7 health-boosting Aussie towns that are just like Byron Bay
You won’t have to travel far to get your health and wellness fix, with these Byron Bay-style towns dotted all around Australia.
There’s no place like Byron Bay for a health and wellness retreat – or is there?
Australia is teeming with towns offering a deep well of ways to relax, revive, repeat – and there’s no better time to explore them.
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Torquay, Victoria
If you ask around, aspirational locals will tell you Torquay is fast becoming the “Byron of the south”.
Just be prepared to pack a beanie with your bikini.
Hit up the thriving surf town for a wellness weekend and you’ll be spoiled for choice, from high-end day spas, organic cafes and supermarkets, to well-appointed yoga studios and beautiful beaches.
Not to mention the growing smorgasbord of funky, delicious diners such as Miami, Bob Sugar and Phoklore (the latter offering tasty Vietnamese in shipping containers).
Start the trip right at One Spa at the RACV Torquay Resort, the Rolls Royce of day spas featuring a hammam with floatation pool and thermal stone room, and extensive treatment menu.
By night, there’s bars in warehouses, movies in beer gardens, and live music sessions in the local’s backyards.
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Aldinga Beach, South Australia
Welcome to Baby Byron.
This little seaside town on the pristine Fleurieu Peninsula may be teeny tiny, but it’s the perfect base for an off-the-beaten-path escape from the world.
The slip of a main street has yoga, a health studio featuring Kahuna massages, and a gourmet food store, all just a short stroll from the beach and its fairy floss sunsets.
Sitting pretty atop the ochre cliffs is the Star of Greece restaurant, a favourite of celebrities and locals alike.
On weekends, stock up on cheeses, olives and sourdough at the Willunga Farmers Market, or meander through the McLaren Vale wineries.
There’s even a “boho” Insta influencer in the region, with Down the Rabbit Hole winery run by Elise Cook and hubby (check out the converted bus out back).
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Noosa, Queensland
Don’t be mistaken – there’s more to this tourist town than glitzy resorts, chinos and designer kaftans.
Wellness warriors can find their bliss with yoga offerings such as Downward Hot Yoga in Noosaville, massages on the sand and clean eating cafes including gut health bar Jungle & Co (with to-die-for green smoothies).
Pack lunch, water and your bathers and trek the national park’s show-stopping coastal path, stopping for swims, dolphin spotting and photos.
Local dining tips? Book ahead for the renowned Sum Yung Guys in Sunshine Beach, or Locale for Italian and divine cocktails.
Live music blares ‘til late at rollicking night spots in Noosa Junction.
Margaret River, Western Australia
Wine and waves grab all the headlines, but “Margs” is now adding wellness to the list.
The exquisite seaside town boasts luxury retreats or a do-it-yourself adventure.
Take a chopper to a beach picnic from Losari Retreat and melt away the stress in a spa suite.
Or become one with nature in a glamping adventure at Margaret River (eco) Retreat, where Wi-Fi is banned, yoga is performed in the treetops and spice classes and stargazing are on offer.
Drive around the region’s bush-lined roads for scrumptious tastings of wine, cheese and honey, and so much more.
If all else fails (doubtful), take yourself down to any of the exquisite beaches for some R and R – or a soul session in the surf.
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Newcastle, NSW
It’s not the first place that springs to mind for a wellness break – but sunny, seaside “Newy” has some surprises in store.
Not only are there six beaches to choose from, you can spot whales over your wholefoods at Estabar, take a dip in ocean baths and explore cycling trails.
Escape to the nearby Hunter Valley for a tipple tour, or join a rhythmic meditation retreat in the rainforest at Glenrock State Conservation Area.
Soul Café runs Friday Chill sessions with live music and picnics in summer, while yoga studios and market stalls abound.
Best of all? Forget about Byron room prices.
Derby, Tasmania
Fancy a Nordic-style floating sauna on a lake surrounded by mountains? Yes please.
All the cool kids are talking about the hot new sauna experience in this crisp, picturesque Tassie mountain biking town.
Once you’ve soaked away the stress, hit the renowned Blue Derby bike trails and treks, or head to the aptly named Little Blue Lake, which, as the name suggests, shines a vibrant hue of blue due to its mineral base.
Get cosy by the fire at a café or pub in town for the perfect wind down.
Katherine, NT
Who needs a luxury day spa when nature is pulling out all the stops?
For a true retreat into the wilderness, tropical Katherine is just the ticket.
Immerse yourself in hot springs in the town or at Elsey National Park, take in spectacular sights like Katherine Gorge, and pick up some First Nations history on the way.
Indulge in a taste of high end in the top end in a private room at Cicada Lodge, and take a dive into waterholes and indigenous culture with a tour by local guides.
Your tastebuds will sing in the lodge’s restaurant, and there’s even an oh-so-Byron caravan café in town.
Written by Elissa Doherty.
