7 of the Friendliest Towns To Retire In Western Australia
Smaller towns across Western Australia have practical options for retirees seeking lower housing costs and a friendly environment. Benefits such as the WA Seniors Card help reduce everyday expenses through transport concessions and utility discounts. Local events, including the Banquet on a Bridge, bring residents together throughout the year. These towns have regional shires that run fitness programs and creative classes. Nearby trails, such as The Gap and Natural Bridge, have short and accessible walks.
These towns offer a version of retirement built on affordability, familiarity, and a slower pace.
Albany
As Western Australia’s oldest colonial settlement, Albany has a population of around 35,000 and a median house price of around $1,000,000 AUD ($685,000 USD). Residents aged 60 to 69 make up one of the town’s largest demographic groups. Healthcare services are available at Albany Health Campus, a major regional hospital.
Residents over 50 can take part in programs such as Albany’s Long Live You initiative, which includes creative workshops and volunteer opportunities. Due to its coastal setting, many residents spend time swimming, scuba diving, and boating. Nearby trails, including The Gap and Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park, have an easy, flat 0.5 km (less than half a mile) walk.
Busselton
Busselton is located along the shores of Geographe Bay. One of its defining landmarks, the Busselton Jetty, stretches 1.8 kilometers (just over a mile) into the bay and has stayed intact through decades of harsh weather. You can walk its full length or take a small train ride to the underwater observatory at the end.
At the Busselton Senior Citizens Centre, residents can take part in activities such as indoor bowls, table tennis, yoga, and fitness programs. Healthcare services, including in-home and specialized care, are available through Busselton Health Campus. Home to approximately 40,000 residents, Busselton’s median house price is $950,000 AUD ($653,975 USD).
Margaret River
Margaret River is one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions, with over 220 world-class wineries. The population is just over 19,000, and the median price of homes is around $981,500 AUD ($675,300 USD). General healthcare services are available nearby at Margaret River Medical Centre, with additional support through local programs such as “Staying in Place,” which helps seniors live independently.
At the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, residents can take part in programs such as walking groups, creative arts, and music classes. Beyond town, limestone caves like the Mammoth Cave and Ngilgi Cave are both accessible through maintained paths and boardwalks.
Denmark
Denmark is known for its biodiversity, with plant and animal species unique to the region. At the Shire of Denmark, retirees can take part in classes such as pickleball and play-reading groups. Natural parks, including Greens Pool, have calm conditions for swimming, and surrounding trails like the Kwoorabup Walk have moderately easy routes for walking.
Denmark has a population of around 6,900, with a median house price of $820,000 AUD ($564,900 USD), placing it within the mid-range for regional towns in Western Australia. Healthcare services are available locally at Denmark Hospital and Denmark Family Practice.
York
York is one of Western Australia’s oldest inland towns, established in 1835, with a population of around 4,200. The median house price is around $565,000 AUD ($389,000 USD). It is one of the more affordable options among Western Australian towns. Healthcare services, including 24-hour nursing care and rehabilitation, are available at Pioneer Memorial Lodge.
Community programs such as bowling and digital skills workshops are available for retirees through the Shire of York. For outdoor activity, the Avon Walk Trail is a flat, easy 1.5 km (less than a mile) path along the Avon River. The trail includes picnic tables, barbecues, and access to the historic Swinging Bridge.
Bridgetown
Surrounded by Jarrah Forest, Bridgetown is one of Western Australia's cooler-climate towns. The median house price is $732,500 AUD ($503,600 USD), with healthcare services available at Bridgetown Medical Group and Bridgetown Hospital.
At the Bridgetown Leisure Centre, seniors can access fitness classes and heated outdoor pools. Every year in winter, the Banquet on a Bridge takes place over the Blackwood River, where residents gather to share local and seasonal food. Outside of events, Golden Valley Tree Park, a 60-hectare (148-acre) arboretum, is a popular place for afternoon walks.
Nannup
Known as the “Garden Village,” Nannup has a population of just over 1,000. The median house price is around $770,000 AUD ($530,900 USD) and healthcare services can be found locally at Nannup Hospital and Nannup Medical Centre.
The Nannup Community Resource Centre runs activities such as chair yoga and gardening groups for seniors. Beyond these programs, outdoor activities include kayaking on the Blackwood River and swimming at Barrabup Pool. Seasonal highlights such as wildflower viewing in Kondil Park take place year-round with peak blooms occurring September through November.
Choosing the Right Place to Retire
Small towns across Western Australia have programs that create opportunities for friendly interaction and lower living costs. Median house prices vary by location, generally falling between $565,000 and $1,000,000 AUD (about $389,000 and $689,300 USD). Local shires have classes for retirees, and every town has access to healthcare services.
Each town supports a different lifestyle. Albany is located near the ocean, where activities such as boating and scuba diving are common. Bridgetown’s forested surroundings contribute to a cooler climate. Many towns also include accessible trails, like the Avon Walk Trail, for easy adventures in nature.
