Southern Cross Care (SA, NT & VIC) Retirement Villages & Retirement Living Guide
Reviewed by: Villages.com.au Editorial Team
Last Updated: July 2026
Southern Cross Care (SA, NT & VIC) is a not-for-profit provider of retirement living, home care and residential aged care across South Australia, the Northern Territory and Victoria. With more than 30 retirement villages and retirement living communities, the organisation offers independent living options alongside a broad range of support services, helping older Australians remain active and connected throughout retirement.
About Southern Cross Care (SA, NT & VIC)
Who is Southern Cross Care (SA, NT & VIC)?
Southern Cross Care (SA, NT & VIC) is one of Australia's largest not-for-profit aged care and retirement living providers. Established in 1968, the organisation has been supporting older Australians for more than five decades through retirement living, home care, residential aged care and health and wellbeing services.
Its retirement villages are designed for people who want to maintain their independence while enjoying the benefits of living in a professionally managed community. Many villages are located close to shopping centres, healthcare providers, public transport and recreational facilities, making it easier for residents to continue enjoying their local community.
While Southern Cross Care also operates aged care homes and delivers home care services, retirement living remains a major part of its offering, providing a range of accommodation options across metropolitan and regional locations.
Quick Facts
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Operator | Southern Cross Care (SA, NT & VIC) |
Organisation Type | Not-for-profit |
Established | 1968 |
Primary Services | Retirement living, home care, residential aged care |
Retirement Villages | 30+ communities |
Operating States | South Australia, Northern Territory, Victoria |
Home Care | Yes |
Residential Aged Care | Yes |
Why People Choose Southern Cross Care (SA, NT & VIC)
Southern Cross Care has built a strong reputation as a not-for-profit provider that focuses on helping older Australians live independently for as long as possible. Its long history and broad service offering give many retirees confidence when comparing retirement village operators.
Residents also benefit from a wide choice of communities. Whether someone prefers a metropolitan suburb or a regional town, the organisation offers retirement villages across a diverse range of locations.
Another reason many people consider Southern Cross Care is its continuum of services. While retirement living, home care and residential aged care remain separate offerings, having access to one provider across different stages of ageing can make future planning simpler.
Retirement Living
Southern Cross Care retirement villages are designed for independent older Australians seeking a lower-maintenance lifestyle without giving up the privacy of their own home.
Accommodation varies between communities and generally includes villas, units, apartments and independent living homes. Many villages feature landscaped gardens, community centres and shared facilities that encourage residents to stay active and socially connected.
Living in a retirement village also means less time spent maintaining a property. External maintenance of communal areas is managed by the operator, allowing residents to focus on hobbies, travel, family and community activities.
Care & Support Services
Southern Cross Care provides a broad range of services beyond retirement living, including home care, allied health, wellness programs and residential aged care.
For retirement village residents, home care services may be available while continuing to live independently, depending on eligibility and location. This can include personal care, domestic assistance, nursing and other in-home support.
The organisation also operates residential aged care homes throughout South Australia, the Northern Territory and Victoria. These provide higher levels of care for people whose needs can no longer be met in an independent living environment.
It is important to understand that moving into a retirement village does not automatically guarantee future access to residential aged care, as availability and eligibility requirements apply.
Services Available
Service | Availability |
|---|---|
Independent retirement living | ✓ |
Retirement villages | ✓ |
Home care | ✓ |
Residential aged care | ✓ |
Allied health services | ✓ |
Wellness programs | ✓ |
Community activities | ✓ |
Dementia care | Yes (within residential aged care services) |
Where Are Southern Cross Care Retirement Villages Located?
State | Example Locations |
|---|---|
South Australia | Adelaide, Mount Barker, Victor Harbor, Goolwa, McLaren Vale, Murray Bridge, Port Broughton, Port Noarlunga, North Plympton, Morphett Vale, Oaklands Park, Plympton, Fullarton, Wynn Vale, Burton, Onkaparinga Hills, Hope Valley and other metropolitan and regional locations |
Northern Territory | |
Victoria |
Southern Cross Care operates one of the largest retirement living networks across South Australia, with communities in both metropolitan Adelaide and regional centres.
What Makes Southern Cross Care (SA, NT & VIC) Different?
Southern Cross Care stands out because it combines retirement living, home care, health services and residential aged care under one not-for-profit organisation.
Its focus on healthy ageing extends beyond accommodation. Many communities encourage residents to remain physically active, socially connected and engaged through organised activities, wellness programs and community events.
Another distinguishing feature is the organisation's strong regional presence. In addition to metropolitan Adelaide, Southern Cross Care operates retirement villages throughout many regional South Australian communities, providing options for retirees who want to remain close to family or continue living outside major cities.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation differs between retirement villages but generally includes:
Independent living villas
Retirement units
Retirement apartments
Duplex-style homes at selected communities
Larger homes suitable for couples
Individual villages may also offer different floorplans, refurbishment standards and community facilities. Prospective residents should compare individual villages rather than assuming every community provides identical accommodation.
Costs & Fees
The cost of living in a Southern Cross Care retirement village varies depending on the community, home type and residence contract.
Residents should expect an entry contribution or purchase price together with ongoing village fees that contribute towards maintaining communal facilities and village operations. Depending on the contract, deferred management fees or exit costs may also apply when leaving the village.
Before committing to any retirement village, prospective residents should carefully review the residence contract, disclosure documents and obtain independent legal and financial advice.
Who Is Southern Cross Care (SA, NT & VIC) Best Suited For?
Southern Cross Care may suit retirees who:
Want to downsize while remaining independent.
Prefer a not-for-profit retirement living provider.
Would like access to home care services if required.
Value active community living and organised social activities.
Want retirement living options across metropolitan and regional South Australia, the Northern Territory or Victoria.
Appreciate having access to a provider with experience across retirement living and aged care.
What Should Consumers Consider?
Every Southern Cross Care retirement village has its own character, facilities and accommodation options. Comparing individual communities will help determine which village best matches your lifestyle, location preferences and budget.
Questions worth asking include:
What accommodation types are available?
What facilities are included?
What ongoing village fees apply?
Are home care services available at this location?
Are pets permitted?
What social activities are organised?
What exit fees or deferred management fees apply?
Understanding the residence agreement before purchasing is an important part of choosing any retirement village.
How to Enquire
Villages.com.au allows you to compare Southern Cross Care retirement villages alongside other retirement living providers across Australia. You can browse available properties, compare communities, request further information and arrange inspections to help determine which village best suits your retirement plans.
