Top 6 water-based wellness activities in Australia

Treat yourself to a luxurious 4-hour Day Retreat at the historic Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, where every moment is crafted to encourage deep relaxation. Begin your journey in the Bathhouse, sinking into the mineral relaxation bathing pool at a soothing 34°C, or the spa pool at 36°C – boosting circulation and soothing tired muscles. Step through to the exclusive Sanctuary and let your stress melt away as you relax in the aroma steam room, unwind on spa couches, float in the salt and magnesium pool and bask in the warmth of the mineral hammam.

Cool off with a refreshing dip in the outdoor creekside pool before being whisked away for either a soothing massage with custom-blended oils or a radiant facial. Complete this blissful escape with a delicious regional tasting platter – a perfect end to a perfect day.

The Peninsula Paddle Pinot & Pools water wellness adventure lets you balance the soothing rhythm of stand-up paddleboarding with the ultimate indulgence – wine and hot springs! Picture yourself paddling on your SUP through calm Australian waters, working your core and improving balance, as you take in the breathtaking scenery of the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria.

Then, wind down with a visit to the mineral-rich Peninsula Hot Springs, topped off by a guided wine tasting at a local organic winery. Blending exercise, relaxation and a touch of revelry, this is the perfect full day adventure to unwind, reduce stress and boost your mood.

For a truly unique water wellness experience, the Wild Wellness Fire & Ice Walk in Hobart is an absolute must. This adventure goes beyond just dipping into cold water – it’s a powerful blend of fire and ice, designed to both invigorate and ground you. Cold-water immersion brings impressive health benefits, like reducing inflammation and boosting circulation.

The warmth of fire rituals and mindful journaling offer a calming complement to this that leaves you feeling centred and revitalised. Set in the bushland around Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, this experience combines a complete physical reset with storytelling, immersing you in the mountain’s rich history and natural beauty.

As one of Australia's most ancient islands, Green Island is deeply connected to the Gunggandji and Yidinji Traditional Owners. Enjoy a 3-night wellness getaway in a beautifully appointed Island Suite at the eco-luxe Green Island Resort – your incredibly luxurious base from which to explore this unforgettable piece of Australia from tail to tip.

Your package includes an immersion in cultural heritage on the Wunyami Cultural Walking Tour, where an Indigenous guide will divulge the island’s rich history, introduce you to traditional bush foods and medicinal plants and share the art of fire-lighting and face painting.

When you’re done exploring the rainforest (if you ever are), you can step into the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef. This destination offers some of the best snorkelling Australia has to offer, and thanks to complementary resort equipment, you can explore the iconic underwater playground as often as you like with self-led snorkel safaris. A glass-bottom boat tour will reveal the reef’s stunning coral gardens and thriving marine life, including the resident sea turtles.

On the Mossman Gorge Adventure Day
, you’ll begin by floating through a hidden stretch of the Mossman River, where crystal-clear waters reveal turtles gliding beneath you and electric blue butterflies flitting by. If you’re lucky, you might even spot an ever elusive platypus. After your peaceful drift, you’ll be immersed in the culture of the rainforest with a Kuku Yalanji smoking ceremony – a mindful cleanse for both mind and spirit – complete with traditional body painting.

Afterwards, venture deeper into the Daintree National Park, strolling along lush boardwalks, crossing suspension bridges and taking in breathtaking rainforest views. This journey is the perfect blend of forest bathing and refreshing dips, leaving you feeling relaxed, recharged and beautifully connected to the magic of the natural world.

Imagine gliding through crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush wilderness and wildlife – pelicans, sea eagles, kangaroos and kingfishers – as you explore one of the only two Everglades systems in the world. This is exactly what you can expect from the One Day Guided Kayak Adventure with Kanu Kapers on the Sunshine Coast.

Your expert guide will set you up on a locally crafted sea kayak before leading you and a small group through the serene waters, weaving between islands on Fig Tree Lake or paddling up to the iconic Harry’s Hut for an extra challenge. Together, you’ll moor up to wander through subtropical tea tree forests, take a refreshing swim in tea tree-infused waters and enjoy a delicious lunch before paddling back to base.