Byron Yoga Centre marks 37 years

AUSTRALIA’S longest running yoga centre is celebrating 37 years in operation.

Byron Yoga Centre was founded in 1988 by John Ogilvie, who turns 69 this year.

“This milestone means the world to me,” Ogilvie said.

“Since starting the centre back in 1988, my mission has been clear, to make yoga available in every town, because I truly believe yoga has the power to change the world.

“Celebrating over 37 years isn’t just about longevity; it’s about seeing that mission come alive through the community we’ve built here.

“Plus, winning the Australian Small Business Champion award this year was a huge honour.

“It felt like a real recognition of the hard work and heart everyone puts into the centre.”

The 30-acre site is a short drive from Byron Bay’s town centre and beaches.

It has six yoga spaces, eco-accommodation, a 20-metre magnesium mineral pool, a barrel sauna, and three acres of organic gardens supplying its vegetarian menu.

Ogilvie said the centre had always focused on inclusivity and accessibility.

“Byron Yoga Centre is not just a retreat centre, but an overall experience.

“Our guests arrive for yoga, but leave with so much purpose and clarity – just like how I discovered it for myself in my own journey.”

He remembers starting in a “tiny, humble space” with just a few students when yoga was still something “special, almost underground.”

“A couple of other moments stand out for me: when we got the 20m solar heated mineral salt swimming pool, rich in magnesium which really changed how people could relax and recover.

“And more recently adding the sauna, which has become a favourite way for guests to unwind after practice.”

The centre runs retreats ranging from half-day to seven days, including men’s health, women’s wellness, veterans and frontline workers, and yoga teacher retreats.

“Our retreats have definitely evolved to stay accessible and flexible,” Ogilvie said.

“We’ve kept them affordable with different lengths and accommodation options to suit different budgets and schedules.

“We’ve added day retreats for those who can’t commit to longer stays.

“Plus a bed and breakfast option where people can build their own retreat, adding on yoga classes, massages, sauna sessions, and more.”

As part of its anniversary celebrations, the centre is offering 37 per cent off selected retreats for 37 hours from midnight on August 16, with 37 places available.

Sustainable features include solar power, compost toilets, rainwater tanks, endangered ecological communities, and eco-accommodation for all budgets.

“We’ve been part of the wellness community here for a long time, and it’s been amazing to watch it grow,” Ogilvie said.

“I think our role has been to offer something real and consistent.

“Over the years, we’ve become more than a yoga centre; we’re a place for connection, learning, and slowing down.

“And with our mission to make yoga available in every town, we’re not just thinking about Byron, we’re thinking about the bigger picture of how yoga can change lives everywhere.”

Byron Yoga Centre has won multiple awards, including the Australian Small Business Championship Award and Booking.com Traveller Review Award in 2025, and a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2020.