Rockhampton set to welcome new over-50s lifestyle resort

A major new lifestyle resort for over-50s has been approved for Rockhampton, marking a significant milestone for housing for older Australians in the region.

Living Gems Rockhampton, located on a 27-hectare site in Parkhurst, will bring 505 new homes to market — making it the largest lifestyle community of its kind ever seen in Central Queensland. It’s only the second land lease project approved in the Rockhampton region in more than a decade.

The $360m resort will offer contemporary, low-maintenance homes alongside more than $23 million in facilities designed to support an active, independent lifestyle.

The homes — all two-bedroom with a flexible multipurpose room — will be nestled in a setting with views to Mount Archer and easy access to shops, cafes, and the city centre. On site, residents will have access to a country club, pools, bowling alley, sports courts, yoga spaces, a golf simulator, dog run, residents’ workshop and more.

Anthony Puljich, CEO of Living Gems, said the resort had been designed with the needs of modern over-50s front of mind.

“We know a lot of people in this age group are still in homes that are bigger than they need and harder to maintain, often because there just aren’t many other good options,” Mr Puljich said.

“Living Gems Rockhampton offers something different. A place that’s secure, well-designed and gives people the chance to spend more time doing the things they enjoy. Whether that’s being social, staying active, or just having the space to relax.”

Census data shows more than 34 per cent of Rockhampton’s population is aged over 50 — and the region’s housing market has come under pressure in recent years, driven by population growth and a $12 billion pipeline of local infrastructure and industry projects.

Mr Puljich said the resort would also help ease the broader housing shortage by creating more downsizing options, freeing up family homes for younger buyers.

“Downsizing doesn’t mean doing less, it means living in a way that makes sense for where you’re at,” he said.

The project is the latest by family-owned Living Gems, which has been developing lifestyle resorts across Queensland for more than 40 years and has delivered over 2,000 homes in that time.

Unlike traditional retirement villages, Living Gems communities operate under a land lease model. Homeowners purchase their home and lease the land it sits on, with a weekly site fee that covers security, maintenance and management. There are no exit fees, deferred management fees or stamp duty, and eligible homeowners can access government rent assistance.

Construction is expected to begin in September 2025.