hero media

Head to these 10 Aussie wellness towns for the ultimate restorative escape

Lara Picone Lara Picone
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 

a beach yoga session at Elements of Byron
A yoga session by the beach at Elements of Byron. (Credit: Destination NSW / Paul Bramford)

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 

The Spa at Lake House in Daylesford
The Spa at the renowned Lake House offers a full sensory escape. (Credit: Visit Victoria / Robyn Lea)

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 

Mission Beach from above
Mission Beach is a little slice of paradise tucked between rainforest and reef. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Overall rank: 30/100

Wadawurrung Country 

surfing in Torquay, Vic
Ride epic surf breaks along this picturesque coast. (Credit: Tourism Australia / Cameron Murray/Assemble Agency)

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 

relaxing at bathing barrels in Metung Hot Springs
Soak in mineral-rich geothermal water at Metung Hot Springs. (Credit: Tourism Australia)

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 

Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, Qld
Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk delivers expansive views. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland / Jesse Lindemann)

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 

Greens Pool in Denmark, WA from above
Large granite boulders rise out of the turquoise waters at Greens Pool. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)

“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.

a tiny cabin with picturesque views at Heyscape Denmark
Go off-grid at Heyscape Denmark.

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.

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

8. Penneshaw, SA

Overall rank: 67/100

Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna & Narungga Country 

an aerial view of the marina at Penneshaw, SA
Penneshaw is the gateway to Kangaroo Island. (Credit: Kangaroo Island Tourism Alliance)

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 exterior of Hotel Sorrento, Vic
An Amalfi-style beachside stay awaits at Hotel Sorrento. (Credit: Kate Shanasy)

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 

the Berry Donut Van
Make a beeline for tasty cinnamon doughnuts at the Berry Donut Van. (Credit: If & When Social Media Agency)

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.
Lara Picone
Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
View profile and articles
top beach towns in Australia
Australia

The 10 best Aussie beach towns for an easy coastal getaway

Classic beachside destinations defined by sun, sand and sea. 

Read more
Richmond Bridge
Australia

Australia’s top 10 historic towns worth exploring now 

These heritage towns seamlessly blend Australia’s past and present. 

Read more
Glass House Mountains National Park from above
Australia

The 10 Aussie towns made for nature lovers and adventure seekers

Wild landscapes and natural beauty turn these towns into outdoor playgrounds.

Read more
Sea Stacks in Bicheno, Tas
Australia

Australia’s top 10 emerging towns to visit before everyone else

You heard it here first – these under-the-radar towns are officially on the rise.

Read more
hero media

This is Mornington Peninsula’s most indulgent itinerary

    Kellie Floyd Kellie Floyd
    Continue
    The Mornington Peninsula blends vineyards, galleries, golf and delicious finds for an unforgettable getaway that indulges all penchants. 

    Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula blends coast and country in a way that feels effortlessly indulgent. It’s a region where vineyard views meet acclaimed dining, art and culture is never far from the sea, and where hot springs bubble alongside rolling fairways. Whether your escape is a long lunch, an immersive art trail or a round of golf, the Mornington Peninsula has an itinerary to match. And there’s always a glass of good local pinot waiting for you at the end of the day.  

    A creative trail through the Peninsula 

    The Mornington Peninsula is a haven for artists and creatives. Its coastal views and rolling landscapes have long been a source of inspiration. Stay at the historical InterContinental Sorrento, a grand hotel established in 1875, recently renovated to blend heritage charm with contemporary elegance. With curated art lining the hotel’s corridors and rooms, you could spend hours simply wandering the halls, studying the walls. 

    Pt Leo Estate outdoor gallery
    Wander around Pt. Leo Estate’s outdoor gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria/Jesse Hisco)

    If looking for an outdoor gallery with sea views, head to Pt. Leo Estate, a landscaped vineyard home to a sculpture park featuring more than 70 large-scale works by both local and international artists, all easily accessible by connecting paths. After strolling through the vineyards, there are three dining options: fine dining at Laura, a relaxed meal at Pt. Leo Restaurant or a vino at the Wine Terrace. For something more hands-on, sign up for the Sip & Sketch experience. And if you book directly into the elegant Lancemore at Lindenderry Red Hill, you’ll enjoy free access to the sculpture park.  

    food at Pt Estate
    Pt Leo Estate boasts three elegant dining venues. (Image: Visit Victoria/Two Palms/Arianna Harry)

    For those who like their art framed by rolling hills, vines and wetlands, Montalto is the place. More than 30 sculptures are dotted throughout the property. The vineyard offers a formal restaurant and casual tables among the seasonal produce in a setting that feels like Mr. McGregor’s Garden from Peter Rabbit. And there’s always the option to picnic on the lawn.  

    Montalto Vineyard
    Montalto Vineyard is an idyllic setting for afternoon wining and dining. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robyn Lea)

    The Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail offers a self-guided walk along bush paths and sea cliffs to see the same landscapes that once inspired brushstrokes of some of Australia’s most famous artists. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights into the area’s artistic past. And, if the peninsula’s weather turns a little wild, the region is brimming with galleries, particularly around Flinders, Sorrento and Red Hill. Artisan studios are open by appointment.  

    A feast for food and wine lovers 

    With more than 200 vineyards, around 60 wineries and cellar doors, plus an abundance of breweries, distilleries, orchards and family-run farms spanning generations, the Mornington Peninsula is a playground for food and wine enthusiasts.  

    Cassis Red Hill
    Luxurious stay, Cassis Red Hill.

    The perfect base for a culinary inclined trip is Cassis Red Hill, where luxury accommodation is tucked between grape vines and olive trees. A quiet nod to the fishing village of Cassis in the south of France, this retreat is all about contemporary elegance – crisp linen, sunlit interiors and a private mineral plunge pool. 

    Then, for a stand-out lunch, Green Olive at Red Hill offers a delicious way to enjoy the region. Graze on generous tasting plates with house-made relishes, lamb sausages, local cheese and just-picked garden produce. Pair it with a wine flight or order a picnic hamper to enjoy among the olive grove; there’s a picnic option for your dog, too. And for a playful twist, Green Olive is home to what is believed to be Australia’s only pickleball court set within a vineyard or orchard.  

    Amid the many wineries with open cellar doors, Main Ridge Dairy offers a delicious detour – a goat dairy where you can sample handcrafted cheeses and even meet the resident goats. For a more refined experience, Paringa Estate is one of the peninsula’s most awarded wineries, offering fine dining with sweeping vineyard views and a menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.   

    If you’re looking to step outdoors before a lingering lunch, during winter Flinders Truffles offer the chance to join their clever dogs and search for the black gold under oak trees. For an authentic taste of the region, time your visit with one of the Peninsula’s vibrant farmers’ markets.

    From golf days to spa stays 

    Kingswood CountryGolf Club
    Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    With its champion courses, the Peninsula is a dream destination not only for those who love to tee off but for those who enjoy the post-golf wind down. Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club draws keen golfers from around the world, while Peppers Moonah Links Resort is a course that has hosted both a PGA tournament and two Australian Opens. For a true test of skill, The Dunes Golf Links is one of Australia’s top public courses. Each golf course offers accommodation, and staying onsite means maximum convenience, especially at The Dunes, where premium rooms have you sleeping right next to the fairway. Off-course indulgence is close at hand, too.  

    Alba Thermal Springs& Spa
    Soaking at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs are just next door, where thermal waters drawn from geothermal mineral springs deep underground provide the ultimate recovery after a day of perfecting your swing. These award-winning wellness sanctuaries offer everything from bathing pools to private plunges and spa treatments. 

    Jetty Road Brewery
    Jetty Road Brewery.

    After sinking the last ball, and the 19th hole beckons, the Peninsula serves up just as many dining options as it does golf courses. Just minutes away and right on the beach, Jetty Road Brewery is a laid-back spot perfect for a round of beers and typical pub fare. For something a little elevated, book a table at Epicurean. Here, a glass of local red pairs beautifully with handmade pastas and woodfired pizza, all served in a historical coolstore and packing shed dating back more than a century.