There’s something undeniably soothing about being near water. Whether it’s the gentle lap of waves against the shore, the shimmering surface of a hotel pool, or the rhythmic fall of rain outside your window — water has a unique way of quieting the mind. But what if there were a scientific explanation for this sense of calm? According to TikTok, there is. Enter the 'Blue Mind' theory, a concept that suggests proximity to water can have profound effects on our mental wellbeing.
It's not just TikTok that's on board with the Blue Mind theory. The idea was actually coined by marine biologist and author Dr Wallace J. Nichols, who explores how being in, on, under, or simply near water can induce a mildly meditative state, characterised by calm, clarity and a sense of connectedness. In other words, it’s the antithesis to our often frenetic, screen-saturated lives.
In travel, this idea has quietly taken hold — not in the form of a trend, but as a return to something elemental. More and more, we’re choosing getaways where the water takes centre stage: ocean swims over spreadsheets, salty skin over screen time.
If you're seeking a deeper kind of reset, here are seven destinations across Australia where the power of water — and the principles of Blue Mind — come vividly to life.
1. Jervis Bay, New South Wales
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With some of the whitest sand in the world and the kind of water so crystal clear it's hard to believe it's real , Jervis Bay is a coastal sanctuary perfect for slowing down. Swim with dolphins, kayak through the calm bay, or simply sit and watch the tide roll in — the sensory reset is almost immediate.
2. Lord Howe Island, New South Wales
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A UNESCO World Heritage-listed island, Lord Howe feels like a secret world. Limited visitor numbers and a restriction on cars (bikes are the preferred mode of transport) keep things peaceful, and the surrounding ocean teems with marine life. Snorkel over coral reefs, walk barefoot along the shore, or just float — disconnected from devices, and reconnected to the moment.
3. Freycinet Peninsula, Tasmania
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The dramatic coastline of Freycinet National Park — with its secluded bays, pink granite cliffs, and famed Wineglass Bay — is the perfect setting for nature-based immersion. Whether you opt to hike Mount Amos for a full view of the coast, or prefer to experience it via a cold-water dip, the scenery is as restorative as it is breathtaking.
4. Rottnest Island, Western Australia
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A short ferry from Perth, Rottnest offers car-free serenity and more than 60 stunning beaches. Cycle from cove to cove, snorkel in crystal shallows, or watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean. The simple rhythms of island life make it easy to drop into a slower, more peaceful state.
5. Port Douglas, Queensland
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Where the rainforest meets the reef, this is a destination that invites stillness. Drift through the Great Barrier Reef, float down Mossman Gorge, or soak in the sounds of the rainforest after a tropical downpour. Water is everywhere here — and it’s deeply, quietly healing.
6. The Great Ocean Road, Victoria
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Hugging dramatic cliffs and overlooking the Southern Ocean, the Great Ocean Road winds past misty beaches, limestone stacks, and lush rainforest. Take time to pause at places like Apollo Bay or Wye River, where the waves and the open horizon invite a deep exhale. For full immersion, stay in a clifftop cabin or a beachside eco-retreat and let the sea set the pace.
7. Nitmiluk Gorge (Katherine Gorge), Northern Territory
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For proof that freshwater settings are just as powerful as the ocean, look no further. At Nitmiluk Gorge, ancient rock walls rise high above a series of winding waterways. Glide along the gorge in a canoe, swim in secluded waterholes, or take a slow cruise at sunset — it’s water, culture and landscape in perfect, meditative harmony.
Feature image by Joel Vodell via Unsplash.
