8 Best Australia Towns For Retirees
Retirement is a defining chapter, and where you spend it shapes your comfort and happiness. Over 16% of Australians are now aged 65 or older, creating a growing demand for places that support retirement living. That choice goes beyond scenery—it includes healthcare, housing, and connection. Smaller towns across Australia deliver these benefits with ease. Picture your golden years filled with seaside walks along the Busselton Jetty or whale-watching in Merimbula. You can even look forward to coming home to a warm and well-kept retirement community like Lincoln Grove Retirement Village. No matter what you’re looking for, these towns show why Australia is home to some of the best places to retire.
Busselton, Western Australia
Busselton is a very retiree-friendly town in Western Australia, offering coastal beauty and a friendly community of just under 43,000 residents. The city is famous for the Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden pier in the Southern Hemisphere. Stretching nearly 2 kilometers into the turquoise waters of Geographe Bay, it is a perfect place for leisurely walks or a ride on the jetty train. Beneath the surface, the Underwater Observatory gives you a close look at colorful marine life without ever getting wet.
Beyond the gorgeous coastline, Busselton sits at the gateway to the Margaret River wine region, where dozens of wineries and restaurants turn day trips into lasting memories. The town also has reliable healthcare services, including the Busselton Health Campus, which provides seniors with access to both general and specialized care. Eligible seniors can also benefit from community housing options that provide affordable, secure, and supportive living arrangements close to essential services. Alongside favorites like Origins Market, festivals, and a lively arts scene, Busselton combines natural beauty with the comfort and care retirees need.
Oatlands, Tasmania
Oatlands is a charming small town in Tasmania’s Southern Midlands, best known for its impressive collection of colonial sandstone buildings. With fewer than 1,000 residents, it offers retirees a peaceful lifestyle rooted in history. A town highlight is the Callington Mill, the only working Lincolnshire-style windmill in Australia. Here, you can step back in time and see traditional milling in action. Oatland’s historic streets are lined with well-preserved Georgian architecture you’ll never get tired of seeing.
If you enjoy the outdoors, nearby Lake Dulverton is a popular spot for birdwatching and easy lakeside walks. And, if you’re up for some exercise, take the 7km walking trail that follows the lake’s shores to the village of Parattah. Oatlands also has local cafes, artisan shops, the Callington Mill Distillery, and community events that keep its small population connected. Plus, the Midlands Multi-Purpose Health Centre and surrounding regional services provide reliable healthcare, giving seniors peace of mind while enjoying country living. Combined with its slower pace, heritage atmosphere, and supportive community, Oatlands is an inviting choice for retirement.
Victor Harbor, South Australia
Victor Harbor is a waterfront town on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula. With around 16,000 residents in the town and surrounding rural areas, it is a popular retirement destination. Its coastal setting provides natural beauty, from sandy beaches to rugged cliffs. A favorite attraction is Granite Island, accessible by a causeway where you can walk or ride the horse-drawn tram. The island is known for its wildlife, including a colony of adorable little penguins and seasonal whale sightings. If you love nature, this is the place to be!
Adding to its natural appeal, Victor Harbor offers a rich cultural and social scene. The South Australian Whale Centre offers exhibits, while local festivals give retirees added entertainment. For day-to-day leisure, you’ll find scenic walking trails and plenty of cafes where you can unwind. You’ll also love the Victor Harbor Golf Club, which has panoramic views over Encounter Bay. Excellent healthcare is available through the Southern Fleurieu Health Service, which provides hospital facilities, general practitioners, and specialist care for seniors. Here, coastal beauty meets quality care, making retirement both secure and enjoyable.
Wallaroo, South Australia
Wallaroo is a relaxed town on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula. Recently named one of the top 10 places to retire in South Australia, it’s easy to see why. The town’s long, sandy beach is perfect for swimming or soaking up the sunshine, while the Wallaroo Jetty and marina are favorite spots for boating and fishing. The Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum adds a cultural touch, showcasing the region’s copper mining and maritime history.
In town, local shops, markets, and social clubs offer easy ways to connect with neighbors and stay active. You can also enjoy delicious tapas and craft drinks at The Bond Store, a favorite gathering spot for residents and visitors alike. You’ll also find top-notch healthcare at the Wallaroo Hospital and Health Services. The center provides both inpatient and outpatient care, along with access to general practitioners and specialized health professionals. Retire here and expect the perfect balance of natural beauty, local heritage, and healthcare access.
Merimbula, New South Wales
Merimbula, on the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales, is a favorite for retirees who love wildlife, nature, and relaxed living. Its beaches are the main draw, with Main Beach stretching for miles and nearby Pambula Beach famous for the wild kangaroos that graze by the dunes and grassy reserves. Few places let you enjoy a morning walk by the ocean alongside Australia’s most iconic wildlife.
Merimbula is also well known for fishing, whale-watching, and easy access to Beowa National Park, where trails and lookouts reveal some of the best scenery around. The town also has a strong community feel, with bowls clubs, golf courses, and lively markets bringing residents together throughout the year. Seniors can benefit from healthcare through the South East Regional Hospital in nearby Bega, alongside local clinics and aged-care services in town. Settle here and you’ll find that in Merimbula, even the kangaroos are happy to be your neighbors!
Mittagong, New South Wales
Mittagong offers retirees a refreshing mix of hilly countryside, vineyards, and a welcoming community. It’s located in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, and is home to about 6,000 residents. Known as the gateway to the Highlands, it’s surrounded by natural landscapes that make every day feel like a retreat. Lake Alexandra Reserve is a peaceful spot for walking or picnicking, while bushwalks through Mount Gibraltar Reserve reward you with some of the best views across the region.
Wine lovers will feel right at home with several local cellar doors nearby, including Artemis Wines, where tastings pair perfectly with the Highlands atmosphere. History buffs can explore The Maltings, an industrial site built in 1899, which is tied to the town’s brewing heritage. Community life is equally rich, with art galleries and weekly markets that keep residents connected to one another. Reliable healthcare services are also available with general practitioners in town, and the larger Bowral & District Hospital is just a short drive away. If you're looking for a balance of natural beauty, connected community life, and reliable public services, keep Mittagong on your radar.
Port Lincoln, South Australia
Port Lincoln is a seaside town of about 14,500 people and is located on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. Known as the “Seafood Capital of Australia,” retirees can enjoy fresh catches right from the source, whether it’s dining on local oysters or strolling along the shore with fish and chips in hand. Outdoor life is central here, with opportunities for whale watching, sailing, or simply enjoying the calm waters of Spencer Gulf. The nearby Lincoln National Park is also home to walking trails and wildlife encounters.
For seniors, Port Lincoln offers a variety of housing options, including Lincoln Grove Retirement Village and community living facilities that cater to different levels of independence. Local senior citizens clubs, bowls clubs, and community activities create many ways to stay social. Plus, Port Lincoln Health and Hospital Service, which provides both inpatient and outpatient care, gives access to healthcare services you can depend on. Everything you need to feel connected and supported as a retiree is waiting here.
Port Douglas, Queensland
In Far North Queensland, Port Douglas offers a tropical lifestyle perfectly suited to retirement. It offers a lifestyle framed by two World Heritage treasures: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest forest in the world. Imagine having both natural wonders just minutes from your doorstep, ready for endless day trips and adventures.
Here, leisure comes easily as well. Tee off at the world-class Palmer Sea Reef Golf Course, spend mornings fishing off the marina, or watch the sunset along Four Mile Beach. The municipal calendar is also filled with things to do. Local markets, art galleries, and dining spots make day-to-day life enjoyable.
Retirees can choose from a range of housing options, including retirement villages, apartments, and independent living units that cater to different needs. Healthcare services are available locally through general practices and allied health providers, with larger facilities such as the Mossman Multi-Purpose Health Service only twenty minutes away. When you retire here, you’ll have the essentials covered, leaving more time for reef trips, golf games, and long walks on the beach.
Finding The Best Towns in Australia for Retirement
Retirement deserves a setting that feels both welcoming and complete. Across Australia, these eight towns offer reliable healthcare, comfortable housing, and a rich community life. Each one gives you a slice of enjoyment, from beaches, vineyards, wildlife, or history. Supportive services and a strong sense of belonging help make the transition even easier. Whether you want peace, connection, or adventure, there’s a town here ready to make your golden years the best ones yet!
