If you’re thinking about the best place in Australia to retire, Victoria has a lot to offer. Whether you dream of retiring in a picturesque coastal town or prefer the lively inner-city suburbs of Melbourne, there is something to suit every lifestyle.
The state hosts a huge variety of arts, theatre, and sporting events along with plenty of markets and festivals. Plus, with four distinct seasons and generally moderate temperatures, you can enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
If you’re looking for urban convenience, culture, and lifestyle, Australia’s most liveable city – Melbourne – is a top pick. It boasts an abundance of gardens and green spaces, top-notch healthcare, high-quality public transport, and a world-famous arts, dining, sporting, and café scene.
It is one of the best places to retire to as you’ll never run out of things to discover or enjoy in Australia’s cultural capital.
There’s also plenty to enjoy within each of Ryman’s Melbourne retirement communities, many of which feature amenities like:
Explore Ryman Retirement Villages in Melbourne
Take a look at Charles Brownlow Village in Geelong. This village offers boutique retirement living in the leafy suburb of Highton. Just a short distance from the city centre, Highton boasts premium shopping and easy access to healthcare and essential services.
Explore Charles Brownlow Village in Geelong
Enjoy life in a coastal paradise. Just a short drive from Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula offers something for everyone. Visit a local winery, take a leisurely stroll through one of the many farmers’ markets, or tee off at some of Australia’s finest golf courses.
If you're interested in retirement options in the region, consider Deborah Cheetham Village in Ocean Grove – a coastal retirement gem designed with care, choice, and community living in mind. It’s a beautiful example of retirement living on the Bellarine.
Explore Deborah Cheetham Village on the Bellarine Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula offers the best of coastal living – beautiful beaches, world-class wineries, and welcoming, close-knit communities. With plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle just over an hour from Melbourne.
Explore Ryman Retirement Villages in Mornington Peninsula
When considering retirement options, one major decision is whether to stay in your own home or move into independent retirement living. Each option has its own advantages, and the best choice depends on your lifestyle, health needs, and personal preferences.
Independent homeownership benefits:
Retirement village living benefits:
Thinking about what matters most to you – whether it’s familiarity, security, convenience, or community – can help guide your decision.
Questions to ask:
Learn more about Ryman independent villas and apartments
Ensuring your social needs are met is an important part of retirement planning, but it’s something people don’t always think about ahead of time.
However, with family often living far away, and without the regular interactions of the workplace, many older adults can feel lonely or isolated. Chronic loneliness can seriously affect both mental and physical health, so it’s worth thinking about how you'll stay connected and feel like part of a community in retirement.
A socially rich environment can make a big difference in how supported and fulfilled you feel day to day. Many retirees find that retirement village living helps counter loneliness in meaningful ways. For example, Ryman villages offer a variety of activities, clubs, and social opportunities that help residents build friendships, stay engaged, and maintain a sense of purpose.
Questions to ask:
Discover the social benefits of retirement village life
While you may be fit and healthy now, it’s common for people to experience chronic conditions, mobility challenges, or require ongoing medical support as they age. Living close to healthcare services – such as hospitals, specialists, and allied health providers – becomes an important consideration.
In Victoria, residents are generally eligible for Medicare, which covers many essential medical services, including GP visits and hospital care. Private health insurance is also available, giving access to additional services, choice of providers, and shorter waiting times for elective procedures.
Being in a location with easy access to healthcare reduces the stress and logistical burden of traveling long distances for appointments. It also provides a sense of security, knowing that help is nearby if needed. For many older Australians, proximity to quality healthcare is not just a convenience, it’s a key factor in deciding where to live.
Ryman villages often provide additional healthcare support, including home care services, on-site nursing assistance, and residential aged care if required.
Questions to ask:
Learn more about aged care and extra support options at Ryman
If you’d like to find out more about retirement living options at Ryman or book a village tour, we’d love to hear from you.
For those considering a move across the Tasman, Ryman also offers exceptional retirement villages in New Zealand.