11 Best Queensland Towns For Retirees

Queensland, Australia, is the most northeastern state in the country and home to the state capital of Brisbane. Bordering the Coral Sea to the east, Queensland is the second largest of the nation’s states, though most of the population lives along the coastline. The beautiful coastal communities here will beckon to retirees seeking to put their toes in the sand. Further inland, residents are dispersed fairly thinly, making the larger cities along the coastline popular for those seeking community. However, there are plenty of things to do no matter where you retire, from enjoying art and history museums to enjoying a day along the coast.

Noosa Heads

The small town of Noosa Heads is located toward the south of the state. While it is small, it remains popular for anyone who enjoys time outdoors. Located near the shores of Lake Weyba and possessing a coastline along the Coral Sea, Noosa Heads provides plenty to do out on the water. If you are retiring in town, you can look forward to time along Sunrise Beach or Castaways Beach when you are ready for time out on the ocean. You can also go exploring further north inside Paradise Caves, which is tucked inside Noosa National Park. With so much to do outdoors, Noosa Heads is the perfect place for retirees who want to stay active.

Ingham

While many retirement destinations in Queensland are along the coast, Ingham is located further inland and remains a fantastic destination for those who enjoy quiet living. If you prefer an afternoon of art, you will find a popular destination in the Tyto Regional Art Gallery. Here you can enjoy both rotating exhibits and participate in workshops. If you prefer gardening, the Ingham Memorial Gardens are the perfect place to picnic in nature while relaxing by the local ponds. Alternatively, if you want to relax on the greens, you can enjoy a round of golf at the Ingham Golf Club.

Maryborough

Anyone looking for a larger town to retire to might want to consider Maryborough, particularly if they like time outdoors. The more sporting types might enjoy time north of town at the Maryborough Clay Target Club. Here you can enjoy a quick lunch before enjoying a round of clay-pigeon shooting. Those hoping for a more leisurely afternoon can enjoy a round of golf at the Maryborough Golf Club. Or you can head a few more minutes outside of town to visit Poona National Park, where you can spend your day walking the woodlands and enjoying a day of fishing on Kalah Creek.

Innisfail

Located at the juncture of the South Johnstone River and the Johnstone River, the town of Innisfail is perfect for anyone hoping to retire in a place that’s perfect for time outdoors. Located just minutes to the east is Moresby Range National Park, a wetlands area where you can hike along the coast while photographing the diverse natural wildlife. Closer to town, you can enjoy time walking through Warrina Conservation Park, another beautiful example of wetlands conservation in the Innisfail area. For those who want to hit the water, it is just a short drive east to the Flying Fish Point Boat Ramp, where you can hit the waves for a day of fishing on the Coral Sea.

Warwick

Returning to inland Australia, the town of Warwick is a prime destination for anyone who enjoys retiring in a city with a bit of history. The Warwick Railway Station Museum offers a glimpse into the town’s history, having served as the center of the town’s trade and travel beginning in the 1800s. The nearby Pringle Cottage provides yet another view into the town’s history and demonstrates what life would have been like for some of the town’s earliest residents. Finally, the Australian Rodeo Heritage Centre celebrates the history of the rodeo and its evolution over time.

Bargara

Coastal Bargara is the ideal place for anyone who wants to retire while enjoying time on the beach. While small, Bargara offers many places to walk the coastline, such as Turtle Cove Park or Christensen Park. If you would rather enjoy a game of golf while your time along the shore, it is just a few minutes south to Coral Cove Golf Club. Members can enjoy time at the bar and restaurant before hitting the green. Furthermore, if you want to spot local wildlife, take time to walk through Great Sandy Marine Park to find turtles, corals, birds, and even whales.

Port Douglas

True to its name, Port Douglas is located right along the coast and makes a perfect spot for anyone who wants to retire in a town with a resort feel. A beautiful view of the Coral Sea is available from the Trinity Bay Lookout. From there, it is not far to Four Mile Beach, where you can enjoy time walking the sandy shores or grilling up some BBQ. Or if you would like to get up close with the local aquatic life, ABC Snorkel Charters offers guests daytime boating tours and snorkeling time beneath the waves.

Tweed Heads South

If you are hoping to retire somewhere where you have access to both the water and plenty to do in town, then Tweed Heads South may be right for you. It's a suburb of the larger Tweed Heads city, where retirees can access slow days on the coast or exciting city amenities. Along the coast, you can spend time near Wommin Bay by exploring the shores of Dreamtime Beach. Or you can head into town for a massage and Pilates, live music, and a bite to eat by becoming a member of the Seagulls Club. Located along Bingam Bay, the club enjoys a fantastic view of the bay while providing members with plenty to do. However, you can also enjoy the town’s cultural heritage with time, learning about the indigenous people of the area at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Museum. Or enjoy a day browsing the farmer’s market at the Tweed Mall Shopping Centre. The Gold Coast Airport is right nearby, making it easy for family to come visit.

North Lakes

If you would prefer living in a larger town with a strong community, then North Lakes is located just inland from Moreton Bay and features plenty to do. For those hoping to enjoy watching a game with friends, the North Lakes Sports Club offers views of live sports along with food and drinks. If you would prefer to spend your time connecting with people while staying healthy, you might consider joining the TLC Swim Club at The Lakes College Aquatic Precinct. Finally, for those who enjoy lawn bowling, the Narangba Bowls Club is located just ten minutes away.

Redcliffe

Those who would like to enjoy their retirement surrounded by arts and culture will love Redcliffe. Located alongside Moreton Bay, the Seaside Artists Gallery features rotating artists who showcase art of every style. Located just south of it, the Redcliffe Art Society is housed in the Old Redcliffe Fire Station. Here you can enjoy rotating exhibits or even volunteer to be a part of the Redcliffe Art Society. Finally, north of town, you can find the Fine Art Hut, which curates fine art prints but also sells rare books, including first edition prints.

Toogoom

Anyone who wants to retire in a small rural location with easy access to larger town amenities will want to consider Toogoom. It may be small, but it sits just minutes outside of its larger neighbor, Hervey Bay. Toogoom residents enjoy plenty of beachside access to the bay through Whiting Park or Brennan Park. Guests can easily enjoy a quiet time picnicking along the coast. If you are hoping for something to do in town, shopping is available just twenty minutes east at the Torquay Heights Shopping Centre. After shopping, you can also enjoy a glass of wine and something to eat at the Barrel n Vine.

So Many Places To Retire in Queensland

There is much to see and do in Queensland, from walking the beaches alongside Moreton Bay to learning about the area’s lengthy history at the Warwick Railway Station Museum. The region is vast and packed with things to see and do, making it an excellent part of Australia to retire to. If you are thinking about moving, any one of these 11 towns would make an excellent place to pick from to spend your retirement years.