This new Wild Wellness retreat in Mudgee is the ultimate reset

Wellness meets wine at this wholesome regional escape.

Tucked deep in NSW’s Central West region, a brand-new wellness offering is inviting guests to slow down and switch off. Nestled just outside of Mudgee, this soothing sanctuary blends nature, nourishment and nurture – promising more than just a wonderful winter weekend away.

Where is the new retreat?

Glenayr Farm has long attracted visitors, thanks to its exclusive accommodation in the heart of an award-winning wine region, just 3.5 hours from Sydney. The working sheep and cattle farm is arguably one of the best places to stay around Mudgee, providing a small but impressive range of luxurious glamping tents and off-grid villas across its 129-hectare property.

Glenayr Farm in Mudgee, NSW — Glenayr Farm in Mudgee has launched an all-new wellness retreat.

But Glenayr Farm continues to up the ante, revealing a new Wild Wellness retreat that promises to launch this regional stay to the top of your bucket list. Officially launched in May 2025, the immersive experience guides guests through a wellness regime that promises to restore balance, clarity and peace of mind.

What’s on offer?

Wellness looks different for everyone. So to make the experience as inclusive as possible, Glenayr has curated an extensive and diverse program that caters to all. Whether you’ve been riding the recent wellness wave or just dipping your toes in, you’ll find something to soothe you, mind, body and soul.

If you’re just getting started, ease yourself in with an infrared sauna session or soak in the magnesium spa. Both offer a variety of benefits, from stress reduction and muscle relaxation to improved sleep and better skin health. Guests can also unwind with communal or private yoga sessions held at The Barn – Glenayr’s new multi-purpose venue designed to host everything from weddings to workshops.

For those who have been dabbling in wellness for a while (or want to push the limits a little), take it up a notch with a refreshing ice plunge. While requiring a little more bravery, the wellness experience has proven to assist with pain relief, improve circulation and enhance mental resilience.

Prefer to be pampered? Slip into restorative bliss with an indulgent massage or facial, organised specifically around each guest. Afterwards, the property’s peaceful country trails invite you outdoors to reconnect with nature through walking and forest bathing. It’s the perfect way to round out your day of relaxation before retreating to your cosy onsite accommodation for the night.

Woman doing an ice plunge bath — Soothe aching muscles with an ice plunge. (Image: Getty Images/Aleksander Nakic)

Each Wild Wellness experience at Glenayr Farm is elevated by Alpine Spas , who jumped onboard to provide its high-end products that ensure guests enjoy only the best. Zyla Retreats also joined the team to support guests in their wellness journey. Through a range of guided workshops, expert facilitators will assist in reconnecting the mind, body and spirit through life-enhancing techniques guests can take home.

How do I book a Wild Wellness retreat?

Wild Wellness is available to all Glenayr Farm guests, so all you really need to do is book! There are two private villas available, each featuring a king bed, fireplace, kitchenette, wood-fired hot tub and outdoor fire pit.

Four onsite bell tents provide the ultimate Mudgee glamping experience. Glenayr Farm also recently launched its Accessible Villa, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom space that allows people of all abilities to enjoy the luxurious property.

Once your stay is confirmed, guests will have access to the wellness program and its facilities, including the Finnish sauna, magnesium spa, ice plunge, private treatment rooms and more. Staff will be able to assist with specific requests, including massage and facial appointments. Reservations are open now!

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

This new wellness retreat in Mudgee is the ultimate reset