.8% above the pre-COVID average and 1.8% above the average recorded during the height of lockdowns[i]. 

The net migration index, measuring the population flow into regional Australia, now sits at its highest level since March 2022 and is 80% above the pre-COVID average. While it’s vital that with this demographic shift, regional communities are provided with the infrastructure, services and support they need, Chris Hagney said the migration into regional and rural Australia would not only impact properties in towns such as Bathurst but would also impact demand for rural lifestyle properties. This includes “Riverview[ii]” – a sprawling 280-acre estate nestled peacefully along the picturesque Campbells River at 374 Swallows Nest Road, Mount David. 

Listed for sale by Chris, with a price guide of $2,900,000 - $3,000,000, “Riverview” is 43 km from Oberon, 50 km from Bathurst, and 126 km from Sydney. This property, which includes two homesteads, has a rich history as a purpose-built bed & breakfast/farm stay and offers a wide range of hospitality and agricultural opportunities.

The main homestead features a country-style kitchen, formal living and dining rooms, a generous billiard room, and a light-filled sunroom.

The grand entry foyer opens to a magnificent timber staircase, setting the tone for the home’s elegance. Seven generously sized bedrooms, three of which have ensuites, provide ample space for a large family. Additionally, there is an ideal study or home office for those working from home.

The smaller original homestead features a charming country-style kitchen and spacious separate living, dining, and rumpus rooms. A light-filled sunroom offers a peaceful retreat.

With three generously sized bedrooms, the master bedroom includes a walk-in robe. A separate double-bay shed with power and workshop space also provides ample room for storage or hobby projects.

The farm, attached to Riverview, includes a historic shearing shed with two stands, a powered machinery shed with a mezzanine level and separate bathroom, and a hay shed capable of storing up to 150 round bales. There is also a Metalcorp cattle yard with a 200-head capacity.

Situated on alluvial river flats and undulating basalt country with an elevation of 900m to 1,000m, the property is suitable for sheep, fat lambs, cattle, and various crops such as barley, oats, and lucerne. The property runs along 1 km of Campbells River frontage and holds a 50-meg per annum irrigation license. Ample water storage is available with approximately 25,000 litres in tanks, five dams, and a bore. 

To find out more about this stunning estate, contact Raine & Horne Bathurst Rural on 02 6331 6555. 

 
[i] https://www.regionalaustralia.org.au/Web/Media/Media-Releases/2024/Regional_Australia_The_Nations_Destination_Of_Choice.aspx
[ii] https://www.raineandhorne.com.au/bathurst/properties/374-swallows-nest-road-mount-david-2795-new-south-wales