Why QLD Is The Perfect Destination For A Little R&R, Whether Retreats Are Your Thing Or Not
One thing we can all agree on in 2021 is the need to look after our mental health. To leave the crowds behind, unplug from the news cycle and just take a deep breath.
Plus, seeing as we’re not spending the big bucks on international flights, why not channel that extra part of our travel budget into a little R&R, am I right?
Nowhere nails wellness travel vibes quite as well as Queensland, from day spas to letting the elements heal you. Here are five spots to prove my point.
#1 Julia Creek Artesian Baths
Who doesn’t love the pull of a rustic bath in the great outdoors? These aren’t just any baths though. They’re filled with underground Artesian water which is naturally warm (38°C to 41°C), and laced with minerals such as sulphur, calcium and magnesium. This type of water has long been fabled to have healing powers, but either way you can enjoy the warmth with a glass of kombucha or bubbles in hand.
Oh and Julia Creek Artesian Baths are at a caravan park, so you get all the vibes without the price tag.
#2 Gilberton Outback Retreat
Gilberton Outback Retreat is a five-star luxe retreat is nestled into a huge working cattle station in the heart of the outback — meaning you can either relax to the max or join in ‘station life’. Either way, you’ll have no phone, internet or TV so you have no chance but to relax and recoup.
#3 Trek West Bespoke Hiking Trips
What could be more healing than nature? Trek West tours help travellers experience the raw beauty of North West Queensland. They’ll take care of all your hiking needs (i.e. you won’t need to lug around a huge backpack) so all you have to do is switch off and enjoy the beauty. Oh, and enjoy the cheese and wine they bring you to eat under the stars too.
#4 Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
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This famous lifestyle retreat tucked away in the Gold Coast hinterland may seem like a daunting idea to the uninitiated, but the amazing food, unbeatable scenery and friendly staff will have your relaxed and rejuvenated in no time. Find out what it’s really like from one of our writers who experienced it.
#5 Fraser Island
Beyond the benefits to your mental health of just simply getting away to a beautiful island, Fraser Island has a couple of natural tea tree lakes. Lake Boomanjin and Lake McKenzie are surrounded by tea trees that seep their goodness into the water. Meaning these lakes of blue, greens and reds have all the natural healing properties of tea tree.
(Lead image: Provided / Tourism And Events Queensland)