Western Australia's 6 Best Retirement Towns Ranked
Western Australia is the kind of place retirees take a hard look at for good reasons. The climate and coastline are the easy ones. Healthcare and infrastructure round out the practical side. Some communities are ocean-facing while others are inland with mining heritage. The six towns below earn their ranking through hospitals, senior centers, and the right accommodation.
Albany
Albany sits on the southern coast of Western Australia, 410 kilometers away from Perth, the state capital. Home to 41,545 residents, nearly a quarter of them aged over 65, the town was founded in 1826 and is the state's oldest European settlement. It has also managed to retain much of its original colonial architecture, including the Old Farm Strawberry Hill (circa 1827) and Princess Royal Fortress, built in 1893.
Other popular attractions include the National Anzac Centre for its displays relating to the region's wartime past and the Albany Entertainment Centre for its regular theatrical performances and concerts. Best of all, these and many other top attractions in Albany are often on the lookout for reliable older adult volunteers, too.
When it comes to the day-to-day amenities seniors depend on, the Albany Health Campus hospital provides comprehensive medical care and is regarded as one of the best hospitals in the region. Several retirement communities cater to seniors, too, including Glenview Residential Aged Care and Clarence Estate. A dedicated Albany Senior Citizens Centre arranges social gatherings, fitness classes, educational workshops, and even meal programs. While the cost of an average house is relatively high at AUD $840,000, crime rates are low.
Busselton
The seaside town of Busselton is home to 42,900 residents. Over 10,500 older adults aged 65-plus live here, enjoying a strong coastal setting centered around Geographe Bay. Homes on the water come with a big price tag, but off-water single-family residences can be had for AUD $652,000. The town's neighborhoods are considered safe, with local police reports indicating crime rates well below the national average. Senior living communities like Novacare Lifestyle Village or Capecare offer various types of accommodation and assisted living services.
In addition to being affordable and safe, this welcoming town has the healthcare side covered too. Busselton Health Campus, a top-notch facility providing general and specialist care, covers most needs and works closely with St John of God Busselton Health Care for most procedures. When you are ready to socialize, the Busselton Senior Citizens Centre hosts an indoor bowling league and organizes trips to local wineries and attractions. Volunteer opportunities are plentiful, with places like Geographe Community Landcare Nursery being great options for those who enjoy gardening.
On the cultural side, the ArtGeo Cultural Complex presents rotating exhibitions of local and international artworks, while the Busselton Fringe festival in January brings street performances and pop-up galleries to town. It is also worth mentioning that the town is home to the famous Busselton Jetty. Built in 1865 and the longest such pier in the Southern Hemisphere, this wooden jetty stretches 1.8 kilometers into Geographe Bay and makes for a superb walk.
Kalgoorlie-Boulder
Located 600 kilometers due east of Perth, Kalgoorlie-Boulder is an ideal retirement town for those looking for an Outback lifestyle. An upside of its inland location is that homes are relatively cheap compared to many other communities in Western Australia, with median house prices sitting at AUD $345,000. For seniors needing care, aged care services such as those provided by Victoria Park Nursing Home are available. As for safety, crime rates are around half the national average thanks to proactive policing and neighborhood watch programs.
In terms of medical care, Kalgoorlie Health Campus is a reputable hospital with an emergency department, acute care wards, and specialist clinics for various ailments seniors might need help with. Those wanting to stay busy can lean on the Eastern Goldfields Community Centre, which runs workshops and group sessions aimed at keeping older adults active. Volunteering options range across the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Urban Landcare Group's conservation projects and the Goldfields Arts Centre's events.
There is no shortage of things to do in this historic mining center. Home to one of the world's largest open-cut gold mines, the Super Pit, tours of this excavation site are a must. Heritage buildings along historic Hannan Street also connect to the 1890s Australian gold rush era, with sites like the Western Australian Museum showcasing relics of pioneering life. Attractions like these also serve as good places to volunteer.
Margaret River
Margaret River is located three hours south of Perth, and while not on the ocean, the coast is an easy 10 minutes away by car. Proximity to the river after which the town is named is a plus for fans of watersports and fishing, and the Margaret River Mouth Viewpoint, with its beaches and rockpools, is a memorable spot to visit and is just a few kilometers away.
The fact that the area has gained international recognition for its wine industry is another good excuse to retire here. The many wineries scattered across the rolling farmland around town number more than 120, including popular brands like Voyager Estate, offering tastings, fine dining, and vineyard tours. In town, the Margaret River Farmers' Market takes place every Saturday, providing fresh produce from local growers.
Though smaller than other towns on this list, healthcare services are available at the Margaret River Hospital, a public facility providing emergency care plus general medicine and allied health. A handful of senior-oriented housing options exist nearby, such as Leeuwin Apartments, while the Margaret River Community Centre for Seniors organizes social get-togethers and bus trips. Real estate here is generally pricier due to its reputation as a wine tourism destination, so those wanting a place of their own should expect to pay around AUD $825,000 for the privilege. And as you would expect for an upscale retirement spot, crime rates are low.
Esperance
Famous for the turquoise waters of the Recherche Archipelago, Esperance is an ideal spot to retire for fans of the great outdoors. Located in the southern coastal area of the state overlooking the Great Australian Bight, Esperance is just a 30-minute drive away from Cape Le Grand National Park. Here you will find the wonderful beaches of Lucky Bay, famous for its white sand and coastal kangaroos. The Great Ocean Drive is another scenic must-do and passes multiple beaches and lookout points.
Essential healthcare services are provided by the Esperance Health Campus, a highly rated hospital offering emergency and outpatient services. Wondering where to live? Those needing a helping hand should look into the residences and services at Esperance Aged Care Facility, a reputable assisted living facility. Prefer your independence? Property prices here are moderate, with median house prices of AUD $332,500. As for crime, there is not much to concern yourself with here as rates are among the lowest in the country.
Geraldton
Geraldton, located a four-hour drive north of Perth, features a striking Indian Ocean seascape that is especially appealing to retirees. Home to just over 38,500 people, its maritime and WWII history is on display at the HMAS Sydney II Memorial on Mount Scott, and the Museum of Geraldton with its informative exhibits about local shipwrecks. These attractions, along with the Abrolhos Islands (reachable by charter flight) and Champion Bay, are also popular tourist spots and present many opportunities for those seeking to volunteer or do some part-time work.
What about the practical side that matters to seniors? On the healthcare front, the needs of older adults are met by Geraldton Regional Hospital which offers emergency care, inpatient services, and a range of outpatient clinics. Seniors looking for community support can turn to Juniper Hillcrest, an aged care facility, and the Geraldton Seniors Action Group, which coordinates social activities and advocacy programs. As for independent living, homes here maintain a lower median price compared to coastal communities farther south, hovering around AUD $250,000 for a good-quality two-bedroom condo unit.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, there is no denying Western Australia's appeal to retirees. Whether you prefer coastal living or something in Australia's Outback, the country's largest state has something to satisfy your interests and lifestyle. And they are not just pretty places to live, either. Well-established medical facilities, active senior centers, and plenty of volunteer programs all add up to ensure a practical, meaningful, and secure retirement. Whatever your needs, Western Australia's six best retirement towns are guaranteed to please.
