Nestled at the foot of the Illawarra escarpment, Tarrawanna Gardens Retirement Village offers a quiet, leafy lifestyle just north of Wollongong. Surrounded by bushland and escarpment views, you’ll feel a world away, while still close to shops, cafés, medical services and public transport.

Our villas are designed for ease and comfort, with open-plan living, private outdoor areas and modern finishes.

Some other features you can come to expect at our community include:

• A range of social activities for you to get involved in

• Arts and craft

• Line dancing and BBQs

• Variety of games such as bingo, carpet bowls, darts and snooker

• Weekly exercises including table tennis

• Access to library

• Additional support and Home Care services, when needed

• A charming and vibrant environment, integrated with modern amenities.

IRT Retirement Communities: Locations, Lifestyle, Homes & Costs Explained 

Last updated: June 2026 
Reviewed by Villages.com.au team 

IRT Retirement Communities and Lifestyle Resorts 

IRT is one of Australia's largest and most established retirement living providers, offering retirement villages and seniors living communities across New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory. With a history spanning more than 50 years, IRT focuses on helping older Australians enjoy an active, independent lifestyle with access to community facilities, social connections and support services when needed. 

This guide explains who IRT is, where its communities are located, what residents can expect from daily life, ownership options, costs and key considerations when comparing IRT with other retirement living operators. 

About IRT 

IRT (Illawarra Retirement Trust) is a not-for-profit organisation that has been supporting older Australians since 1969. 

Originally established in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, IRT has grown into one of Australia's largest providers of retirement living, home care and aged care services. 

Today, IRT operates retirement villages and seniors living communities across: 

• New South Wales 

• Queensland 

• Australian Capital Territory (ACT) 

Its retirement living communities are designed for people seeking greater convenience, reduced home maintenance and opportunities to remain socially connected throughout retirement. 

What Makes IRT Different? 

At a Glance 

• Not-for-profit provider with more than 50 years of experience 

• Retirement villages across multiple Australian states and territories 

• Strong focus on community and social connection 

• Access to support services through the broader IRT network 

• Variety of home styles and village sizes 

• Maintenance and gardening support available in many communities 

• Pet-friendly options may be available at selected locations 

• Established reputation within the retirement living sector 

Where Does IRT Operate? 

IRT communities are primarily located throughout New South Wales, with additional retirement living options in Queensland and the ACT. 

IRT Communities by State 

Because new homes, village expansions and availability can change regularly, it is worth checking current listings on villages.com.au for the latest opportunities. 

Community Directory Snapshot 

Community sizes and available homes vary between locations. 

What Is Living at an IRT Community Like? 

Lifestyle and Social Activities 

Many people choose retirement living because they want less time spent maintaining a home and more time enjoying life. 

IRT communities often provide opportunities for residents to participate in: 

• Social clubs 

• Community events 

• Exercise groups 

• Arts and crafts 

• Card games and hobby groups 

• Volunteer activities 

• Resident committees 

• Local excursions 

Participation is always optional, allowing residents to enjoy privacy while remaining connected to the wider community. 

Wellness and Recreation Facilities 

Facilities vary between communities, but many IRT villages include shared spaces and amenities designed to support active living. 

Always review the facilities available at the specific village you are considering. 

Home Ownership at IRT 

Do Residents Own Their Homes? 

Ownership arrangements vary between communities and states. 

Many IRT retirement villages operate under retirement village legislation, where residents generally purchase a right to occupy a home within the community. 

Depending on the village, arrangements may include: 

• Leasehold agreements 

• Licence agreements 

• Loan-lease models 

• Retirement village contracts 

Residents receive security of tenure and legal protections under relevant state legislation. 

Because ownership structures differ between villages, prospective buyers should carefully review disclosure documents and seek independent legal and financial advice before proceeding. 

Buying a Home in an IRT Community 

The purchasing process typically involves: 

1. Researching suitable communities 

2. Touring villages and display homes 

3. Reviewing pricing and availability 

4. Receiving disclosure documents 

5. Obtaining legal advice 

6. Signing contracts 

7. Completing settlement and moving in 

Village sales teams can guide prospective residents through the process. 

What Types of Homes Are Available? 

Home styles vary by location but commonly include: 

• One-bedroom homes 

• Two-bedroom villas 

• Three-bedroom villas 

• Apartments 

• Units 

• Homes with garages or carports 

Many homes feature: 

• Open-plan layouts 

• Modern kitchens 

• Outdoor entertaining areas 

• Low-maintenance gardens 

• Accessible design features 

• Single-level living 

What Does It Cost to Live at IRT? 

Home Purchase Costs 

Entry prices vary significantly depending on: 

• Location 

• Property size 

• Home age and condition 

• Community facilities 

• Demand within the local market 

Premium coastal and metropolitan locations generally attract higher purchase prices than regional communities. 

Ongoing Fees and Charges 

Fees differ between communities and should be reviewed carefully before purchasing. 

Are There Exit Fees? 

Many retirement villages include deferred management fees (DMFs) or exit fees that may apply when a resident leaves the community. 

The exact arrangements vary significantly between villages and contracts. 

Prospective residents should: 

• Review disclosure statements 

• Understand resale arrangements 

• Ask how exit fees are calculated 

• Obtain independent financial advice 

Australian retirement village legislation requires operators to provide detailed disclosure documents outlining these arrangements. 

Who Is IRT Best Suited For? 

Ideal Resident Profiles 

IRT communities may appeal to: 

• Active retirees seeking a community lifestyle 

• Downsizers wanting less home maintenance 

• Couples looking for security and convenience 

• Singles seeking social connection 

• Residents wanting access to future support services 

• People planning ahead for later-life needs 

• Travellers seeking a lock-up-and-leave lifestyle 

Potential Considerations 

Before choosing any retirement community, consider: 

• Preferred location and proximity to family 

• Ongoing fees and affordability 

• Village culture and community fit 

• Contract structure and ownership model 

• Future health and care needs 

• Available facilities and services 

• Pet policies 

Visiting multiple communities can help determine the best fit. 

View all villages and aged care facilities of IRT