9 Best Towns In Australia For Retirees
Australia is one of the most beautiful places in the world to spend your golden years, with its stunning coastlines, charming small towns, and endless opportunities for relaxation or adventure. Beyond the famous cities of Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, the country is home to welcoming communities that offer a unique blend of natural beauty, accessible healthcare, and affordable housing, making them ideal for retirees. Whether it’s whale watching in Hervey Bay, strolling along the boutiques of Maryborough, or enjoying vineyard views in Beechworth, these nine towns highlight the very best of retirement living in the land down under.
Hervey Bay, Queensland
Hervey Bay is located in the Australian state of Queensland, 3.5 hours north of Brisbane. The town is widely known as a beautiful spot for spotting humpback whales in Platypus Bay. With a lively population of around 55,000, Hervey Bay is an oceanside retreat with a small-town feel, perfect for a relaxing retirement!
Seniors can walk to Urangan Pier and grab a bite at The Dock Hervey Bay Tapas Bar. Hervey Bay is also home to several retirement communities, such as Golden Shores and Palm Lake Resort, each offering a range of amenities, including a library, pool, and gym. The median home price here is approximately $720,000, which is comparable to the state average. The area offers a variety of activities and breathtaking views. Nearby hospitals also include Hervey Bay Hospital and St. Stephen's Hospital.
St. Helens, Tasmania
St. Helens is famous for its game fishing and delicious oysters, making it a perfect way for seniors to spend their time. It’s also one of the largest cities in the Australian state of Tasmania. St. Helens is a beautiful spot for bird watching, located adjacent to the St. Helens Important Bird Area. Active locals can also enjoy beautiful hikes through the nearby Mount Victoria Forest Reserve. For retirement, proximity to healthcare facilities, such as St Helens District Hospital and Community Centre, is essential.
With plenty to do outdoors, St. Helens is a fantastic option for adventurous retirees. For those who prefer the comfort of the indoors, however, St. Helens offers an adorable beachside downtown area. Enjoy drinks at The Wharf Bar & Kitchen before meandering back home. St. Helens has an average home price of around $570,000, making it ideal for seniors on a budget.
Maryborough, Victoria
Maryborough is located in the Australian state of Victoria, just 104 miles (168 km) northwest of Melbourne, so urban amenities are just a short drive away! The city was originally inhabited by the Dja Dja Wurrung people, but is now home to approximately 8,000 residents from diverse backgrounds. Due to its proximity to a larger city, Maryborough has a robust healthcare system. Check out Maryborough District Health Service and Maryborough & District Hospital.
Sports buffs will enjoy watching Maryborough’s Australian football team in the Bendigo Football League and the minor team, Maryborough Giants, competing in the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football League. If you’re looking to build a community, check out Maryborough Schoolhouse Village. This 55+ community offers a library, gym, and several communal spaces. For some fun, one can take a stroll along High Street and stop into the various boutiques and cafes, such as the Daily Dose Café or the Central Goldfields Art Gallery. Maryborough is a highly affordable option in the state of Victoria, with a median home price of $390,000, which is around half the price in Melbourne.
Yamba, NSW
Yamba is a beautiful coastal retreat at the mouth of the Clarence River in New South Wales. This is an ideal retirement destination for beach lovers! Yamba is just a stone’s throw from the Gold Coast and boasts several beautiful beaches in town. During the off-season, the town is home to roughly 6,000 people; however, during peak season, it becomes considerably busier. This beautiful location comes at a price, with units selling for an average of $810,000, which is still significantly lower than NSW's average of $1.25 million.
From a practical standpoint, Yamba is home to a myriad of medical centers. Some of these include Yamba Private Clinic, Yamba Community Health Services, and Yamba Medical Centre. For stunning seaside views, walk down to the Yamba Lighthouse and look across the water to Shoal Bay. If you walk inland towards the main drag, you will see the beautiful Yamba Golf & Country Club. Looks like tomorrow is a lovely day for 18 holes!
Port Macquarie, NSW
Port Macquarie is surrounded by beautiful ocean and river views, located at the mouth of the Hastings River. Sometimes referred to as Port Mac, or simply Port, this city is home to about 50,000 inhabitants. On the higher end of the price spectrum, the average home price in this area for a two-bedroom is $850,000.
Port Mac is a great spot for retirees who consider themselves animal lovers. Head to The Koala Hospital or Billabong Zoo for close-up animal encounters with Australia’s flagship species. You can also spend your days lounging next to emerald water on their many beaches. Check out Lighthouse Beach, named for the adorable Tacking Point Lighthouse. Port Macquarie is home to several retirement villages, including Dahlsford Grove Lifestyle Village and The Retreat. When it comes to a place to live, you are certainly spoiled for choice! Port Macquarie is home to several hospitals, such as Port Macquarie Base Hospital and Port Macquarie Private Hospital.
Victor Harbor, South Australia
Victor Harbor is located just 50 miles south of Adelaide, boasting over 30 miles of stunning coastline. This seaside village has all the conveniences of a large city. Home prices hover around $740,000. Animal enthusiasts will love to travel across the causeway to Granite Island and see the large colony of penguins that resides there.
Home to Victor Harbor Hospital and Victor Harbor Health, the town offers several options for medical care. There is also no shortage of goings-on around in the area, like the Victor Harbor Farmers’ Market or Victor Harbor Beachside Markets. If you’re looking for a retirement community, try Levande Bay Village or Harbor Village!
Esperance, Western Australia
Only about 14,000 folks call Esperance home. Its characteristic emerald waters make for stunning, sweeping views throughout this seaside retreat. Homes in the area average $540,000. Esperance is a great spot to retire due to its Mediterranean climate and fantastic lookouts, such as Rotary Lookout or the view from the Whale Tail Sculpture.
Retirees will appreciate the proximity to the Esperance Health Campus and the numerous outdoor activities available. Spend your afternoons walking along The Esplanade towards Esperance Museum or Bow Park. Some popular retirement communities in Esperance include the Esperance Aged Care Facility and Esperance Masonic Village, which offer 24-hour care, exercise classes, and a range of activities.
Beechworth, Victoria
Beechworth is a relatively small town, home to only 3,000 people. This teeny town is a great option for retirees who wish to spend their free time outdoors. Bike along Mayday Hills Tree Walks and enjoy the fresh air in outdoor spaces like Queen Victoria Park or Lake Sambell Reserve. Hillsborough Village is the most popular retirement community in the area, but standalone houses are also available for an average of $800,000, which is still well below Victoria's average. Walk along the centrally located Ford Street and meander through shops. Beechworth is also home to Beechworth Health Service, a large public hospital serving the greater area.
Bowral, NSW
Bowral is home to just over 10,000 people and is located about 80 miles southwest of Sydney. This makes the town super convenient for when family visits! Visitors have lots of hotel options. Bowral's average unit prices hover around $900,000, so you are paying a slight premium for the charming location.
Bowral is a nature lover's dream; visit the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens or Mansfield Reserve for a day surrounded by the great outdoors. For a bit of local history, check out the Retford Park National Trust. This heritage garden dates to 1887. Retirees who love to golf will enjoy proximity to Bowral Golf Club. For local hospitals, check out Bowral and District Hospital and Southern Highlands Private Hospital.
Settle Down In Australia
Australia’s small towns are the perfect retirement spot for adventurous adults ready to jump into something new for their golden years. With major airports peppered throughout the continent, visiting kids have plenty of options for air transport. Australia offers an affordable lifestyle and virtually unrestricted access to a stunning natural landscape. Empty nesters on the hunt for a sunny climate, vibrant community, and varied activities need look no further than the land of Oz; you won’t regret it!
