7 Welcoming Towns to Retire in Victoria

Between the breathtaking beaches of Queenscliff, the captivating roads of Port Fairy, and the historical wonders of Castlemaine, Victoria offers no shortage of past-time gems and present-day beauty. But did you know the Australian province also has incredible retirement towns? Now is the time to transition to a more relaxed pace of life as you soak up the region’s natural beauty in the most welcoming towns to retire in Victoria, where you can find peace, health, and feasibility. These seven towns are ideal for seniors, offering everything from a moderate climate to fun activities.

Echuca

Located on the banks of the Murray—the longest river in Australia, spanning 2,500 kilometers, Echuca offers immense beauty in a serene natural setting with a fascinating past. Find out what life was like in the late 1800s as you explore the Port of Echuca with its Discovery Centre and steam-powered exhibits. Head on a peaceful one-hour cruise on the river with Echuca Paddlesteamers, and try quality Australian wines in a serene setting at St Anne's Winery Echuca.

Fifteen thousand five hundred residents enjoy living close to the water, where opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing abound. The town’s moderate climate, with hot summers and warm fall and spring seasons, adds to its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts. With a median age of 45, Echuca fosters a sense of community among like-minded individuals. Healthcare needs are well-addressed by Echuca Regional Health, which provides a range of services, including an aged-care facility, ensuring peace of mind for retirees.

Leongatha

In the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges, you will find Leongatha, a charming town of around 6,000 residents. Active seniors adore the views as they wander through the Great Southern Rail Trail, a wonderful walking or cycling path famous for its farmland and forests. One can also work on their aim in a gorgeous 18-hole course at the Leongatha Golf Club, ranked in the country’s Top 100 Public Access Golf Courses by Golf Australia. For an indoor outing, see original works by local artists at the Leongatha Art & Craft Gallery, featuring paintings, jewelry, glassware, handcrafted cards, and more.

With a median house selling price of approximately AUD 570,000, Leongatha is an affordable town in South Gippsland Shire. If the price seems too steep, retirees can opt for Mountain View Leongatha, a retirement village with two and three-bedroom villas. If you have any medical concerns, Gippsland Southern Health Service- Leongatha Hospital offers acute healthcare services, with 36 nursing home beds in Koorooman House.

Port Fairy

At the end of the Great Ocean Road, one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world, lies Port Fairy. This stunning town is the perfect place for retirees seeking relaxed country living. Experience the charm of the historic Port Fairy Lighthouse On Griffiths Island, a picturesque landmark surrounded by a park with adorable wallabies and sea birds. On a sunny day, seniors can swim on East Beach, home to over a kilometer of sand and crystal-clear waters. On the other hand, one can check out artifacts and photographs at the Port Fairy Historical Society Museum to uncover the town’s rich heritage.

There are many captivating 19th-century cottages in Port Fairy. Admire the Victorian architecture and explore the retirement communities in this coastal town as you find out why it was once named the most liveable small community in the world (for a town with a population under 20,000) in the UN-recognised LivCom award. Ode to this, the town also has a median age of 51, meaning seniors will always have someone to spend time with.

Castlemaine

Creative retirees will be happy to hear Castlemaine has an exciting arts scene. Founded in 1913, the Castlemaine Art Museum features one-of-a-kind historical artifacts from the region, First Nations cultural material, and Australian art. For a unique experience, uncover the incredible Forest Creek Historic Gold Diggings, where almost 150 years of continuous mining takes place. On the other hand, seniors interested in the outdoors can find an incredible variety of exotic and native trees at the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, developed on the Dja Dja Wurrung people’s lands. It is also home to Lake Joanna in the southern part, which is full of various stunning trees.

You can feel comfortable in Castlemaine, considering the median age is 52, so you’ll find plenty of like-minded people to make friends with. Regarding healthcare, Dhelkaya Health offers residential care services with close-knit communities and caring staff, accredited under the Commonwealth Aged Care Residential Services Accreditation Program.

Sorrento

You will find Sorrento, situated on the Mornington Peninsula, away from urban hustle and bustle. This picturesque town has world-class spas like Aurora Spa & Bathhouse (known for its comfort and sophistication), along with a gorgeous shopping strip, well-preserved limestone buildings, and breathtaking beaches. To this end, retirees looking to relax in their golden years adore Sorrento, and nearly 50% of the town’s residents are over the age of 65.

For a more lively outing, one can swim in Sorrento Ocean Beach's jaw-dropping waters, known for its incredible rock pools in Mornington Peninsula National Park. Or, discover extraordinary views from the Bay of Islands, with the jaw-dropping limestone rock formations creating rocky outcrops. In case you have any medical concerns, a 20-minute drive east will take you to Rosebud Hospital. Sorrento is also 1.5 hours southwest of Melbourne, making it easy to access major facilities and attractions near the provincial capital.

Beechworth

Beechworth is renowned for its internationally acclaimed wines and status as Victoria’s best-preserved historic gold mining town, with gold first discovered at Spring Creek in 1852. Dive into the area’s history as you explore the collection of over 30,000 items in the Burke Museum, several of which date more than 150 years back, where you can find out what life was like during the Gold Rush. Seniors can taste some fine wines at the Eldorado Road Cellar Door Cantina, a family-run vineyard and winery in the serene Woolshed Valley. Afterward, make sure you treat your tastebuds to The Beechworth Honey Shop, home to over 40 varieties of Australian honey.

The median home selling price is AUD 882,500, which is on the pricier end. Thankfully, senior living areas like Hillsborough Village offer an affordable alternative, with two and three-bedroom options and a lovely garden area. As for healthcare needs, the Beechworth Health Service Hospital has an Urgent Care Centre operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, plus a Residential Aged Care Unit to service residents’ specific needs.

Queenscliff

Nestled on the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula, Queenscliff seamlessly blends rich history with stunning natural beauty, making it a top choice for retirees. This charming town is home to well-preserved Victorian-era architecture, quaint fishermen’s cottages, and modern waterfront homes, offering a range of housing options to suit various lifestyles. The town’s heritage shines at the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum, where visitors can explore lifeboats, artifacts from shipwrecks, and exhibits that tell the tales of seafaring adventures. Another highlight is the 1902-built Point Lonsdale Lighthouse, which overlooks the dramatic entrance to Port Phillip Bay and offers breathtaking coastline views.

For a deeper dive into the past, Fort Queenscliff is a must-visit. This 19th-century fortress houses exhibits, weapons, documents, and photographs that chronicle 150 years of Australian military history. With a median age of 62, Queenscliff fosters a welcoming community for retirees. Additionally, Bellarine Community Health ensures access to quality healthcare, with multiple hospitals across the peninsula, including one in Point Lonsdale, just a short drive away.

Retire In Victoria

Whether you prefer the artistic wonders of Castlemaine, the coastal gems of Sorrento, or the gold rush museums of Beechworth, Victoria is brimming with fascinating towns filled with beauty, history, and culture. Now is the time to unwind in a serene, safe community with a higher quality of life surrounded by friendly neighbors and captivating coastlines. Swap the big city stress for a peaceful pace of life in one of the most welcoming towns to retire in Victoria.