Nestled among towering gum trees beside a peaceful billabong, Billabong Retreat feels a world away from the pace of city life, yet it’s only a short hour or so drive from Sydney.
The guests that enjoy Billabong are as diverse as the experiences on offer – men and women, solo travellers, couples and friends, spanning all ages.
Some visit for a rejuvenating day retreat, while the lucky ones settle in for a week or more.
The beauty of Billabong Retreat is its flexibility: you can fill your days with as much wellness as you like or simply slow down and soak up the peaceful surroundings.
With two yoga classes each day, guided meditation, wellness workshops, spa treatments and plenty of quiet spaces to unwind, there’s always something to nourish body and mind.
It’s easy to see why so many guests return time after time, making Billabong Retreat a regular part of their wellbeing journey.
I love these Billabong Retreat welcoming values that set the tone for a rejuvenating retreat experience:
Kindness: to yourself first then radiate that to others and the environment
Authenticity: your true self is effortless and exactly what the world needs
Connection: healing comes through loving all parts of yourself
Empowerment: you are your own best medicine and your life is the ritual
Community: we dance together, heal together, we flourish together
Openness: honour both the ancient wisdom and the modern science
Playfulness: let laughter and lightness be a part of all our lives
Eat well: manage stress – move – connect – accept – spend time in nature.
The above, combined with the pillars of health, wellness, longevity and joy, are a subtle reminder of how to find your shine.
Sleep
Whether you’re travelling solo, with a partner or as a group, Billabong Retreat offers a range of accommodation to suit different budgets and comfort levels.
Choose from simple private rooms with shared bathrooms, ensuite rooms, cosy standalone cabins, or spacious deluxe cabins with water views and private indoor/outdoor baths.
All 26 rooms are air-conditioned, providing a peaceful place to rest and recharge after a day of wellness activities.
Eat
The food at Billabong Retreat is a highlight of the experience. Delicious vegetarian meals are lovingly prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with dietary needs such as my gluten-free request are well catered for.
Herbal teas, fresh fruit and filtered water are available throughout the day, so you can nourish yourself whenever you need.
Enjoy your meals in the welcoming dining space, outdoors overlooking nature, or find a quiet spot to eat alone or share the experience in good company.
Move
There are a number of walk options around Billabong to soak up time in nature. You can choose to enjoy the morning and afternoon yoga classes. Totally your call. The pool is there for those keen on some slow strokes, water exercises and a float.
Wellness touch
The Spa is open seven days and offers an extensive range of healing treatments – relation massage, hot stone massage, facials, Reiki, infrared sauna, iridology, naturopathy, neuro emotional technique, private yoga and meditation consultations.
Stay Highlight: Twilight bath on my private deck under the stars.
Stay Lowlight: Having to leave this sanctuary amid the gum trees.
Top 5 Wellness Travel Tips from Paul von Bergen, Billabong Retreat owner and creator (left).
Keep Moving — even for 10 minutes
You don’t need an hour or a yoga mat to maintain your practice. Ten minutes of yoga, movement or stretching is enough to keep your body open and your mind centred.
Cat-Cow, Downward Dog, spinal twists, squats and Legs Up the Wall are great after long journeys. Consistency matters more than duration.
Prioritise sleep, hydration & real food
Move every day, eat mostly whole foods, drink plenty of water and prioritise sleep. These simple habits support your energy and wellbeing while travelling. Morning sunlight, local meal times and avoiding alcohol can also help minimise jet lag and travel fatigue.
Use your breath to reset while travelling
Travel can be exciting, but it can also leave you stressed, overstimulated or exhausted. Five minutes of slow, conscious breathing can quickly calm your nervous system – whether you’re on a plane, waiting at an airport, in a hotel room or starting a busy day of sightseeing. Think of it as your portable wellness tool: always with you, requiring no equipment.
Slow down & be present
Wellness travel isn’t about seeing everything – it’s about actually experiencing where you are. Put your phone away, notice your surroundings, walk in nature, practise gratitude or simply sit quietly with a cup of tea. Even five minutes of calm can make a difference.
Leave space to rest & recharge
The goal is to return home healthier, calmer and more connected – not needing another holiday. Don’t cram too much into your itinerary. Leave room to rest, reflect and enjoy the moment. You don’t need a retreat to slow down; a few mindful moments each day can completely change your travel experience.
Getting there: 41 McClymonts Road, Maraylya, NSW.
Billabong Retreat Sydney, NSW – Meditation, Mindfulness & Yoga
