A guide to the best water-based wellness retreats in Victoria

Boasting some of Australia’s best spots for snorkelling, paddleboarding and hot springs, Victoria truly has it all. Active wellness retreats here let you blend the best of both worlds – energising fitness and true relaxation. After all, who doesn’t love a dose of endorphins with their restorative escape? So, if you’re ready to trade the daily grind for a water-filled adventure, here’s your guide to Victoria’s most transformative water-based nature retreats for your next Australian wellness holiday.

The Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs in Warrnambool is a coastal haven, perfect for a relaxing water-infused wellness retreat in Victoria. Start your stay with a soothing soak in their Hot Springs Sanctuary, which offers geothermal rock pools, calming sensory caves and gentle waterfalls designed to melt away all traces of stress. After a night in their cosy rooms, you’ll feel completely recharged and ready to take on the world. If you’re after a retreat that blends comfort with deep relaxation, this is the place to be.

If wellness for you means sun, saltwater and a surfboard, then a week-long surf camp with Honu Honi Surf Camp is pure bliss. Picture yourself riding wave after wave, with each day bringing new adventures on the water. Between surf sessions, you’ll have time to unwind with yoga, recharge through meditation and soak up the laid-back beach vibes. It’s a week of ocean-fuelled joy, connection and relaxation – perfect for those craving a holistic escape that’s as energising as it is rejuvenating.

If putting together your own itinerary is more your style, Victoria is brimming with stunning spots for a DIY water wellness retreat. If you’re a fan of underwater adventures, Victoria’s coastline has countless snorkelling spots that offer a window into Australia’s vibrant marine life. Snorkelling is the ultimate “nature retreat” activity – it calms the mind, gives your body a gentle workout and has you literally immersed in nature.

If exploring vibrant sea life is what you’re after, head to Portsea Pier – known as one of the best snorkelling spots in Victoria thanks to its clear waters. Here you can drift through seagrass meadows and look out for cheeky sea dragons, fish and starfish that make this spot their playground. Another gem on the Mornington Peninsula is Rye Pier. With calm waters teeming with colourful fish and quirky nudibranchs, this spot is all about relaxing and floating your worries away. And for those who like their snorkelling a little off the beaten path, Shoreham Beach offers a peaceful escape with kelp forests, rocky reefs and marine surprises around every corner. It’s as close to an underwater zen garden as you’ll find.

If staying above the water is more your style, there are plenty of opportunities for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) too. SUP isn’t just about standing up and paddling – oh no, it’s a full-on mind-body experience. Imagine gliding across calm water, your board gently rocking, while you’re taking in the scenery and tuning out the noise. SUP is all about balance (literally and figuratively). It engages your core, tones your arms and leaves you feeling more grounded than an earthing mat. Wild Adventures Melbourne hosts SUP experiences in Mornington Peninsula where you can glide along tranquil waters, spot local wildlife and explore secret coastal coves. Other ideal spots for SUP in Victoria include Lysterfield Lake, St Kilda, Williamstown Beach and Lake Nagambie.