9 Best Towns In Western Australia To Retire Comfortably
Western Australia beckons retirees with an extraordinary collection of coastal and inland havens where affordability blends with breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant community spirit. From pristine beaches stretching along the Great Southern coast to charming agricultural towns nestled within renowned wine regions, these thoughtfully selected destinations deliver exceptional value for retirement living. Each town maintains populations under 50,000, ensuring an intimate community atmosphere while preserving essential services and modern amenities that enhance daily life.
Esperance
Esperance captivates as Western Australia's crown jewel of coastal retirement, where world-renowned beaches seamlessly merge with remarkably affordable living. Home to around 14,000 people, it offers beachside peace and a slower pace. The median house price is a highly affordable AUD$520,000 (USD$344,000), an incredible value for a seaside town. Moreover, the Esperance Health Campus provides comprehensive healthcare services to the region, and retirees stay socially connected through regular events such as carpet bowling, gentle exercise, and card games at the Esperance Civic Centre.
The internationally famous Lucky Bay, within Cape Le Grand National Park, is renowned for its powder-white sand dotted with kangaroos, and its crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming. The 40-kilometer Great Ocean Drive is a breathtaking coastal touring route with multiple scenic lookouts and pristine beach access points. Golf enthusiasts enjoy the challenging 18-hole Esperance Golf Club, which features stunning ocean panoramas from nearly every hole.
Albany
Albany stands proudly as Western Australia's premier retirement hub, with a population of just over 40,000, nearly a quarter of whom are over the age of 65, which is a testament to its exceptional appeal. Located about 400 kilometres south of Perth, Albany radiates history and coastal beauty. Health services are robust and delivered through the modern Albany Health Campus. While housing in Albany is more expensive than in other towns on this list at an average of AUD$967,500 (USD$640,000), it is still significantly less expensive than large cities like Perth, and its infrastructure and amenities justify the cost.
The National Anzac Centre is a world-class museum offering a deeply moving, interactive experience that honours the legacy of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Torndirrup National Park is a must-see for its dramatic coastline, where the powerful forces of the Southern Ocean have carved out geological wonders like The Gap and Natural Bridge. For a taste of local life, the Albany Farmers Market has been a weekly hub for fresh produce and social connection for nearly 25 years.
Denmark
Denmark enchants retirees seeking a creative community atmosphere within stunning natural surroundings. It is perfectly positioned between the magnificent Southern Ocean and a fertile agricultural hinterland. With median house listing prices of around AUD$685,000 (USD$453,000), it is not the most affordable spot on this list, but it is on par with towns of similar size and appeal. The Denmark Hospital and local clinics serve the community when it comes to essential healthcare.
The town's artistic soul is on display at the ArtsHouse, a creative hub with studios and multi-purpose spaces where artists can gather, create, and share their work. William Bay National Park is home to Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks, a series of sheltered, turquoise swimming holes protected by giant granite boulders. For a delightful outing, the Boston Brewing Company offers a relaxed setting to enjoy fresh, local craft beer and a meal on the sun-drenched deck.
Geraldton
Geraldton shines as a vibrant coastal city blessed with abundant sunshine and lower living costs than most metropolitan areas. Home to approximately 33,000 residents, this thriving regional hub offers full access to medical facilities like the Geraldton Regional Hospital, as well as a range of shopping outlets and cultural attractions. Furthermore, the median house price of approximately AUD$450,000 (USD$297,000) remains relatively affordable for Western Australia.
The poignant HMAS Sydney II Memorial on Mount Scott is a beautifully designed monument offering panoramic views and a place for quiet reflection in honor of a significant piece of WWII maritime history. Coronation Beach, just north of the city, is a world-renowned destination for kite surfing and windsurfing, perfect for watching the action or enjoying the vast, windswept shore.
Kalgoorlie-Boulder
Kalgoorlie-Boulder delivers a unique retirement experience with surprising urban amenities and affordability. This historic gold mining town is home to over 30,000 residents and combines frontier heritage with well-established infrastructure. Housing is also reasonable, with median listing prices of around AUD$357,000 (USD$236,000), making this a great option for retirees on a fixed income. Kalgoorlie Health Campus serves the region, though some specialist services may require travel to Perth.
As for local attractions, the Super Pit is an iconic, must-see open-cut gold mine—a staggering man-made canyon that offers free public lookout views of its immense scale and 24/7 operation. Meanwhile, the Goldfields War Museum provides fascinating insight into the region's pivotal role in Australia's mining and military history, and the Gribble Creek Walk and Cycle Way is a 12-kilometer route perfect for exploring Kalgoorlie at your own pace.
Manjimup
Nestled in the heart of the Southern Forests, Manjimup is a haven for retirees who appreciate an inland, country lifestyle surrounded by nature's giants, and its median house price of around AUD$440,000 (USD$289,000) makes it one of the most affordable towns in the region. As for healthcare, the Manjimup District Hospital provides comprehensive services.
The Manjimup Heritage Park is a jewel in the crown of this nature-loving town, featuring the State Timber Museum, which chronicles the area's rich logging history amidst beautiful parklands. Fontys Pool is a unique, spring-fed swimming hole set in a picturesque grove, offering a wonderfully relaxing and nostalgic day out, while the surrounding karri forests, like those in D'Entrecasteaux National Park an hour south of town, provide a stunning backdrop for peaceful walks among some of the world's tallest trees.
Jurien Bay
Jurien Bay emerges as a coastal gem where crystalline turquoise waters meet pristine white sand beaches. This tranquil town offers relatively affordable median house prices of around AUD$710,000 (USD$470,000) and a slow-paced lifestyle centered around the stunning Indian Ocean. Moreover, Bolton Clarke's retirement village provides resort-style living within walking distance of shops and beaches.
The protected Jurien Bay Marine Park transforms daily life into an aquatic adventure, offering world-class snorkeling and diving among vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, while the Jurien Bay Jetty is a local favorite for leisurely strolls, fishing, or watching sea lions play in the water below. For a day trip, Sandy Cape Recreation Park delivers even more pristine, dune-backed beaches ideal for swimming and picnicking.
Margaret River
Margaret River beckons retirees with its world-renowned wine country elegance, where rolling vineyard hills cascade toward stunning coastlines. Median house prices here are a bit more expensive than others on this list at around AUD$893,000 (USD$590,000), but comparable to popular spots like Albany and Busselton, and still cheaper than Perth. The Margaret River Hospital provides comprehensive medical services, supported by the town's status as a premier tourism destination.
The area is an absolute haven for food and drink lovers. A visit to the renowned winery Leeuwin Estate offers not only exceptional tastings but also stunning sculpture gardens and fine dining. The Margaret River region is also home to some incredible caves, such as Jewel Cave with its massive stalactites and Lake Cave with its permanent lake and suspended table formation, both of which offer a fascinating underground adventure into ancient limestone formations. For walkers, a section of the Cape to Cape Track boasts spectacular coastal views, wildflowers, and possible whale sightings from the clifftops.
Busselton
You’ll fall for Busselton the moment you visit, thanks to its sun-kissed beaches, legendary jetty, and relaxed coastal life with ample services. With a population just under 50,000, it offers a perfect blend of community and convenience, and house prices reflect the area's desirability at around AUD$875,000 (USD$578,000). Don't let this deter you, however. Busselton's commitment to seniors is evident through the activities and services offered through the Busselton Senior Citizen's Centre, as well as a wide range of community housing options.
The town’s most iconic landmark is the Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. A stroll along its 1.8-kilometer length is a journey into the beautiful Geographe Bay. At the end, the Underwater Observatory descends eight meters below the surface to view a vibrant coral reef through viewing windows. The foreshore is home to a thriving dining scene, including Shelter Brewing Co., which offers delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere with stunning ocean views.
Your extraordinary retirement adventure in Western Australia awaits, promising an unparalleled blend of welcoming community spirit, relative affordability, and breathtaking natural beauty that will exceed your highest expectations. Whether you are looking to spend your golden years on the beaches of Esperance or nestled in the forests of Manjimup, these towns are ready to welcome you home.
