Queensland has become one of Australia’s most popular places to retire. In 2024–25, there were around 949,000 retirees aged 45 years and over living in Queensland.
The appeal is understandable. The Sunshine State offers a warm climate, coastal and hinterland living, strong community life, outdoor activities and a choice of regional centres with shops, healthcare, transport, social opportunities and plenty of things to do for retirees to stay active.
Here are five of the best places to retire in Queensland that offer exactly that.
1. Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is a strong choice for retirees who want coastal living and everyday convenience.
For retirees looking at the northern and central Gold Coast, retirement villages in Clear Island Waters and Runaway Bay are worth considering. Clear Island Waters has a quieter residential feel while still being close to shops, healthcare, beaches and social activities. Runaway Bay offers easy access to the Broadwater, boating areas, walking paths and sporting facilities.
Its biggest strength is variety. The Gold Coast Broadwaterway is a 22-kilometre network of pathways around the Broadwater, with places for walking along the water, swimming, trying kayaking or paddleboarding, joining a fitness class or spending time in quieter suburbs away from the busier tourist areas.
Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area is another good option for gentle walks, birdwatching and time in nature.
Energetic retirees may also enjoy the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, Broadwater Parklands, Runaway Bay Sports Precinct and local sailing clubs.
For those comparing lifestyle options, it may be useful to check out a retirement community on the Gold Coast.
Best for: retirees who want beaches, walking paths, sports, services and social activities close by.
2. Brisbane
Brisbane can be an enjoyable place to retire, especially for people who want city convenience without giving up access to parks, walking tracks and community activities.
The city offers hospitals, public transport, shopping centres, cultural venues, local clubs and many leafy suburbs. It also gives retirees the choice of a quieter suburban routine while still being close to everything they need.
Suburbs such as Mt Gravatt, Chermside West and Aspley offer a good mix of green space, services and community facilities.
Mt Gravatt has easy access to Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve and Toohey Forest Park, as well as Hibiscus Sports Complex and the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds.
Chermside West is close to Milne Hill Reserve and the Chermside Hills Reserves, with walking tracks and wildlife spotting.
In Aspley, Marchant Park and 7th Brigade Park offer walking paths, open space and places to exercise outdoors.
Brisbane City Council’s Growing Older and Living Dangerously (GOLD) program, also offers exercise and movement activities for seniors, including yoga, functional fitness and Tai Chi Qigong. These activities take place in parks, pools and other venues across Brisbane.
For those considering independent living with a community close by, an Aspley or Mt Gravatt retirement village may be worth exploring.
Best for: retirees who want healthcare, transport, parks, shops and social activities within easy reach.
3. Toowoomba
Toowoomba offers a quieter retirement lifestyle with fresh air, gardens and a strong community feel.
Known as Queensland’s Garden City, Toowoomba is home to more than 150 parks and gardens. This makes it a lovely choice for retirees who enjoy walking, gardening, picnics, seasonal events and time outdoors. Its cooler climate may also appeal to people who prefer an inland setting over coastal humidity.
Kearneys Spring is a key area for retirees, with access to shops, services, parks and community facilities. It offers a calm suburban setting while still being close to the city centre.
There are many ways to stay active here. West Creek Parks 7 and 8 offer walking, cycling and outdoor fitness opportunities. Murray Clewett Wetlands is a peaceful spot for walking and birdwatching. Kearneys Spring Historical Park is ideal for a gentle morning walk.
A short drive away, Picnic Point Parklands and the escarpment trails offer beautiful views and walking options. Queens Park and the Botanic Gardens are also popular for easy strolls, community events and time outdoors.
For structured activities, retirees may also enjoy local wellness centres, low-cost fitness classes and community programs that support movement and social connection.
Those looking for independent living in a garden city setting may like to consider retirement living in Toowoomba.
Best for: retirees who prefer gardens, cooler weather, community life and a slower pace.
4. Fraser Coast
The Fraser Coast, including Hervey Bay, Urangan and Torquay, is suited to retirees who want a more laid-back coastal lifestyle with gentle outdoor activity. The area is known for calm beaches, flat foreshore paths, fishing, boating and access to K’gari.
Urangan is a popular spot. The Urangan Pier is ideal for walking, birdwatching and fishing. The Great Sandy Strait also provides opportunities for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
The Hervey Bay Recreation Pathways include 15 kilometres of coastal paths and 14 kilometres along the links corridor, giving residents space to walk, cycle or enjoy shorter sections. The route includes beaches, parks, botanic gardens, piers, swimming, fishing, shopping and dining.
In Torquay, retirees can enjoy morning beach walks, swimming, cycling along the Esplanade shared path or outdoor activities such as tai chi by the water.
Best for: retirees who want coastal calm, easy walking paths and friendly locals.
5. Yeppoon
Yeppoon is a welcoming option for retirees who want coastal living with a smaller-town feel.
Set on the Capricorn Coast, it offers beaches, lookouts, walking tracks, fishing spots and access to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. It may suit retirees who want to stay active outdoors while enjoying a quieter lifestyle than the Gold Coast or Brisbane.
Cooee Bay is one of the key areas to consider. It offers beach walking, swimming and fishing, with Wreck Point Scenic Lookout nearby. The lookout offers 360-degree views of the Capricorn Coast and Keppel Bay and is only a short drive from Yeppoon town centre.
Cooee Bay is also close to the Capricorn Coast Brian Dorey OAM Aquatic Centre, where retirees can enjoy lap swimming and fitness activities.
Near Rosslyn Bay, retirees can enjoy Kemp Beach, Rosslyn Bay Harbour and the Double Head walking track in Capricorn Coast National Park. These are excellent options for walking, fishing, beach time and enjoying the natural beauty of the coast.
Best for: retirees who want scenic coastal living and gentle outdoor activities.
Found the Best Place to Retire in QLD?
Whether you’re looking for vibrant retirement villages in Queensland that offer a low-maintenance lifestyle or greater peace of mind for the years ahead, finding the right place to call home is an important decision.
TriCare can help you explore your options, compare communities and find a living solution that suits your lifestyle and needs.
Get in touch with our team to take the next step towards your ideal retirement.
