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.

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Georgina Meredith

Georgina Meredith

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The best trails and natural moments around Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges boast some of Victoria’s most stunning natural scenery, making them a prime destination for outdoor experiences.

    There’s something very special about the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. A mix of rugged bush, mist-laden rainforest, gardens bursting with vivid blooms and a network of rivers and waterfalls, the landscapes here are layered and diverse. Late summer is a particularly good time to visit, when the days are long and the region’s outdoor offerings are ripe for sun-soaked adventures.

    The best part? Despite being only an easy one-hour drive from Melbourne, the area feels a world away from the hustle. You’ll be greeted by a slower pace with fewer travellers and more room to move – allowing you to truly switch off and take it all in.

    From rail trails to rainforest walks, this is where you’ll find nature at its most rewarding.

    1. Warburton

    Biking around Warburton is one best natural experiences in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.
    Hit the trails at Warburton Mountain Bike Destination. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Perched at the top of the Yarra River, surrounded by pristine national park, the town of Warburton is a haven for nature lovers. It’s known for its towering redwoods, found in the Californian Redwood Forest just 15 minutes out of town. You’ll be in utter awe of these giant trees, some of which reach heights of up to 55 metres.

    The Warburton Rail Trail is another way to experience the town’s natural beauty. This flat, 40-kilometre route goes all the way to Lilydale and is ideal for a stroll or cycle past native bushland, wineries, farmland and parts of the Yarra.

    If you want to up the pace a little, head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, which encompasses 160 kilometres of purpose-built tracks amid wild bush terrain. For something a little more laid-back, the Rainforest Gallery is a standout spot for a wander. The gallery features statuesque Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech trees, moss-covered logs and tree ferns, and a 40-metre elevated walkway that brings you right into the centre of the forest canopy.

    2. Yarra Glen

    Yarra Glen is a beloved food and drink destination, but it offers far more than excellent produce and top-notch wines.

    A highlight is Alowyn Gardens, which stretches over seven acres. Inside, you’ll find nine different gardens with vivid floral and seasonal displays, plus a nursery featuring exotic plant species. The Wisteria Arbour is a crowd favourite, a curved walkway connecting the different gardens with a display of cascading lilac blooms.

    Intersecting with the Warburton Rail Trail, the first stage of the Yarra Valley Trail runs from the gateway town of Lilydale to Yering Station. A more manageable track of just 7.5 kilometres, it takes you through rolling farmland and pockets of native bush, with ample opportunities for wildlife-spotting.

    If you’re travelling with kids, McKenzie Reserve is a non-negotiable stop. The reserve encompasses a skate park, plenty of open grass to stretch little legs, and a nature-inspired adventure playground to suit every age and every energy level.

    3. Healesville

    One of the best natural experiences in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges is seeing a Koala upclose.
    Get up close and connect with koalas. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Healesville is the region’s best place to meet local wildlife. It’s home to Healesville Sanctuary, where you can get up close to kangaroos, koalas, emus, dingoes, reptiles and more. Beyond giving you front-row access to these gorgeous creatures, you’ll appreciate the scenic charm of the tracks and trails that meander through the wildlife park.

    To see even more birdlife, head over to Badger Weir for a picnic. Situated among soaring Mountain Ash trees and tranquil waterways, the area supports several bird species, including crimson rosellas, Australian king parrots and the elusive lyrebird. Barbecue facilities are available, and several tracks leading to Badger Weir are pram-friendly.

    Fernshaw Picnic Area, located in the Yarra Ranges National Park, is another idyllic setting for picnicking and short walks, also encircled by Mountain Ash trees. Compared to Badger Weir, though, Fernshaw provides a slightly more secluded experience, making it ideal for quieter outings.

    4. Olinda

    Cloudehill Gardens is a beautifully curated, year-round garden destination featuring nine terraced gardens filled with seasonal blooms and lush plant varieties.
    Wander through terraces of ever-changing blooms. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Sitting more than 600 metres above sea level, the Dandenong Ranges have an enchanted feel and are shrouded in lush rainforest filled with tree ferns, mossy trunks and lingering mist.

    The town of Olinda is one of the finest places to experience this unique environment in all its verdant glory. At the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens, rhododendrons reign and drape the gardens in a riot of colour every spring.

    The nearby Cloudehill Gardens are well worth visiting any time of year. In each of the garden’s nine terraces, you’ll find an array of plant varieties that bloom and transform across the seasons, including weeping Japanese maples that have been growing here for nearly a century.

    Besides being a haven for arbory enthusiasts, the nearby RJ Hamer Arboretum is a spectacular spot to enjoy panoramic views. Here, more than 150 tree species grow and overlook the neighbouring Yarra Valley and Great Dividing Range.

    5. Emerald

    A lady eating with the view of Emerald Lake Park.
    Enjoy a lakeside picnic at Emerald Lake Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Set just behind the Dandenong Ranges, the foothills town of Emerald has a slightly more open feel, featuring rolling hills and open bushland. The town sits on the edge of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, with a patchwork of forested reserves and accessible bush trails on the Emerald side.

    You can also take to the water at nearby Aura Vale Lake, which is popular for sailing, canoeing, fishing for eel and perch, and picnicking on the grassy banks.

    The stand-out, though, is Emerald Lake Park, a sprawling green with multiple recreation zones. Across 52 hectares, there are walking tracks, playgrounds, paddleboats, a model railway, fishing sites and a family-friendly wading pool that comes to life every summer. The park also lies adjacent to the iconic Puffing Billy, making it a perfect stop if you’re travelling on the historic steam train.

    Start planning your next adventure at visityarravalley.com.au