Tasmania's 6 Best Retirement Towns Ranked

Tasmania’s six best retirement towns offer an enticing combination of factors that make them ideal for older adults. Situated south of the Australian mainland across the Bass Strait, it’s a big island (it’s comparable in size to Ireland), and boasts many attractive tight-knit communities that roll out the red carpet for new residents, whatever stage of life they’re at. Add to this mix its mild, near perfect climate, and Tasmania perfect for those seeking a comfortable pace of life. And with low crime rates and plentiful volunteer opportunities, these six towns hold great appeal for older adults looking for somewhere special to spend their golden years.

Devonport

Devonport, located on Tasmania’s northern coast, is home to a tad over 26,000 residents and is a superb choice of retirement town. Recognized as the gateway to the island for those arriving by the Spirit of Tasmania ferry service from Melbourne, this 10-hour journey ensures a year-round connection with the mainland. It also adds to Devonport’s popularity as a tourist destination, with attractions like the Bass Strait Maritime Centre presenting details of the town’s rich maritime history through interactive exhibits and seafaring workshops.

The city’s compact layout makes it easy to get out and about, whether you’re visiting local favorites like the Don River Railway, a vintage train operating fun excursions, or the magnificent Mersey Bluff Precinct. This lovely peninsula is a great place for a stroll and has a colorful lighthouse and superb views over Bass Strait. Enjoy community events? The Devonport Jazz Festival in July is one of the town’s best with performances across town.

As for essential services, Devonport delivers. Healthcare services include the Mersey Community Hospital in nearby Latrobe (about a 10-minute drive away), which provides acute care and specialist clinics. Retirees looking to stay socially active should visit the Devonport Senior Citizens Club on Victoria Parade for activities like lawn bowls and arts workshops. For housing, retirement communities like Karingal Retirement Living and Eureka Devonport Gardens are ideal for those seeking a structured living arrangement with ongoing support. As with each of the other small towns on this list, crime rates are low here, with Tasmania Police reporting steady decreases over the past decade.

Burnie

Set on Tasmania’s northwestern coastline, Burnie’s population of nearly 20,000 souls have it good. Once a major industrial hub, the town has embraced a new identity that balances tradition and community spirit, making it an especially attractive home for older adults. Standout attractions include the Makers’ Workshop, a visitors center that promotes local artisans and crafts through demonstrations and galleries, and Burnie Regional Museum with exhibits that document the region’s shift from timber and paper production to tourism and small-scale manufacturing (volunteer positions are available at both).

Healthcare here is anchored by the North West Regional Hospital providing emergency services, outpatient clinics, and palliative care. Active older adults looking to socialize should join the Burnie Senior Citizens Club or attend weekly meet-ups organized through the local council’s Active Aging program. There are multiple retirement housing options including OneCare’s Umina Park, known for its assisted living services. The town’s volunteer network is well-established, with groups like Burnie Community House needing helpers to run their meal programs and organize workshops.

Ulverstone

Ulverstone is located between Burnie and Devonport on the Leven River and is popular among retirees for its extensive waterfront parks and paths. Home to nearly 7,000 residents, fun things to do here include visiting the Ulverstone History Museum with its impressive collections of artifacts and documents dating back to the town’s early British settlement. Another local favorite is the Leven Canyon, a 30-minute drive away and popular for its well-maintained trails and scenic viewpoints. If you want to check the town out before making a move, shoot for November when the Ulverstone Agricultural Show highlights rural traditions with livestock, equestrian events, and handicraft competitions.

Medical services are readily available in nearby Devonport, while general practices in Ulverstone cover routine check-ups and minor procedures. For higher-level care, can visit the Mersey Community Hospital or the North West Regional Hospital in Burnie, each 20 minutes away by car. The Ulverstone Senior Citizens Club hosts events including computer literacy workshops to weekly luncheons, while Leven Regional Arts regularly seeks volunteers to help run cultural programs. The Lions Club of Ulverstone is another great local organization and provides a chance to get involved in community

Huonville

Although the smallest town on this list (its population is just 3,000), retiring to Huonville is an ideal choice for those who appreciate a village-like atmosphere that’s close to everything needed for a great retirement. Situated in the picturesque Huon Valley 40 minutes south of Hobart, the state capital and largest city, Huonville is known for its apple orchards and farming. You can sample these staples for yourself with a visit during the Huon Agricultural Show each November. You can also learn more about this rich bounty at the Willie Smith's Shed Apple Museum in nearby Grove. The town’s position along the Huon River is a boon for older adults who enjoy a little fishing of their own.

Concerned about healthcare in this small community? Well, don’t be. Healthcare needs are largely supported by the Huon Eldercare facility which provides nursing services, home care, and other health services. More advanced procedures are available at the Royal Hobart Hospital in Hobart, just over half an hour away by car. The Huon Valley Council’s Active Living initiatives regularly offer senior wellness and fitness classes, too, along with craft groups and social events.

For volunteer opportunities, locals turn to the Huon Valley Council which can link residents with roles in environmental conservation, library services, and charity groups. Crime rates in Huonville are among the lowest in the country (thanks in part to its size), helping make the town an attractive setting for a laid-back yet engaging retirement.

George Town

George Town, located in northern Tasmania near the mouth of the Tamar River, is home to 4,500 residents and is well-known for its fascinating maritime heritage. You can find out more about this aspect of life here at the Bass & Flinders Centre with its full-size replicas of the vessels used to chart Tasmanian waters. Another notable cultural fixture is George Town Watch House, a historical site that once served as a jail that now features rotating exhibits on local history. Then there’s Low Head Lighthouse. Established in 1833 and an easy 10-minute drive away, it provides daily tours and nightly penguin-viewing experiences.

As for healthcare, George Town has you covered. The George Town District Hospital and Community Health Centre cater to primary and some secondary healthcare needs, with the larger Launceston General Hospital, located about 45 minutes south, available when more specialized services are required. Consider yourself an active older adult? George Town Senior Citizens Club provides recreational activities like indoor bowls and crafts, while organizations like Tamar Natural Resource Management provide the chance to volunteer and help preserve local ecosystems. Retirement communities such as Ainslie Village provide both independent and assisted living options.

New Norfolk

Set along the banks of the Derwent River about 35 minutes northwest of Hobart, New Norfolk is home to 6,000 people and is increasing in popularity as a place to retire in Tasmania. Well-known landmarks include Willow Court, part of a former psychiatric hospital complex that offers fascinating guided tours. For fisher folk, the Salmon Ponds and the Museum of Trout Fishing in nearby Plenty were established in 1864 and offer trout and salmon feeding. A great time for a visit to investigate the town further is during the Tasmania Autumn Festival in April.

New Norfolk is served by local general practices for day-to-day healthcare needs, while major services are offered at the Royal Hobart Hospital, a 40-minute drive away. The Corumbene Care facility in New Norfolk provides elder care options, including independent living units and residential care services. Volunteers are always needed at heritage sites like Willow Court and at local events overseen by the Derwent Valley Council, allowing retirees to stay integrated and active within the community.

The Bottom Line

There’s no doubt the best of Tasmania’s smaller communities provide everything needed for older adults looking for a great place to retire. Whether your chief concern is proximity to essential healthcare services, senior housing options, or safe neighborhoods, Devonport, Burnie, Ulverstone, Huonville, George Town, and New Norfolk are each worth taking a closer look at. So, if you’re looking to settle down in a secure and welcoming environment, you’d do well to consider these six retirement towns in Tasmania.