8 Best Places To Retire In South Australia
Australia is known for many things: koalas, kangaroos, being the home of a fictional madman named Max, warm weather, beautiful scenery, and incredible people. The state of South Australia, in particular, is a wonderful place to retire. Spanning 984,314 square kilometers (380,046 square miles), South Australia features a wealth of towns that are perfect for sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying one's golden years. The rugged, beautiful state offers a laid-back lifestyle, with plenty of opportunities for adventure. With the median cost for a home in South Australia sitting around A$850,000 in 2026, there are plenty of retirement options at one's fingertips.
Victor Harbor
Established in 1863, the beautiful town of Victor Harbor has so much to offer residents and visitors. Perhaps one of the best and most unique ways to view the town and the surrounding area is with a relaxing ride on the Victor Harbor Horse-Drawn Tramway. Enjoy a relaxing trip as two friendly Clydesdale horses and a driver give an amazing tour of the area.
One of the most amazing things about Australia as a whole is the incredible animal life, including in its surrounding waters. The South Australian Whale Centre is a wonderful way to learn about nature's largest sea animals in a friendly, informative environment. Victor Harbor enjoys a warm, Mediterranean climate that is perfect for taking a nice walk or going about daily activities without the fear of a chill creeping in. The town is only about 50 miles from Adelaide, which makes the larger city perfect for a day trip while living in Victor Harbor. Homes in town can be found for around A$690,000, which is quite a bit under the state median.
Port Lincoln
Port Lincoln is the type of city people tend to imagine when thinking of Australia. The community of 14,404 features stunning beaches, like Shelly Beach, along a rugged coastline, and plenty of green space to enjoy in a mostly warm, Mediterranean climate.
One of the best things about Port Lincoln is its seafood, like that served at local favorite eatery Del Giorno’s Cafe. The city calls itself Australia’s "Seafood Capital," and with the abundance of sea life found in the surrounding waters, it's easy to see why. Homes in Port Lincoln have a median price of around A$530,000, which is practically a steal compared to the state median.
While in Port Lincoln, history lovers will want to stop by the Axel Stenross Maritime Museum, where visitors can learn all about the man and the city’s aquatic history. For an awe-inspiring view of the area, make sure to pay a visit to the Old Mill Lookout. Getting into and out of Port Lincoln is easy thanks to its proximity to the Port Lincoln Airport.
Port Pirie
The beautiful city of Port Pirie is one of the largest cities in South Australia's Mid North region, with a population of 13,896. At the same time, those looking to make a move to this charming community can find houses around A$235,000, much less than the state median of A$850,000. Spending one's golden years in Port Pirie means living in a place with long, dry summers and cool winters. No need to pack a parka. While in Port Pirie, residents can catch any number of live performances at the state-of-the-art Northern Festival Centre.
To learn more about the area's incredible history, make sure to stop in at the Port Pirie Regional Tourism and Arts Centre. Speaking of arts, the Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery features an amazing selection of creative expression from a variety of talented artists. Those who enjoy a good walk while viewing some incredible history, the Port Pirie Heritage Walk is an opportunity to enjoy the pleasant weather and view over a dozen historic buildings, including the old post office. Perfect for sending postcards to those back home.
Mount Gambier
Founded in 1854, Mount Gambier is South Australia's second-most populous city, boasting a population of 26,878. Despite that size, though, the community still very much has that small-town vibe. Along with its people, one of the area's biggest draws is its stunning natural scenery. The city is located on the slopes of Mount Gambier, a dormant volcano.
The town itself is home to one of the most unique bodies of water on the planet in the form of Blue Lake. What makes this lake so unique? Well, as it happens, Blue Lake actually changes color. In the summer months, the lake becomes a jaw-dropping cobalt blue, while in the wintertime, it shifts to a cool, steel gray. Though don't think the changing color of the lake indicates incoming snow. Mount Gambier enjoys a temperate climate, with warm summers and cool, sometimes single-digit winter temperatures.
Have an urge to step back in time? A visit to Echo Farm might just be in order. The active farm allows guests to relax by interacting with the friendly animals or take a self-guided tour around the property. Perhaps one of the best ways to learn about a new hometown is to explore its creative community, which is on full display at the Riddoch Arts & Cultural Centre. While inside, visitors can view several art exhibits and catch a live show. Homes in Mount Gambier can be found for about A$399,000. The welcoming atmosphere and laid-back way of life make Mount Gambier an excellent place to retire.
Strathalbyn
Just 37 miles from South Australia's capital of Adelaide is the town of Strathalbyn. The community of 7,871 may be small in size, but it makes up for it in personality and history. Petrol heads will absolutely want to check out Gilbert’s Motor Museum, featuring a large collection of cars and motorcycles. Before even entering the museum, visitors are greeted with a photo opportunity beside the Kenny Blake Memorial statue, commemorating the famous motorcycle racer.
If that is too much of a high-octane experience for some, then perhaps something a bit more eclectic might be in order specifically, a trip to the Antique Bazaar of Strathalbyn. The large store is home to countless treasures that would make perfect decorations or gifts for a new home. Of course, no one moves to a town in South Australia to stay inside all day.
The Soldiers Memorial Gardens is a wonderful place to relax and have a barbecue while surrounded by lush greenery and enjoying the town’s Mediterranean climate. Homes in town can be found for around A$690,000, which is a good value compared to the state median. For a tasty meal, be sure to stop by local favorite The Vault before heading home.
Whyalla
Wonderful Whyalla, South Australia, is also known as "Steel City" due to the town's long-standing steel industry. Homes in Whyalla can be found for about A$619,000, leaving plenty of financial room to take full advantage of all the town has to offer. Whyalla enjoys an arid climate that provides hot summers and mild winters, which are perfect for enjoying the stunning Ada Ryan Gardens, featuring lush waterfront green spaces ideal for letting the day melt away. For a fun way to stay in shape, pay a visit to Bowland Whyalla for some bowling, fun, and food.
Whyalla was established in the early 20th century and has grown into a town of around 20,880 residents. One of the best ways to see some of the area's amazing history firsthand is to visit some of the historic buildings, including the Spencer Hotel. It's also a comfortable place for friends from out of town to stay. While the town is about 245 miles from Adelaide, getting to and from Whyalla is convenient thanks to the Whyalla Airport, located just a few miles away.
Clare
The beautiful town of Clare was founded in 1842 by early European settlers in the area. Since then, the town has grown to a population of 3,379 and evolved into a wonderful place to spend one's golden years. Houses in town can be found for around A$560,000, which is practically a steal compared to the state median. Visitors and residents of Clare alike enjoy spending time at nearby Martindale Hall, a stunning 32-room Georgian-style mansion completed in 1877. The jaw-dropping former home, now a museum, makes visitors feel as if they have stepped back in time while walking its impressive halls.
Meanwhile, the Clare Valley Museum provides opportunities to learn more about the area's rich history through a series of exhibits. Thanks in large part to the fertile soil in the area and the Mediterranean climate, the Clare Valley is home to several wineries. While in the area, stop in at Shut The Gate Clare Valley Cellar Door to try some of their delicious wines and see where the magic happens. From there, enjoy a hearty meal at Cafe 1871 before taking a relaxing walk along the Riesling Trail. Just keep those cell phones charged.
Naracoorte
Home to just 5,223 people, the town of Naracoorte has a lot to offer in a small package. Houses in Naracoorte are values compared to the state median and can be found for around A$495,000. Sports fans moving to Naracoorte will have an embarrassment of riches at their fingertips, thanks to the town having its own Australian Rules football, soccer, and rugby teams. Make sure to head to a Naracoorte Jets rugby game and cheer the boys on.
For a more passive but equally amazing experience, Naracoorte Caves National Park is a natural wonder home to an impressive collection of fossils. A guided tour makes for an educational and relaxed way to learn about the area's deep history. One of the best things about Naracoorte is its thriving artistic community, whose contributions can be found at the Naracoorte Regional Art Gallery.
As wonderful as South Australia's warm climate is, sometimes one just wants to cool off and escape the heat. Thankfully, the town thought of that and built the Naracoorte Swimming Lake, a stunning man-made lake open and free to use from late November through March 31. Surrounding the lake is plenty of green space with BBQ areas, perfect for spending a relaxing day. Just don't forget the sunscreen.
Affordable, Friendly, and Full of Life: Retire in South Australia
On paper, it's easy to see why South Australia is an ideal place to live. Warm summers and cool winters alone are what dreams are made of. But one of the best parts about Australia as a whole is that it's full of surprises and variety that dazzle, delight, and entertain, as evidenced by each of the places spoken about in this article.
While all of the towns are welcoming, each has its own unique flavor that makes it special. Some towns are perfect for digging into history. Others are perfect for wine connoisseurs or petrol heads, while still others are ideal for simply taking it easy. No matter what a person is looking for in an ideal town to spend their golden years, any of these cost-effective, friendly towns would make a fine place to call home. Happy travels.
