As we spring past mid-year, there’s no better time to plan your next break to relax and unwind. We’ve curated a selection of experiences that will leave you rejuvenated for the rest of the year.

Go off-grid for the perfect retreat

The epitome of disconnecting is an off-grid retreat that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Discover these brand-new accommodations that offer the perfect escape.

Gilay Estate, Quirindi, New South Wales

Perched above the Liverpool Plains, Gilay Estate is a stunning off-grid hut nestled five hours inland from Sydney / Warrane, in the heart of New South Wales country.

Bask in the breathtaking views of the mountain ranges, blending modern comfort with the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle, Gilay Estate promises a tranquil retreat.

Unwind by the cosy fireplace, whip up a simple meal in the well-equipped kitchen, or indulge in a champagne toast while you soak in the outdoor hot tub; every moment is designed for relaxation and connection.

Heyscape Tiny Cabins, Perth / Boorloo, Western Australia

For a limited time, book your lodging in this premium off-grid and eco-friendly stay in Perth / Boorloo’s Kings Park and Botanic Garden (Kaarta Koomba), In an Australian-first, three Heyscape Tiny Cabins are now available for overnight stays for a brief time amongst the picturesque and tranquil surroundings in one of Perth’s most iconic attractions.

Two cabins feature elevated, uninterrupted views of the Swan River, with the other looking out to the city skyline. The premium boutique cabins are entirely self-sufficient, with fully stocked wine fridges, and e-bikes for guests to explore the park on.

Swan River Sanctuary, Hobart / nipaluna, Tasmania

The Swan River Sanctuary is a luxurious off-grid River Lodge featuring a wood-fired sauna and guided safari experience on Tasmania’s East Coast. Uniquely located at the heart of Riversdale Farm, an 850-acre regenerative cattle operation located less than 10 kilometres from Swansea and a 2-hours’ drive from Hobart / nipaluna, guests can expect a deluxe Tasmanian nature experience and farm stay.

Accommodating up to six guests, the lodge is appointed with a king-sized bedroom and two queen bedrooms across its two levels, complete with a deep stone bathtub positioned to enjoy the sinking sun. The sanctuary offers three levels of experience – guests can choose to enjoy First Nation’s storytelling, insights into sustainable agriculture, and an immersive journey into the wonders of the river with its endemic animals and birdlife.

Tiny Aahana, Kidamans Creek, Queensland

Two hours by car away from Brisbane / Meanjin and 50 minutes from the Sunshine Coast, Tiny Aahana is a newly launched escape that offers access to lush rainforests and iconic coastal views of Australia.

With a queen bed, double loft bed, and two single bunk beds in the property, the cosy hideout – complete with a deck, outdoor bathtub, firepit, and premium amenities like St Ali Coffee – will be able to accommodate a whole family on a mindful, nature-filled retreat.

Explore a whole new world with Immersive walks

Rediscover your inner peace and rejuvenate your mind with this selection of walks featuring Indigenous storytelling and spectacular views of Mother Nature.

Bullanginya Dreaming, Barooga, New South Wales

Bullanginya Dreaming, the first permanent interactive laser light experience of its kind in Australia, is a captivating immersive experience that celebrates Indigenous Australian heritage and community.

Bullanginya Dreaming is a three-hour drive from Melbourne / Narrm that beautifully blends Bangerang Indigenous Australian stories with the elemental forces of light, water, and fire. Experience installations about local flora, fauna, and the enduring First Nations legacy through artful storytelling and multimedia presentations. Traverse the 1.8 km night-time walking track, encountering 12 unique activations that tell distinct stories about Indigenous Australian identity and culture.

Karjini Eco Retreat, Karijini, Western Australia

Outback adventurers can have a taste of Karjini National Park with three new guided tours by Karijini Eco Retreat. A nine-hour road trip journey from Broome / Rubibi, Karjini Eco Retreat offers safari-style eco tents, cabins, and campsites nestled amongst native bushland at the edge of Joffre Gorge / Jijingunha. 

The Colours of Karijini is a sunset or sunrise walk to the top of Joffre Gorge / Jijingunha for spectacular views and refreshments, whilst the Joffre Explorer option journeys to the bottom of the gorge to experience its waterfall and discover the geological history.

For a hike with a difference, guests can take the Night Sky Tour in an area far from any light pollution, where a guide will talk about the stories of the stars, and visitors can get a closer look at the constellations through a telescope.

Sunrise Journeys, Uluru, Northern Territory

Sunrise Journeys is a new experience at Ayers Rock Resort, celebrating Indigenous Australian culture, mindfulness, and nature. The 2.5-hour Sunrise Journey experience will take guests on a deeply mindful experience, featuring gently pulsing lights, music, and ambient natural soundscapes, for an enriching sensory experience before experiencing the wonder of an Uluṟu sunrise.

Curated by three prolific female Anangu artists, the bespoke artwork depicts their deep connection to culture and Country.

Illumina at Kingfisher Bay Resort, K’gari, Queensland

Set amidst the natural beauty of the wallum wetlands within the grounds of Kingfisher Bay Resort, Illumina is an interpretive light show which will showcase the world’s largest sand island with the ‘Return to Sky’ exhibition

An extraordinary journey of regeneration, and growth, told in one 20-minute light show from Melbourne-based international Light Artist, Bruce Ramus, renowned for creating symphonies of light and colour at various destinations around the world, including Wintjiri Wiru at Uluru.

K’gari (Fraser Island) lies just five nautical miles from River Heads and is easily accessible with ferries providing access from Hervey Bay, north of Brisbane.

Wellness gets wet

Pamper the mind and body with these new wellness experiences that emphasise the connection to Australian land and waters. Try a unique sauna pontoon, traditional bathhouse, and spa, or celebrate Indigenous Australian culture while rediscovering mindfulness and nature.

Kuuma, Baretta, Tasmania

Embark on a wellness journey like no other at Kuuma, Australia’s first sauna pontoon boat, where the time-honored tradition of sauna therapy blends seamlessly with the serenity of open water, offering an unparalleled experience.

Set on Margate Marina, a 20-minute drive south of Hobart / nipaluna, Kuuma offers a unique 1.5-hour sauna experience. Designed with a spacious open layout to take in the natural surroundings, Kuuma promises an exceptional sauna experience that revitalises both body and soul for an unforgettable journey to rejuvenation.

Mineral, Adelaide / Tarntanya, South Australia

Embrace a new era of wellness at Adelaide / Tarntanya’s newest bathhouse, redefining self-care with a focus on community and rejuvenation. Opening this winter, Mineral is inspired by centuries-old traditions of communal bathhouses. Guests can unwind in multiple spas designed for relaxation, while therapy rooms provide massages – a sanctuary for physical and mental well-being.

The bathhouse is set to feature services like its Finnish sauna for detoxification, hot rock

treatments, Adelaide’s first Turkish hammam, where guests can indulge in self-guided mud scrub treatments using locally sourced ingredients.

Peninsula Hot Springs Eco Lodges, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria

Pamper your mind and body to a range of wellness activities at the upcoming Eco Lodges at Peninsula Hot Springs, just under 90 minutes away from Melbourne / Narm by car.

Each thoughtfully designed lodge overlooks a tranquil private lake, and is well-equipped with private ensuites with geo-thermal baths, seasonal food menus, and a collection of self-guided sleep content, sound and movement experiences, sleep masks, and mineral salts.

Sol Elements, Gold Coast, Queensland

Set to open its doors in late 2024, Sol Elements is an elegant bathhouse nestled within the Tamborine Mountain region in Gold Coast. The space is inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi, and all guests can refresh and rejuvenate with a range of treatments – all drawing from the power of the five elements, including Water, Earth, Air, and Fire.

Sol Elements also offer communal onsens, cold plunge pools, float therapy, infrared saunas, body clay treatments, and a Himalayan Salt Cave for guests to fully immerse themselves in soothing serenity.