Best Senior Discounts Available in Australia Right Now
One of the genuinely underrated benefits of being over 60 in Australia is the sheer number of discounts available to you. From transport and entertainment to utilities and healthcare, there are hundreds of legitimate discounts most Australians over 60 either don’t know about or forget to use. This guide rounds up the best senior discounts available in Australia right now so you can start saving immediately.
1. The Seniors Card
The Seniors Card is the single most valuable discount card available to older Australians and it is completely free. Each state and territory has its own version and eligibility varies slightly but generally you qualify if you are over 60 and not working full time.
The card gives you access to thousands of discounts across transport, entertainment, retail, dining, health services, and more.
How to get yours:
- NSW — service.nsw.gov.au
- Queensland — seniorcard.qld.gov.au
- Victoria — seniorsonline.vic.gov.au
- WA — seniorscard.wa.gov.au
- SA — seniorcard.sa.gov.au
If you don’t already have one apply today — it takes about 10 minutes online and is one of the best financial decisions you can make.
2. Public Transport Discounts
Every state in Australia offers significantly discounted public transport for seniors. In Queensland for example Seniors Card holders travel on public transport for just 50 cents per journey anywhere in South East Queensland. This represents savings of hundreds of dollars per year for regular users.
Check your state transport authority website for current rates and how to load your seniors discount onto your travel card.
3. Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is available to self funded retirees who don’t receive the Age Pension but meet the income test. It provides significant discounts on prescription medications through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and bulk billing incentives for GPs.
Given the cost of medications for many Australians over 60 this card can save thousands of dollars per year. Apply through Services Australia at servicesaustralia.gov.au.
4. Utility Bill Discounts
Most Australian states offer energy concessions for eligible seniors. In Queensland the Electricity Concession provides a discount on electricity bills for eligible Seniors Card holders. Similar concessions exist for gas and water in most states.
Contact your state government concessions hotline or search your state name plus “seniors utility concession” to find what you’re entitled to.
5. Entertainment and Leisure Discounts
Some of the best value senior discounts are in entertainment:
- Cinema — most major cinema chains including Event, Hoyts, and Village offer senior tickets at significantly reduced prices on weekdays
- Museums and galleries — most Australian state museums and galleries offer free or heavily discounted entry for seniors
- National Parks — discounted annual passes available for seniors in most states
- Theatre and concerts — many venues offer senior rush tickets at the last minute at dramatically reduced prices
- Sporting events — most major sporting codes offer senior discounts on match day tickets
6. Health and Medical Discounts
Beyond the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card there are numerous health related discounts available:
- Dental — many dental schools offer heavily discounted treatment performed by supervised students
- Optical — OPSM, Specsavers, and other optometrists offer regular senior discounts
- Gym memberships — many gyms offer senior rates and council run aquatic centres are significantly cheaper for Seniors Card holders
- Private health insurance — some insurers offer specific over 60s products at competitive rates
7. Travel Discounts
Seniors travelling within Australia can access significant discounts:
- Train travel — Great Southern Rail offers senior discounts on The Ghan, Indian Pacific, and Overland journeys
- Bus travel — Greyhound Australia offers senior discounts on interstate coach travel
- Flights — while airlines don’t widely advertise senior fares it’s always worth asking directly
- Accommodation — many hotel chains offer senior rates when booking directly — always ask
8. Retail and Shopping Discounts
Many Australian retailers offer senior discounts that aren’t widely advertised:
- Bunnings — doesn’t have an official senior discount but many stores offer informal discounts to Seniors Card holders
- Various retailers — search your Seniors Card portal for current retail partners in your state
- Online shopping — many online retailers offer discount codes for seniors through comparison sites
9. Council and Community Discounts
Your local council is one of the most underutilised sources of senior discounts:
- Reduced rates on council facilities including pools, gyms, and community centres
- Discounted or free community programs and classes
- Reduced green waste and rubbish collection fees in some areas
- Free or subsidised garden maintenance and home modification services
Contact your local council directly and ask specifically what discounts and programs are available for seniors in your area.
10. Phone and Internet Discounts
Staying connected doesn’t have to be expensive:
- Telstra offers a pensioner discount on home phone plans for eligible customers
- NBN — some providers offer specific low income or senior plans at reduced rates
- Mobile phones — several providers offer senior specific plans with simplified features at lower prices
How to Make Sure You’re Getting Everything You’re Entitled To
The easiest way to find every discount available to you is:
- Apply for your state Seniors Card if you haven’t already
- Log into your Seniors Card portal and browse all current partner discounts
- Contact Services Australia to check eligibility for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- Call your local council and ask what senior programs and discounts they offer
- Ask every service provider you deal with whether they offer a senior rate
Most discounts are never advertised — you simply have to ask.
Know a discount we missed? Come and share it in The Good Years Club community on Facebook — our members love finding new ways to save.