With its calm coastlines, soothing thermal pools, tranquil forests and nurturing day spas, Western Australia is the perfect place to reconnect with the natural world – and yourself.
Modern life can be chaotic, and sometimes you need to get away from everything to relax and refresh. From rewarding hikes to rejuvenating day spas and yoga retreats, these grounding health and wellness experiences will revitalise your mind, body and spirit.
Hike yourself happy
Shhh, take a deep breath… Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese practice of forest bathing, is all about immersing yourself in nature to awaken your senses and connect with the world around you. And with its stately forests, rugged ranges, dramatic gorges and pristine coastline, Western Australia is the perfect place to do it.
Let the peaceful forests of the south west soothe your worries away. At the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, wander through the lush green canopy, 40 metres above the ground, and gaze in awe at majestic tingle trees. Living for more than 400 years, these majestic forest giants aren’t found anywhere else on earth. At the magical Warren River Loop Walk, just outside of Pemberton, otherworldly river dells and stunning bird’s-eye views of the valley will renew your zest for life.
Then there’s the Cape to Cape Track, which hugs the coastline of the Margaret River Region for 135 spectacular kilometres. Meander past towering karri forests, bathe at secluded beaches, encounter eerie limestone caves and historic lighthouses, and absorb breathtaking vistas from cragged clifftops.
Hiking the Cape to Cape Track
Be humbled by the sheer majesty of nature at Cathedral Gorge Walk in Purnululu National Park. Tread softly as you pass the towering beehive-like Bungles Bungles, then let the ‘cathedral’ – a huge amphitheatre of rust-red rock, which has been carved out by water over millions of years – simply take your breath away.
The art of coastal relaxation
There is something deeply cathartic about being by the ocean – and with the longest coastline of any state or territory in Australia, Western Australia has an abundance of peaceful beaches to find your own perfect patch of paradise.
Leave the crowds behind at remote Eighty Mile Beach, located halfway between Broome and Port Hedland in the state’s north west. The traditional Karajarri name for Eighty Mile Beach is Wender, which means ‘Creaky Noise’. It comes from the sound of feet walking across the sparkling white sand, which gently melts into the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Breathe deeply as you wait to spot migratory birds, dugongs, sawfish and dolphins, then give your thanks for another sublime day as the sun descends into the sea in a dazzling array of golds, burnt oranges and fiery reds.
Down south, bask in the glorious serenity of Albany’s Misery Beach, which was crowned the best beach in Australia in 2022. Float in crystalline waters, revitalise your soul with a peaceful surf or snorkel, or gaze to the horizon as you cast out a fishing line. Or you could take your cue from the ’roos at Esperance’s captivating Lucky Bay, and simply relax on powder-white sands, soaking up your secluded oasis.
Ground yourself with natural wonders
Take a moment to ground yourself at the state’s wealth of restorative natural attractions. From the refreshing, smooth-as-silk waters of a hidden gorge pool to the tranquil calm of the south west’s otherworldly cave systems, these profoundly peaceful sites will refresh your mind and spirit.
You could take a soothing soak in El Questro’s serene Zebedee Springs, for example. These rocky thermal pools are set at the base of sheer cliffs, and are surrounded by a lush forest of prehistoric Livistona and pandanus palms.
Zebedee Springs
Or you could lose yourself in quiet contemplation at the ancient and breathtaking Ngilgi Cave, in the Margaret River Region, which is exquisitely decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and helictites.
The deep exhale of a yoga retreat
Calm your mind and energise your body at one of Western Australia’s regular yoga retreats – you’ll leave feeling completely renewed.
A four-day Esperance wellness retreat offers a total reset in nature’s nurturing embrace – with just a touch of indulgence. Your days will be filled with Vinyasa and Yin yoga, meditation, photography and art classes, plus wine and produce tastings at the region’s best cellar doors and restaurants.
Twilight Cove, Esperance
Go off-grid for a rejuvenating three-day Margaret River yoga glamping adventure. You’ll immerse yourself in daily yoga classes in pristine locations, awaken your mind with a sound meditation session, and sample the freshest of gourmet meals.
Unwind at an indulgent day spa
Whether you’re seeking a sophisticated urban retreat or an exquisite boutique gem, Western Australia’s deeply relaxing day spas offer the opportunity to pamper your body and revitalise your soul in gloriously indulgent surroundings.
Escape the city hustle for the sanctuary of Perth’s COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, where holistic, healing treatments – like a heavenly Indian head massage – promise to relieve stress, revive and renew.
Or head back to nature at tranquil Pullman Bunker Bay Resort in Margaret River. Surrounded by native bush and offering glimpses of the beach, the resort’s spa offers tension-melting treatments with a ‘south west’ theme, including organic facials, hydrating body cocoons and native Australian wildflower scrubs.
At Yallingup’s coastal Injidup Spa Retreat, add a touch of understated luxury to your wellness routine with natural, organic therapies that are equal parts indulgent and unique. Succumb to bliss with the Marta Kodo Massage, which uses a rhythmic, spiralling motion that’s inspired by traditional Aboriginal techniques, then gaze into the endless ocean as you slowly come back to earth.
Injidup Spa Retreat
Western Australia clearly takes self-care seriously – and there are plenty more rejuvenating experiences like this all over the state. So if you’re looking to reset, recentre and recharge, why not plan a trip today?
Because sometimes you have to switch off to switch back on again.
Published August 2022.