Northern Rivers leads wellness boom

NORTHERN Rivers is emerging as a key player in Australia’s booming wellness economy, now worth more than $193 billion and growing faster than the broader economy.

To reflect the region’s strong connection to wellness, this paper is launching a new monthly section dedicated to the sector.

That strength is reflected in the diversity of wellness offerings across the Northern Rivers, from world-renowned retreats to grassroots recovery spaces.

In this first edition, we feature Gaia Retreat & Spa, which will celebrate 20 years in 2025 and remains a benchmark for luxury wellness in Australia.

We also visit Bathe in Lismore, a new bathhouse inspired by traditional Finnish practices and already attracting athletes and locals alike.

Sisu Recovery in Byron Bay brings a fresh take on contrast therapy, breathwork and meditation in an inclusive setting grounded in the Finnish concept of inner strength.

At Crystalbrook Byron, Eléme Day Spa blends rainforest surrounds with modern and traditional treatments.

Boutique practices including Cure Therapies by Jess Lee in Murwillumbah, JCS Skin Boutique in Mullumbimby, and Casuarina Dental Integrative Family Care in Casuarina show the depth and diversity of wellness services across the region.

The Global Wellness Institute reported in November 2024 that Australia’s wellness economy reached $193 billion in 2023, ranking 10th globally and fourth in the Asia Pacific.

Average per-person spending was $7300, the seventh highest in the world.

From 2019 to 2023 the industry grew by about 7.5 per cent annually, with an 11 per cent jump from 2022 to 2023.

Wellness tourism rose by around one-third year on year.

Other high-growth areas include thermal and mineral springs, mental wellbeing and physical activity.

Wellness real estate was valued at $39 billion in 2023, placing Australia second in the Asia Pacific and fourth globally.

Kris Abbey, founder of the Asia Pacific Wellness Summit and The Spa & Wellness Awards, said the Northern Rivers has always been a magnet for wellness.

“That history created a culture of openness and curiosity that still shapes the industry,” she said.

“While many operators now combine evidence-based therapies and luxury hospitality, the original spirit of connection, healing and respect for nature continues to shine through.”

Abbey, who has worked in the wellness industry for more than 30 years, said the region continues to set the pace.

“Other regions may offer wellness as a service, in the Northern Rivers it is a way of life,” she said.

“You’ll often see retreats working with local farmers for organic produce, spas incorporating Indigenous wisdom, and practitioners collaborating across modalities.

“That sense of community and shared purpose strengthens the entire region.”

The region’s reputation was also on show at the Wellness Tourism Summit held this month at Elements of Byron Resort.

Summit founder Katherine Droga, who also created the Well Traveller website and TV series, said the event exceeded expectations.

“Everything just flowed perfectly across all our speakers, networking and wellness activations,” she said.

“Elements at Byron was the perfect venue as the resort literally oozes wellbeing.

“It is right on the beach, their sustainability credentials are amazing and their warm welcoming service and food made it a great two days.”

She said delegates especially enjoyed the Wake up to Wellness program, which included local yoga, surfing, mindful cacao ceremonies, native foraging walks and ice baths.

“But it was ultimately the people who attended that made the summit truly special,” Droga said.

“Everyone came with an open mind, an interest in learning new insights and in making new business collaborations and friendships.

“This all created a beautiful buzz of collaboration and kindness.”

Globally, the wellness economy was valued at $9.6 trillion in 2023 and is projected to reach around $13.7 trillion by 2028 across 11 linked sectors.

Global consulting firm McKinsey & Company estimates the consumer-facing slice at about $3 trillion, with the strongest demand in functional nutrition, longevity, supplements, weight management and mental health.

// BY ANGELA SAURINE