If you’re looking for a glamorous retirement life, find your haven on the Gold Coast and slip into a destination that will stimulate all of your senses.
From the thrill of the major events including the Magic Millions Horse Racing Carnival - to the adrenalin pumping Gold Coast 500 Car Race, it seems there’s always something going on. And with Queensland recently winning the right to win the Olympic Games, there’s also the heady scent of success in the air.
Yet for all the excitement of the jam-packed annual events calendar, it’s the warm and friendly locals who make this such an attractive destination. It’s one of the reasons why so many over 55s choose to retire on the Gold Coast where retirement village communities include everything from high rise developments to villas on the water in gated communities or around the lush pastoral lands.
Living Your Best Life
It’s also the simple pleasures that make the difference on the Gold Coast including exploring the many canals and waterways by boat or taking a tour to the World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest.
Perhaps you’ll take pleasure in sourcing the freshest, most delicious produce at one of the many farmer's markets around the region. The Currumbin Community Market, which is held every Thursday from 7.00 to 11 am opposite the Currumbin RSL, is a great place to source fresh produce as well as arts and crafts.
You could also play a few rounds of golf at one of the championship courses around the Gold Coast. Or indulge yourself with a decadent afternoon tea in a five-star hotel, The Gold Coast caters to your every mood.
Keeping Your Cool
You’ve probably heard the state’s promo tag: ``beautiful one day, perfect the next”, well that sums up life on the Gold Coast where the weather is sunny much more than it rains. The region has a subtropical climate, with temperatures rarely dipping below about 12°C. January is when it really sizzles with an average temperature of 28.9°C. At least the sea breezes temper the heat.
Move closer into the lush hinterland where it can be several degrees cooler. The rain mostly falls in February with an annual rainfall for the Gold Coast of 1138mm.
Arriving Is Easy, Leaving Is Hard…
This is because the Gold Coast has a way of seducing you from the moment you arrive at the airport and notice that the local dress code is shorts, T-shirts and floaty summer frocks. The airport services both domestic and international flights, while Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar fly in from most Australian cities.
The airport is located at Bilinga, just 20 kilometres from Surfers Paradise and one kilometre from Coolangatta. Take a rental car, taxi, limousine, a ride-share or the bus. The Uber app works right across the Gold Coast including Coomera to the north, Coolangatta to the south and inland to Springbrook and Tamborine.
The only train that runs directly into the Gold Coast is from Brisbane and the closest station to Surfers Paradise is Nerang, so it’s not exactly ideal. But you could also catch a long-distance coach or drive. It takes an estimated 1 hour and 20 minutes to drive in from Brisbane and around 10 hours from Sydney, which is 850 kilometres away.
Once at your destination, the public transport options include buses, trains and the G: light rail system. Tap on and off with a Go Card.
Where To Find Your Place In The Sun
The Gold Coast suburb of Miami is often referred to as one of the best places to retire to in Australia.
Close to Mermaid Beach, Miami has a laid back lifestyle with lots of excellent facilities including Burleigh Golf Course, an Aquatic Centre with a 50-metre pool, excellent medical facilities and a range of different properties on sale including many at retirement communities.
If you enjoy being active and your retirement dream involves regular walks along the beach and plunging into the waves, you might also consider settling in different coastal suburbs including Southport, Surfers, Broadbeach, Burleigh, Tugun and Coolangatta.
If you prefer to live in a glossy high rise in the heart of Surfer’s there’s so many on offer with world-class entertainment and dining right on your doorstep. Or you could also check out some of the sleek and luxe retirement communities in locations including Broadwater and Coomera where it’s easy to make new friends and join in the many activities on offer.
See all the retirement living properties currently available on the Gold Coast here
Living Your Best Life For Less
The Gold Coast is certainly not one of the top budget destinations in Australia but it’s nowhere near as expensive as living in Sydney or Melbourne. According to some surveys, it would cost a couple around $1,433,80 per month (without rent).
A three-course meal for two people is around $95, a mid-range bottle of wine is $15.
The median house price is around $750k on the Gold Coast. However, you’ll also find many retirement villages with 2 bedroom villas on offer for around $350k with apartments around $200k.
Away from the main tourist areas, it’s much less expensive to live and there are also excellent choices in dining out and shopping. It all depends on the kind of lifestyle you’re looking for and whether you want a base to travel or a new home to put down new roots.
Dining Out Is An Art Form On The Gold Coast
The local dining scene is eclectic with many of the world’s cuisines represented including fantastic Japanese, Italian, Thai, Chinese and so much more. If you like to dine in the open air next to the beach or on one of the many waterfronts, there are endless choices - from the rustic to fine dining. Adventurous types might enjoy the buzzy Miami Marketta, which is held several nights a week with Spanish, Italian, Thai and French cuisine on offer – as well as boutique local beer and wine, a dessert hall, and a Gin Parlour. Yes, it’s very noisy but fun.
Or sit outside at The Tropic at Burleigh Heads as you survey the beach, feast on a casual but inventive menu and congratulate yourself on moving to The Gold Coast.
Shopping On The Gold Coast Is An Excellent Work Out.
It all starts in the shopping mecca of Pacific Fair in Broadbeach with 400 shops on offer along with cafes and entertainment. All the big-name stores can be found here with everything you could possibly need.
If you love an outlet mall, head to Harbour Town Premium Outlets at Biggera Waters with global brand discounts, a 14 screen cinema complex and casual places to dine.
There’s also the Miami One Shopping Centre, Australia Fair and lots of small boutiques and upmarket shopping strips like the chic Marina Mirage.
The `Marina’ is also the destination for one of the Coast’s best Farmer’s Markets. It runs every Saturday morning from 6am to midday and includes organic and artisan foods, speciality jams, fruit and vegetables and decadent cupcakes. It’s also an opportunity to meet the people who grow the food and have a good old Queensland yarn.
Taking Good Care Of Yourself
The Gold Coast is actually a health and beauty haven with spas, yoga retreats snd spiritual healers. But when you want to consult medical help, there are many facilities available up and down the Coast.
The Gold Coast University Hospital is in Southport, along with the Southport Health Precinct. Plus there’s another large health hub at Robina.
You’ll find Community Health Centres located at Helensvale and Palm Beach, while there are many private hospitals and day surgery choices right around the Coast.
Living It Up
Start your new carefree life on the right note by treating yourself to a spa day, which nourishes the mind and the body at the highly-rated retreat Gwinganna in the Tallebudgera Valley. You could further embrace nature with a Nightfall glamping experience in the Lamington National Park.
The entertainment choices also include food and wine tours, hot air ballooning, whale watching or just spending time each week beachcombing. And if all else fails, you could visit the `Coast’s’ famous theme parks including Warner Brothers Movie World and Dreamworld. They’re not just for children, they’re fun for everyone and you may access them all with a special day pass.
The Star casino also offers many entertainment choices including live shows, theatre, sophisticated dining and if you’re feeling lucky, have a small flutter. After all, you’re already leading a charmed life when you find your haven on the Gold Coast.
Pros
- Vibrant entertainment choices without the big city attitude
- An incredible array of restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes
- A brilliant destination for the smallest members of your extended family with theme parks
- Glamorous hotels and a casino for when you want to treat yourself
Cons
- Queensland has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world, so you’ll need to cover up.
- Schoolies weeks when year 12 kids descend on the Gold Coast and let loose
- Rev heads who take over the two for the Gold Coast 500
- Live with air conditioning, insect screens and maybe have the snake catcher on speed dial in the hinterland.
