There’s no single retirement age in Australia. When you can retire depends on when you want to stop working, when you can access your super, and whether you’ll have enough to live the life you want.
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When can I retire?
There’s no set age when you have to retire in Australia. You can choose to stop working whenever it makes sense for you.
The important difference is when you can access your super and when you may become eligible for the Age Pension.
For most Australians today, super can generally be accessed from age 60 once you meet a condition of release, such as retiring or leaving a job after turning 60. From age 65, you can generally access your super even if you’re still working.
The Age Pension is different. The qualifying age is currently 67, and eligibility also depends on things such as your income, assets and residency.
So, retirement age, super access age and Age Pension age aren't necessarily the same thing.
Can I retire at 60?
Yes, you can retire at 60 in Australia. The bigger question is whether you have enough money to support the retirement you want.
Age 60 is also important for super. If you've reached 60 and meet a condition of release — for example, retiring or leaving a job after turning 60 — you may be able to access your super.
But retiring at 60 could mean funding around seven years before reaching Age Pension age at 67, and potentially decades of retirement after that.
That’s why the number matters: what could your super actually be worth when you want to retire?
What age can I access my super?
For most Australians, the age you can access your super is linked to your preservation age and whether you meet a condition of release.
If you were born from 1 July 1964, your preservation age is 60. Reaching 60 doesn't always mean you can immediately withdraw all of your super — the rules depend on whether you've retired, stopped working for an employer after turning 60, or meet another condition of release.
Once you turn 65, you can generally access your super whether you're still working or not.
This is different from the Age Pension age of 67.
How much money do I need to retire?
There isn't one number that everyone needs to retire. It depends on when you retire, how much you spend, whether you own your home, and the lifestyle you want.
A retirement balance also needs to last for years — potentially decades. That's why a large super balance can look very different when you think about it as weekly income over your retirement.
The earlier you understand what your super could become, the more time you have to see how small changes today might affect your tomorrow.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I access my super at 60?
Generally, yes, if you are retired or leave a job after turning 60. Turning 60 alone does not give everyone full access. If you keep working, limited access through a transition-to-retirement income stream may be available. At 65, you can generally access your super whether you work or not.
What is the retirement age in Australia?
There is no single age when everyone must retire. You can stop working when you can support yourself. Access to super generally starts at 60 if you meet the rules, or at 65 regardless of work. Age Pension eligibility starts at 67 and also depends on residence, income and assets.
Can I retire before I can access my super?
Yes, but you would need savings or other income to cover your costs until you can access super. Stopping work early does not itself unlock your super. Early release is only available in limited circumstances under specific rules.
Is retirement age the same as Age Pension age?
No. Retirement is when you stop working. Age Pension age is currently 67, but reaching 67 does not automatically qualify you for a payment. Services Australia also checks your residence, income and assets. You may retire earlier, later or keep working.
How do I know if I have enough super to retire?
It depends on your spending, housing costs, retirement age and other income, including any Age Pension you qualify for. The My Tomorrow Retirement Calculator can help you explore what your super could become. It is a starting point, not a guarantee that your money will last or a recommendation about when to retire.
My Tomorrow is an independent retirement-awareness tool. This is general information, not personal financial advice.
Sources: Moneysmart: getting your super · Services Australia: Age Pension eligibility
Information checked 30 September 2026.