Australia's 10 Best Luxury Yoga Retreats

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.

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

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.

7. Eden Health Retreat, Currumbin Valley, 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.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

The 8 best yoga retreats around the country