There is a reason Australia is known as the Lucky Country. When it comes to the best retirement locations, we’re spoiled for choice. We’re home to some of the best places to retire.
Perhaps you’re looking to enjoy the serenity of country Victoria, the mountain air in Toowoomba, or being just moments away from a Sunshine Coast beach.
There’s a lot to consider when deciding on where next you call home.
In this article, we name 11 best places to retire in Australia and pose some questions to consider before deciding where you should begin on a whole new life.
11 Best Places to Retire in Australia
Where is the best place to retire in Australia?
There is no single right answer to that question. The answer is very much dependent on a few factors that are entirely personal to you. They include:
- Is it important to be close to existing friends and family?
- Are there medical specialists you need to consult regularly?
- What hobbies do you enjoy? Do they involve rolling hills or rolling waves?
It goes without saying that where you choose a retirement community depends on a number of factors, including proximity to local shops and services, as well as be convenient to major urban centres.
Then there is the decision you have to make about whether you choose a retirement village or an active over-50s lifestyle resort.
Learn more about the differences between a retirement village and a lifestyle resort here.
But in the meantime, let’s look at location, location, location.
1. Gold Coast, Queensland
The Gold Coast has a long history as a holiday spot going back to when Indigenous nations from South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales came together on the banks of the Nerang River.
It didn’t take long for European settlers to appreciate its appeal and from the dawn of the railway in the late 1800s, the region we now call the Gold Coast has been a highlight destination for local and international visitors.
With pleasant temperatures all year around, the city boasts pristine white sandy beaches and luscious green hinterland rainforests. And let’s not forget the theme park attractions, shopping and the vibrant nightlife.
GemLife Gold Coast is located in the northern suburb of Pimpama on an elevated position that offers skyline views of Surfers Paradise.
Close to local shops and destinations including Dreamworld, Westfield Coomera, Harbour Town and Sanctuary Cove, the resort also features incredible attractions of its own, including a Country Club with a roof top pool and lounge, amphitheatre and resort-style Summer House.
Testimonial
“Our plan in retirement is to travel and to remain as fit and active as possible so an over-50s lifestyle resort, rather than a retirement village, was ideal for us.”
– Kevin and Sue Manning
GemLife Gold Coast
2. Moreton Bay, Queensland
With direct highway and rail access to Brisbane, the Moreton Bay region takes you away from the bustle of the city to the shores of the World Heritage-listed Moreton Bay. This region of outstanding beauty gives nature-lovers plenty of places to explore right on their doorstep.
The region incorporates the bayside suburbs of Redcliffe and Scarborough as well as the town of Beachmere and Bribie Island. Head away from the bay to explore historic Petrie and Dayboro and enjoy the relaxed rural surroundings of Lake Samsonvale, Cedar Creek, Mount Pleasant and Ocean View.
It also has ready access to excellent shopping with the expansive Westfield North Lakes located nearby.
GemLife Moreton Bay is an Australian-first active over–50s lifestyle resort on the edge of the Deception Bay Conservation Park found on the western shore of Moreton Bay. The homes boast a choice of views of either parklands, untouched bushland or overlooking one of seven private lakes.
3. Palmwoods, Sunshine Coast
Who said you can’t have it all? Country charm, hinterland tranquillity and yet just 30 minutes from the beach – that’s the Sunshine Coast farming community of Palmwoods.
Nestled in the foothills of the Blackall range, the township has retained its historical charm along with the remains of strawberry and pineapple farming.
The subtropical climate and its elevated location mean summers are less humid, and winters are mild, making Palmwoods the perfect retirement destination. While the township has your everyday needs covered, the region’s major hospital at Nambour is less than 13 kilometres away. Major shopping at Sunshine Plaza is just 20 minutes away at Maroochydore.
GemLife Palmwoods – featuring a two-storey Country Club, charming Summer House and the latest in eco-friendly energy-saving technology – is a popular location for nature-lovers with some homeowners enjoying a daily 1.5-kilometre walk from the resort into Palmwoods or venturing walking trails to the townships of Woombye and beyond.
Testimonial
I was impressed by the quality of the build, and I really liked the look and feel of the place. Palmwoods is perfect for me.
Leanne Chandler
GemLife Palmwoods
4. Pacific Paradise, Sunshine Coast
Pacific Paradise on the Sunshine Coast offers the ultimate seachange lifestyle that is close to everything you need to live your best life.
Located just five minutes from Mudjimba Beach, five minutes from the Twin Waters Golf Club and 15 minutes from the extensive shopping at Sunshine Plaza at Maroochydore, Pacific Paradise is a little touch of heaven.
Pacific Paradise is the perfect base to begin day-long explorations of South East Queensland – from the artisans at work in Maleny and Montville to the awe-inspiring national parks and state forests and the country charm of Woodford, Kenilworth and Eumundi.
GemLife Pacific Paradise also creates paradise at home with outstanding fitness and recreational facilities designed for the active over 50s.
This secure, gated community features a fully equipped gym, tennis, a stunning Pavilion precinct with resort pool and pool-house, and Country Club with yoga studio, ten-pin bowling, theatre stage, cinema commercial kitchen, lounge bar and more.
Testimonial
“Here at GemLife Pacific Paradise, we’re close to friends, current doctors and services and the bowling green. We’re very excited about our move.”
Ray and Dawn Rasby.
5. Bribie Island, Queensland
Living on a subtropical island is the dream of many and as a retirement location, they don’t come much better than Bribie Island.
Featuring sheltered waterways to the west and direct ocean access on island’s eastern shore, Bribie Island also has bridge access to the mainland. Most of the 148-square-kilometre island is preserved national park and forestry plantation. The island itself gives protection and habitat for wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, dugongs and dolphins.
Residents are well catered for with local shopping on the island’s main township of Bongaree.
GemLife Bribie Island is located next to Lake Dux and is in walking distance (or cycling) of local shops and services. The resort itself features an impressive double-storey Country Club with indoor swimming pool, gym, bar and cafe as well as Summer House with resort pool with tennis and pickleball courts as well as a boardwalk along the lake.
Testimonial
“You have to live life and GemLife is the ideal place to do that because of the beautiful people and huge range of activities virtually on your doorstep.”
Kay Sherley.
6. Highfields, Queensland
There’s no wonder that Highfields makes the list of the best places to retire in Australia. Located in the Darling Range, a short distance from Toowoomba, Highfields is popular for those longing for a treechange and to experience all four seasons throughout the year.
Rich in natural wonders and fascinating history, the region offers relaxed country living with all the major city amenities nearby.
Steeped in cultural and historical significance, the Toowoomba and Highfields region has plenty of places to visit including the Spring Bluff Railway, Jondaryan Wool Shed, the Cobb and Co Museum, and the historic Empire Theatre.
Each September, Toowoomba’s Carnival of Flowers brings the region to life in a riot of colour.
GemLife Highfields is nestled amongst the rolling green pastures of Highfields, within walking distance of shopping facilities, restaurants and cafes.
Testimonial
“Once we visited GemLife Highfields we knew this was the right place for us. We’re very happy that we’re here.”
Pam and Glen Wilson.
GemLife Highfields
Tweed Heads, New South Wales
Sharing the Queensland-New South Wales border with Coolangatta and with temperate climate all the year, the Tweed region has long been a retirement hot spot.
With endless stretches of pristine white, sandy beaches, incredible rain forests teeming with wildlife and the iconic Mount Warning in the backdrop, the area was described by explorer John Oxley as: “The view was altogether beautiful beyond description. The scenery here exceeded anything I have previously seen in Australia.”
Close to the glitz and glamour of the Gold Coast, yet with a coastal, laidback charm of its own, the Tweed has plenty to recommend it.
GemLife Tweed Waters is a boutique resort that has been designed to reflect the relaxed coastal vibe of the region while providing plenty of opportunities to socialise and stay active.
Testimonial
“We’re very excited to make new friends and be part of a like-minded community and we’re ready for a lifestyle change in our new home at GemLife Tweed Waters.”
Lee Winterbon and Beth Brown.
Woodend, Victoria
Located in the beautiful Macedon ranges, Woodend has been a popular weekend getaway location for Melbournites looking for a change from the bustle of the city.
It’s no surprise that the area is increasingly popular for retirees looking for a tree change and for telecommuters who prefer to work online. Historic country town, Woodend is close to Hanging Rock, made famous by Joan Lindsey’s atmospheric novel, and boasts a wide range of sporting facilities, local shops and markets.
With plenty of wineries in the district for the discerning palate, this part of Victoria exudes country charm as well as boasting direct rail access to the heart of Melbourne.
GemLife Woodend is found in this desirable location and has been designed the meet the expectations of active over 50s with plenty of options to relax as well as be active including a two-storey Country Club indoor heated pool and spa, sauna, gymnasium, library, craft room, bar and lounge, wine room, hair salon and more.
Testimonial
“One of the great things about living at GemLife Woodend is residents are allowed to bring their pets and there are facilities to cater for them.”
Stephanie Rickard
GemLife Woodend
Rainbow Beach, New South Wales
With impressive surf beaches and stunning natural conservation areas of Lake Innes and Queens Lake, the Mid North New South Wales town of Lake Cathie is a popular choice for people looking to escape the Sydney rat race and enjoy a more tranquil lifestyle.
Located less than 20 minutes south of Port Macquarie, Lake Cathie offers laidback coastal charm with local shops and cafes to sample as well as being a short distance away from quality local wineries.
GemLife Rainbow Beach features a Country Club with a roof top lounge and terrace, an indoor heated pool with spa and sauna, a grand ballroom with theatre stage and commercial kitchen and two summer houses with resort-style pools, plus tennis and pickleball courts.
Lennox Head, New South Wales
Famous for its right-hand point break, Lennox Head, offers a relaxed coastal location in the Northern Rivers region – close to the city of Ballina and the Hollywood superstar hang-out of Byron Bay. The town also hosts several surf festivals each year.
What you may not know is that Lennox Head is earning a reputation for great Asian-fusion food and ‘paddock-to-plate’ eateries.
Whether your passion is fishing, sailing or something else entirely, GemLife Lennox Head will put you within easy reach swimming, surfing and fishing beaches.
Explore the GemLife Difference
When you’re looking to downsize, location is everything. GemLife carefully selects each resort location to ensure our residents experience the best of over-50s living to help kick-start the next chapter of their adventures. As a result, we have resort locations nestled in the best places to retire in Australia.
With state-of-the art amenities, facilities and homes, GemLife supplies the perfect lifestyle for those looking to ‘rightsize’. Our locations cater for everyone. But don’t take our word for it, check out our locations for yourself.
For more information, reach out to our specialist team or request an info pack.
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