With a population growth of almost half a million people a year, Australia is growing at an exponential rate. To keep pace with this growth, the Australian Federal government has committed to a 10-year program which will see $120 billion invested in critical infrastructure projects – from new transport links to major road upgrades – across the country. These projects don’t just improve liveability and connectivity; they also tend to boost property demand and value in surrounding suburbs. So, whether you’re an upsizer, downsizer, first-home buyer or looking for long-term potential, or an investor seeking smart returns, keeping an eye on these infrastructure-driven growth corridors is key. Here, we highlight 8 of the most impactful projects currently underway (or on the horizon) and the best suburbs that are all set to reap the benefits.

 

1. Does it get any bigger than Victoria’s Big Build?

Melbourne is buzzing with development – just look at the cranes in the skyline or the roadworks below. At the heart of this transformation is Victoria’s Big Build, a record-breaking State Government infrastructure program designed to support a projected population of 10 million by 2051. From major transport upgrades to new tunnels and rail lines, key aspects of the project include:

 

• Metro Tunnel and Arden precinct:

  The Metro Tunnel will add five underground stations and new twin 9-kilometre tunnels, creating a new rail line from Sunbury to Cranbourne. It aims to ease congestion in the City Loop and is expected to be completed by 2025. As part of the project, a new precinct – Arden – is set to become a major health and life science innovation and employment hub.

• West Gate Tunnel:

  This project involves the construction of a second river crossing, featuring tunnels and elevated roads. It eases congestion at the West Gate Bridge and features a 2.5 km veloway for cyclists.

• Northeast Link:

  A $26 billion connection scheduled for completion by 2028, this project joins the Eastern Freeway and M80 Ring Road via twin tunnels. It’s expected to cut travel times and reduce truck traffic on local roads.

• Major road upgrades:

  Key arterial roads and freeways like the Monash, M80, and Eastern Freeway are being upgraded to improve traffic flow, safety, and support Melbourne’s growing suburbs.

• Melbourne Airport Line:

  A long-awaited direct airport rail line is underway, connecting the CBD to Melbourne Airport via Sunshine. The project is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in the early 2030s.

• Suburban Rail Loop:

  The new orbital line links key Melbourne suburbs without entering the CBD. Stage One, from Cheltenham to Box Hill, is scheduled for completion by 2035.

• Regional rail revival:

  Every regional passenger line is being upgraded to boost safety, frequency, and reliability. With over $4 billion invested and improvements already underway, new stations and enhanced tracks are being developed statewide.

 

 

Top 5 areas to watch

With Victoria set to undergo rapid transformation over the next 25 years, many suburbs are expected to experience growth – both in the short and long term. Here are the best suburbs in Melbourne to buy in for 2025:

 

1. Sunshine

   Set to become the “Southern Cross of the West,” Sunshine is being transformed by the Airport Rail Link and Metro Tunnel. With gentrification already underway, relatively affordable property prices and rising rental demand are drawing investors.

 

1. Box Hill

   Benefitting from the Suburban Rail Loop East and thriving health and education hubs, Box Hill offers strong rental yields, high-density appeal, and long-term appeal thanks to improved connectivity and growing employment opportunities.

 

1. Preston

   Preston’s level crossing removals, urban renewal, proximity to the CBD and station upgrades make it a standout. With townhouse and apartment development opportunities, the area experiences strong rental demand due to easy access to transport and universities.

 

1. Cheltenham

   As the Southern hub of the Suburban Rail Loop, Cheltenham's appeal is driven by its family-friendly feel, proximity to Southland Shopping Centre, beaches, and Monash University. With a good mix of capital growth and rental stability, it’s a solid choice.

 

1. Cranbourne

   Sitting in the booming southeast growth corridor, Cranbourne’s rail, road, healthcare and school upgrades, affordability, and rental yields over 4% are making it a top pick for long-term investment.

 

2. The largest ever transport program in Western Australia

METRONET is WA’s largest-ever public transport project, adding over 70 km of new rail and 23 stations to transform Perth’s urban and transport network. Backed by $12 billion in funding, the program includes major developments like the Morley–Ellenbrook Line, Thornlie-Cockburn Link and Byford Extension, level crossing removals and new high-capacity trains. It aims to ease congestion, connect suburbs, and support population growth through better transport and land-use planning.

 

Top 5 areas to watch:

With greater connectivity and accessibility across key suburbs in WA, new corridors of growth are emerging. Here are the top five areas to watch for long-term growth, positive cash flow opportunities and strong rental demand:

 

1. Ellenbrook

   With the Morley–Ellenbrook Line now open, Ellenbrook’s improved transport links and affordable housing make it a fast-growing hotspot, ideal for investors seeking capital growth and rising rental demand.

 

1. Yanchep

   The new Yanchep Rail Extension, which opened in 2024, boosts connectivity to this emerging satellite city. Offering affordable coastal living, major infrastructure investment, and strong projected population growth, Yanchep is well-positioned for long-term value gains.

 

1. Armadale

   Armadale’s revitalisation, driven by rail upgrades and level crossing removals, combined with relatively low median house prices and higher-density development zoning, makes it a smart choice for development, future capital growth, and solid rental yields.

 

1. Bayswater

   Now a key METRONET hub, Bayswater is one to watch. It has excellent connectivity, several urban renewal projects underway, and with its proximity to the CBD, it’s a desirable location for investors seeking long-term stability and growth.

 

1. Baldivis

   With ongoing infrastructure developments, Baldivis continues to grow into a family-friendly suburb. It combines affordable market entry prices, strong rental demand, and a growing population, offering investors steady investment returns.

 

3. Western Sydney infrastructure plan (WSIP)

The decade-long $4.4 billion WSIP is reshaping Western Sydney’s road network to support the region's rapid growth and to develop the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport. Key projects include the M12 Motorway, upgrades to The Northern and Bringelly Roads, and development of the Werrington Arterial Road. These initiatives aim to enhance connectivity and freight movement, bolstering long-term economic opportunities and supporting regional population growth.

 

 

Top 5 areas to watch:

New roads, a new international airport, and ongoing urban renewal projects unlock potential in several up-and-coming Sydney suburbs. Here are the top five areas to watch:

 

1. Bradfield

   Positioned as Sydney’s third CBD near the upcoming Western Sydney International Airport, Bradfield is central to the Aerotropolis initiative. It offers early commercial and residential investment potential, and is backed by strong government support and growth in advanced manufacturing and innovation.

 

1. St Marys

   Set to become a key transport hub via the Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport line, St Marys currently offers investors affordable properties, solid rental yields, and strong gentrification prospects driven by improved connectivity.

 

1. Austral

   Experiencing rapid growth due to its proximity to Western Sydney Airport and the associated infrastructure upgrades, Australia’s affordable entry point appeals to a young and growing population. It is poised for significant residential and commercial development.

 

1. Parramatta

   Often referred to as Sydney’s second CBD, Parramatta is undergoing significant urban renewal and metro projects. The suburb offers high housing demand and strong employment opportunities, pointing to solid potential for capital growth and rental income for investors.

 

1. St Peters

   Located at a major motorway junction, St Peter’s is on the rise due to Australia’s largest road infrastructure project, WestConnex, providing greater accessibility across Sydney., With ongoing urban renewal projects and proximity to the CBD, it’s one to watch for long-term appreciation

 

4. Queensland’s Bruce Highway upgrade

Spanning over 1,600km from Brisbane to Cairns, the Bruce Highway Upgrade is Queensland’s largest road project, with $9 billion in funding aimed at improving safety, flood resilience, and freight efficiency. It includes 130 bridges, 100 overtaking lanes, wide centre lines, flood immunity upgrades, and 66 revitalised rest areas to support a growing population along this critical corridor.

 

Top 5 areas to watch:

Infrastructure-driven growth is leading to the development of new master-planned communities, increased accessibility to existing suburbs, and gentrification across Queensland. Here are the top five areas to watch:

 

1. Caboolture

   With the Bruce Highway Western Alternative project and the Caboolture West master-planned community, Caboolture is poised for major growth. With plans for 30,000 new homes, the suburb offers investors affordable housing and the potential for infrastructure-driven appreciation.

 

1. Rockhampton

   Rockhampton will benefit from the $1.17 billion Rockhampton Ring Road project, which is set to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. As a significant regional hub, its appeal lies in residential and commercial investment properties that are well-supported by improved transport infrastructure.

 

1. Mackay

   Mackay’s significant infrastructure expenditure, including the Mackay Ring Road and flood immunity works, supports its strategic position for investors targeting growth in regional Queensland.

 

1. Townsville

   Townsville’s upgraded Bruce Highway and Townsville Ring Road strengthen connectivity, supporting its growing defence, education, and health sectors. As a major urban centre, Townsville provides diverse opportunities for investors.

 

1. Cairns

   Cairns’ improved Southern Access Corridor supports tourism and freight movement in the region, making it a prime spot for investment in residential and short-term accommodation markets.

 

5. Cross River Rail in Brisbane

Cross River Rail is a $6.3 billion project transforming Brisbane’s rail network through 5.9 km of twin tunnels beneath the Brisbane River and CBD, four new underground stations, and upgrades to existing stations. Providing better connections across Southeast Queensland, it’s set to reduce congestion, improve connectivity, and support future growth. Completion is scheduled for 2025, with operations expected to commence in 2026.

 

Top 5 areas to watch:

With new stations creating greater connectivity to established suburbs and station upgrades acting as a catalyst for urban renewal, here are the top five areas to watch:

 

1. Woolloongabba

   With the new Cross River Rail station and its proximity to the 2032 Olympic Games' Gabba stadium, Woolloongabba is undergoing a huge transformation. The suburb offers a mix of heritage homes and new developments, and with greater connectivity and infrastructure upgrades, its appeal lies in long-term capital growth.

 

1. Dutton Park

   Home to a new Cross River Rail station, Dutton Park’s access to the CBD and other parts of Brisbane will drive demand and property values.

 

1. Bowen Hills

   Benefiting from the Exhibition station upgrade as part of the Cross River Rail project and ongoing urban renewal, Bowen Hills offers strong investment potential, thanks to enhanced transport access and proximity to the CBD.

 

1. Annerley

   Adjacent to the new Boggo Road station, Annerley’s mix of character and modern homes, plus improved transport options, make it a standout suburb for investors looking to benefit from increasing desirability.

 

1. Springfield Lakes

   Though not on the new rail line, Springfield Lakes benefits from broader transport upgrades and master-planned community growth. It presents solid opportunities for investors targeting emerging suburbs.

 

6. River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) in South Australia

The $15.4 billion T2D Project completes the final 10km segment of Adelaide’s North-South Corridor, which connects Gawler to Old Noarlunga with 78km of traffic-light-free motorway, including twin three-lane tunnels. Once operational in 2031, it’s expected to cut peak travel times by 40 minutes and divert 130,000 vehicles daily. Beyond transportation, the project will drive urban renewal through enhanced green spaces and active transportation options.

 

 

Top 5 areas to watch:

Following the improvement of the T2D corridor, many suburbs in the region will experience enhanced connectivity, as well as increased commercial and residential development. Here are the top five areas to watch:

 

1. Thebarton

   Adjacent to the T2D corridor, Thebarton’s major redevelopment – including the former West End Brewery site – boosts its appeal for both residential and commercial investment. This is bolstered by proximity to the CBD and enhanced transport links.

 

1. Brooklyn Park

   Located near the T2D’s northern end, Brooklyn Park is already experiencing consistent property value growth, with values rising almost 30% in 2021. Greater connectivity and accessibility make this a promising suburb for further long-term capital growth.

 

1. Kidman Park

   Adjacent to River Torrens and the T2D alignment, Kidman Park’s master-planned developments, such as the St James, along with the significant transport upgrades, present new housing opportunities and growth potential.

 

1. Darlington

   As the southern terminus of the T2D, Darlington will benefit from reduced congestion and improved connectivity, making it an appealing suburb for families and professionals. This will support strong rental demand and property value appreciation.

 

1. O’Halloran Hill

   Near the T2D’s southern end, O’Halloran Hill offers established and new homes with growth potential, driven by infrastructure upgrades and its wide appeal, thanks to its natural surroundings in Glenthorne National Park.

 

7. ‘The Hub’ of Tassie’s northern suburbs

Launceston’s $43.6 million Northern Suburbs Community Recreation Hub, known as ‘The Hub’, is a central recreation facility in Mowbray set to open late 2025. Spanning 10,000 m² of indoor space, it will house netball, futsal, gymnastics, rock climbing, gym facilities, and community spaces. Backed by state, federal, and local funding, it aims to address the shortage of facilities in the region and boost community wellbeing in Tasmania’s growing northern suburbs. The Hub is expected to open in late 2025.

 

Top 5 areas to watch:

Driven primarily by the major investment into The Hub, these suburbs are the top five areas to watch:

 

1. Mowbray

   It’s no surprise that Mowbray, the home of The Hub, is pegged for significant growth. It’s also conveniently located near the University of Tasmania and the CBD, attracting both students and young professionals. As a result, Mowbray experiences strong rental demand and is likely to see capital growth.

 

1. Newnham

   Next door to Mowbray, Newnham will benefit from the Recreation Hub spillover and the associated urban development. With affordable property prices, it’s also close to key education institutes, making it an appealing choice for investors targeting the student rental market.

 

1. St Leonards

   Earmarked as a key urban growth area, St Leonards is undergoing significant expansion with large residential developments and large-scale subdivisions. Alongside this residential growth, planned infrastructure upgrades make it a solid choice for long-term investment opportunities.

 

1. Legana

   With the new Legana Primary School and improved transport connectivity, Legana’s rural charm, combined with its proximity to Launceston, is driving its appeal among families. This is driving demand for housing.

 

1. Riverside

   Launceston’s largest suburb by population, Riverside, offers established amenities, schools, and ongoing residential development. It’s a reliable choice for long-term investors.

 

8. NT’s Central Arnhem road upgrades

With $355 million in joint funding, the Central Arnhem Road upgrade is sealing and improving 645 kilometres of road between the Stuart Highway and Nhulunbuy in East Arnhem Land. These works aim to improve year-round accessibility, reduce travel times, and support Aboriginal communities, local economies, and industries such as mining, agriculture, and tourism. The culturally sensitive project enhances flood resilience, safety, and regional connectivity, with major sections scheduled for completion by 2026.

 

 

Top 5 areas to watch:

This 645km stretch of upgraded roading is paving the way for growth in the NT. Here are the top five areas to watch:

 

1. Nhulunbuy

   As the eastern terminus of Central Arnhem Road, Nhulunbuy’s improved connectivity will drive growth. With residential, commercial, and industrial property offerings, including the Nhulunbuy Industrial Estate, the suburb offers a diverse mix of opportunities for developers and investors.

 

1. Beswick

   Located along upgraded sections of the Central Arnhem Road, Beswick has benefited from the Remote Housing Investment Package. The majority of residents live in rental accommodation, creating attractive prospects for residential property investors.

 

1. Bulman

   Enhanced road access, thanks to the Central Arnhem Road upgrades, is boosting Bulman’s appeal and supporting growth in sectors like tourism and local services. This makes it a promising prospect for investors seeking regional opportunities.

 

1. Mainoru

   Adjacent to an 18km section upgrade of the Central Arnhem Road, Mainoru’s improved infrastructure is expected to stimulate economic activity, especially in the hospitality and service sectors, as they cater to increased traffic and tourism. This is likely to lead to long-term growth opportunities.

 

1. Barunga

   Near the upgraded Central Arnhem Road transport routes, Barunga stands to benefit from the overall improvements to the region. This will enhance its potential for growth in cultural tourism and local business, enhancing investment appeal.

 

Big builds can mean big gains

Australia’s rapid growth demands investment in infrastructure across all states – from Victoria to New South Wales to the Northern Territory. Backed by this infrastructure investment, property price forecasts, rental yields, and growth prospects in these suburbs are strong, creating opportunities for investors and those looking to grow their property portfolios.

Whether you’re eyeing the CBD, the coast, or regional areas, it’s likely that major developments are underway near you. At First National Real Estate, our local experts understand the market and know how to identify smart investments. Are you ready to make your next move? Talk to your local First National Real Estate office for expert real estate advice. They’ll guide you onto the property ladder, up it, and into your next money-making move!

 

DISCLAIMER
The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use.