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When Aussies begin retiring, it's a fairly classic move to forgo the high costs and fast pace of the city for a regional tree- or sea-change. But, in a nation that's positively overflowing with charming towns and incredible natural places, the only problem is deciding where exactly to go. Whether you're looking to retire imminently in Australia or just want to do a bit of forward planning, the choice has just been made a whole lot easier by travel publisher World Atlas, which has picked out the best places to retire in Australia, as of 2025.
By assessing different Australian regional towns on factors like affordability, healthcare access, public transport, proximity to nature, community opportunities, cultural happenings, and (our personal favourite) how many cafés, restaurants and bustling things to do exist in town, they've come up with a comprehensive list of the best places in Australia for retirement. Here's their pick of the seven best regional areas to retire to in Australia (with a little extra commentary from us).
1. Port Macquarie, NSW
From its sprawling pubs to its bustling beachside caravan park, its colourful breakwall to its fleet of barbecue boats, Port Macquarie is an Aussie holiday town as charmingly true blue as they come. With a whopping 17 pristine beaches lining the coastline, plenty of bustling cafés, bowling greens and beach activities that add to a cosy village feel, Port Macquarie is fairly idyllic as far as retiring in Australia is concerned. World Atlas has also noted its affordability, with the average house costing $875,000 and a rental costing $2,000 a month – a far cry from what you'd get in any major city today. Healthcare is also great, with plenty of medical centres and the Port Macquarie Base Hospital all easily accessible from town.
2. Hervey Bay, QLD
Dubbed the whale-watching capital of Australia, Hervey Bay offers endless adventures, both on land and at sea. It’s also the gateway to World Heritage-listed K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), the largest sand island on Earth, which is just a swift 40-minute ferry ride away. Wild nature adventures aside though, Hervey Bay ranks high for its abundance of slow-paced water activities, affordable housing (an average house costs $700,000) and a warm, family-friendly environment. A walkable shopping and restaurant district, safe swimming and amazing healthcare services, including Hervey Bay Hospital and St. Stephen’s Private Hospital, make this gem an excellent choice.
3. Ballarat, VIC
From historic sites, wineries and natural wonders to daring restaurants and buzzing bars, there’s no shortage of treasures to discover in Victoria’s third-largest city. The last few years in particular have seen a large number of Melburnians make the move out west. Thanks to this new wave of young artists, chefs, winemakers, artisan tradespeople, families and professionals, Ballarat today is brimming with more life than ever before, making it the perfect place for retirees who still want to be part of the action. With a median house price of $520,000, gorgeous Art Gallery of Ballarat and heaps of public festivals on offer, it's a vibrant, but still affordable. Healthcare is also prime here, as evidenced by the Ballarat Base Hospital. Plus, with heaps of beautiful walks through the Botanic Gardens and plenty of nature exploration available in the nearby Grampians National Park, Ballarat has something for everyone.
4. Margaret River, WA
Beautiful ‘Margs’, as she’s known to locals, has a reputation for producing some of Australia’s finest wines, with more than 90 cellar doors ready to fill your cup. However, she has a whole lot more up her sleeve than just a good pour. From fairytale forests, stunning coastal trails, or sparkling crystal caves, this gorgeous area, a 3.5-hour drive south of Perth, is a solid all-rounder when it comes to retirement, particularly for any retirees with a hankering for excellent surf. Beautiful beaches, world-class surf breaks and plenty of opportunities for gentle walks make this a paradise for outdoorsy folk. The median house price here is $850,000, the cost of living is more affordable than Perth, and there are two major hospitals already on the ground here. With a number of assisted living homes already planted here, plus loads of cultural festivals throughout the year, Margaret River does not miss.
5. Mudgee, NSW
Cosy, warm and tucked away in the heart of NSW's wine country, Mudgee is like a cup of tea for the retiree soul. With a slow pace of living, an authentic community feel and an abundance of incredible local food and wine, it's perfect for anyone looking for a quiet place (with quality) for their next stage of life. Housing is relatively cheap here too, with the average house costing $700,000, and healthcare is covered too, with Mudgee District Hospital being easily accessible. With a close-knit village vibe, heaps of amazing wineries and an annual Wine and Food Festival, Mudgee is the perfect place to go if you want to spend your retirement drinking great wine and eating lots of excellent food.
6. Bendigo, VIC
Awarded Aussie Town of the Year in 2024, Bendigo is much beloved for a reason. With its fascinating gold rush history, amazing art, from the Indigenous Djaa Djuwima First Nations Art Gallery to the innovative Bendigo Art Gallery, to a genuinely formidable food and wine scene, Bendigo has a little bit of everything. Plus, it's super cheap (you know, compared to everywhere else). The average house price is a mere $620,000, and the Bendigo Healthcare Group provides urgent care and specialised medical services. Other than the culture, art, chill walks and community vibes, you can ride around on the vintage tram in town and cruise on Lake Weerona.
7. Victor Harbor, SA
Just over an hour's drive from Adelaide, Victor Harbor is South Australia's very own retirement oasis. With its proximity to the wild beauty and warm turquoise waters of the Fleurieu Peninsula and the wildlife haven of Granite Island (hello penguins and whales), and plenty of sailing and swimming opportunities in the bay, Victor Harbor offers a naturally beautiful, slow-paced life for anyone who wants it. Median housing prices sit at $730,000, and with South Coast District Hospital and several retirement villages already in place, both healthcare and community are solidly wrapped up.