Rejuvenating Experiences To Try This Summer

Photography: Martina Gremmola.

From sunset pilates to a floating sauna, we’ve put together a list of rejuvenating, healthful experiences to try around Australia this summer.

NSW

Ocean Pool Hopping

In Australia, bathing culture is at work in the many ocean pools and baths that dot our meandering coastline. There are around 100 ocean pools to explore between Yamba and Bermagui, and most of them remain open for bathers year-round.

Floating in the cool shallows, buoyant by virtue of salt, the feeling of weightlessness in the saltwater provides a sense of relief and relaxation seldom found elsewhere.

Yoga-Kayak, Balmoral Beach

A unique experience led by Rancan Sisters Fitness, try a 30-minute outdoor yoga session facing Balmoral Beach, followed by a 30-minute kayak. Classes cost $45; book online.

VIC

Sense Of Self, Collingwood

A bathhouse and massage and mindfulness Studio like no other, offering a lush, inclusive spa experience, designed to provide a little hiatus from the everyday.

4-Beach Walk, Wilsons Prom

An accessible beach walk that moves through Norman Beach, Tidal Overlook, Squeaky Beach, Picnic Bay and Whisky Bay.

This awe-inspiring trail allows the walker to fully experience the beauty of both land and sea at Wilsons Prom. The easy-moderate route alternates between track and beach walking, on a 6km walk that will take around 3 hours to complete.

After a day of exploring the Prom, spend the night in one of the spectacular handcrafted dwellings at nearby Ross Farm.

QLD

Picnic at Cedar Creek Falls

Is there anything so relaxing as eating al fresco with the sound of rushing water? Pack a picnic and head to Cedar Creek Falls, enjoy a meal beside a postcard-perfect waterfall and enjoy the surroundings of the Conway National Park.

Lounge Poolside at The Calile Hotel

Spend the day lounging on the deck by the elegant, Miami-style pool at The Calile Hotel. With food and drink service by Hellenika, everything you need is on-hand, so you can feel free to stay put as long as you like. 

NT

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park

Head to Litchfield National Park to escape the heat at Buley Rockhole, a cascade of beautiful rock pools that are cool and swimmable (croc-free).

Sleep Under A Desert Sky

There are a number of well-equipped glamping accommodation sites across The Northern Territory, from Wildman Wilderness Lodge in Mary River to Longitude 131° in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. 

WA

Sunset Pilates, Helena Valley

Take part in a guided hike through Beelu National Park, past the Golden View Lookout and South Ledge then down the Bibbulmun Track. After the hike, there is a 45-minute outdoor pilates session with an impressive outlook over the valley, followed by antipasto at sunset. Led by Off The Beaten Track.

Greenhaus Studio, Mount Lawley

Book into the Greenhaus Studio for organic facials, holistic massage and other luxurious spa experiences. They also stock a range of Australian-made, natural skincare products so you can perform bath time rituals at home.

ACT

A Day At The NGA, Canberra

While away the day at the National Gallery of Australia browsing a collection of over 155,000 works of art, including the world’s largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. 

Out On The Go Boat, Kingston, Canberra

Take a group of friends out for a picnic on Lake Burley Griffin with this electric picnic boat. The boats are designed for relaxed, low-speed cruising, powered by an electric motor (no boat licence is required).

SA

Wellness Walk

Take a wellness walk with Big Heart Adventures. Book into guided and self-guided walks in Barossa Valley, Kangaroo Island and other incredible landscapes throughout South Australia.

Forest Bathing In Belair National Park

Go Forest Bathing in Belair National Park. The experience is led by Escapegoat Adventures, who take visitors through a series of guided invitations. Forest bathing is said to help you relax, slow down, become present and connect with nature.

TAS

Cradle Mountain Huts Walk

Join a guided walk on the iconic Overland Track, retreating each evening to private accommodation with beautiful dinners. Unwind amidst the beauty and diversity of Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

Floating Sauna, Lake Derby

Relax in a traditional Finnish wood-fired sauna adrift on the freshwaters of Lake Derby.  Take a cold plunge directly off the pontoon and return to the warmth of the sauna at your leisure. The sauna seats up to ten people and is open to the public, with bookings available for private sessions.