Mindfulness and healthy living are the buzzwords of 2014. Whether your intention is to get active, detoxify, de-stress or maybe you just need a little peace and serenity to regain balance on your next break, Australia has plenty of healthy destinations.<\/p>\n
Spending time in the\u00a0Daintree\u2019s<\/a>\u00a0ancient Gondwana rainforest can be a serene, healing and spiritual experience. The towering fig trees, hoop pines and king ferns are the aromatic and scenic backdrop for restful contemplation, while the pure rainforest air oxygenates and detoxifies your body. The Mossman River Gorge Visitor Centre underwent a multi million dollar renovation a few years ago, and is a great place to start exploring. Shuttles operate from the centre to the Gorge and the Kuku Yalanji people run daily Ngadiky Dream Gorge Walks.<\/p>\n The mountainous wild heartland of Tasmania, with its misty primeval forests, vast button grass plains, rugged mountainous backdrop and deep pristine lakes, is an idyllic location for a wilderness retreat. It\u2019s a place where Mother Nature melts away your worries and the living museum of birds, wildlife, plants and forests uplift your senses. Whether you spend the days hiking and exploring or treating yourself to a hot bath at\u00a0Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village<\/a>, you\u2019ll leave relaxed and revitalised. The words from Cradle Mountain pioneer Gustav Weindorfer sum up the region perfectly \u201cThis is Waldheim (forest home), where there is no time and nothing matters.\u201d<\/p>\n Pilates and Pinot anyone? Sophisticated and luxurious yet informal and down to earth, the Margaret River is a perfect escape for those seeking a bit more balance (and a good sweat) from the typical wine country itinerary. The natural beauty, fresh coastal air, gorgeous vineyards and high concentration of wellness centres make Margaret River a sanctum for people seeking health and wellbeing. It’s a way to enjoy a wine country with a new perspective, a place where you can work your core and swill the local goods. The\u00a0Pullman Bunker Bay Resort’s<\/a>\u00a0lake view rooms have terraces that look straight out onto the water \u2013 the spot perfect for sundowners.<\/p>\n Daylesford and its adjoining village Hepburn Springs represent the ultimate in regional indulgence and relaxation, just an hour and a half from Melbourne. You can soak in one of the 72 health-giving mineral springs and for an unforgettable experience you could book into one of the 30 spas, wellness retreats or healing centres in the area. The\u00a0Peppers Mineral Spas Hotel<\/a>\u00a0has a stunning spa on site.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re not a spa goer don\u2019t worry, Daylesford serves up a platter of diverse healthy options. Nourish your soul (and stomach) sampling local produce, wandering the fields of a local lavender farm or perusing quaint shops. Get active in the great outdoors with horse riding or bushwalking in the Wombat State Forest. There is something for everyone.<\/p>\n Celebrating all the elements of a healthy Australian beach lifestyle, from fresh farmers markets, lush rainforest hikes and organic caf\u00e9s to pristine oceans and endless golden beaches, Byron Bay is a bustling hub for all things health and wellness.<\/p>\n You can make the first foot prints on the white sandy Main Beach on a sunrise run, try the early morning surf, practice yoga to the sound of the ocean, enrol in a local meditation course, get your aura read at a crystal castle or drop in at the weekend Bangalow markets.<\/p>\n Byron Bay and its surrounding hinterland has plenty of health havens where you can feast on fresh organic food, sip on freshly pressed juices followed up with a luxurious spa treatment. At\u00a0The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa<\/a>, daily complimentary yoga takes place next to the pool and is a great way to start the day. No matter what your definition of a healthy destination, Byron Bay promises a laid back healthy getaway \u2013 for all to enjoy.<\/p>\n With a cult coffee scene, rich surf culture, earthy markets and cafes serving up green juices, rumour on the street is that\u00a0Burleigh Heads<\/a>\u00a0is fast becoming the new Byron Bay. Burleigh has year round balmy weather and with that brings a more healthy and active lifestyle. It\u2019s a place where runners and walkers rise with the sun and the laid back locals greet you with an enthusiastic \u2018g’day\u2019 as they scan the coastline for the perfect surf break.<\/p>\n A place where coconut palms sway in the ocean breeze and turquoise waters gently lap the white sands,\u00a0Hamilton Island<\/a>\u00a0is an oasis of health and well-being. Capturing the spirit of tropical island living, elements of the ocean influence the restaurant menus, spa treatments and daily activities. Take a swim in the healing minerals of the Coral Sea, explore nature and island life, refresh with a swim in one of the tropical pools, dose up on vitamin D as you kayak the turquoise waters, spoil yourself with a salt therapy treatment or enjoy healthy fresh food with your feet in the sand. Revitalise yourself by falling in rhythm to the island way of life.<\/p>\n This small island has virtually no mainstream development, allowing small farms to produce a wide range of wholefoods and their crops to flourish. Spend time exploring\u00a0Kangaroo Island’s<\/a>\u00a0local food trail, collecting seasonal products such as free-range eggs, fruits and vegetables, fresh honey, olive oil, native jams, smoked fish, sauces and marinades. You can also drop in and buy fresh seafood virtually anywhere on the island.<\/p>\n With all this fresh and wholesome produce abundantly on offer, you won\u2019t be craving the convenience of refined, processed or fast food. Spend a week eating wholefoods and your body will thank you. While you\u2019re there stock up on eucalyptus oil at one of the 48 eucalyptus stills, eucalyptus oil is one of the best natural home cleaners you can buy \u2013 good for your health and the planet.<\/p>\n The lure of NSW\u2019s high country is irresistible to many and is the perfect spot for a breather from the hectic city pace. Nestled in the heart of NSW\u2019s pristine alpine environment,\u00a0Jindabyne<\/a>\u00a0serves up four seasons of health and wellness. In the winter you can get a decadent fireside massage to soothe tired muscles after a long day of skiing or snowboarding. In the summer months you can lace up your hiking boots and climb Australia\u2019s highest mountain. During your stay you may also want to try your hand at mountain biking, canoeing, water-skiing or trout fishing.<\/p>\n Time spent in nature is time well spent \u2013 spending a few days amongst the elements of nature is a great way to clear the head and rid the stress of city life. Experience the sights and sounds of\u00a0Kakadu<\/a>; swimming in fresh water gorges, listening to the morning chorus of Magpie Geese, watching full-grown buffalo splashing its way through the floodplains. Renowned for its six seasons, waterfalls, wetlands, wildlife and indigenous culture, this is a destination where you can breathe in the spirit of Australia and connect with the oldest living culture on earth. For a truly memorable getaway, experience the authentic Kakadu by staying in the heart of the wilderness at one of the various safari tents, wilderness lodges or eco cabins. Kakadu is a sanctuary for nature lovers and those wild at heart.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Cradle Mountain: revitalise and renew in the wilderness<\/h2>\n
Margaret River: the perfect blend Of balance<\/h2>\n
Daylesford, VIC: healing waters and decadent spa’s<\/h2>\n
Byron Bay, Northern NSW: where wellness, serenity And fertility permeates<\/h2>\n
Burleigh Heads, QLd: where a laid back beach lifestyle is considered mainstream<\/h2>\n
Hamilton Island, Whitsundays QLD: a balance of opulent luxury and tropical nurturing<\/h2>\n
Kangaroo Island: an abundance of fresh produce for the foodie<\/h2>\n
Jindabyne, NSW: get active and explore the high country<\/h2>\n
Kakadu, NT: use the elements of nature to rebalance and de-stress<\/h2>\n