Eight of Australia’s Best Wellness Destinations

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When was the last time you clocked off from the daily grind and enjoyed some serious ‘me-time’?

With everything that’s gone down in the last few years, it could be longer than you think! And why wait any longer to recharge, when there are wonderful wellness experiences on offer in towns and cities across the country. So, pack a yoga mat, and let’s check out eight of Australia’s best wellness destinations. Because you’re worth it!

1. Northern Rivers (NSW)

If you need your chakras realigned, your personal feng shui finessed, or some instruction in the art of harmonic healing, you’ll find it on a short break in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. This is the undisputed home of alternative therapies, and the best way to plan your holistic holiday is by referring to the Byron Body and Soul Guide. From yogis to sound therapists, it lists an array of local practitioners ready to transport you to a higher plane. Spend at least an afternoon exploring the stunning grounds of the Crystal Castle (which is home to a peace stupa that was blessed by the Dalai Lama himself). Shop for feel-good products like copper bracelets, and cleanse your inner world with fresh local produce from the region’s many markets.

2. Melbourne/Mornington Peninsula (VIC)

Melbourne offers an array of ways to bliss out over the course of a two or three-day stay. Start by soothing body and mind in the private baths and tranquil pools of the Peninsula Hot Springs on the Mornington Peninsula. Situated just 90 minutes’ drive from the big smoke (a transfer and entry ticket package is available), the Springs draw warm waters from deep underground and are rich in minerals (which are purported to have healing qualities). Other amenities include a hydrotherapy pool, thermal stream gully, massaging showers, and a sauna.

The city itself has no shortage of watery ways to refresh and revitalise. The St Kilda Sea Baths draw in sea water and heat it to a temperature that will have you floating on cloud nine. Over in the inner city suburb of Prahran, Beyond Rest’s float tanks will do much the same job.

3. Ballarat/Daylesford (VIC)

Melbourne’s love of ‘taking the waters’ isn’t restricted to the Peninsula or Bay. West of the city and within close proximity to Ballarat, is what’s known as ‘spa country’ — thanks to the high concentration of mineral springs in the area. Since the late 1800s, world-weary souls have been making their way to the towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs to both drink and bathe in the mineral-infused waters. Head to Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve to try the former (although we warn you, the taste can be pretty tangy). Here, you’ll also find Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa — the region’s preeminent mineral bathing experience. Level up afterwards with lunch at the uber chic Lake House.

4. Newcastle/Hunter Valley (NSW)

Newcastle’s stunning beaches and coastal magnificence are the ultimate relaxant, and a sandy morning constitutional is the best way to start your stay in New South Wales’ second biggest city. Alternatively, say ‘namaste’ to the team at Yoga at Merewether, which offers morning yoga classes by the beach. Newcastle is the gateway to the divine Hunter Valley, and a day amongst the vines can be as much about pampering as it is grape grazing. Book your choice of treatment at one of the classy day spas dotted across the region, and follow it up with lunch and a wine tasting.

If you prefer to find your perfect peace in physical exercise, head for the aquatic playground that is Lake Macquarie (Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lagoon) and go for an early morning or sunset stand-up paddle.

5. Brisbane (QLD)

You could plan an entire long weekend of life-enhancing activity around Brisbane’s namesake river. Start with some therapeutic sand play (yes, that is a thing) at Streets Beach in South Bank. Next, walk or cycle along the Bicentennial Bikeway from Toowong to the City Botanic Gardens, or the almost kilometre-long Brisbane Riverwalk — which skims out over the surface of the river from the Story Bridge to New Farm Park. Riverlife offers a sunset kayaking, wine, and grazing board experience that’s the perfect way to wrap up your day. Explore the river by kayak, then retire to your private riverside marquee for drinks and nibbles. Fun!

6. Cairns (QLD)

Immersing one’s self in the natural world is a tried-and-true way of balancing out the stresses and strains of modern life, and nowhere is that more the case than in the sublime Daintree Rainforest of North Queensland. Cairns is the gateway to the Daintree and offers a variety of small group day tours and guided experiences that will take you deep into this UNESCO World Heritage-listed wilderness. If you’re making your own way to Mossman Gorge, a Dreamtime Walk with an Indigenous guide will connect you to country in a deeper way. In the city itself, enjoy an inherently relaxing meander around the Cairns Flecker Botanic Gardens, or book in for a free Aqua Zumba class or spot of Sahaja meditation at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon.

7. Moree (NSW)

Warm ground water from Australia’s Great Artesian Basin bubbles to the surface via bores in various rural and outback towns, and one that makes full use of it for bathing purposes is Moree. Situated in northern NSW, the town offers a variety of opportunities to enjoy a splash in the sulphur and magnesium-rich water, which many believe helps heal various ailments and ease arthritic pain. The newly renovated Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre is a must visit. Not only can you attempt to wash away your niggling aches, but the onsite Moree Artesian Wellness Centre offers a full suite of spa treatments, therapeutic massage, and even acupuncture and other traditional Chinese medicinal practices.

8. Sunshine Coast (QLD)

And finally, if your mantra is one of sun, surf, and sand, Queensland’s Sunshine Coast has you covered. There are endless stretches of golden beachfront to stretch out on, along with plenty of other activities that will leave you feel relaxed and revitalised. Those who leap out of bed each morning full of beans might like to splash down in the bracing Kings Beach Ocean Pool or do the dawn climb to the top of Mount Coolum. The latter will reward you with sweeping views of the entire coast, bathed in the soft light of the rising sun.

This post was published thanks to Copper Culture.

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Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of Australia’s best wellness destinations? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.

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