At these Australian destinations, wellness shapes the itinerary.

Sometimes a great holiday is measured by what you do. Other times, it’s the exact opposite. As part of Australian Traveller’s 100 best Aussie towns, these destinations have been recognised by our expert panel for their ability to relax, reset and offer a gentler kind of pace – ensuring you leave feeling completely restored.

1. Byron Bay, NSW

Overall rank: 3/100

Bundjalung Nation 

The leading destination for wellness breaks in Australia, even before it became one of the fastest growing segments in travel, Byron has long lured those in search of a restorative experience. Initially, it was all beachside yoga and crystal healing rituals, and while you can still find plenty of hinterland teepees where you can realign your chakras to the sound of a singing bowl, there’s also loads of polished, state-of-the-art bathhouses and wellness spas (such as at Elements of Byron). Despite its bougie transfusion, Byron still has the power to help you locate your centre – thanks to its natural magnetic beauty from the bay to the hills behind.

Don’t miss: “Byron’s rich tapestry of culture and lifestyle that blends cuisine with overall experience," says panellist Paul Ah Chee.

2. Daylesford, Vic

Overall rank: 12/100

Dja Dja Wurrung Country 

With its soothing mineral waters and bucolic beauty, Daylesford and nearby Hepburn Springs really do emphasise the long and languid ahhh in spa. Here you’ll find a good handful of places to sink into wellness rituals, including the recently renovated Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa, which has been reviving souls since 1895, and The Spa at the much-celebrated Lake House. “Lake House is a must to stay and dine at; the town is also super cute," says panellist Anna Polyviou. Indeed, if you like your wellness with a side of indulgence, there are plenty of great restaurants in this charming former gold-rush town.

Don’t miss: Restaurants Bistro Terroir and Sault, as well as a walk through the Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens for a well-rounded escape.

3. Mission Beach, Qld

Overall rank: 29/100

Djiru Country 

The saturated hues of the Cassowary Coast, from its crystalline waters to jungle-green foliage and the cobalt colouring of its namesake bird, are a good start to a soul-soothing escape in Mission Beach. Palm-fringed and just two hours from Cairns, here you’ll find many wellness studios focusing on meditative practices, such as yoga, tai chi and breathwork. Time your visit to sync up with Mission Beach Wellness Weekend, which happens between 29–31 May.

Don’t miss: “Whether you’re in a caravan or five-star resort, you’ll be trying to extend your stay. It’s a true slice of heaven here," says panellist Catriona Rowntree.

4. Torquay, Vic

Overall rank: 30/100

Wadawurrung Country 

Surfers know that immersion in the ocean is its own kind of wellness ritual, and Torquay has always been a beacon for wave riders. So it makes sense that this Great Ocean Road town is starting to plump out its wellness offerings to dovetail nicely with its already-wholesome ocean-sprayed lifestyle. A treatment at one of the area’s spas makes a lovely bookend to days spent taking in the scenery along the Great Ocean Walk and diving into Torquay’s reviving waves.

Don’t miss: The wellness benefits of shopping! “Is it OK to say I go to Torquay to shop?" asks panellist Catriona Rowntree. “It’s so cool! Surfing’s heartland is also home to its OG brands – psst, the luggage at surf shops is 11/10!"

5. Metung, Vic

Overall rank: 35/100

Gunaikurnai Country 

A four-hour-ish drive from Melbourne, this Gippsland beauty perches on glassy waters at the lake’s edge. Described as “quietly delightful" by panellist Brad Farmer, Metung’s serene aura elicits a physical unburdening of tension the moment you catch sight of the pretty township. Along the lake, you can take your wellness in myriad forms, from golfing and fishing to yachting, sunset strolling and slipping into hot springs.

Don’t miss: At Metung Hot Springs stay in glamping tents that take relaxation further with bathing barrels to slip into on your own private deck.

6. Tamborine Mountain, Qld

Overall rank: 42/100

Wangerriburra Country 

At this scenic plateau elevated in the Gold Coast hinterland, mist drifts across the road in the early morning, creating the sense you’ve ascended into the clouds. Hemmed by Tamborine National Park and within easy reach of Lamington National Park, this mountain township is a delightful amalgamation of alpine cottage vibes, eye-popping vistas and sub-tropical rainforest packed with lush palms and towering gums. As with any mountain region, the air here feels pristine and primed for wellness.

Don’t miss: SOL Elements, a gorgeous bathhouse set into a lily-festooned pond. Sit by the firepit with a cuppa, dip in and out of the thermal pools and focus inwards in a flotation cave.

7. Denmark, WA

Overall rank: 44/100

Minang & Bibbulmun Noongar Country 

“Green, coastal and crazy pretty," says panellist Irene Jones of this Great Southern region town that is all white-sand beaches, staggeringly clear waters and smooth boulders that look as though they’ve been rolled into the landscape by giants. It’s a place that truly invites disconnection. Hike through the wildflower-strewn William Bay National Park, immerse yourself in the shallow waters of the sheltered Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks, and leave the phone behind in favour of an old-school camera.

Don’t miss: Continue your connection to nature with a stay at Heyscape. These cabins are set to absorb the beauty of your surroundings with a few modern luxuries. Choose from one-bedroom, two-bedroom or four-person cabins.

8. Penneshaw, SA

Overall rank: 67/100

Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna & Narungga Country 

Perhaps best known as the landing spot for the Kangaroo Island ferry, Penneshaw deserves to be acknowledged as a destination in its own right. Here, at the arrival point, travellers get their first inkling of the full-blown beauty of the island. Shoulders drop, tensions dissolve and relaxation overrides your nervous system. Lean into it and book into an Island Alive experience. This wellness retreat offers massage, breathwork and contrast therapy under the guidance of a Wim Hof instructor.

Don’t miss: Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail, which winds through dunes, boardwalks and swing bridges for 1.5 scenic kilometres.

9. Sorrento, Vic

Overall rank: 79/100

Bunurong Country 

The Mornington Peninsula is rich in spa culture and sweet seaside Sorrento, with its elegant eateries and laid-back coastal tempo, makes a good base from which to explore it. Throw a spa slipper in any direction and you’ll hit a tranquil wellness experience, from Aurora Spa and Bathhouse to Alba Thermal Springs and Marlo Spa. Add some time on, in and by the water, and you’ll have a comprehensive wellness schedule.

Don’t miss: “Sorrento is a great place for a family getaway with beaches, restaurants and relaxing. Go for the vanilla slice and fish and chips, also the Hotel Sorrento – I loved it there," says panellist Anna Polyviou.

10. Berry, NSW

Overall rank: 82/100

Wodi Wodi & Jerrinja Country 

For panellist Katie Carlin, a jaunt to Berry brings a welcome hit of nostalgia. “I grew up visiting Berry on day trips," she says. “We’d take the winding backroads, always stop for iced tea and scones at The Berry Tea Shop, and poke around the homewares stores that line the streets." This storybook town, just two hours south of Sydney, is a regular stop on journeys onward, but it invites lingering. Pause for a night or two at the impeccably elegant Linnaeus Farm Berry and revive slowly as you explore the grounds, enjoying orchard walks, saunas, cold plunge, yoga and massage.

Don’t miss: “No drive down the South Coast from Sydney is complete without stopping at the Berry Donut Van. A very cute town for a mooch," says panellist Sally Cope.

Moree Tourism proudly sponsored the wellness category in Australian Traveller’s 100 Best Aussie Towns to Visit edition. Known as the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia, Moree offers the perfect destination to escape the grind and reset.

This article is part of Australian Traveller’s 100 best Aussie towns to visit, as chosen by a panel of industry experts, well-known Aussies and travel insiders. See our full list of 100 best Aussie towns here and visit the special 100 best Aussie towns hub here.