Adventure Is Out There: Retirement in Western Australia

As more and more Boomers reach retirement age, we’re seeing an increased interest in “adventurous” retirement destinations. No longer does retirement mean moving straight to Florida to play canasta in your fuzzy slippers, catch the early bird special at the local buffet, and be in bed with the lights out by 8. A popular destination—especially for seniors with plenty of savings and a healthy income—is Australia. For seniors seeking active and interesting retirement villages, Western Australia is a great place to begin your search.

Why Western Australia?

Dubbed “The Sea Change”, a move to Australia can be an invigorating lifestyle change for older adults. With a population of 21 million, natural beauty dominates the landscape once outside large metropolitan areas. The diversity of Australian wildlife is astounding, with many species found only in Australia. Additionally, international studies have found that average life expectancy is high in Australia. Stress levels are also far lower than most areas in the US and Europe.

If you are an adventurous Boomer, consider Australia’s many high-end retirement villages, found in scores of locations across the continent. Australia is blessed with a wide range of desirable retirement locations. You may enjoy the warm, Eden-like atmosphere of Toowoomba or the friendly, small-town feel of Noosa in Queensland. If you enjoy a more historical environment, Echuca on the Murray River boasts a history as a paddle steamer town. Queenscliff is an historical port at the entrance of Port Phillip Bay.

What Are the Retirement Communities Like?

The retirement communities in Western Australia range from densely populated neighborhoods with small, apartment-like homes to sprawling suburban communities with lots of wide open spaces and expansive family homes. Western Australia offers eco-friendly communities for those baby boomers who want to live green. St. Ives Mandurah, for example, is an idyllic, eco-friendly retirement village. Surrounded by water, it blends in beautifully with its environment. The homes boast such elements as natural stone, iron and local timbers, harmonizing beautifully with their natural surroundings. The community has a nature trail and boardwalk around a peaceful lagoon.

Meanwhile, the city of Perth is located on the splendid Swan River. Surrounded by spectacular outback landscapes, beautiful vineyards, and warm, uncrowded beaches, it’s truly a sight to behold. The region surrounding Perth boasts beautiful coastal beaches, a Mediterranean climate, and a laidback lifestyle. Western Australia offers seniors adventure and outdoor recreation galore. You can enjoy water sports on its many beaches. Hiking in the lush green forest of Kings Park. Visits to wineries. Tours exploring the caves near Margaret River. Snorkeling along Ningaloo Reef. The possibilities are endless!

Related: Retirement Activities: Enjoying Your Deck

Yes, Adventure Is Out There!

Retirement to Western Australia may be an exciting idea, but before you get too invested in the notion, be sure to check out the Australian retirement visa requirements. Unless one has family members who are Australian citizens, Americans hoping to move to Australia in their retirement must have large sums of cash or assets that they will be transferring to Australian accounts. You should also be ready to purchase properties or make investments of $500,000 and up. Check out the retirement visa requirements here.

So, if you’re a recent retiree and want to forgo the staid, predictable lifestyle of retirement to the American Sunbelt, consider making “The Sea Change.” Adventure awaits in a beautiful and exciting retirement village in the Land Down Under!