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There’s a massive 'silver tsunami' currently making waves across the Australian coastline. Record numbers of older Aussies are trading life in the big cities for the soothing sounds of the sea – and I don’t blame them. Who wouldn’t want to roll out of bed for a peaceful beachside stroll or grab a flat white in their thongs?
If you’ve reached the age where you’re seriously considering a sea change, Citro has paired data from its 300,000-strong community with insights from experts in housing, economics and demographics to spotlight the best coastal retirement locations in Australia. Each spot was reviewed on five pillars: housing affordability, housing availability, access to healthcare, transport infrastructure and lifestyle opportunities – proving these seaside havens are much more than just a pretty face.
Naturally, a few iconic beach locations feature on the list that are reserved for those with a hefty retirement sum. Think Melbourne’s premium Brighton strip, where median house prices averaged $2.07 million in 2025, or the likes of Coolangatta, Ballina and Fremantle, where the average exceeds the $1 million mark.
But don't let those numbers scare you off your coastal retirement dreams. There are plenty of under-the-radar, small-town communities offering that exact same beachy beauty at a fraction of the price (and without the chaotic tourist crowds). You could settle down on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef and enjoy year-round sunshine in Port Douglas, where the median dwelling price drops to just $551,659. Or buy a super affordable property in Victoria’s boating capital of Paynesville ($540,394), Wallaroo on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula ($518,248) or Esperance on Western Australia’s southeast coast ($509,988). You can check out the full list below.
The best coastal locations to retire in Australia
- Ballina, NSW
- Brighton, VIC
- Coolangatta, QLD
- Esperance, WA
- Fremantle, WA
- Hervey Bay, QLD
- Huonville, TAS
- Kangaroo Island, SA
- Launceston, TAS
- Mandurah, WA
- Paynesville, VIC
- Port Douglas, QLD
- Rosebud, VIC
- St Marys, TAS
- Tuncurry, NSW
- Victor Harbor, SA
- Wallaroo, SA
- Yamba, NSW