11 Best Towns In Western Australia For Retirees

After a lifetime of hard work and dedication, everyone deserves to retire into their dream lifestyle. For some that dream envisions vast oceans, ethereal dining experiences, rich cultural experiences, or reliable hospitals and aged care. Luckily, the expansive state of Western Australia has plenty of options which fit these descriptions. Here is your invitation to explore eleven of the best towns in Western Australia for retirees.

Albany, Great Southern

Albany in Great Southern, Western Australia is an excellent place for retirees who are seeking the reliability of metropolitan resources in a small town. With many local physicians available and the Albany Health Campus, residents can easily find health services tailored to their needs. The town of Albany also has retirement villages, such as St Ives Albany, where seniors can enjoy heated pools, outdoor dining, full-service clubhouses, and more.

Furthermore, retirees can retreat from daily life with guided tours at Albany Tours such as the Mt Barker Grape Escape. Departing from the Albany Visitor Center, seniors can taste their way through a variety of prestigious wines while learning about the town. Similarly, the National Anzac Centre is for those who crave to know more about the local history. Lastly, retirees can always find a delicious meal at the many Albany restaurants, such as the Liberte-a Parisian inspired bar based inside the historic London Hotel

Kalgoorlie, Goldfields-Esperance

Deep inland off of the Great Eastern Highway 94 is the town of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. Full of arts and entertainment, this area is perfect for retirees who prefer the countryside over the seafront. With restaurant options like Paddy’s Eat & Drink, retirees can dine in or take home handcrafted cuisine. Once the hunger is satisfied, locals can feast their eyes at the Goldfields Art Center.

Kalgoorlie-Boulder is a reliable option for aged care, as well. With places such as the Victoria Park House, residents can relax with the help they need. The Victoria Park House is also near the Kalgoorlie Health Campus where they can receive further medical treatment. The dependable healthcare, local entertainment, and everyday luxuries like the Orana Cinemas, makes Kalgoorlie an excellent place to retire.

Busselton, South West

Two hours down the coast from Perth is the small coastal town of Busselton, Western Australia. Retirees can relax in curated lifestyle communities such as the Busselton Lifestyle Village made for people forty-five years and older. In this neighborhood, retirees can enjoy walkable shopping, vegetable gardens, boat storage, and other amenities. There is also the Busselton Health Campus Hospital making healthcare easily accessible.

While in Busselton, retirees can visit the Busselton Jetty. This massive jetty features train rides; one of these rides leads to an underwater observatory that gives another worldly experience. Residents can also find new perspectives at the “Out of the Ordinary” exhibit at the Busselton Art Society Gallery. These incredible local businesses, including fine dining on the seashore at places like Kyst, ensure that any day in Busselton can bring something new.

Broome, Kimberley

Positioned next to Roebuck Bay off of the Indian Ocean is the small town of Broome, Western Australia. This seaside city provides a community focused environment for retirees seeking a social retirement. Recurring events, such as the Broome Courthouse Markets, allow for residents to meet likeminded people. Better yet, the Salty Plum Social walking tours gives residents a way to stay active, social, and up to date on the city’s trends. Community thrives in all areas of Broome, especially at the Black Stump Gallery which highlights the local natural beauty.

Other than the inviting local culture, Broome offers retirement homes and health centers as well. With the Broome Health Campus in town, retirees can be sure that the necessary services are always accessible. Keeping with the sociability of the town, communities such as Germanus Kent House provide assisted living to retirees who may need it. With active lifestyle programs and modern aged home care, Germanus Kent House can make anyone feel at home.

Yanchep, Western Australia

Forty-five minutes outside of Perth is the coastal town of Yanchep. With its discrete location outside of the big city, Yanchep is ideal for people searching for a laidback retirement. At locations such as Bethanie Beachside, retirees can relax in luxury without the noise. This retirement community offers waterfront views, hairdressers, heated pools, and more to their residents.

Outside of the home, retirees can immerse themselves in the local luxuries of Yanchep. The Sun City Country Club can be tailored to individual needs with public booking and memberships to fit any golfer's needs. On restful days, locals can kick back at the Orion Cafe for restaurant foods and views overlooking the lagoon. When craving an adventure, seniors can visit the Wangi Mia Meeting Place - Aboriginal Experience in Yanchep National Park to learn more about the history of the land.

Esperance, Goldfields-Esperance

Esperance is a great locale for retirees who are seeking an independent lifestyle without aged care. Located between the Fitzgerald River National Park and the Cape Arid National Park, Esperance offers unparalleled natural beauty. Conveniently, the Esperance Health Campus allows residents to access any necessary healthcare they may need.

For pilots and lovers of unique views, the Fly Esperance experience provides unmatched views of Australia’s impressive landscapes. Fly Esperance allows for retirees to become very familiar with the hidden gems of their new home. Local restaurants like The Quarters serve as a reminder of why Esperance sets itself apart in Western Australia. Residents can also explore the Esperance Museum to learn the inspiring local history and to see exclusive exhibits.

Margaret River, South West

Forty minutes down the coast from Busselton is the quaint town of Margaret River. Despite its small-town ambiance, this charming town has everything a retiree may desire. Beginning with the Margaret River Lifestyle Village, residents can settle in on the perfect piece of land. Boasting sleek homes and a modern clubhouse, this lifestyle village feels like quiet luxury.

The Margaret River Farmers Market provides unfettered access to nutritious ingredients and artisan goods as a way to support the community. For casual evenings, Margaret River Brewhouse serves commendable beers and an amazing atmosphere. On the well-deserved celebratory days, residents can indulge themselves with wine tastings or restaurant cuisine at the Voyager Estate.

Collie, South West

Inland of Bunbury and surrounded by national forests like the Westralia Conservation Park, Collie is unforgettably beautiful. One place to take advantage of the scenic views is the Harris River Estate. At this winery, retirees can toast to a successful life with house made wines, infused gins, and indulge in the winery’s Australian ambiance. To experience a different kind of beauty, consider visiting the Collie Art Gallery and enjoy local masterpieces or the delightful poetry readings.

When it comes to healthcare, the Collie Hospital serves its residents well. This community hospital makes Collie’s location between nature preserves feel less remote. The town of Collie is made complete with the Retro Respection vintage shop. With rare items and old school style candy, this shop gives retro history another breath. Collie is a combination of the best parts of life with stunning natural surroundings.

Dunsborough, South West

Dunsborough sits in an area that is constantly kissed by the sea. On the coast of a small peninsula, this classic beach town feels like a daily vacation. Featuring picturesque local shops like the Merchant and Maker, Dunsborough is sure to make retirement feel like a movie. The Simmos Ice Cream shop adds the extra cherry on top to an already incredible town.

Retirees can learn more about this coastal town at the Yungarra Gallery which features incredible aboriginal artists from the Western Australia region. The Dunsborough Medical Centre can assure residents that their medical needs can be handled. For seniors requiring further care, this lovely town is also home to the CapeCare Dunsborough. Here, residents can still enjoy life in a beach town with all the assistance they could need.

Northam, Wheatbelt

The hour and a half drive inland of Perth makes the town of Northam feel remote. Yet, the Northam Health Service allows retirees to enjoy their time with the comfort of accessible healthcare. The next best medicine, laughter, can be found at the Northam Theater Group. The city of Northam also celebrates the Nyoongar culture and provides generational knowledge about the area.

When it comes to antique travel, the hot air balloons of Northam, West Australia do it best. Soar over Northam and beyond with Liberty Balloon Flights Perth - Avon Valley invites guests to indulge in breakfast and breathtakingly scenic views. If hot air balloons are too high, become grounded with indigenous and environmental insight at Bilya Koort Boodja.

Kununurra, Kimberley

Kununurra, a charming small town in the far northeast of Western Australia, sits just south of Lake Argyle and along the scenic Ord River, offering retirees a tranquil lifestyle surrounded by stunning natural beauty. If a world which combines the color pink with the natural dazzle of diamonds sounds like heaven, then retiring in Kununurra may be the place for you. While that last line may be hyperbole, the pink diamonds at Kimberley Fine Diamonds are as magnificent as they sound. Mined in a nearby area, these rare pink diamonds outshine the competition with their rich color.

To keep the good times rolling after finding the perfect diamond, be sure to visit The Hoochery Distillery. This local rum maker is self-proclaimed to be “Far from ordinary. 100% Australian Rum.” With the convenience of Kununurra Hospital nearby and quality aged care facilities like Juniper Gerdewoonem, retirees can enjoy peace of mind while living in this scenic inland town.

Retirement is one of the most revered stages in life and deserves to be lived to the utmost. Whether one is seeking a calm metropolitan experience or an adventurous small-town lifestyle, Western Australia has all the options.