What’s on in Wellness this August

Divine Expansion is Lionsgate Wellness’s signature annual retreat, held each year on 8 August to honour the symbolic Lion’s Gate Portal.

Set on the private 102-acre Heartwood Farm in the Byron Bay Hinterland, this full-day wellness immersion invites guests to slow down, reconnect with nature and nurture mind, body and spirit. No previous experience is needed as the day unfolds through breathwork, sound healing, nervous system practices, ceremony and nourishing food in a welcoming, supportive environment.

Facilitated by Krissy Ferrari of Lion Hearts Breathwork and Mele from Mama White Lion, guests will journey through the wisdom of the Five Elements, leaving feeling grounded, restored and inspired. Surrounded by ancient trees, wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, Divine Expansion offers a meaningful opportunity for reflection, renewal and genuine connection.

If you've been feeling disconnected, overwhelmed or simply ready to reconnect with yourself, the Embody Your Truth – Somatic Reconnect Retreat by Somatic Balance.108 offers a deeply restorative reset.

This intimate four-day retreat is led by somatic therapist, yoga and meditation teacher Caroline Hey and focuses on the powerful mind-body connection through trauma-informed somatic practices. Over four nourishing days, you'll explore gentle movement, meditation, breathwork, nervous system regulation and guided self-reflection, all designed to help release stress and reconnect with your authentic self.

Set in a peaceful natural environment just outside Sydney, the retreat balances structured workshops with plenty of time to rest, reflect and simply be. Whether you're navigating a life transition, recovering from burnout or looking to deepen your wellbeing practice, you'll leave with practical tools, renewed clarity and a greater sense of calm.

It's an invitation to slow down, tune in and return home to yourself.

Is your mind or body calling for a reset? The Replenish Wellbeing Retreat at Great Ocean Road Resort in Victoria offers three days dedicated to rest, nourishment and renewal.

Held in the coastal town of Anglesea, this intimate retreat combines expert-led wellness experiences with the healing power of nature. Your stay includes yoga, guided meditation, sound healing, mindfulness workshops and scenic walks along the spectacular Great Ocean Road, alongside plenty of time to simply unwind. Nourishing chef-prepared meals showcase fresh local produce, while access to the resort's day spa, infrared sauna and wellness facilities adds another layer of relaxation.

With luxury accommodation and a flexible schedule that balances guided sessions with personal downtime, it's an ideal escape for anyone looking to reduce stress, reconnect with themselves and return home feeling calmer, clearer and re-energised. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is simply pause- and replenish.

If you work in wellness, tourism or hospitality, this is the one industry event to have on your calendar. Returning to Byron Bay in 2026, the Wellness Tourism Summit brings together leading voices from across Australia and around the world to explore the future of wellness travel.

Hosted by Well Traveller at the stunning Crystalbrook Byron, this year's program features internationally renowned exercise physiologist and women's health expert Dr Stacy Sims as a keynote speaker, alongside an inspiring lineup of industry leaders, innovators and changemakers. The two-day program also features industry insights, networking opportunities and practical ideas for growing wellness-focused businesses.

But this isn't your typical conference. Delegates can also take part in curated wellness experiences, including morning movement sessions and immersive local activities that showcase the best of Byron Bay's thriving wellness scene.

Whether you're a spa operator, accommodation provider, destination manager, practitioner, travel advisor or simply passionate about the wellness tourism sector, you'll leave feeling inspired, connected and equipped with fresh ideas. It's the perfect blend of professional development, meaningful connection and personal wellbeing.

Discover the mindful art of bonsai at this inspiring hands-on workshop with internationally respected bonsai master Megumi Bennett at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

More than simply learning how to shape miniature trees, this immersive three-hour experience is an invitation to slow down, focus your attention and cultivate patience through one of Japan's most treasured traditions. Guided by Tokyo-born Megumi, who has more than four decades of experience adapting traditional bonsai techniques to Australian conditions, you'll learn how to select, pot, prune and style your own bonsai while gaining a deeper appreciation for the connection between nature and wellbeing.

The workshop is suitable for beginners and experienced gardeners alike, with expert guidance every step of the way. You'll leave with practical skills, fresh inspiration and a renewed sense of calm, along with your own living creation to continue nurturing long after the workshop ends.