9 Best Towns In Queensland For Retirees

Queensland, located in the northeastern quadrant of Australia near the famed Great Barrier Reef, is one of the country’s most beautiful and diverse states, making it an attractive location for retirees. Often, people over 65 prioritize affordability, community, and lifestyle when looking for a town to call home. In Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane, median housing prices are at a record high of approximately $952,000 in September 2025, and the overall median housing prices in the state of Queensland hover around $812,000 for homes and $675,000 for apartment units. While these numbers may make it seem like Queensland is no longer an option for retirees, there is some very good news. Several small towns offer more affordable housing options while still being close to Queensland's natural beauty. With house prices often below the state median, access to health services, and rich natural and cultural attractions, these nine towns offer compelling options for seniors.

Yeppoon

Perched on Queensland’s Capricorn Coast, Yeppoon presents a compelling blend of coastal scenery, islands, and relaxed town amenities. While prices in more scenic or beachfront areas tend to be on the higher end, Yeppoon tends to remain below the Queensland state median in many areas. The presence of over-50s land-lease communities also provides more affordable and low-maintenance living options. Oak Tree Retirement Villages has two locations in Yeppoon, both with quality villas and communal amenities that encourage seniors to stay active and independent. Additionally, Capricorn Adventist Retirement Village offers independent-living units, as well as a dementia-specific care unit.

For general health services, the Capricorn Coast Hospital and Health Service serves the residents of Yeppoon. As far as leisure activities go, retirees here often take advantage of the beautiful natural scenery and the town’s proximity to Great Keppel Island. A 30-minute boat ride in the renowned Great Barrier Reef brings people to the budget-friendly island with a tropical climate, where they can stay overnight or just for the day. Retirees enjoy activities such as strolling along the white sand beaches and the overall serene lifestyle that Yeppoon offers.

Maryborough

On Queensland’s Fraser Coast, Maryborough is a peaceful river town that appeals strongly to retirees. Maryborough’s median house price is around $480,000 for houses and units for around $300,000, which is significantly below many major coastal centres and the Queensland state median. The relatively low cost of housing is just one of several reasons Maryborough is a more liveable option for retirees in Queensland. When it comes to healthcare, the Maryborough Hospital serves the residents in the area, offering comprehensive emergency care and specialist outpatient services.

Staying active is easy for retirees in Maryborough thanks to the numerous opportunities to appreciate local nature and culture. A walk along the Mary River is a great way to enjoy the waterfront and pick up fresh produce from local markets at the same time. Residents also head to nearby Hervey Bay to enjoy a leisurely day at the beach, as well as do some whale-watching. When looking for an indoor activity, residents spend time at the Maryborough Heritage Centre, where they can look through immigrant records and genealogical history, or visit The Story Bank, a museum dedicated to stories and P.L. Travers, the author of Mary Poppins.

Gladstone

While Gladstone may be known by some as an industrial port city, retirees also find its quieter residential areas and natural spaces to be quite attractive. Facing Island, an area of Gladstone located approximately 12 km by boat from the mainland, is a great place for nature lovers who want to spend their golden years fishing, snorkeling, or relaxing on a beach. At the Tondoon Botanic Gardens, residents of all ages enjoy the beautiful gardens, walks by the lake, and leisurely afternoon picnics. Retired artists and art lovers also appreciate the exhibits at the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum, which celebrate local culture and art.

As far as affordability is concerned, the residential suburbs of Gladstone offer some of the most reasonable prices around. Outside of the tourist hubs and industrial areas, the median house price in Gladstone is roughly $478,000, and the average unit price is approximately $327,000. Additionally, the region is home to multiple retirement homes and private retirement villages. Beacham by Teman is a notable retirement village in Gladstone that provides opportunities to build community and enjoy activities in a sunny haven for seniors. Should the need arise, Gladstone Hospital provides a 24-hour emergency department, specialist outpatient services, and orthopaedic care.

Gympie

Set inland on the Mary River, Gympie’s claim to fame is a major gold discovery that happened in the 19th century, which is said to have saved the entire state of Queensland from bankruptcy. The area’s mining heritage is still celebrated at the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum, a popular spot for tourists and residents fascinated by the history of Australia’s gold rush. The museum also hosts the Steam Festival every October and outdoor markets on some Sundays each month. The rolling hills and orchards of the Mary Valley are the perfect setting for a leisurely afternoon drive.

The Mary Valley Rattler, a historic train that still runs through the valley, offers rides, VIP experiences, and even pet-friendly sections. If you want to do some birdwatching or enjoy a leisurely walk, the green spaces and walkways along the Mary River are perfect. Gympie Hospital provides public health care, while multiple facilities and retirement centers support seniors specifically. The median house price in Gympie is around $605,000, which is comfortably below the state median. This is just one more reason for retirees to consider enjoying their golden years in Gympie.

Bowen

With its calm bays and uncrowded beaches, Bowen is a lovely coastal town with a variety of amenities and activities perfect for seniors. Median house prices are around $510,000, which is much lower than some of the more tourist-centric spots in the area. If you are looking for residential support, facilities such as Murroona Gardens Aged Care provide a range of services to local seniors. Being known as the “Mango Capital of Australia” brings a sense of pride and an abundant supply of tasty fruit to the town.

Take a fun, quirky photo next to the Big Mango, a beloved 10-metre-tall roadside attraction in Bowen, which is conveniently located next to the Bowen Visitor Information Centre. Other outdoor attractions in Bowen include Horseshoe Bay and Queens Beach, which offer safe swimming thanks to patrols and safety flags. Flagstaff Hill Lookout provides panoramic views of the Coral Sea. For retirees looking for an easygoing lifestyle near world-famous holiday destinations at a fraction of the cost of other cities, Bowen is an excellent option.

Stanthorpe

Located on the Granite Belt in southern Queensland, Stanthorpe appeals to retirees seeking a slightly cooler climate and four distinct seasons (a rarity among towns in the state). With wineries, orchards, and national parks nearby, Stanthorpe offers a wealth of recreational activities. Along the Granite Belt Wine Trail, dozens of boutique wineries provide tours, educational opportunities, and samples of delicious Australian wines. At Girraween National Park, visitors can enjoy camping, bushwalking, and witnessing the stunning wildflowers bloom in spring.

If you are an art-lover, the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery showcases vibrant cultural displays that intrigue and delight visitors. In addition to its various recreational opportunities for seniors, Stanthorpe is also a practical and affordable option. Median house prices are around $532,000, with unit prices averaging about $425,000. Additionally, BlueCare Stanthorpe Home and Community Care, an organization committed to empowering seniors in the community, along with other retirement villages and aged care centres, are all located in town.

Ingham

Ingham is a small town in Northern Queensland that is surrounded by sugarcane fields and tropical wetlands. Known as the “Little Italy” of the north due to its Italian heritage, Ingham is an excellent place to retire thanks to low living costs and strong community ties. With a median house price around $295,000, Ingham is one of the most affordable coastal retirement options in the state. When it comes to recreation, Ingham is perfectly situated for nature-lovers. Wallaman Falls, Australia’s tallest single-drop waterfall, with nearby camping and hiking opportunities, as well as Jourama Falls, and the Coral Sea, are all within a short drive away. Within town, the TYTO Wetlands is a popular place for birdwatching, with its designated walking paths with seating along the way. Golf enthusiasts will also enjoy hitting a round at the Ingham Golf Club, which features an 18-hole course and a welcoming clubhouse.

Ayr

If tranquility, natural beauty, and affordability are on your list of priorities for retirement, then you should probably put Ayr on your list of towns to consider. Ayr, a rural town surrounded by sugarcane farms, rivers, and wetlands, is defined by its small-town character and proximity to the Burdekin River and the Coral Sea. Housing in Ayr is quite affordable compared to other towns in Queensland, with a median house price of around $345,000. As with other towns in the state, BlueCare offers aged-care accommodations that support senior living in various meaningful ways. In Ayr, BlueCare Burdekin Home and Community Centre is situated in the heart of town and offers a range of services, including healthcare and management, meals, and social activities. Because Ayr is close to so much natural beauty, it makes perfect sense for seniors to spend their free time exploring it. Walk across the Burdekin River Bridge, an engineering marvel and local landmark, or go fishing on the river. At Bowling Green Bay National Park, enjoy peaceful walks among nature and learn about local fossils, shells, and minerals at The Ayr Nature Display.

Innisfail

With plenty of riverfront walks, fertile farmland, and easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, Innisfail beautifully blends tropical scenery and Art Deco architecture to create a haven for retirees. The town’s median house price is about $300,000, so those living on a fixed income can feel more confident in their home purchasing power than they may in other coastal cities. Moreover, if you’re looking for tranquility in your golden years, the Johnstone River waterfront offers peaceful strolls and fishing spots, or take a self-guided tour of the town’s Art Deco buildings. The Johnstone Shire Hall, built in the 1930s, is a fantastic example of the town’s architecture and a popular concert space that remains in use. A great way to spend a leisurely day in nature is just a short drive away at nearby Etty Bay Beach or Moresby Range National Park. For health care needs, Innisfail Hospital is the main provider, and facilities such as BlueCare’s Palmerston Aged Care also support retirees in the area.

Retirement is all about finding a place that fits your lifestyle, values, and budget. While rising property prices across Queensland, especially in Brisbane, may seem discouraging, the state still offers many spectacular options for retirees. Access to health services, recreational activities, and vibrant communities is all readily available in Queensland, and now you know where to look. Now, all you have to do is decide which town is right for you.