Our guide to the best wellness experiences in Sydney

Sydney’s outdoor spaces aren’t just scenic – they’re deeply restorative. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve reset my nervous system with a sunrise walk along the Bondi to Coogee trail, or the quieter Coogee to Maroubra stretch when I’ve needed to breathe without a crowd.

One of the most grounding mornings I’ve had here was seaside foraging with Diego Bonetto. Walking barefoot along the shoreline, learning to spot edible sea greens and wild herbs, I felt more connected to place – and to myself – than I had in weeks. Plus, it’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about weeds.

For deeper immersion, I recommend heading into the wild with Natcha Eco Tours. Their guided walks through the Royal National Park, La Perouse and Kamay Botany Bay Kurnell National Park are stories told through footsteps – sustainable, slow and full of heart.

If stillness is what you’re seeking, Mayu from Forest Minds offers forest bathing (shinrin yoku) experiences in Lane Cove National Park that gently guide you back into presence. Her walks aren’t about distance – they’re about depth. As you move slowly through the bush, you’re invited to tune into the scent of eucalyptus, the rustle of leaves, the texture of bark beneath your fingertips. It’s nature as medicine – subtle, powerful and deeply restorative.

Or, for something equally calming with a creative twist, bring your notebook and join a nature journalling walk through the Botanic Gardens of Sydney led by thoughtful guides, these sessions combine quiet observation with artistic play – no drawing skills required, just curiosity and a willingness to slow down.

If you’re feeling more physical, Sydney’s got that too. Hike the Hermitage Foreshore Walk, wander the leafy Cascades Trail, or make the climb to Barrenjoey Lighthouse – the views, and the peace, are well worth the effort.

Wellness doesn’t stop with movement and mindfulness – it extends to what we eat, how it’s grown and the stories behind it. In Sydney, food is where culture, nourishment and connection meet.

For the best way to feel good while doing good, the place to be on a weeknight is Refettoria OzHarvest Sydney. The Refettorio offers a free lunch made with love to those experiencing food insecurity, and every ticket sold to one of their delicious ‘Pay it Forward Dinners’ helps the team serve at least four people in need of a nutritious meal during their daytime service.

On the weekend, head to Carriageworks Farmers Market – a Saturday staple for locals. Grab a coffee and wander through stalls of small-batch sourdough, native herbs, medicinal mushrooms and gut-loving ferments. It’s a chance to slow down, connect and taste the season.

For a deeper dive into flavour and culture, join one of Maeve O’Meara’s Spice Trails Gourmet Food Safaris. These guided tours are a celebration of food as medicine – from the warming turmeric and cumin of Ayurveda curries to the gut-loving fermented vegetables and fragrant spice blends of Middle Eastern feasts. Alongside rich cultural stories and behind-the-scenes tastings, you’ll explore dishes brimming with spices long used to support digestion, reduce inflammation and boost vitality.

Located at The Rocks, 6HEAD is a hidden gem of a restaurant that offers a fabulous dining experience. Inspired by the first six head of cattle to arrive in Australia on the First Fleet, the focus at 6Head is very much on the best grass-fed and hormone-free protein, but the menu is packed with delicious dishes that cater to more than the carnivores and the service is second to none.

For our vegetarian friends, we can’t go past the incredible six-course tasting menu at Yellow. You’ll find it in Potts Point and get ready to be immersed in the vibrant world of plants, herbs and flowers. The talented culinary team has designed each dish to be a celebration of the freshest produce exclusively sourced from local farms around Sydney.