Find peace at Yarra Valley Living Centre in VIC’

Set on 40 acres of natural bushland and landscaped gardens, nestled amongst rolling hills at the foot of the Great Dividing Range, Yarra Valley Living Centre provides a picturesque backdrop and a tranquil environment for a diverse range of healing and wellbeing retreat programs. The rustic natural bushland setting and beautiful ornamental gardens provide a wide variety of spaces to enjoy nature, and the biodynamic and organic vegetable gardens offer ample seasonal fare prepared in the retreat kitchen.

Take a leisurely stroll along walking trails, explore the labyrinth down by the Little Yarra River, take in the mountain views from the gazebo at the highest point of the property or find a bench in your favourite part of the gardens to rest, and just be — there is so much to discover and enjoy on this stunning property.

Facilities

The centre offers double, twin or dormitory-style accommodation. Double and twin rooms include a private ensuite and dormitories have two attached bathrooms. Shared areas of the centre include a large communal dining room, conferencing room, lounge/break-out area and two purpose-built meditation sanctuaries.

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In addition, the centre operates therapeutic rooms that offer body therapies and counselling services (subject to availability), as well as a resource centre, stocking a large variety of books, CDs, DVDs, meditation stools and juicers.

Services

Whether you’re faced with a cancer diagnosis, living with multiple sclerosis, or simply want to reach a greater level of wellbeing, the Yarra Valley Living Centre offers quality education, guidance and support throughout its retreat programs.

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The centre promotes a whole-person (holistic) and integrative approach to health, healing and wellbeing and for more than 30 years has been helping people improve their recovery outcomes from serious ailments such as cancer and multiple sclerosis as well as find a better quality of life through education and the implementation of The Gawler Cancer Foundation’s Seven Essential Elements. Regular meditation, good nutrition, power of the mind, emotional healing, quest for meaning, moderate exercise and effective support are all research-based practices widely recognised for their health benefits, and form the backbone of the centre’s educational retreat programs.

During your retreat stay, you will receive expert education and tailored support in the practical implementation of these practices, designed to encourage your body’s own innate healing potential and help you connect to your natural state of wellbeing.

Food

You will be nourished with delicious, organic plant-based wholefoods carefully prepared according to the Gawler method by the retreat kitchen.

The majority of the produce used by is seasonal and grown in the Yarra Valley Living Centre’s expansive organic vegetable and herb gardens and fruit orchards.

Additionally, a bottomless herbal tea and dandelion coffee station is set up in the dining room and can be accessed all day/night.

The kitchen caters to all allergies, so please advise at the time of booking if you have any special dietary requirements.

Getting there

The centre is located in Yarra Junction, Victoria, approximately 70 kilometres and 90 minutes by car from Melbourne CBD. Travel directions can be provided at time of booking. Transfers from Melbourne Airport or Melbourne CBD can also be arranged at time of booking.

Things to remember

As caffeinated coffee or tea is not provided, it is recommended that you minimise or eliminate your intake of these drinks a few weeks before the program so that you can avoid withdrawal symptoms and gain the most out of your time there. The Yarra Valley Living Centre offers a great range of herbal teas, dandelion coffee and juices to complement the delicious menu.

Both participants and staff value the delightfully clean and fresh country air and the smoke-free environment of the centre. In recognition of this and in accordance with the principles of the centre, smoking is not permitted anywhere on the 40-acre property.

Financial Assistance for Cancer Retreat Programs

The centre understands that high medical expenses and/or the inability to work can result in financial hardship for people living with cancer. For this reason, it has a Foundation Bursary fund from which the centre can allocate funds towards the cost of your attendance. The amount offered is dependent on individual financial circumstances and is determined upon application.