Top wellness retreats near sydney

About 45 minutes northwest of Sydney, the leafy Billabong Retreat is nestled amidst gorgeous bushland teeming with native wildlife. Aptly named for the billabong that sits in the middle of the property, here you can choose from a range of 2-3 night midweek or weekend retreat programs from their scheduled calendar. If you want to stay longer, simply combine two or more programs together. Your package includes your accommodation, all buffet-style vegetarian meals and snacks, daily yoga, meditation (the space is stunning!) as well as themed workshops covering everything from mindfulness to self-care and stress. You can also add spa treatments, infrared sauna sessions or private yoga classes should you wish to. If you’re short on time or looking for a taste of wellness, Billabong Retreat also offers lovely one day retreats.

With its hilly backdrop and sprawling views of the valley beyond, Elysia Wellness Retreat is a beacon of health within the Hunter Valley which is more traditionally known for its wine cultivation. Here you can opt for the ‘all-inclusive package’ or customise a stay based on your own personal goals. Either way, all meals are included, and you have access to all the retreat facilities and daily group classes (which run regularly through the day). You can expect to enjoy nutritious whole foods fresh cooked by their expert chefs, though you’ll have to say goodbye to caffeine, alcohol, red meat, sugar, and saturated fats for the duration of your stay. If you want to take advantage of the wellness seminars and have included spa treatments, go for the all-inclusive package.

On the outskirts of the Royal National Park, just south of the city, this heart-centred yoga and wellness retreat is a beautiful place to unwind from daily life. With an all-inclusive retreat program, managed entirely by volunteers, you’ll spend your days at Heart and Soul Retreat enjoying authentic yoga classes, wholesome vegan cuisine, meditation, sound therapy, informative workshops on yogic living and so much more. Rates are charged on a per night basis, and you can choose from a range of different accommodation options. During your stay, you can also revitalise your being with a therapeutic massage or energy treatment at the wellness centre and immerse yourself in the tranquil embrace of nature at the nearby national park.

Two hours’ drive from Sydney in the Shoalhaven region is Bay and Bush, a charming and tranquil escape set amidst natural beauty of Jervis Bay and a diverse array of wildlife. Choose from one of their carefully curated 2-night experience packages - our pick is the Relaxation Package that includes gorgeous cottage-style accommodation, spa treatments, a beautiful breakfast hamper and a cheese platter.

Vipassana meditation retreats are available Australia wide, though none in quite as spectacular a location as Dhamma Bhūmi. Set on 40 acres of sloping bushland, this property is ensconced in a pocket of bushland with striking views of the Megalong and Kanimbla Valleys beyond – the perfect place to sit in silent meditation for ten days. If you’re not familiar with Vipassana, it’s a technique developed by SN Goenka designed to help those who practice it to reduce suffering and achieve peace of mind. Profoundly powerful though far from easy, this retreat is ideal for those keen to deeply explore their inner landscape and learn how to observe and detach from constant mind chatter. The program, funded solely by donations, is free for participants and includes accommodation and vegetarian meals.