Considering retiring is a huge decision within itself, and selecting the right location to retire is undoubtedly one of the most pivotal aspects of this process. At The Village Retirement Group, we understand the significance of this decision and are here to offer our insights into some of the best places to retire in Australia. Our goal is to help guide you toward making an informed and fulfilling choice for your retirement destination.
Helping You Make The Right Decision
If retirement is on the horizon for you, chances are you’re already knee-deep in research and planning for your next chapter. For many individuals over the age of 60, the decision of when and how to retire will be based on several factors, which can make the decision-making process overwhelming. These factors encompass considerations such as financial stability, healthcare options, lifestyle preferences, family dynamics, and more.
To alleviate some of this stress and uncertainty, we have compiled a list of the best places to retire in Australia. This way, you can explore various options and find the perfect location that aligns with your needs and desired lifestyle.
8 Best Places to Retire in Australia in 2024
When looking for a place to settle down in their retirement, those over 60 typically are looking for the same combination of factors. These include low crime rates, access to quality healthcare facilities, affordable housing options, a pleasant climate, proximity to amenities, and a strong sense of community. Fortunately, in Australia, we’re blessed with several locations that offer these desirable locations in abundance.
From laid-back coastal paradises to idyllic countryside settings and bustling cityscapes for those seeking a more vibrant urban retirement, the possibilities are endless. Stay with us as we explore the top retirement destinations in Australia and provide you with valuable insights to help you make the most informed decision.
Echuca, Victoria
Located on the banks of the Murray River in Victoria, Echuca is a charming historical town that offers its residents a tranquil and laid-back lifestyle. With its serene riverside setting, stunning natural environment, and tapestry of cultural and historical sites, Echuca is the perfect place for those seeking a slower pace of life. Here, residents can enjoy various recreational activities such as fishing, walking, and kayaking amidst the picturesque surroundings of the Murray River.
Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, retirees benefit from a range of amenities, healthcare services, and social clubs away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Undoubtedly one of the best places to retire in Australia, Echuca boasts a vibrant community atmosphere. Its calendar is peppered with various events, including the Riverboats Music Festival and Winter Blues Festival, fostering a strong sense of community-mindedness and camaraderie among its residents.
Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Beyond its world-class wineries and stunning countryside scenery, the Hunter Valley is a haven for retirees seeking a relaxed yet sophisticated lifestyle. The Hunter Valley offers its residents everything they need to enjoy a vibrant and fulfilling retirement, including quality amenities, healthcare services, dining options, and outdoor activities such as cycling, golfing, bird watching, and more.
With mild weather year-round and a strong sense of community, the Hunter Valley offers retirees a truly idyllic retirement destination. Its convenient location near Sydney and Newcastle allows them to access city amenities while enjoying the tranquillity and charm of rural living.
Sunshine Coast, Queensland
With endless warm weather, crystal clear beaches, and lush hinterland scenery, the Sunshine Coast is a dream retirement destination for those seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Here, amongst the natural beauty and serene surroundings, life moves at a slower pace, allowing retirees to truly unwind. Not to mention, the Sunshine Coast is filled with various amenities, including excellent healthcare facilities, leisure activities, plenty of housing opportunities, and a vibrant dining scene.
Whether you enjoy the coastal towns of Noosa and Caloundra or the peaceful hinterland areas like Eumundi and The Glasshouse Mountains, the Sunshine Coast offers retirees a diverse array of experiences. So, regardless of how you envision spending your golden years, the Sunshine Coast provides an ideal backdrop for a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement experience.
Mornington Peninsula, Victoria
Renowned as the best place to retire in Australia, the Mornington Peninsula is just a short drive from Melbourne, offering retirees a coastal escape within easy reach of the city. With its picturesque coastline, charming seaside villages, rolling hills, and thriving culinary scene, the Peninsula provides retirees with ample opportunities for relaxation, fine dining, community engagement, and outdoor exploration.
It’s also worth noting the exceptional quality of public transport infrastructure on the Peninsula, with a range of bus lines providing non-driving residents with convenient and reliable transportation. Various housing options are also available to retirees, including over 50s communities, retirement villages, and beachfront cottages, all within reach of top-notch healthcare facilities, community amenities, and town centres.
Esperance, Western Australia
A picturesque coastal town on the bottom of Western Australia, Esperance offers residents a laidback lifestyle against a stunning natural backdrop of shimmering white sands and crystal clear waters. Small but mighty, you shouldn’t let its size be an indication of its limitations, for Esperance (and the nearby Castletown) boasts plenty of essential amenities, healthcare facilities, and outdoor recreational activities.
More than just this though, residents of Esperance stay for its community-mindedness; this could be partly due to its size with regular community events and markets, always bringing residents closer together. Whether you’re seeking relaxation in your golden years or looking to stay active and adventurous, Esperance’s charm makes it the perfect place to retire.
Northern Rivers, New South Wales
Stretching from the hinterland to the coast, the Northern Rivers presents the ideal retirement destination with its warm climate, laid-back lifestyle, scenic landscape, and vibrant community. With bustling farmers’ markets, plenty of outdoor recreational activities, and an abundance of opportunities for community engagement, it’s no surprise the Northern Rivers is a top retirement destination. From the bustling streets of Byron Bay to the regional towns of Lismore and Ballina, retirees can experience the perfect balance of urban life, coastal living, and countryside charm.
According to the 2021 census, over 45% of the Northern Rivers population was over 50, highlighting its popularity among retirees. This statistic can be attributed to the housing affordability and cost of retirement living in the Northern Rivers compared to other major cities. This allows retirees to stretch their savings while still accessing quality healthcare services and amenities.
Victor Harbour, South Australia
Just a short drive from Adelaide, Victor Harbour is a picturesque coastal town offering retirees a perfect blend of seaside charm and modern amenities. Despite its size, the town boasts several retirement villages, aged care facilities, and essential amenities, ensuring retirees have everything they need to lead an active and fulfilling retirement.
Victor Harbor fosters a strong sense of community, with various social clubs, seniors’ groups, and community events providing ample opportunities for engagement and social interaction. Those seeking a more active lifestyle will appreciate the abundance of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, golfing, hiking, and swimming, all set against a backdrop of lush greenery and pristine coastline.
Brisbane, Queensland
Last but certainly not least, the city of Brisbane offers its retirees an idyllic blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. Retirees are drawn to Brisbane for its subtropical climate, which offers year-round warmth, but stay for its dynamic lifestyle, which includes a vibrant dining and cultural scene and ample outdoor activities.
Brisbane is also home to several world-class healthcare facilities, including hospitals and medical centres known for their quality of care and specialised services. Additionally, the city’s efficient public transportation network, consisting of buses, trains, and ferries, makes it easy for retirees to navigate the city and explore surrounding areas without needing a car.
Home to some of the best retirement villages in Australia, including The Village Retirement Group, Brisbane offers retirees a range of accommodation options, whether that be over-50s communities, retirement villages, apartment complexes, and so much more.
