Wellness wander in the Adelaide Hills

Held on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October, this event provided the opportunity to explore the best of wellness that this spectacular region has to offer. Local producers, soulful practitioners and passionate restauranteurs showcased a carefully curated selection of events and experiences that were designed to enhance mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.

Health is so much more than just regular exercise and nourishing your body; and this event embodies the true diversity of wellness. There will be plenty of time to submit to the healing power of nature, enjoy nourishing local produce, and to share space with skilled practitioners to learn, create or unwind.

There were 40 events and experiences to choose from – so you could personalise your own wellness trail through the Adelaide Hills across the weekend. The hardest part was narrowing it down! The event aligned with five unique pillars of wellness so guests could quickly identify the kinds of wellness experiences that most appeal to them.

‘Nature’ was full of opportunities to leisurely or actively connect with nature. ‘Provenance’ showcased the best of the region’s artisans and producers with bespoke nourishing food, farm, and drink experiences. ‘Relax & Unwind’ is the ultimate in ‘you’ time featuring pamper and mindfulness sessions, and other unique offerings designed to help you destress. ‘Learn & Create’ experiences helped people to identify a way to unleash their creativity or master a new skill. And ‘Stay’ saw guests making the most of the two days by checking into one of the local hotels or boutique accommodations, many of which offered a stay with a unique wellness twist.

Whatever you chose, it was a wonderful way to unplug from the hustle and bustle for a few days of rest and play.

The hero event ‘Nourish by Well Traveller‘ was held at the beautiful Ukaria Cultural Centre, and featured an intimate chat with successful Tassie author, TV host, chef and farmer Matthew Evans. Best known for his long-running SBS series Gourmet Farmer and his 13 published books including just released “Milk”, Matt took nourish seekers through the cycle of farming, growing, soil and eating in practical and inspiring way. We also heard from local biodynamic farm and vineyard Ngeringa’s holistic health coach and cellar door manager, Erica Rushbrook, the delightful Malissa Fedele from the recent Master Chef Series, and Cherie Hutchinson from the ultimate skin masters, Jurlique.

Those seeking some inner peace were drawn to unique experiences such as ‘Plant Songs’, an outdoor sound bath with the award-winning Sacred Resonance. You could have also fall into synchrony with a four-legged friend when you walked alongside a beautiful horse in Kuitpo Forest with WalkSublime, or enjoyed a restorative yoga practice and garden tour with Four Seasons Yoga.

Food lovers needed to be quick to grab tickets to cooking classes and special restaurant events! Our favourites were Fermenting with Matt Rodgers from Mount Lofty Ranges Vineyard, and Mindful Pizza Making with Enrico at Tilbrook Estate.

If you wanted to learn and create, there were plenty of options. Jurlique opened up their fields for the first time to let customers experience harvesting their beautiful botanicals and craft their own aromatherapy blend. Guests also created their very own masterpiece in a fun filled ‘Paint and Sip’ afternoon with Studio Vino at Golding Wines and joined Belong Design for a unique experience that offered a relaxing art session creating resin at Barristers Block.

And just because this was a wellness festival, it doesn’t mean you couldn’t enjoy the incredible vineyards of the Adelaide Hills. Several outstanding vineyards threw open their doors to offer unique wellness experiences, some in collaboration with other local operators. Our pick was the Serenity and Self Care Day with Aspire to Wellbeing at Longview Vineyard.

The 2-day Wellness wander event also included plenty of kid-friendly activities that entertained and helped burn off some energy! One of the best was heading out to Woodhouse Adventure Park for a ‘Family Digital Detox’ in the 54-hectare outdoor adventure wonderland. Families could also enjoy some active nature around Mt Lofty with a ‘Rock Climb, Zipline and Mega Swing Experience’ or connect over a ‘Picnic Amongst the Pear Trees’ at Paracombe Premium Perry.

If you needed a place to stay, the beautiful Sequoia Lodge, Longview Vineyard and AL RU Farm were also part of the festival.

Wellness wander was the perfect weekend away for families and groups of friends, as well as solo travelers. There really was something for everyone and we can’t wait to see you next time!

For more information, head to the Wellness wander website www.wellnesswander.com.au