Retirement villages are a popular living option for older Australians who want to reside in a secure and supportive community while still maintaining their independence. There are many benefits to retirement village living, including enjoying the privacy of your own home without having to worry about gardening or property maintenance.
Many retirement villages also have fantastic facilities and activities that encourage healthy ageing and socialisation and provide a wonderfully supportive community network if you need it. One of the main benefits of retirement villages on the Gold Coast in Australia is their proximity to excellent shopping, world-class cuisine, and some of the best beaches in the world.
Some retirement villages also offer the option of moving to higher aged care as you age and your support needs increase. This provides peace of mind so you can relax and enjoy your twilight years, knowing that you will be well cared for when the time comes. For a deeper understanding of care quality, see what are the eight standards of aged care.
Here is our guide to some of the best retirement villages on the Gold Coast. There are many more, but these are conveniently located up to forty kilometres from Surfers Paradise, so local amenities and attractions are close by. If you want something a little closer to Brisbane, check out our guide to the best-rated retirement villages in Brisbane.
Arundel
Seachange Arundel
Seachange Arundel is considered one of the best retirement villages on the Gold Coast, and it was Australia’s first retirement living model to fully embrace the concept of active adult community living. Having been awarded by the HIA, Master Builders and the Urban Development Institute of Australia, it still sets the benchmark for resort living. Highlights: Resort pool, indoor heated pool and spa, sauna, steam room, gym, massage rooms, library, teppanyaki BBQ, veggie garden, dance floor, pool tables, floodlit tennis courts, cinema, woodworking shop, art and craft studio, golf driving nets, championship lawn bowls, sports bar.
Ashmore
Amity Gardens Retirement Living
Nestled on a tidal saltwater lake and surrounded by 24 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and lawns, Amity Gardens Retirement Living offers a serene retreat in the heart of the stunning Gold Coast. Close to shops and transport, residents of this Ashmore community can access Go Bowling, Gold Coast University Hospital and Broadwater Parklands with ease. Highlights: Community centre, pool, arts and crafts room, hair salon, library, special events, walking paths, bowling, BBQ area.
The Domain Country Club Retirement Village
Nestled within 42 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens in leafy Ashmore, this resort-style community offers the ideal backdrop for retirement. Conveniently located just a short drive from the Broadwater Parklands, Gold Coast University Hospital, Home of The Arts, and Nerang Train Station, everything you need is within easy reach. Highlights: Community centre, pool, hair salon, library, special events, walking paths, bowling.
Benowa
Lady Small Haven Retirement Village
This contemporary, architecturally designed building in Benowa is close to cafes and restaurants, medical services, the Benowa Bowls Club, and the Gold Coast Turf Club. There is also a bus stop at your door that will take you anywhere around the Gold Coast. Highlights: Outdoor alfresco dining area, swimming pool, billiards, lounge area with TV.
Broadbeach Waters
Esprit de Vie Mermaid Waters
Bringing a new approach to Gold Coast retirement living, Esprit de Vie Mermaid Waters is a flagship retirement community in South-East Queensland. Highlights: Full-time concierge, wellness programs, sports bar, cafe, restaurant, communal rooftop kitchen, heated pool and spa, state-of-the-art gym, yoga room, expansive gardens, communal rooftop vegetable garden.
Carrara
Seachange Emerald Lakes
In terms of a retirement village on the Gold Coast, Seachange Emerald Lakes was Australia’s first gated country club estate specifically designed for people in their 50s. The resort is an exclusive community set within the premium Emerald Lakes precinct. Highlights: Country club, library, lounge, pool, spa, sauna.
Clear Island Waters
Cypress Gardens Retirement Community
Boasting a superb waterfront location at Clear Island Waters, the village is located across the road from the popular Carrara Markets, close to the Robina Town Centre and only a 7-minute drive from the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre. Highlights: Health and wellbeing services, gym, gardens, BBQ area, swimming pool, sauna, movie theatre, library, putting green community bus.
Coombabah
Living Gems Gold Coast
Backing onto the Coombabah Lakelands Conservation area, Living Gems Gold Coast is at the city’s northern end, just moments away from the Broadwater with its shopping, dining, and entertainment. Highlights: Games room, swimming pool, spa, gym, fitness room, bowling green, art and craft studio, BBQs, resident bar, resident workshop.
Coomera/Upper Coomera
Baldwin Living Sequana
It doesn’t get any better than this for the active retiree looking for independent living – a lovely home in the middle of a friendly and relaxed gated village, a leisurely 50-metre stroll to the local shops. Highlights: Indoor pool, community centre, BBQ areas, library.
Seachange Riverside Coomera
When it comes to retirement villages on the Gold Coast, Seachange Riverside Coomera is a boutique version that’s nestled on the banks of the Coomera River. Highlights: The 5-star facilities at the heart of the resort include two Country Club precincts with a multitude of amenities to explore and enjoy, perfect for nourishing the mind, body, and soul.
Palm Lake Resort Upper Coomera
Palm Lake Resort Upper Coomera is a unique boutique lifestyle community located in one of the Gold Coast’s premier positions. Highlights: Library, gym, tennis court, bowling green, lounge areas, dance floor, games room, pool table, darts, resort pool, BBQ area, bar.
Eagleby
Oxford Crest Eagleby
Oxford Crest at Eagleby is a gated community with Eagleby Plaza shopping centre across the road. A bus stops outside the village and connects with the Brisbane city bus and trains to the Sunshine and Gold Coast. Highlights: Bingo, craft sessions, games nights with pool and bowling.
Palm Lake Resort Eagleby Heights
Palm Lake Eagleby Heights Resort is not just a Gold Coast retirement village—it’s a master-planned lifestyle community. Our philosophy is to create communities where our residents experience life to the full. Highlights: Two clubhouses with free activities, including water aerobics, gentle exercise, Zumba and tai chi, tennis, bowls, pool, crafts, cards, gardens, and cinema.
Edens Landing
Edens Landing Retirement Village
Enjoy your low-maintenance lifestyle within a strong community. Conveniently located between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, stay connected with your family and friends in peaceful surroundings. Highlights: Billiards table, dedicated village bus, regular social events, library, pool, BBQ, bingo, organised trips.
Elanora
Levande Pine Lake Village
The Gold Coast’s famous beaches are on your doorstep at Pine Lake – which is located on the waterfront of tranquil Pine Lake, the perfect spot for fishing or a paddle. Pine Lake is also a stone’s throw from shopping and cafés, plus a short drive to many golf courses. Highlights: Heated outdoor pool, community centre with snooker table, gym, hair salon, Pine Lake bus.
Elanora Gardens Retirement Village
Elanora Gardens offers easy living among a friendly community in a quiet haven while still close to the vibrant Gold Coast beachside. Highlights: Pet-friendly, garden and property maintenance.
Helensvale
The Gardens on Lindfield
This is your unique opportunity to live in a brand new home, moments from stunning beaches and all life’s essentials. Perfectly positioned in the northern heart of the Gold Coast, this relaxed retirement village offers resort-style amenities and a welcoming community. Highlights: Wellness hub, pool, gym, bowling green, croquet lawn, library, clubhouse.
Tranquility Gardens Retirement Village
Nestled within 10 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens in the serene suburb of Helensvale, Tranquility Gardens offers vibrant community living. Gold Coast University Hospital, Helensvale Aquatic Centre, Helensvale Community Centre, and Helensvale Tavern are conveniently located nearby. Highlights: Community centre, pool, hair salon, library, bowling, billiards, community vegetable garden.
Mermaid Waters
BlueCare Lakeside Retirement Village
A quiet haven within the ever-vibrant Gold Coast, BlueCare’s Lakeside Retirement Village provides the best of both worlds. Highlights: Heated pool with spa, community room with games area, billiard table, outdoor BBQ area.
Miami
The Verge at Burleigh
Overlooking Burleigh Golf Course and just minutes from the Gold Coast, The Verge offers discerning local retirees exceptional apartments to live in now, with care and community you can count on for later. Highlights: Wellness centre, gym, cafe, physio, monthly activities.
Nerang
Golden Crest Manors
In terms of retirement villages on the Gold Coast QLD, Golden Crest Manors is a multiple award-winning over 50’s lifestyle resort. It’s also nestled into 27 hectares of beautifully manicured gardens with lots of activities to keep you occupied. Highlights: Library, sports bar, entertainment lounge, commercial catering kitchen, ballroom, cinema, arts and crafts studio, handyman workshop, bowling green.
Melody Park Retirement Resort
Melody Park retirement community is set in tranquil bushland surrounded by Nerang and the magnificent surf beaches of the Gold Coast. Highlights: Hair salon, physiotherapist, podiatrist, bus outings, social functions, group activities, outdoor BBQ area, indoor heated pool and spa.
North Kirra
The Pavilion
North Kirra is one of the Gold Coast’s most laid-back beach destinations, with a long sandy shoreline that is irresistible to walkers, surfers and swimmers. With high-quality, pet-friendly independent living apartments over 10 levels, The Pavilion North Kirra provides an exceptional beachside lifestyle only metres from the sand. Highlights: Pool, yoga, wine room, billiards room, bar, arts and crafts room, rooftop garden, courtyard and BBQ.
Ormeau
Lewani Palms Over50’s Lifestyle Resort
In terms of gated Gold Coast retirement villages, Lewani Palms Resort is a great option that’s close to shopping centres and the Gold Coast’s theme parks. Highlights: library, sports hall, croquet green, entertainment centre, bowling green, two swimming pools, gym, BBQ area, dance floor, darts, pool tables, indoor bowls, 3km walking track circuit.
Parkwood
Living Choice Parkwood
Providing the ultimate retirement destination, Living Choice Parkwood, which is pet-friendly, is superbly located at Parkwood on the Gold Coast. Highlights: The Club at Parkwood Village precinct with an 18-hole Championship golf course and extensive leisure, entertainment and wellness facilities.
Robina
Robina Gardens Retirement Living
Centrally located on the sunny Gold Coast, Robina Gardens Retirement Living offers picturesque hinterland views. It is conveniently close to The Range Golf Course by Bruce Howard, Robina Hospital, Cbus Super Stadium, and Robina Town Centre. Highlights: heated pool, clubhouse, bar.
Odyssey Robina
The Robina Lifestyle Care Community is just 300m from Robina Town Centre. It has an abundance of amenities, such as major shops, cinemas, restaurants, medical services, hospitals, and everything in between. Highlights: Restaurant dining, sky gardens, piano lounge, wine cellar, library, lifestyle coordinator, concierge services, community bus, gym.
Runaway Bay
Sunny Ridge Gardens
A small boutique-styled village in a gated community with an on-site Resident Manager. Highlights: Fully-equipped kitchen, outdoor BBQ, games room, library, outdoor and indoor dining areas, heated pool.
Southport
Eureka Pioneer Place Southport, Southport
Pioneer Place Southport offers an enjoyable, peaceful, and relaxing lifestyle amongst the village’s beautiful gardens and grounds. Highlights: Minutes from public transport, medical facilities and beaches.
Southport Gardens Retirement Village
Southport Gardens Retirement Living is a well-established community set on beautifully maintained grounds that offers the best of both land and sea. Perfectly situated in Southport’s prime Gold Coast location, just a five-minute drive from Main Beach, Southport Gardens is close to Australia Fair Shopping Centre, the Convention Centre, Southport Bowls Club, and Broadwater Parklands. Highlights: Community centre, pool, hair salon, library, BBQ area, billiards, community vegetable garden.
The Henley on Broadwater Lifestyle Resort
Define your own retirement at The Henley on Broadwater. Whether you’re a homebody, a fine-dining-foodie, or love to stroll on the beach, you’ll find an easier life and the space to rediscover yourself. Highlights: Fine dining, concierge care, room service, hair and beauty, gym and health club, community garden, rooftop leisure zone, social events and gatherings.
De Paul Manor Estate
Nestled amongst lush bushland and picturesque gardens, De Paul Manor Estate offers tranquil elegance only minutes from Gold Coast beaches. Highlights: heated pool with spa, spacious open terraces, outdoor BBQ areas, gym, theatre, billiard room, library, community lounge, bar, kitchen facilities.
Considering a retirement village in your area? Be sure to also read our overview of the pros and cons of retirement village living for a balanced perspective.
References
- villages.com.au (2024), 50 Retirement Living and Retirement Villages in Gold Coast Qld, villages.com.au article, accessed 19 November 2024