9 Best Towns In South Australia To Retire Comfortably
Welcome to retirement, the South Australian way! From diverse wildlife to gorgeous sandy beaches, this state is the perfect place to hang up your hat and settle into a new chapter. Home to Adelaide, the bustling capital, South Australia offers world-class wineries, stunning scenery, and a relaxing lifestyle. For retirees searching for a destination that truly has it all, look no further. South Australia is ready to welcome you with open arms.
Mount Gambier
Lying along the Limestone Coast of South Australia is the state’s second-largest town, Mount Gambier. With a median home price of around AUD $500,000 in 2025, well below the South Australian median of AUD $900,000, Mount Gambier is an affordable choice for retirees looking to stretch their retirement dollars.
Begin your adventures at the famous Blue Lake/Warwar, a natural wonder that changes shades of blue throughout the year. While you can't swim in the volcanic crater, nearby Little Blue Lake is a popular spot for swimming and cave diving with stairs leading to the water. For social activities, the Mount Gambier & District Senior Citizens Club offers bowling, a library, and opportunities to connect with others. Meanwhile, nature lovers can enjoy a stroll through the Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul, a stunning limestone sinkhole and beloved attraction that’s free to explore.
Healthcare is well covered in Mount Gambier. Mount Gambier and District Health Services provides a range of specialties, and a recent $24 million hospital upgrade ensures residents continue to receive top-notch care, which is a reassuring benefit for anyone planning their retirement here.
Port Lincoln
Port Lincoln is a beach lover’s paradise on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. Known as Australia’s Seafood Capital, this coastal town offers stunning ocean views and mouthwatering local dishes to enjoy. Best of all, housing is affordable, with a median house price of AUD $500,000, meaning retirees can easily stretch their budget further while soaking up the laid-back lifestyle.
For a taste of the best local cuisine, head to Del Giorno’s Café. Open seven days a week and overlooking Boston Bay, it’s a favourite for fresh, locally caught seafood. Just half an hour away, you’ll find Coffin Bay which is famous for its oyster farms and national park. Stroll along Almonta Beach for a long, peaceful walk or simply sink your toes into the sand and soak it all in.
Healthcare is also a strong point here. Port Lincoln Hospital and Health Service provides 24/7 medical care, and the town has recently introduced an initiative called “Empowering Our Elders: A Strategy for Living and Ageing Well in Port Lincoln (2024)”. This initiative places older residents’ voices at the heart of planning and guiding new actions over the next five years to support a healthy and happy livelihood.
Clare Valley
The Clare Valley, one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, has plenty to offer retirees. With beautiful wineries, scenic walking and biking trails, and rolling vineyard views, it’s an ideal place to slow down and enjoy life. Best of all, with a median house price of around AUD $495,000, the Clare Valley offers retirees an affordable way to embrace wine-country living.
Retirees can spend their days cycling along the famous Riesling Trail, taking in sweeping vineyard landscapes, or diving deeper into the region’s heritage by joining a winemaking experience at Knappstein Wines. For those looking to stay active and connected, the Valleys Lifestyle Centre provides fitness classes, a heated pool, and a welcoming café where locals gather.
Healthcare is also well supported, with Clare Hospital offering a wide range of services to keep residents at ease. And when it comes to planning for the future, Helping Hand Carinya provides retirement living and aged care options with lifestyle and nutrition programs tailored to meet individual needs.
Wallaroo
Our journey through South Australia continues to the Yorke Peninsula, to the seaside town of Wallaroo. Just a two-hour drive from Adelaide, this coastal town is known for its clear blue beaches and abundant fishing opportunities. With a median house price of around AUD $490,000, retirees can enjoy the lifestyle at a reasonable cost of living.
Wallaroo boasts three main beaches: Office Beach, Sailing Club Beach, and North Beach. North Beach is especially unique, as it’s one of the few beaches in the area where you can drive right onto the sand. Just minutes from the shore, The Smelter Café offers coffee, sandwiches, and light bites perfect for a casual lunch or coffee break after a morning walk.
Getting around the Yorke Peninsula is easy with the Copper Coast Dial-A-Ride, offering bus services on Wednesdays and Fridays to neighbouring towns, giving retirees ample time to explore the region without relying on a car. For those seeking residential care or retirement options, Star of the Sea provides a secure, friendly environment with a nearby shopping center.
Victor Harbor
The coastal town of Victor Harbor, located on the Fleurieu Peninsula, offers a relaxing seaside atmosphere with a variety of activities to explore. While the median house price remains below the state’s average at AUD $740,000, the town’s beautiful amenities make it a great value for retirees looking to enjoy all that South Australia has to offer.
A must-visit destination is Granite Island, accessible by a leisurely stroll across the causeway or the historic horse-drawn tram. Here, visitors can spot adorable little penguins and even humpbacks and southern right whales. Food lovers will enjoy the variety offered here. From pizza to burritos, there’s something to satisfy every craving. For a true taste of local cuisine, visit The Original Fish Shop, an iconic spot renowned for its classic fish and chips.
Retirees seeking community engagement can head to the Encounter Community Centre for coffee, tea, and a range of classes, including pottery and drumming. Healthcare needs are well supported by the Southern Fleurieu Health Service, providing retirees with peace of mind while enjoying their new coastal lifestyle.
Goolwa
Goolwa is a coastal town just an hour south of Adelaide, where the Murray River meets the Southern Ocean. Known for its beautiful beachside vibes, it offers a relaxed lifestyle with stunning scenery and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The median house price sits at around AUD $607,500, making it an accessible option for retirees seeking modern living in a peaceful coastal setting.
The town is rich in culture and free community events, such as the South Australian Wooden Boat Festival. This biennial celebration highlights the state’s boating traditions and provides a fun way to experience local culture while enjoying the waterfront atmosphere. Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby Coorong National Park, which is renowned for its abundant birdlife and pristine waters.
Healthcare and community services in Goolwa are well-established, with the Goolwa Medical Centre offering a variety of services to ensure residents feel supported and comfortable. For those looking to stay socially active, the Goolwa Community Centre provides classes for all ages, ranging from art and fitness to cooking.
Williamstown
On the edge of the Barossa Valley, you’ll find Williamstown. Its location makes it especially appealing for retirees, being close to the Adelaide Hills wine region while offering a variety of shopping and amenities within the town. The median home price sits at around AUD $722,500, making it an accessible option for those looking to enjoy a peaceful yet connected lifestyle.
A highlight of Williamstown is the Whispering Wall, an engineering marvel at the Barossa Reservoir, where a whisper at one end of the dam can be heard clearly more than 100 metres away. While Williamstown lacks the coastal allure of some other towns on this list, it does have a community pool with lap lanes and a small boat launch at South Para Reservoir. For a bite to eat, head to Barossa Bakehouse Bistro, where you can savor delicious pizzas, pastas, and burgers.
For those seeking retirement living, Wirraminna Care is an inviting, community-run facility. To support its residents, the organization also operates its own charity shop, conveniently located on Queen Street in central Williamstown, and donates the proceeds to help fund resources at the facility. Healthcare needs are met by the Williamstown General Clinic, which offers a range of services to ensure residents have peace of mind.
Port Pirie
On the Spencer Gulf lies Port Pirie, an industrial seaport town with a rich history and a welcoming community. Here, you’ll find walking trails, parks, and historic museums to explore as you get to know the area. With a median house price of AUD $355,000, well below South Australia’s state average, it’s a highly affordable option for retirees looking to stretch their budget.
Port Pirie also serves as the gateway to the Flinders Ranges, just a two-and-a-half-hour drive into rugged mountain landscapes filled with stunning views and diverse wildlife. In town, history buffs can visit the Port Pirie National Trust Museum, which is free to enter and showcases the region’s shipping and smelting heritage. For recreation, the Port Pirie Lifestyle Village offers a friendly hub with golfing, fishing, and regular community events, making it easy to meet new people and enjoy a relaxed pace of life.
Health and well-being are well supported, too. The Port Pirie Regional Health Service provides 24/7 emergency care alongside a range of medical services, giving retirees peace of mind that help is always close at hand.
Moonta
Finishing off our list is Moonta, a town on the Yorke Peninsula. Popular with families and retirees alike, Moonta is known for its white sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming and fishing. Even better, houses here remain affordable, with a median price of around AUD $400,000.
Step back in time at the Moonta Mines Museum, where you can learn about the Cornish pioneers who shaped the region’s copper-mining history. For a taste of local dining, Capella’s is a favourite spot, serving up hearty Italian meals. Meanwhile, at Moonta Bay, you’ll find a beautiful walking path along the shore, with plenty of nearby shops and cafes to enjoy at your own pace.
Retirement here is designed with comfort in mind. The Moonta Bay Lifestyle Village offers relaxed living and a central community hub where residents can easily connect and socialize. For peace of mind, the Moonta Medical Centre provides caring and accessible healthcare services.
Finding Home In South Australia
These nine towns have taken us on a journey through South Australia, from world-class wineries and sun-soaked beaches to striking natural wonders, historic hubs, and welcoming community spaces. Each destination brings its own unique style, yet all offer the chance to slow down, connect, and embrace the rewards of retirement. Wherever you decide to settle, South Australia offers opportunities for everyone to find their perfect home.
