Australian Capital Territory

Calvary Retirement Villages: Communities, Care and Locations Across New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory

Calvary is a retirement living operator with a history dating to 1885 and 17 communities across New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory. This page brings the key facts together in one place, so you can compare Calvary with other operators on your shortlist before you pick up the phone or arrange a visit. Find a Calvary community near you below, or read on for costs, care details and what sets Calvary apart.

Quick facts

About Calvary

Calvary's work in Australia began on 4 November 1885, when six Sisters of the Little Company of Mary sailed into Sydney. Today it runs 17 retirement villages with 620 independent living homes between them. Homes include apartments and, at some communities, villas, so you can choose the style that suits you. Looking at the layouts on offer, and how they compare with the home you live in now, is a sensible first step when you are thinking about downsizing.

Residents are usually granted a right to reside through a lease or licence agreement. The exact terms of that agreement matter, so read it carefully and consider asking a solicitor or financial adviser to explain it before you commit. Communal gardens, shared areas and external maintenance are taken care of, so day-to-day living is lower maintenance. For many people thinking about downsizing, handing over the garden and external upkeep is a large part of the appeal. Amenities and activities vary by community, so compare the facilities at each community you are considering rather than assuming they match.

Calvary is a charitable Catholic not-for-profit health care organisation, continuing the mission of the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary. Its operating company, Little Company of Mary Health Care Ltd, was established by the Sisters in 1997. Calvary Ministries has held responsibility for its stewardship since 1 January 2011.

Costs & fees

Because prices are not set out on this page, the most reliable way to understand what living in a Calvary village would involve is to ask directly. For a current price, call Calvary directly on 1800 52 72 72 or enquire through the listing for the community you're interested in. When you call, it helps to ask what you would pay to move in, what ongoing charges apply and what happens financially if you later leave. Ask for the contract terms in writing, and take your time comparing them with other operators on your shortlist.

Care & lifestyle services

Support can be added as your needs change, helping you stay independent for longer in your own home. Because needs change gradually, it helps to think about the support you might want further ahead, not only today, and to ask how it would be arranged. Home care is arranged separately from retirement living and every Calvary community has access to it, covering help with daily living, personal care, domestic support and wellbeing, delivered on-site or through approved providers.

14 of Calvary's 17 retirement villages sit alongside a Calvary aged care service, so higher care is close by if you ever need it. If being close to higher care matters to you, confirm whether the community you like is one of those with a service alongside. Serviced apartments and specialist dementia care are part of Calvary's range too, so it's worth asking at each community what it offers.

Shared facilities can include fitness centres, swimming pools, dining options and social and lounge areas. Some communities also offer hair and beauty services, billiards rooms, transport and modern in-home emergency call systems, and the mix varies by community. Visiting in person is the best way to see which of these are on offer and whether they suit the way you like to spend your days.

What makes Calvary different

Calvary gives you real choice. It runs 17 retirement villages nationally, so you can look for a community close to family and friends. Rental is available at selected communities too, a flexible alternative to buying in. More people are choosing Calvary: 583 homes are now occupied, up from 520.

Calvary has been caring for Australians since 1885. A long history is only one thing to weigh, but it is a concrete, checkable fact to include when you compare operators.

Last updated: October 2026.