11 Best Victoria Towns For Retirees
Situated in southeast Australia, the state of Victoria is bounded by the Tasman Sea and the Indian Ocean. Victoria is the second most populous state in the country and boasts wonderful coastal cities that are attractive to homebuyers. However, with the median home price in the state of AUD $637,000, finding an affordable place to call home can be tricky. Yet with a keen eye, it is not too difficult to find attractive places to retire without sacrificing natural beauty and both cultural and historic destinations.
Warrnambool
With homes selling at a median price of $600,000, Warrnambool is toward the upper end of the cost of living in Australia. Yet for their investment, retirees to the area will find plenty to do along the coast. The Logans Beach Whale Watching Platform is a popular draw for anyone who wants to see the pods of Southern Right Whales migrating past Australia in the winter. Those who want to head into the water will find many beaches, from nearby Flume Beach to McGennans Beach further west. They are easily accessible and are perfect for any retirees hoping to stay active. For anglers, Warrnambool Breakwater shelters the bay, and schools of fish swim around the pier.
Echuca
Landlocked Echuca is an interesting choice to retire, with median home prices of $600,000. It's located inland, about three hours north of Melbourne. There is plenty to enjoy right in Echuca without trekking to the city, though. Murray Valley Regional Park is a popular outdoor spot where guests can sit riverside, go kayaking on the water, or simply enjoy an afternoon barbecue. Close to town, residents can head to Morrisons Winery. A popular option is taking a paddle steamer cruise on the water while enjoying lunch and wine tastings. And retirees in the area can look forward to the Riverboats Music Festival, held in a natural amphitheater and featuring a diverse range of musical performances.
Portland
Among the most affordable cities to live in the state is Portland, with a median home price of $405,000. Portland is set in a beautiful part of the state. The nearby bay is a popular draw for residents, who have access to sandy beaches such as Murrells Beach in the west and Sandy’s Beach in the east. It should come as no surprise that Portland is popular among those who enjoy time on the water. Midway into town, the Portland Town Jetty attracts residents who want to berth their boats, cast a line, or simply sit alongside the ocean. Anyone who wants to learn more about the city’s relationship with the bay can visit the Maritime Discovery Centre, which depicts the complex maritime history of Portland through unique artifacts, such as a 19th-century lifeboat.
Maryborough
Small and affordable, the town of Maryborough attracts residents with homes at a median price of $385,000. Located in the center of Victoria, this town offers plenty to do for anyone who enjoys time outside. Retirees in the area need look no further than nearby Goldfields Reservoir, where residents can cook up an afternoon barbecue and enjoy views of the reservoir from the picnic tables. For time with friends during afternoon tee time, the Maryborough Golf Club offers an 18-hole course with food available in the Fairway Bistro. For those who want a more casual afternoon outdoors, Princes Park sits right alongside Lake Victoria. The park is a popular spot for residents, attracting younger people to the skatepark and fitness enthusiasts of all ages to the outdoor gym. The walking track runs around the lake, where walkers can feed the ducks that call the area home.
Colac
Lovely Colac offers homes with a median price of $460,500. One of its chief attractions is convenient access to Lake Colac. Just 10 minutes north, Rossmoyne Park attracts residents looking for natural beauty without needing extra conveniences. There are no playgrounds or picnic shelters, but free camping is available, and anglers can launch small boats onto the water for a day of fishing. Inside the town, nature lovers might prefer a more structured day at the Colac Botanic Gardens. The Gardens’ winding paths run alongside garden beds and shaded seating areas, with a viewing platform that looks out on a beautiful view. Those who prefer to spend time indoors may instead want to see a show at the Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre. Residents can enjoy musical performances, dance concerts, and holiday specials throughout the year.
Bairnsdale
The median home price in Bairnsdale is just $462,500, which is surprisingly low for all the area has to offer. The Jones Bay Wildlife Reserve has some appealing trails where you can enjoy the sight of wildlife, such as kangaroos and flocks of birds. Closer to home, retirees hoping to stay active can enjoy daily time along the Mitchell River Walk, which winds its way along the Mitchell River and remains nearby to shopping and dining destinations. And for anyone who wants to place a friendly wager, the Bairnsdale Racing Club invites residents to come down to the horse races for an afternoon of thoroughbred horse racing.
Benalla
Benalla is relatively small, but it also boasts well-priced homes, with a median sale price of $480,000. Retirees hoping for diverse things to do will enjoy living here. Reef Hills State Park sits just south of town and makes an ideal place for spotting wildlife and vegetation or even setting out on horseback. Within town, the Benalla Art Gallery, located in the Benalla Botanical Gardens, features art from European and Indigenous artists. The collection includes paintings, drawings, and prints in a variety of media. And for those who enjoy a show, the Benalla Theatre Company produces musicals and plays for residents of Benalla.
Lakes Entrance
Lakes Entrance is among the most popular Victoria retirement destinations, with homes having a median sale price of $500,000. The city is also tucked against the North Arm waterway and the ocean to the south. Unsurprisingly, people retiring here typically prefer to spend their time out on the water. The Far Out Fishing Charters provides tackle and bait for anyone who wants to head out for a day of fishing. A trip out on the water is perfect for friends, with groups of up to 12 people able to head out on the charter. To the south, Lakes Entrance Beach is a popular spot for walking the shores and taking a dip in the water. You can take paddleboats and canoes out onto the ocean, while a cafe is open on weekends for those hoping for a bite after a long day in the sun. For those who want to hit the green while enjoying the water, the Lakes Entrance Golf Club is a top-ranked course not far from the seashore.
Clunes
Clunes is yet another city with relatively affordable home prices, with the median sale price standing at $520,000. It is also a popular retirement destination for outdoor lovers. The Cork Oaks campgrounds sit just west of town, where residents can enjoy expansive views from the top of Mount Beckworth. Inside the town, lovely Queens Park sits just beside Creswick Creek, and residents will find places to barbecue while enjoying a view of the water. The park is close to stores and restaurants for anyone hoping to do some shopping during the day. Just across the creek, new residents may want to stop at Clunes Museum, where they will find exhibitions depicting some of the notable periods and locations that make up the town’s history.
Kilmore
Kilmore is toward the upper end of housing costs, with the median sale price of a home being $635,000. However, there are many conveniences that make retiring there attractive. The state capital, Melbourne, is just an hour away, which allows for a fun day trip to the big city. Yet there is plenty to do in town as well. Kilmore Golf Club is a convenient destination for anyone who wants to tee off for 18 rounds of golf with their newest neighbors. Those who want to test their luck can head to the Kilmore Racing Club, where residents can place a wager while watching the horse races. For residents who want to enjoy a calm day in town, Ryans Creek Reserve invites residents to cook up some barbecue while enjoying the picnic spots around the grounds. Active retirees will find outdoor exercise equipment and a bike track to enjoy while they are out on the grounds.
Mooroopna
For those looking to watch their wallet, Mooroopna is a fantastic destination with median home sale prices of just $445,000. It is also packed with interesting destinations that make retiring there a treat. The Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton is just minutes away, and residents can look forward to walking its lanes and finding winter apples not far from cut-leaf daisies and bluebell flowers. Those who want to spend time teeing off and spending time with their new neighbors can visit Mooroopna Golf Club, available for time on the green as well as a meal at the bistro. Another short trip east of town will bring you to the Shepparton Art Museum, where residents can admire paintings and sculptures or have a drink while enjoying exquisite views from the ambient bar.
Fantastic Places To Retire
Victoria’s welcoming towns offer a unique blend of lifestyle, affordability, and regional character for retirees seeking somewhere special to call home. From oceanfront enclaves to tranquil inland communities, each location provides a strong sense of belonging, outdoor recreation, and convenient amenities, all without the premium price of city living. Whether you prefer daily walks by the water, joining lively community festivals, or relaxing at local cafés, these towns make it easy to enjoy retirement at your own pace. The real promise of Victoria is a fulfilling, balanced life in a setting you’ll love.
