There is no wonder so many individuals choose to retire in Brisbane, with its warm climate, vibrant lifestyle, and easy access to essential services. For those wanting to enjoy all the perks that come with retiring in such a well-connected city, yet still yearn for the peaceful, breezy charm that comes with living by the water, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll compare each of our two villages by the bay: Manly and Redcliffe. We’ll go through the amenities, proximity to services, and lifestyle of each community, so that if you’re considering a move, you can feel better informed and more confident in your decision to retire bayside.
Benefits of Coastal Retirement in Queensland
Before diving into the differences between our Manly and Redcliffe villages, we thought it best to delve into the benefits of bayside living:
- Coastal Air = Cleaner Air: Coastal areas often have lower levels of air pollution compared with urban centres, thanks to natural ocean breezes that disperse pollutants. In fact, according to IQAir, Wynnum (adjacent to Manly) ranks among the cleanest areas of air in Queensland.
- Encourages an Active Lifestyle: Living near the coast provides a natural motivation to spend more time outdoors. Whether it’s walking along the beach, swimming or cycling, being close to nature makes it easier to maintain regular physical activity.
- Boosts Vitamin D Levels: Spending time outdoors while staying active also increases exposure to sunlight, which supports the body’s production of vitamin D, essential for strong bones, a healthy immune system, and overall health.
- Better Sleep Quality: The combination of fresh air, natural light, and the soothing rhythm of the ocean can help improve sleep quality, making it easier to wake feeling rested and refreshed.
Amenities, Activities, & Accommodation
At The Village Retirement Group, the well-being (both physical and mental) of our residents is our number one priority, which is why you’ll find that at each of our villages, we offer an extensive array of amenities and activities, many of which are shared across locations.
Our Manly and Redcliffe villages offer residents the following:
- Heated swimming pools
- Lawnbowls
- Gym
- Yoga/Tai Chi
- Craft room, darts, & billiards tables
- Cinema
- Hair/beauty salon
- Library
- Café/bar & restaurant type facilities
- BBQ/outdoor social areas
In terms of accommodation, our Manly and Redcliffe villages differ quite significantly. Manly residences are modern apartments, many featuring generous balconies or terraces, high-end finishes, and beautiful coastal or water views. These apartments suit those who prefer a contemporary, low-maintenance lifestyle and don’t mind vertical living with lift access.
By contrast, The Village Redcliffe offers single-level villas designed to feel more like a traditional home. With private patios, garages, and an easy-to-navigate, ground-floor layout, they’re ideal for those who value accessibility, privacy, and a more house-like environment.
Proximity to Shops, Public Transport, and Healthcare Services
When it comes to location, both The Village Manly and The Village Redcliffe offer unique advantages, providing distinctive coastal lifestyles while remaining well connected to Brisbane.
The Village Manly
The Village Manly offers residents stunning views of the Marina and Moreton Bay. Not to mention, The Village is perfectly positioned for those who desire an active, vibrant bayside lifestyle, with a walking and cycling path that runs the length of the waterfront, alongside plenty of waterfront cafés, restaurants and casual dining spots.
Just nearby, you’ll find Manly Harbour Village, a charming precinct of open-air shops, boutiques, pharmacies, post offices, and banks, boasting everything you could possibly need in retirement. You’ll also find the Manly Farmers Markets (1st and 3rd Saturday of the month) and the Creative Markets (every Sunday), where you can enjoy delicious food alongside fresh produce and local arts and crafts.
Boating enthusiasts will also appreciate the proximity to both Wynnum-Manly Yacht Club and the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, contributing to the area’s strong maritime culture.
In terms of healthcare, Manly is home to the Wynnum-Manly Community Health Centre, Gundu PA, as well as Redland Hospital and Mater Private Hospital. Transport is convenient too, with The Village Manly being only a short walk to the train station, while plenty of bus routes connect to the city, Valley, and surrounding bayside suburbs.
The Village Redcliffe
The Village Redcliffe, located in Rothwell on the Redcliffe Peninsula, offers a more laid-back coastal charm. Residents enjoy easy access to beaches like Suttons and Queens Beach, as well as the family-friendly Settlement Cove Lagoon, which features swimming areas and a play park perfect for grandchildren.
The recently renovated waterfront is a hub of activity, featuring pubs, restaurants, and scenic ocean views. Here, residents can enjoy a mix of local cafés, dining options, and the famous Redcliffe Markets on Sundays.
Transport is convenient with Rothwell Station on the Redcliffe Peninsula Railway line and nearby bus stops connecting to Chermside, Brisbane, and surrounding suburbs. Health services are also readily available, with Redcliffe Hospital, Peninsula Private Hospital, and North Lakes Health Precinct all nearby.
Lifestyle & Community
All of our villages are designed to encourage connection, well-being, and the enjoyment of retirement, with every aspect of each village carefully planned to support these community and lifestyle goals.
In terms of the lifestyle of the location itself, Manly offers a vibrant, bayside atmosphere where life feels lively and energised, yet balanced with a sense of ease that comes from being close to the water. The community exudes a friendly, sociable spirit, making it easy to feel part of a connected and engaging environment.
Redcliffe, on the other hand, presents a more tranquil coastal lifestyle, with a gentle, laid-back rhythm that encourages relaxation and a slower pace. Its welcoming community creates a sense of belonging and calm, offering the perfect setting for those who appreciate a peaceful, friendly, and connected environment.
If either of our villages in Manly or Redcliffe sounds like the perfect place for you or your loved one to spend their retirement, please don’t hesitate to book in a tour. In doing so, you (or your loved one) will be able to see firsthand the lifestyle, community, and amenities of each village, and fully appreciate the unique lifestyle and wellbeing benefits of retiring by the bay.
