While travelling through Australia on holiday it is nice to plan for some relaxing yoga in between all of the beach, surf, ocean, outback and wildlife adventures. While you may not first think of yoga as part of your getaway, there are some amazing yoga retreats all across Australia. AustralianTraveller has listed 10 of the best yoga retreats where you can refresh, renew, and relax. We are highlighting them and the things to do in the cities where you will find those retreats. Here are yoga retreats 1 through 5 in part one of our two part series.
Gaia Retreat and Spa, Byron Bay
Gaia Retreat and Spa Photo Credit: AustralianTraveller.com
Gaia Retreat and Spa Photo Credit: GaiaRetreat.com.au
Gaia Retreat and Spa Photo Credit: GaiaRetreat.com.au
Byron Bay is located in the Bundjalung Country hinterland on the Queensland coast. The Gaia Retreat and Spa Byron Bay features the Samira Yoga Lookout on top of the highest point in the Ballina Shire. That vantage point offers up views of the Pacific Ocean and the Nightcap Ranges while you are experience yoga. This region is known as the healing heartland of Australia. Gaia means “spirit of Mother Earth”. Gaia is a boutique, lifestyle, pamper retreat. Your experience here is tailored and personalised to help you refocus, rebalance, and restore yourself during your stay there.
Hiring a Car in Byron Bay
Bellingen to Byron Bay Car Rental Map Photo Credit: Budget.com.au
Byron Bay is located on the northern coast of New South Wales not too far from the border to Queensland. There are quite a few places to rent a car from Budget in New South Wales. Coffs Harbour is the closest car rental location to the starting point of Bellingen. Closest to Byron Bay, you can rent a car at the Ballina Airport or you can hire a vehicle at Lismore or the Lismore Airport. Here are some other things to do close to this New South Wales road trip adventure:
Best Places to Get Married in NSW and Victoria
Whale Watching
The Legendary Pacific Coast Scenic Drive
Quirky Places to Stay in NSW
Swim, Surf, and Shop in the Seaside Village of Lennox Head
The Waterfall Way
Washpool National Park
Best Scenic Drives in Australia: The Rainforest Way
6 Australian Summer Holiday Road Trip Ideas
Saffire Freycinet
Saffire Freycinet Photo Credit: AustralianTraveller.com
Saffire Freycinet Photo Credit: Saffire-Freycinet.com.au
Saffire Freycinet In-Suite Yoga Photo Credit: Saffire-Freycinet.com.au
Saffire Freycinet is located in remote Tasmania along the east coast. The spa offers a variety of well being programs. Each suite has its own yoga mat inside. Yoga classes are held indoors and outdoors. The retreat here lets you focus on relaxation and stress relief. In addition to yoga classes, they have meditation classes available, a proper spa regime, healthy fresh dining options, and a revitalising tea menu.
Hiring a Car in Hobart
Hobart Car Hire Map Photo Credit: Budget.com.au
To embark on this road trip, you can hire a car in the city of Hobart or at the Hobart International Airport. When you do hire a car, be sure to consult with the car rental agent for guidelines about driving in Tasmania and about any specific restrictions. Much of Tasmania is rugged terrain so be sure to let your agent know where you are going so that they can provide you with the correct vehicle, proper maps, and driving instructions. While in Tasmania see things to do from our previous blogs:
Tasmania’s East Coast Road Trip
Tasman National Park
Overland Track in Tasmania
Strangest Places to Visit in Tasmania
Tasmania’s Touring Route
Things to Do in Hobart Tasmania
Qualia, Hamilton Island
Qualia Great Barrier Reef Photo Credit: Qualia.com.au
Qualia Great Barrier Reef Photo Credit: Qualia.com.au
Qualia Great Barrier Reef Photo Credit: Qualia.com.au
Hamilton Island is one of the islands of the Whitsundays are on the south end of the Great Barrier Reef. It is located off the coast of Queensland. Here, you can relax right along the Coral Sea. Qualia offers up individual one on one classes or group sessions at the Hamilton Island Yacht Club or in the Yoga Pavilion each night at dusk. Plus, your yoga instructor can design a custom program for you to continue practicing yoga once you go back home. Of course, yoga isn’t all that the luxury resort offers, Qualia is actually a Latin word that means “a collection of deeper sensory experiences”.
One & Only Hayman Island
One and Only Hayman Island Photo Credit: AustralianTraveller.com
One and Only Hayman Island Private Yoga Session photo credit: OneandOnlyResorts.com
One and Only Hayman Island Group Yoga Classes photo credit: OneandOnlyResorts.com
Hayman Island is another one of the beautiful, pristine Whitsunday Islands. One & Only Hayman Island is a luxury resort on the island. Hayman Island is one of the smaller islands in the Whitsunday Island Archipelago so everywhere you go on the island; you are close to the Coral Sea. Hayman Island is also at the northernmost tip of the Whitsundays and closest to The Great Barrier Reef. There is something to be said about yoga by the sea, set to the movement of the waves. The resort offers a variety of different classes for groups or individuals. Try relaxing yoga by the sea, or work up a sweat in a more challenging workout. Meditation and movement classes are also available.
Hiring a Car near the Whitsunday Islands
Prosperine Car Hire Map Photo Credit: Budget.com.au
Whitsunday Islands Map photo credit: TourismWhitsundays.com.au
Hamilton Island and Hayman Island are two of the 74 islands in the archipelago chain of the Whitsunday Islands. Hayman Island is also part of the Cumberland Islands. The Whitsundays are located in between Bowen to the north and Mackay to the south; Brisbane is about 900 kilometres further south. You can rent a vehicle at the Whitsunday Coast Airport location. Depending on where you are, you can also hire a car in Mackay, or choose to rent a car at one of the many Brisbane car rental locations. Let our car rental agents know your travel plans and we will be sure to recommend the right vehicle for your land travels. Since there are different terrains, you might need different types of vehicles depending on where you plan to go. Of course, you won’t drive to the islands, but you can definitely use a rental car while traveling around the Queensland mainland. If you are interested in learning about Mackay, read our blog post about the endless holiday options in Mackay. You can also read about travel tips in Brisbane. Here are a few more travel blog ideas:
Whitsunday Islands
Great Barrier Reef Island Getaways
Excursions on the Great Barrier Reef
Billabong Retreat, NSW Coast
Billabong Retreat Treetop Yoga Room Photo Credit: BillabongRetreat.com.au
Billabong Retreat Photo Credit: BillabongRetreat.com.au
Billabong Retreat Photo Credit: BillabongRetreat.com.au
Our final yoga retreat for part one of our blog is the Billabong Retreat. It is located just an hour away from Sydney’s Central Business District, but the tropical oasis is a sharp contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city. The resort offers tree house accommodations and a variety of wellness and relaxation in addition to delicious, healthy dining options. The setting is beautiful and they design the activities during your stay to ensure you leave feeling renewed and rejuvenated.
Hiring a Car in Sydney
Sydney Car Hire Map Photo Credit: Budget.com.au
The Budget Car Rental location in Kings Cross is centrally located in Sydney and is a popular choice because of its close proximity to Sydney Harbour. However, there are plenty of convenient car hire locations in Sydney where you can rent a car. Budget rental agents are knowledgeable and will help you find the right vehicle rental for you at the right price. Having your own vehicle to get around lets you explore the city on your own schedule and get outside of the city limits to places like the Billabong Retreat without waiting on transportation. While in Sydney, read about these other things to do from our blog:
Best Scenic Drives in Australia: Greater Blue Mountains
Scenic Drives in the Snowy Mountains
Snow Valley Way: A Delicious Scenic Drive
Things to Do on Holiday in Sydney
Sydney Holiday Ideas for Families with Kids
Free Things to Do in Sydney
A Spectacular New Year’s Eve in Sydney
Places to See in and Around Sydney
5 Day Trips from Sydney
Sydney’s Famous and Secret Beaches
Scenic Drive from Sydney to Melbourne
Experience the Vast Beauty of Wollemi National Park
Royal National Park
Summertime is the Perfect Time for Sydney’s Outdoor Pools