Given that chaos is the order of day, we don't blame you for needing a break once in a while. These past few years have been tumultuous and I can't be the only one beginning to feel it all catch up with me? If you're yearning to slow down and take stock, we know just the place to do so. Enter: the wellness retreat.
We've already seen the global wellness tourism industry experiencing rapid growth (the market is projected to reach $1.35 trillion by 2028). And unsurprisingly, Australia has quite a few hidden gems where you can lean into self care and take a break for your phone.
From environmentally conscious lodges in the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest to Victorian geothermal baths straight out of a Hollywood movie set. Whether it's yoga you're after, proximity to water or just quiet time alone with your own thoughts, you'll find it below. So pack the bare essentials and book in at any of these 10 Australian wellness retreats.
1. Soma (NSW)
View this post on Instagram
Location: 221 Kennedys Ln, Ewingsdale NSW 2481
Look familiar? Like most people, you've probably comes across Soma from its cameo in the television adaptation of Nine Perfect Strangers. When you imagine a retreat, you probably think of the packages this Byron Bay institution has on offer. Select from its Meditate, Rounding, Redesign or Visionary Masterclass and experience coaching in meditation and mindfulness, locally sources Ayurvedic meals, massage and acupuncture, on top of complete access to its picturesque Hinterland grounds and infinity pool.
2. Elysia Wellness Retreat (NSW)
View this post on Instagram
Location: 165 Thompsons Rd, Pokolbin NSW
Tucked into the Hunter Valley, Elysia is a tranquil day spa and retreat offering more than 50 therapies and treatments – from massage to meditation to breathwrok and ice baths, reiki, chakra clearing, wellness coaching and energy healing. They have private, adults-only one, two- or three-bedroom suites on site for those looking to stay overnight. Their complete packages come with complimentary access to the spa pool, steam room and gymnasium, tennis courts and an energy-boosting breakfast at their on-site restaurant.
3. Sequoia Lodge (SA)
View this post on Instagram
Location: 1 Mawson Dr, Crafers SA 5152
Sequoia is an exclusive, adults-only retreat the very lip of the escarpment overlooking the Piccadilly Valley in the Adelaide Hills. It offers a singular, 6-star experience inclusive of 14 suites with private balconies, deep-soaking bathtubs, and panoramic valley views, artesian spring-fed hot pools, an infinity pool, a 4,000-bottle wine cellar, tennis courts, an on-site spa that utilises Adelaide's own farm-to-skin brand Jurlique, and curated nature experiences like wildlife tours and curated truffle hunting.
4. Injidup Spa Retreat (WA)
View this post on Instagram
Location: 31 Cape Clairault Rd, Yallingup WA 6282
There's more to the Margaret River than wine. Take Injidup Spa Retreat for instance. Embedded in the remote coastal landscape, Injidup began as a spa and expanded into a fully-fledged retreat. Take refuge in any one of its 10 villas, all of which are equipped with their own private plunge pool and go from there. There's yoga onsite but at Injidup it's all about the spa, so be sure to take advantage of its massages, facials and body therapy treatments.
5. Daintree Ecolodge (QLD)
View this post on Instagram
Location: 3189 Mossman Daintree Rd, Daintree QLD 4873
If you're yearning to ground yourself, where better to do so than within the Daintree Rainforest – a 180 million-year-old wonder? At Daintree Ecolodge you'll sleep among the treetops in its 15 suspended and eco-friendly bayans. Dry season may offer refuge from the rain but wet season will grant reprieve from crowds and the soothing, centreing soundtrack of rainfall and overflowing creeks and rivers. Hike, read, listen in, you've got no excuse here.
6. Billabong Retreat (NSW)
View this post on Instagram
Location: 41 Mcclymonts Rd, Maraylya NSW 2765
Some think of a retreat as a solo expedition, others crave community and togetherness. If you're in the latter camp then Billabong Retreat is the place for you. There are ten different kinds of programs to choose from, including one centred on calm, another on fostering emotional intelligence and even one that teaches you how to release yourself from stress. The menu is veggie-forward, daily yoga is the standard and its spa includes reiki and iridology. Plus, it's just a short 45 minute drive from Sydney CBD.
7. Gaia Retreat & Spa (NSW)
View this post on Instagram
Location: 933 Fernleigh Rd, Brooklet NSW 2479
Settled in the outskirts of Byron Bay and co-founded by Olivia Newton-John, Gaia Retreat & Spa is an unpretentious wellness sanctuary. To visit, you can select from four retreat packages: Revive, Renew, Refresh and Restore, with special options if you're coming as a mother-daughter duo or couple. Enjoy morning yoga classes and bliss out at its famous spa, enjoying its large menu of massages which includes lymphatic drainage and the popular Royal Kahuna treatment.
8. Eden Health Retreat (QLD)
View this post on Instagram
Location:94 Daley Ave, Daleys Point NSW 2257
As tested out by our editor in chief Jess Blanch, Eden Health Retreat is the place you go when you want to truly disconnect. There's no phone service, not a single TV nor any Wi-Fi, just you and the Currumbin Valley. You can decide how hard you want to go, whether you pack your time with kayaking, pottery classes and tennis, or opt for more calming activities like pilates, soud baths and time at the spa.
9. Harmony Hill (TAS)
View this post on Instagram
Location: 210 Old Bernies Rd, Margate TAS 7054
Protect your energy at this Margate institution. Developed by Ami Nakamura, your time at Harmony Hill will cleanse you of the daily stressors of our terminally online living, demand that you slow down and tune into your body. Offering two packages, a five-night stress release stay or a six-night sojourn focused on detoxing, both come complete with daily morning meditation, vegan meals and 9 spa packages per person. What a delight.
10. Longitude 131 (NT)
View this post on Instagram
Location: Yulara Drive, Yulara NT 0872
While not strictly a wellness retreat, Longitude 131 has garnered a reputation as one of Australia's most luxe getaways. The destination flanks Uluru with Kata Tjuta a short distance away, making it the perfect rest stop for sightseeing. Designed to integrate its outback surrounds, the spa menu works with local bush medicine like Scented Emu Bush, quandongs, Australian yellow clay and Kakadu plum, to heal and rejuvenate.
11. Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat (QLD)
View this post on Instagram
Location: 192 Syndicate Rd, Tallebudgera Valley, QLD 4228
Looking to integrate major lifestyle changes? Let Gwinganna be the first stepping stone in your process. It's all about balance here, and to kick start your stay, Gwinganna ask that you refrain from drinking alcohol, smoking, taking drugs of any kind and caffeine during your stay. Ease in with the accessible two-day retreat or its longer 3, 4, 5 and 7 night stays. Throughout your stay, the program dictates the mornings are a time of action, beginning with Qi Gong, then rigorous exercise like hiking or boxing, before winding down with yin-adjacent activities like dance, yoga or pilates. End your day with a spa treatment and feel all your troubles melt away...
12. Sugar Beach Ranch (NSW)
View this post on Instagram
Location: 259 Keith Hall Ln, South Ballina NSW 2478
From equine therapy to serene beachside stays, Sugar Beach Ranch is one of the most secluded treasures in the Northern Rivers. It's only 40 mins from Byron Bay NSW and within 30 mins to Ballina and Bangalow, and is set on 60 acres of ocean‑front wilderness. They host wellness retreats for women with horses and yoga retreats too, where you can take part in rainforest walks, swimming in either the 15m resort-style magnesium pool or the beach, and trail rides.
13. Alba Thermal Springs and Spa (VIC)
View this post on Instagram
Location: 282 Browns Rd, Fingal VIC 3939
A wellness destination on the Mornington Peninsula that boasts thermal springs, 31 geothermal pools, herbal-infused botanical pools, a private rooftop salt pool a spa, sauna, steam room, on-site restaurant. In 2025, the property opened its on-site accommodation The Sanctuary, which comprising five standalone villas and two studio rooms.
14. Peninsula Hot Springs (VIC)
View this post on Instagram
Location: 140 Springs Ln, Fingal VIC 3939
More than 50 bathing experiences are on offer at at Victoria’s award-winning first geothermal mineral springs and day spa – from hydrotherapy pools to Turkish and Moroccan hammams to wet and dry saunas. The retreat's $13 million expansion in 2018 saw it add Australian-first ice cave and a deep freeze chamber to its repertoire, as well as a food garden that services its onsite café.
For more wellness-inspired guides, here's some tips on how to begin your meditation journey and some apps to keep you on track. If you find yourself drawn to sound baths, here's what you need to know about the practice.
