If you’re looking for that forever home to welcome the next chapter of your life, then Australia’s best places to retire will certainly help get your ducks in a row.
There comes a time in everyone’s life where you hang up your boots and transition from work life to a life of leisure, accomplishments and freedom.
The location of where you live can have way more of an impact on your life than you might imagine. Place heavily affects one’s overall happiness and health. When you are truly connected to a place, you get that overwhelming feeling of stillness, peace and grounding, which sparks creativity, vulnerability and self-realisation.
So, with the risk of sounding cliché, let’s live life to the fullest! Kick up your feet and be transported by 5 of the top places Australia has to offer you during your retirement.
5 Top Retirement Places in Australia
Sunshine Coast, QLD
The Sunshine Coast (Sunny Coast) is one of Australia’s most visited places and we can clearly see why.
Noosa, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore and Caloundra are all some of the most well-known suburbs making up this pristine coastland.
The relaxed and community driven vibe of the Sunny Coast is perfect for a newly retired couple or individual to settle down in. From the most divine dining experiences, beautiful beaches and picturesque hinterlands, like the Noosa National Park, there will always be something for you to do.
There is a great pick of retirement villages and affordable housing for you to choose from if you are thinking of making the move to Sunshine Coast. Also, it is only a hop, skip and a jump from Brisbane and the Brisbane Airport to travel other states to see your children and grandkids.
Hunter Valley, NSW
Think of long afternoons sipping on the country’s best finely picked wines and grazing on moreish cheese platters, whilst you watch the sorbet-coloured sunset. Well, this is why the Hunter Valley region is one of the best places in Australia to retire. You can get all of the above and so much more.
The Hunter Valley is a stone’s throw away from urban hubs like Newcastle and Sydney. This makes it extremely central if you are visiting family and friends or want to go to the city for a weekend, all with the peace of mind knowing you can return home to your vineyard-covered sanctuary.
If you are wanting days of eating gourmet foods and playing on lush-green golf courses, then the Hunter Valley is most definitely for you.
Darwin, NT
Darwin is one of the most unassuming places in Australia and could be your retirement dream.
The year-round blissful weather is not the only draw card for retirees coming to the top end. If you enjoy an active lifestyle, then you will appreciate the array of natural springs, waterfalls, tropical gardens and deserts to explore. The Northern Territory is also home to Australia’s most iconic landmarks like Uluru, the Kakadu National Park and the Katherine Gorge, which are all very accessible from Darwin.
A very social and multi-cultural town, there are weekly markets to shop at, the most delicious food to try and monthly and annual festivals to embrace, like the 18-day Darwin Festival that lets you stargaze whilst being astounded by theatre and national dance.
We can’t forget the fishing! Making it one of the best places to retire in Australian, Darwin is renowned for its Barramundi, Golden Snapper and Coral Trout to just name a few, just remember to check the council websites for fishing regulations. There are so many rivers, gorges, inland billabongs and creeks for you to choose from — you’ll never get bored or go hungry!
Mornington Peninsula, VIC
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria is one of the most picture-perfect destinations in Australia.
This seaside shire is nothing short of spectacular and definitely a contender for Australia’s best places to retire. You can enjoy a morning stroll by the water along Western Port Bay, Port Phillip Bay or the Bass Strait. Then followed by a well-deserved coffee, bite to eat and spot of retail therapy at one of the many restaurants and shops in town.
With many places to live from affordable housing options and retirement villages, you will be surrounded by rolling hills of orchards, vineyards and pristine beaches. Your days can be spent playing golf, immersing yourself in culture at the art gallery and museum and taking a moment with a glass of red at one of the local wineries, how divine!
Fleurieu Peninsula, SA
The Fleurieu Peninsula is one of Australia’s worst kept secrets. Mother Nature has truly outdone herself in this little region, merging nature and coast to absolute perfection.
This desired Australian retirement destination boasts numerous sea sides to enjoy the pristine waters, whilst whale watching and snorkelling. The local’s favourites include Encounter Bay, Goolwa Beach, Middleton Beach and Victor Harbour Beach.
A day started with a long leisurely drive through the olive groves and vineyards of the McLaren region, ending with a feast of gourmet foods and sipping on the finest of wines, can make for a stunning day out. You can also take that monthly fishing trip along the Murray River, lose track of time on one of many golf courses and take a hike in the Coorong National Park. This shire is also situated very close to Adelaide and Kangaroo Island, making it ideal to visit family and friends.
Find your local retirement communities on localsearch.com.au wherever you’re planning on adventuring next.
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