The 8 best yoga retreats around the country

Georgina Meredith Georgina Meredith
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Yoga by itself might just help you achieve inner-peace, but practicing it at one of these handpicked luxury yoga retreats which guarantees enlightenment with their yoga software . Whether you’re in need of some R&R, or simply after a getaway that can help to cleanse you; mind, body and soul, these escapes are sure to nourish your soul and reset your batteries. We’ve scanned the country to put together a list of 8 retreats you need to try at least once in your life.

1. Gaia Retreat and Spa, Byron Bay

Samira Yoga Lookout Gaia Retreat Spa Bryon Bay
The Samira Yoga Lookout at Gaia Retreat and Spa sits atop the highest point in the Ballina Shire.

While many flock to Byron Bay for the superb surf and merry nightlife, others journey here to find tranquility and relaxation. The Samira Yoga Lookout at Gaia Retreat and Spa Byron Bay sits atop the highest point in the Ballina Shire. Take in the stunning scenery that stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Nightcap Ranges while you practice strength and flexibility with your personal yoga instructor.

 2. Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania

The breathtaking and isolated Saffire Freycinet Tasmania offers an invigorating spa regime and a range of wellbeing programs. Each suite has its own yoga mat. Enjoy a calming yoga session on site or in the comfort of your lustrous timber suite on Tasmania’s east coast.

 

Hammocks dispersed amongst the courtyard provide an alluring space to cocoon yourself and spend the afternoon daydreaming afterwards.

3. Qualia, Hamilton Island

Grab a yoga mat and watch the setting sun cast shades of gold and pink over the tranquil turquoise waters of the Whitsundays. Qualia’s group sessions take place at dusk from the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, or in its Yoga Pavilion on site.

 

A one-on-one session with your personal instructor will help you in designing a program to continue once you’ve returned home.

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4. Billabong Retreat, NSW Central Coast

You would never expect a canopied and tropical oasis only an hour away from the heart of the bustling Sydney CBD, but Billabong Retreat Central Coast is just that. Cabins are nestled among trees that overlook a natural, flower-filled billabong. Stress and tension can wave goodbye, with an abundance of carefully crafted relaxation and mindfulness activities to take part in.

5. Samadhi Retreat, Daylesford

Aplacas Samadhi Retreat Daylesford
Alpacas roam the grounds of Samadhi Retreat in Daylesford.

It is fitting that in the heart of spa country lies Samadhi Retreat Daylesford , an Oriental-style escape providing revitalising spa treatments and therapy. Alpacas roam the majestic grounds that surround the retreat, and ancient Chinese statues sit staring at the endless beauty of the Daylesford region.

 

Enjoy one of the peaceful group yoga sessions that are run daily, or incorporate a one-on-one into your schedule.

6. Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Gold Coast

Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, Gold Coast

If the chance you might encounter Hugh Jackman lounging by the pool doesn’t entice you, we don’t know what will. Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, now co-owned by Jackman himself, is tucked amongst blossoming bushland in a valley overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

 

Challenge yourself with intense hiking and creative dance classes, then take a breather in a movement, yoga or Pilates session.

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7. Eden Health Retreat, Currumbin Valley, Queensland

Eden Health Retreat, Queensland

Start your day with a calming yoga class amid a lush green stretch in the heart of the Hinterland’s Cumberland Valley. Eden Health Retreat pays particular attention to healthy eating by using enticing local and bio-dynamic produce in its daily menu. From cardio boxing to laughing yoga, there are plenty of unique activities to incorporate into your personally designed daily schedule.

8. Injidup Spa Retreat, Margaret River

Injdup Spa Retreat Margaret River
Injidup Spa and Retreat looks out onto sweeping views of the Indian Ocean.

Injidup Spa Retreat is located in an idyllic, vineyard-covered pouch of the Margaret River region. Made up of 10 private villas, each with its own plunge pool, Injidup is a luxury escape designed for relaxation. Meditation sessions are performed by Joel, a former Buddhist monk who previously studied in Sri Lanka and India, while yoga and a variety of spa treatments are also on offer.

Georgina Meredith

Georgina Meredith

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Red earth, light shows and ancient culture: discover the ultimate NT road trip

(Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Ben Savage)

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    The Northern Territory is made for road trips, and this one hits all the highlights.

    Craggy mountain ranges, inviting waterholes, ochre soil: the landscape of the Northern Territory is asking to be explored by road and foot. There are many iconic road trips to choose from here, but none so all-encompassing than the roughly 3000 kilometres of sealed road that make up Explorer’s Way.

    Spend 14 days (or more, to really make the most of it) driving this route from Adelaide, hitting the NT near the small settlement of Kulgera before later finishing in Darwin. Along the way, you’ll find nearly all the territory’s most iconic sights.

    Discover some of the top highlights that make Explorer’s Way one of Australia’s most incredible road trips.

    1. Alice Springs

    echidna at Alice Springs Desert Park
    See the locals at Alice Springs Desert Park. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

    Recently hitting the big screen again with the story of The Kanagroo Sanctuary , there’s a lot to surprise you in Alice Springs.

    Three distinct desert habitats – desert rivers, sand country and woodland – are recreated over 1300 hectares at Alice Springs Desert Park . Time your visit for a presentation or a free bird show.

    Later, turn your attention to the skies above, taking a dive into local astronomy at Earth Sanctuary . You’ll find a range of experiences, from a 90-minute toe-dip into the stars through to an overnight adventure.

    Alice Springs packs a surprising punch with its tasty dining options, including pub grub and unique brews at Alice Springs Brewing Co , tapas and pizza at Epilogue Lounge and tasty cafe fare at the quirky Page 27 .

    2. Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park

    woman standing at Ormiston Gorge
    Dive into Ormiston Gorge. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom and Jesso)

    Beginning 15 minutes from Alice Springs and stretching across 161 kilometres, Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park is packed with striking ancient landscapes and inviting water holes.

    Visit Standley Chasm – traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning ‘Gap of Water’ – to take in its bold red and orange hues, and to observe the diverse bird species, lizards and wallabies that call it home.

    Cool off in one of several picturesque natural swimming holes, like Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge.

    3. Uluru & Kata Tjuta

    three women looking at Kata Tjuta at sunset
    Explore Kata Tjuta. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

    Visiting the Cultural Heart of Australia is something everybody should experience. There are so many side trips in the Red Centre you could easily spend a week here, but to get the most out of a short time, park the car then get out on foot.

    Take the 10-kilometre Base Walk around the entirety of Uluru or join a free, ranger-guided Mala Walk along part of the base, learning about Tjukurpa (creation stories) and geology as you go.

    For a change of pace, wait until nightfall and wander through the iconic Field of Light display by celebrated artist Bruce Munro, or see the Wintjiri Wiru lightshow that shares the ancient Mala story using drones, lasers and projections.

    4. Tennant Creek

    pson looking at Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) northern territory
    See the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)

    Tennant Creek was Australia’s third-largest gold mining town in the 1930s, and visitors can discover that history at Battery Hill Mining Centre – and even try their own hand at gold fossicking.

    For a completely different side of history, pop into Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre , which preserves and shares Warumungu culture through art, performance, a museum and more.

    Just outside town, find the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). A site integral to important stories held by the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Warlpiri and Alyawarra peoples, the boulders appear to almost have dropped out of the sky and seemingly continue to defy gravity.

    5. Mataranka

    aerial of people swimming in bitter springs northern territory
    Dive into Bitter Springs. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Ben Savage)

    A town made famous by the novel We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn (and a movie of the same name), Mataranka is also known for its sandy-bottomed thermal pool, Bitter Springs , within Elsey National Park. Follow a 500-metre loop track around these spring-fed pools that stay a toasty 34°C year-round, before choosing your favourite spot to dive into. Enjoy the local birdlife while you relax.

    Elsewhere in the park, find historical sites, several scenic walks and Roper River, which is perfect for boating and fishing.

    6. Nitmiluk National Park

    Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise
    Join a sunset cruise with Nabilil Dreaming. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Lachlan Gardiner)

    Nitmiluk National Park is sandstone country, with 13 stunning gorges and plenty of waterfalls waiting to be explored.

    One of the most beautiful spots can be found along the 62-kilometre Jatbula Trail, a five-to-six day bushwalk that follows an ancient Jawoyn songline from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls). Numbers are restricted and book out quickly, so be sure to plan well ahead. Not up for the hike? Drive right up to the falls and enjoy a dip without the challenge.

    Elsewhere, explore Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Paddle a kayak through the river running through the canyon, or save your energy on a Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise , discovering the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people while enjoying a candlelit dinner as the cliffs around you shift colour and glow with the changing daylight.

    Continue your cultural journey at local art centres like Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Art & Culture Centre or Mimi Aboriginal Art & Craft .

    7. Litchfield National Park

    cathedral termite mounds in Litchfield national park
    Be awed by giant cathedral termite mounds. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)

    Just over an hour’s drive from Darwin lies the beautiful Litchfield National Park. It’s famous for stunning waterfalls and swimming holes, including Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Tjaynera Falls.

    Here you’ll also find hundreds of giant – and magnetic – cathedral termite mounds that are truly a sight to see. Ageing up to 100 years old, you won’t find mounds like these outside the northern parts of Australia. Stroll along the accessible boardwalk to see them up close.

    8. Darwin

    darwin street art
    Darwin art is streets ahead. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Mark Fitzpatrick)

    This list wouldn’t be complete without the territory’s capital city: Darwin. Situate yourself upon arrival with a stroll through the main streets, admiring the many art murals by local, interstate and international artists. They’re all remnants of the annual Darwin Street Art Festival , one of Australia’s longest running street art festivals.

    Stop to recharge along Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct , an area of delectable restaurants, public swimming pools and free events. And, of course, it would be wrong to leave the city without enjoying a bowl of laksa at Mindil Beach Sunset Market as the sun goes down.

    Learn more and start planning your Explorer’s Way road trip at northernterritory.com/drive.