7 Welcoming Towns to Retire in New South Wales

Anchored by Sydney, the Capital of New South Wales, which dabbles as the nation’s economic and cultural hub, New South Wales provides unmatched conveniences, most of which retirees put a premium on. These include fantastic healthcare access, cultural attractions, and shopping venues. Add its beautifully varied landscapes and pretty beaches — and you have a smart, solid pick. That said, like all retirees, you certainly want a warm and welcoming community. Fortunately, seniors have an ocean of choices to work with. This article dives into seven welcoming towns to retire in New South Wales, starting with Port Macquarie.

Port Macquarie

Known as "Heaven's Waiting Room,” Port Macquarie will keep an empty nester happy, engaged, and fulfilled. This is especially true for outdoor enthusiasts as there are lots of fun, stress-relieving activities to dabble in. For example, Town Beach, with its painted boulders, golden sands, and modest waves, is a fantastic surfing venue and can steal away several afternoons. Seniors interested in music can enjoy an outstanding concert at Glasshouse, a top-notch performing space with a superb atmosphere. Meanwhile, one can float down Hastings River or savor some calm and clarity at the nearby Lake Innes for a relaxing time. Boasting a median age of 48, Port Macquarie’s social scene will effortlessly put any empty nester at ease. Moreover, you have the Port Macquarie Base Hospital, a 228-bed level five facility with a 24-hour Emergency Department. Port Macquarie is also an affordable destination, as houses sell for a median price of $850,000 as of March 2025, far below the state average of around $1.2 million.

Orange

It can be cold in Orange, especially in winter. But far from being a downside, it is the kind of feature that appeals to retirees who can’t endure the burning conditions typical of many places in the Northern Territory. Moreover, you have the Orange Regional Airport if you want to hop on a quick plane to Sydney, enticingly affordable house prices (the median price is $685,000), and access to some top-notch hospitals, including Orange Health Service, one of the largest hospitals in the Western NSW Local Health District.

Keep in mind that Orange Botanic Gardens is a tranquil and relaxing place to regularly spend time in — while golfers have options such as Duntryleague, a lovely 18-hole course where seniors can tee off. Not just that. Retirees also have Spring Creek Reservoir, a lovely spot for avid anglers. Residents here have a median age of 38, so like-minded people are all around.

Bathurst

One thing that sets Bathurst apart for retirees is that it is in Australia's cool temperate zone. Consequently, temperatures here rarely go below -2.7°C or above 33.3°C. You will live in a nice, vibrant town with a hint of rural flavor while enjoying fantastic access to big-city amenities, including good hospitals, inviting dining venues, and grocery stores. For example, you have Bathurst Private Hospital, which is turning 15 in 2025, and several more options in nearby Orange, less than an hour to the west. Take note that you also have Bathurst Airport, especially if accessibility is high on your list.

On how seniors will be spending their time, there is the nearby Campbells River, which is filled with brown and rainbow trout; Chifley Dam Camping Ground, an amazing open space with heartwarming views; and Macquarie River, which flows right through the town. Bathurst residents have a median age of 41, just where life begins, while houses fetch a budget-friendly median price of $640,000.

Jindabyne

Seniors who want a tiny but beautiful town with one of the friendliest communities in the country should start paying attention to Jindabyne, an actual country town nestled in the Snowy Mountains of Australia. Jindabyne is a winter wonderland; therefore, it tends to suit those who love mingling with people and interacting with new faces. A retiree here is right on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Jindabyne, a popular fishing and skiing destination. For more action, locals have immediate access to the Snowy River, the site of several outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting. Moreover, Jindabyne is a heartbeat away from Kosciuszko National Park, whose mind-bending alpine scenery and wildflower meadows can lift any gloom away.

Jindabyne residents have a median age of 32, implying a social landscape that leans towards the burblier, livelier side of life. Then again, although you have some good facilities at your doorstep, such as Jindabyne HealthOne, which offers medical care. Similarly, the town’s touristy vibe promotes plenty of accommodation options like Troldhaugen Lodge and Chalet Jindabyne, which are ideal for when the family comes to visit.

Gloucester

Gloucester, which is part of the beautiful Barrington Coast, boasts some unbeatable retirement-friendly features. A prime selling point (literally) is the affordable median home value of $520,000, a steal compared to nearby communities. Regarding healthcare, Newcastle, which hosts several excellent hospitals, is about 90 minutes down the road. Still, you have the Gloucester Soldiers Memorial Hospital, a well-equipped facility serving area residents since 1957. To this end, the town has a median age of 55, so seniors will have plenty of people to meet and spend time with.

For those who want to stay active in their golden years, the formidable Barrington Tops National Park beckons, featuring some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region. Similarly, Dewitt National Park is an hour away with tranquil spaces to camp, swim, or just chill out within Australia’s wilderness. Moreover, the Ghin-Doo-Ee National Park and the spellbinding Myiall Lake are both within a day’s round trip for a fun outing.

Alstonville

Alstonville is one of New South Wales’s best-kept secrets. It is in the peaceful, picturesque hinterland between Ballina and Lismore, where life is easy, rural-ish, and unhurried. A retiree here is less than 30 minutes to the beach, close to many North Coast towns (including Lismore), and 20 minutes from Ballina Byron Gateway Airport. Aside from several pretty beaches, you can easily access the highly rated Teven Valley Golf Course or enjoy the singing of birds at Victoria Park Nature Reserve. Adventist Senior Living, which is right in town, offers transport services to medical centers and shopping venues. The retirement living center also boasts 84 single-level homes where retirees can stay at affordable monthly rates. If you are wondering if you will meet folks in the same age bracket, the fact that residents have a median age of 51 should allay those fears.

Tamworth

Tamworth is a nice country town with just about everything a retiree would want. There is the Capitol Theatre for catching a good show and mingling with friends, the one-of-a-kind Tamworth Astronomy & Science Centre, where you can observe stars and learn tons of interesting scientific tidbits, and the Oxley Scenic Lookout, which provides million-dollar sunset views. If you are keen on owning property on the cheap, houses in Tamworth sell for a budget-friendly median price of about $655,000. Still on enticing positives, Tamworth residents have a median age of 49, meaning you will meet similarly aged folks with sober takes on life and culture. Finally, Tamworth Hospital is a major health facility in northern NSW that provides round-the-clock emergency services.

The Takeaway

You don't come to New South Wales just to retire. You come to live out your best years. It is not an exaggeration to say that the region's laid-back beach vibes, thriving social scene, and delightful mix of outdoor adventure opportunities are hard to find anywhere else. But it is not just the heart-wrenching beauty of places such as Kosciuszko National Park. You have warm, welcoming communities where retirees easily fit in and feel at home.