Even if you're not at the age and stage where you can think about knocking off work for good, the whole retirement game takes a bit of planning – so travel publisher World Atlas regularly looks at Australia's best towns for retirees, taking into consideration factors including affordability, green spaces, cultural outlets and essential services within easy reach. Their list also looks at an area's healthcare services, transport and opportunities to stay active, as well as the number of cafés and markets. Want to know where in New South Wales you should be putting your feet up? Here’s their 2025 list of the best NSW towns for retirees (plus some commentary from us about what's good in each area).
Jindabyne
Topping the list is Jindabyne, which sits at the edge of Lake Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains. The town’s retiree appeal is its access to a wide range of outdoor activities. Retirees can fish, kayak or stroll lakeside, ending their day with craft beers at Jindabyne Brewing. Sounds alright to us. Or, if the weather’s cooler and they’re up for something more strenuous, there’s skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing at nearby ski resorts Perisher and Thredbo.
Bathurst
You’ll be spoilt for choice with retirement living options in Bathurst, a 3.5-hour drive northwest of Sydney. The town has spots for every level of independence, with the main two properties Oak Tree Retirement village and Ingenia Gardens Bathurst. You can also have peace of mind about your health, thanks to two hospitals – and can stay busy, thanks to an entertainment centre with a schedule of live theatre, concerts and community events.
Merimbula
What Merimbula lacks in hospitals (its nearest is South East Regional Hospital in Bega, half an hour away), it makes up for in stunning lake and coastal scenes. The town on the Sapphire Coast has Merimbula Boardwalk, winding around the lake, and Main Beach, stretching along town. On rainy days, visit Merimbula Aquarium before dining at its Wharf Restaurant.
Ballina
With house prices more affordable than those in nearby Byron (a 30-minute drive away), but with many of the same nature perks, Ballina is an easy choice for retirees. Locals can walk, jog or cycle the Ballina Coastal Pathway, volunteer at the Ballina Naval and Maritime Museum, or tee up at the Ballina Golf and Sports Club. The airport’s only a seven-minute drive from town – making it convenient for visiting family who live in the cities.
Bermagui
Like Merimbula, Bermagui is also on the Sapphire Coast. A highlight here is the Bermagui Blue Pool. Carved into the rock shelf, the pool is free to enter and open year-round. After a swim there, you might want to fish or kayak at Wallaga Lake, bushwalk along Middle Lagoon Walking Track or pop into a local gallery. Visiting family will be keen to take a tour of the Montreal Goldfield, Australia’s only seaside goldfield.
Orange
The real selling point for retirees in Orange is its cool climate, thanks to its high altitude. The town is in the Central Tablelands, 3.5 hours from Sydney. Spend your days sniffing roses in the 17-hectare Orange Botanic Gardens, playing golf at 18-hole course Duntryleague or sipping and swirling at one of 30 cellar doors. You’ll have peace of mind knowing local hospital Orange Health Service is one of the largest in Western NSW.
Mudgee
When you think Mudgee, you probably think wine. But aside from its 40 cellar doors, this town in NSW's Central West has loads else too – namely, top-notch dining. Among them are The Zin House, Pipeclay Pumphouse and The Barn at Blue Wren. Also appealing is the range of retirement living options, Lawson Park’s riverside paths and sculpture walk and a monthly Saturday Farmers’ Market in Robertson Park.
Goulburn
Goulburn in the Southern Tablelands was declared the country’s first inland city in 1863. Today it has a strong local art scene, boutique shops, and a handful of scenic drives nearby. Residents can walk or jog along its Woollondilly River Walkway, admire the designs at Goulburn Regional Art Gallery’s Public Art Walk and take their visitors to see St Saviour’s Cathedral, built in 1874. (And yes, Goulburn is home to the Big Merino.) Last year, Goulburn actually topped World Atlas's list of most affordable towns to retire in. Chris O'Keefe moved from Sydney to Goulburn with his wife to retire, and he says Goulburn is a good place to settle because it's "a city small enough to offer an inviting country atmosphere, with friendly people, but also large enough to provide good entertainment, cultural and medical facilities. A new, well-equipped hospital and several medical centres and specialists are available. And a cheap train fare to Sydney is a real benefit for seniors".
Armidale
Last on the list is Australia’s highest city, Armidale, which translates to a climate featuring much milder summers than in other parts. Armidale’s other big drawcard is its New England Regional Art Museum, with exhibitions that regularly get national attention, as well as hosted art classes and lectures. In terms of nature, there’s Belmore Park in the centre of the city and the Armidale Bicentennial Arboretum, which has 67 hectares of walking tracks.
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