A real retreat to nature

Breathtaking. To spend time in this part of Western Australia is a dream come true. Talking to people from Perth, they really do believe they live in the lucky part of the country. And they might just be right. Within a couple of hours, you’ll reach the South West corner of Australia, with breathtaking coastlines, endless trails and untouched forests. The authenticity of this place is like nowhere else on earth and while there are many wellness sanctuaries across the region to choose from, this really is the place to retreat to nature and be received by some friendly and welcoming hospitality from the local communities. People that care about the environment, their offering and your visit.

It’s not a place for big hotels and internationally owned names — and that’s a good thing. Their absence has provided unique opportunities for locals to develop sustainable accommodation offerings with a barefoot-luxury feel only Western Australia can offer. Unparalleled access to local wildlife, bird song as morning alarms and evening meditations are provided direct to you by nature. Who needs a phone down here, with nature as your nurturer, there’s not much else that matters but who you’re with and where to next. A place you leave feeling truly grateful for some time to yourself.

With a longstanding affinity to wellness, it’s no surprise that Margaret River is the lure for those seeking a wellness escape. And while its barefoot hippie charm might be a little bit harder to unearth these days, the wellness offerings are in abundance.

Putting aside the premium recovery centres, spas and studios that are now available across this beautiful part of Australia’s South West, the access to nature cannot be understated. From coastal walks along the world-famous, Cape to Cape Walk Track, to forest bathing along the fragrant forest trails of the Boranup Karri Forest, it’s hard not to feel a connection with Mother Earth. One deep breath and your mind has nowhere to be but the present.

There is a rich Aboriginal history and chance to uncover the fascinating stories of the ways of life back then. Yarns that ignite a dream in all of us, to go back and take part in a way of life where wellness wasn’t a term but ingrained in our actions, and country looked after us as long as we looked after country.

Balance comes naturally here. The mornings are soaked in sunrises and forest adventures and the afternoons immersed in paddock-to-plate restaurants and organic or biodynamic wineries. Where daily decisions are based on gut feel and going with the flow. A place that invented the slow tourism trend, well ahead of its time.

In Margaret River, you can take your pick of wholesome wellness activities. Cultivate attention in asana at Swell Yoga Studio or step inside the sanctuary of S K U H L P T, the only heated mat Pilates and yoga studio. Mend Margaret River has your new sauna and ice bath addiction covered. Just a walk down the main strip and you’ll find everything you need for your wellness journey in the South West.

Natures Calling

Maybe you start or end your trip in Margaret River, but there’s real value waiting to be discovered in the lesser-known parts of the region. You may fi nd it along the 1000km of awe-inspiring coastline, or in one of the 24 national parks. You’ll find yourself breathing in the moment. Noticing the colours and sounds of your surroundings. Where normal life takes a back seat in the mind. And a new, live-in-the-moment type of life takes hold.

Nannup, Manjimup, Pemberton, Walpole — each known for their own unique offerings in the Southern Forests and Valleys region are the perfect places to get grounded. Chestnuts, truffles, trails and giant tingle trees showcase how nourishment from nature is everywhere you go. Yoga, massage, sound healing and therapies are abound. It’s like there are your own personal and unique healers at every stop. Don’t rush, though. Instead, stay in the heart of the majestic Karri Forest and position yourself on the edge of Lake Beedelup at RAC Karri Valley Resort. Let the sounds of nature permeate your senses and your mind wander.

For a truly authentic and grounding experience, an organic farm stay invites you to meet the local farmers and settle into country life, where family comes first. Or maybe it’s time to escape into tiny cabin offers seclusion and serenity, where downtime is prioritised. There is everything you need in the moment and nothing more.

And if you have time, there’s much deeper experiences to explore. Keep heading south, until you meet the wildness of the Great Southern region. It’s a “that-was-worth-it” type of drive, with unspoilt coastlines, idyllic towns, agricultural lands and national parks with rare flora and fauna. It is the largest wine-producing region by area in Australia, renowned for cool-climate wines and it’s very easy to find the small-batch, organic type. Here you can spend days exploring wild and remarkable scenery.

As you wind your way around the region’s impressive forests, indulge in mood-improving activities as you find them dotted along the highways. It’s incredibly easy to add hours onto your drive, stopping off and immersing yourself in the natural surrounds. Sometimes, it’s nice to enjoy and savour the journey. You’ll want to do that here. Suspended gently in the air, the Valley of the Giants Tree Top walk sways like leaves in the breeze. If you close your eyes, it’s easy to feel at one with nature. Don’t miss a stop at Greens Pool, on the edge of William Bay National Park, renowned for its giant granite boulders, turquoise waters and white sandy beach. It’s protected from the Southern Ocean, so it offers the perfect spot for a cold-water dip (at dawn?). As you drive out of the carpark, you’ll notice an aliveness in your body, a zest for life you’ll never want to let go of.

Find your feet in Denmark, a place that comes into its own in winter. Join Denmark Yoga Retreats on Minang Noongar Boodjar to nourish your body, mind, heart and soul. Or maybe it’s a moment to taste hempbased spirits at The Dam? It’s most definitely log fi res, where you can listen to the rain and rest your soul in what locals know as the region’s best-kept secret.

At Chimes Spa Retreat, there are 10 cosy rooms, artful interiors, massage therapy, sauna and ice bathes. Get your beauty sleep and rise with the sun and a coffee or herbal tea in hand to take in the panoramic views over the Wilson Inlet. Dip into an intimate adults-only stay at Stillwood Retreat, set on five acres (two hectares) with a backdrop of the majestic Karri Forest. The perfect place to disconnect and reconnect with a loved one.

As you get to the southern tip of Western Australia, you’ll find Albany. And while on first impressions, it gives big-town vibes with agribusiness front and centre. On closer look, there is an unexpected wellness scene. You just need to head into the health-food shop, Goodlife Albany, to get you started. You’ll find hundreds of wellness practitioner business cards, but it’s the passionate and personalised advice from over the counter that will put you on the right path.

You could take a blissful yoga class at Albany Yoga Room, visit The Temple, an award-winning day spa, then stop at Emu Point to pop your feet in the water, watch the sunset and plan the next day’s adventure out to the Stirling Range or Porongurup National Park. It’s an absolute spiritual experience to gaze upon these mountain wildernesses. Wildfl owers, bush walking and stillness. It’s a sit down and touch the earth moment, where you can feel the presence and wisdom in the old bedrock.

And as you leave, it’s almost guaranteed you pick up your phone and do some research on the local real estate websites. Window shopping and dreaming of a way to make the simple life work in the south of Western Australia.

Escape Routes

Go

Fly direct to Busselton from Melbourne or Sydney with Jetstar. Road trip from Perth along The South West Edge.

Visit

Avoid the peak periods and embrace the colder months.

Stay

Burnside Organic Farm, Margaret River Bina Maya Yallingup Escape, Yallingup Tanah Marah, Bramley RAC Karri Valley Resort, Yeagarup Stillwood Retreat, Denmark (adults only) Karri Mia, Denmark Chimes Spa Retreat, Denmark Heyscape Tiny Cabins

Plan

Find inspiration, accommodation and activities to build your wellness escape at australiassouthwest.com.au/wellness