A koala sleeping in the fork of a large tree

A Wellness Retreat among the Koalas

20 Apr, 2026

In a peaceful pocket of coastal bushland, just beyond the curve of Port Stephens in NSW, a new experience is inviting travellers to slow down and reconnect.

Set within the natural surrounds of Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, the incredible Wild Light Immersion is a two-night retreat designed for those craving a deeper exhale. Created in partnership with Wild Light Experiences, this thoughtfully curated escape blends gentle wellness practices with the grounding presence of nature – and the quiet companionship of one of Australia’s most iconic species.

a group of people sitting cross-legged, eyes closed and listeining to headphones

During your time here, you’ll notice the pace is deliberately slow. Mornings begin with sunrise meditation along the elevated Skywalk, where soft light filters through the gum trees and the sounds of the bush gently awaken the senses. Breathwork and yin yoga follow, encouraging a softening of both body and mind, all while immersed in the koalas’ natural habitat.

This is not a retreat filled with back-to-back activities or rigid schedules. Instead, it’s an invitation to tune inwards. To notice the way your breath slows in fresh air. To feel the subtle shift that comes from stepping away from constant noise. To rediscover the simple, often overlooked act of doing nothing at all.

a man and a woman dressed in white sitting on the sand in front of green vegetation

At the heart of the experience is a philosophy grounded in nervous system restoration. Tammy Kelly, who leads the Wild Light Experiences offering, believes that when mindful movement and stillness meet nature, something powerful happens. “When you combine these elements,” she says, “people leave feeling calmer, clearer and more grounded.”

Beyond the structured sessions, there’s plenty of time to explore. A private guided koala tour offers deeper insight into the lives of these beloved animals, while unlimited access to the Sanctuary allows for quiet, unhurried moments among the trees. It’s an eight-hectare conservation space dedicated to the care and rehabilitation of wild koalas. Guests can witness this work firsthand, including a visit to the Koala Hospital, gaining insight into rescue, treatment and recovery efforts.

a group of people on the skywalk at a Koala Sanctuary

With small group sizes and just a handful of midweek dates available, the Wild Light Immersion offers a more intimate alternative to traditional wellness retreats. It’s a chance to experience something both deeply personal and quietly transformative, set against a uniquely Australian backdrop.

“People are craving space to pause,” says Melinda Atkinson, Assistant Manager at the Sanctuary. And here, that pause feels tangible. Without the pressure to do or achieve, guests are free to move slowly, rest deeply and reconnect - not just with nature, but with themselves.

a family on the balcony of a glamping tent in the australian bush

Accommodation options include a range of guest rooms and suites, but we highly recommend the glamping option so you can totally immerse in nature and wake up with the koalas!

For those seeking rest that goes beyond the surface, this is wellness in its most natural form – unhurried, purposeful and deeply connected to the wild.
Wild Light Immersion will be held on 21-22 April, 28-29 April, and 19-20 May. Packages start from $629 twin share in a studio room. Discover more information here.

Image credits: Destination NSW, Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary and Wild Light Experiences.