The Best Places to Retire in Australia

Australia is blessed with so many wonderful destinations offering the perfect retirement lifestyle, from the coast to the countryside. In fact, few would argue that we have some of the best places to retire in the world, whether it’s an affordable small town, a seaside haven or an internationally acclaimed tourist destination.

Coffs Harbour, NSW

Known for its magical beaches, idyllic bushland and yes, the iconic Big Banana, Coffs Harbour is a recreational paradise and a treasure trove of scenic natural beauty. The waters off Coffs Harbour Marina contain the Solitary Islands Marine Park, a sanctuary that’s home to abundant wildlife, coral reefs and seasonal whales. In fact, Coffs Harbour is one of the only places in the world where you can swim with humpbacks. It’s a haven for boat lovers and keen anglers, with plenty of bushwalking tracks to explore and a thriving city centre for all of your wining, dining, shopping and entertainment needs.

If you’re keen to experience retirement life at its idyllic best, our Lorikeet Arrawarra community is bordered by natural bushland, with direct access to 7km of unspoilt beach and regular visits from local wildlife.

Set alongside Hearnes Lake with Woolgoolga Beach on its doorstep, The Pines Woolgoolga also offers an enviable over 50s lifestyle in a relaxed coastal community.

Upper North Coast, NSW

Classic beach towns on the Upper North Coast of NSW have soared in popularity in recent years, with an influx of people choosing these quieter seaside havens over the busier Byron Bay region. Voted among the Top 10 Best Towns by Australian Traveller Magazine 2019 and declared to have one of the best climates in the world by Stanford University, Yamba is becoming quite the fashionable destination, as evidenced by the growing number of trendy cafes, design stores and revamped homes. Enjoy a drink at the Yamba pub and you’ll experience an ocean view that few establishments can match. Our Grevillea Waters community provides front row seats to all that thriving Yamba has to offer, from coastal attractions and glorious riverfront walks to golfing.

Anyone looking to recharge their batteries with a healthy dose of salt water, sandy beaches and fresh seafood need look no further than Evans Head. Surrounded by national parkland, this little slice of paradise is among the best small towns to retire to. Located on the banks of the Evans River, our Riverside community will make you understand why the town is fondly known by locals as ‘Heavens Head’.

Moreton Bay, QLD

If you’re looking for an affordable beach town to retire to, you can’t go past those of Queensland’s Moreton Bay region, loved for its laidback coastal lifestyle. Explore the trails running through tropical national park, go whale watching or drive over the causeway to Bribie Island. Cruise along the Moreton Bay Cycleway or do as the locals do and treat yourself to a beer and fresh oysters on the rolling lawns of the Sandstone Point Hotel.

Wake up with the sea breeze greeting you every morning at Orianna Sandstone Point, a first-class Hometown community surrounded by natural beauty. Located just an hour from Brisbane, it’s perfect if you’re keen to experience retirement life at a more leisurely pace.

Mid North Coast, NSW

A renowned recreational playground, the Mid North Coast of NSW is dotted with beachside towns and larger cities, from Forster up to Port Macquarie and onto Coffs Harbour. Take a drive up this glorious stretch of coastline and you’ll discover magical beaches, ocean pools, lush national parkland and some excellent fishing and boating opportunities.

The perfect place to retire if you adore relaxed beachside living, our community at Beachfront Hallidays Point is set next to award-winning Black Head Beach, regarded as one of the best swimming spots in the Manning Valley and identifiable by the shady Norfolk Island pines that line its beachfront. Meander along the rainforest walk which encompasses striking coastal landforms or play a few rounds at the championship golf course at Tallwoods Country Club.

A warm, welcoming community also awaits at Newport Port Macquarie, perfect for retirees looking for the convenience of urban living with that laidback feel. Spread across 20 lush acres, it’s just a short drive to the city centre, the Hastings River and the area’s wonderful beaches.

Port Stephens, NSW

An easy 2.5 hour drive north of Sydney, the once sleepy town of Port Stephens is now a vibrant coastal destination and a renowned retirement hotspot. Set at the mouth of the Karuah River, it’s home to waterways without the crowds, some truly beautiful stretches of coast and a bay area brimming with marine life. It offers an abundance of adventures both on and off the water. Enjoy idyllic nature walks, scenic drives, famously fresh seafood and a thriving culinary scene that’s seen acclaimed restaurants such as Rick Stein’s Bannisters change the dining landscape.

Located between the ocean and bushland, Sunrise is one of our premier resort-style Port Stephens communities, where you can spend your time exploring the natural beauty of the local area. Similarly, Sandy Shores provides the perfect retirement option for those who desire proximity to the calm waters of Salamander Bay.

Albury, NSW

Set on the mighty Murray River, Albury and its twin town of Wodonga just across the Victorian border offer a unique take on country living. There’s endless enjoyment to be had on the red gum-lined river, from swimming and kayaking to walking and cycling trails. There’s also plenty of culture to immerse yourself in, with a thriving arts scene, world-class galleries and plenty of great restaurants to sample after your outdoor adventure. With the Snowy Mountains and Rutherglen wine region nearby, the area is a treasure trove of adventure and excitement, no matter what you’re into.

Located in the quiet haven of Springdale Heights to the very north of the town, our established community at Boronia Range Albury offers the best of both worlds, with a warm country feel and all the conveniences you’d expect from a vibrant regional centre.

Central Coast (Lake Macquarie), NSW

The series of small communities dotted around Lake Macquarie are some of the Central Coast region’s best and most affordable places to retire, with so much nature to enjoy. Explore the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area, with its foreshore picnicking spots and idyllic walks, or spend a day boating on the calm waters, discovering pretty bays and top fishing spots.

Set right on the shores of Lake Macquarie, our friendly boutique Lakeside Chain Valley Bay community enjoys one of the area’s premier locations. Nestled among manicured grounds, it offers access to a host of wonderful water-based activities.

Just five minutes away, our Teraglin Lakeshore community offers a similarly desirable address, set on 23 acres of lakefront right near the Chain Valley Bay Boat Ramp.

Victor Harbor, SA

South Australia’s favourite holiday destination is unsurprisingly a magnet for retirees. Surrounded by stunning beaches, islands, rocky cliffs, rivers and fertile farmland, it’s a dream destination for lovers of nature and the great outdoors. The list of things to experience in this beloved coastal town is endless, from fabulous boating and fishing in the bountiful waters to walking the Heysen Trail that runs across the Fleurieu Peninsula to Cape Jervis. Take a horse-drawn tram across the causeway to Granite Island, home to a wild penguin colony and follow up your adventures with a meal at one of many great local restaurants.

Retirees can enjoy the laidback seaside lifestyle at Rosetta Victor Harbor, a well-established Hometown community set on 40 acres of prime real estate, just a short walk to the calm turquoise waters of Encounter Bay, frequented by southern right whales.

Goolwa, SA

A historic port on the Murray River near the Murray Mouth, Goolwa means ‘elbow’ in the local Aboriginal language of Ngarrindjeri. An increasingly upmarket yet affordable place to retire in South Australia only an hour’s drive from Adelaide, it’s joined by a bridge to Hindmarsh Island. The town was declared a State Heritage Area in 1987 and consequently it has a large number of well-preserved buildings. Whether it’s nature or culture that moves you, Goolwa has it in abundance, from beaches and sailing to golf, markets and museums.

Located where the Murray River meets the Southern Ocean, our Seachange Goolwa community is situated on 26 acres only a short walk to the beach and river, offering a welcoming, relaxing lifestyle for retirees.

Get in touch with Hometown Australia today to discuss our many retirement living opportunities and find your perfect new home.