MasterChef star Simon Toohey hosting mindful foodie retreat in Byron Bay

ONE of Australia’s most recognisable plant-based chefs, Simon Toohey, is set to bring his passion for conscious food and sustainable living to Byron Bay next month, hosting a weekend retreat focused on wellbeing, connection and mindful living.

The 2019 MasterChef finalist will lead the Nourish Your Soul retreat from 24–26 July at Byron Yoga Centre’s eco-retreat, combining plant-based cooking, yoga and wellness experiences in the heart of Byron Bay.

Toohey is widely known for hosting Freshly Picked on Channel 10, launching a popular vegan smokehouse in Melbourne and co-founding the Sustainable Earth Network, which champions wholefood ingredients, zero-waste cooking and a deeper connection to food systems.

Throughout the retreat, guests will have the opportunity to learn directly from Toohey through hands-on cooking workshops designed to showcase how nourishing, flavour-packed meals can be created while minimising environmental impact.

Byron Yoga Centre founder John Ogilvie said the collaboration was a natural fit, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainability, wholesome living and mindful practices.

“This retreat brings those values together in a really practical and enjoyable way – through food, movement and time to reconnect with yourself,” he said.

Guests will enjoy meals created collaboratively by Toohey and the centre’s kitchen team, featuring seasonal produce harvested from the retreat’s organic gardens.

“For me, food is one of the most powerful ways we can care for ourselves, each other and the planet,” Toohey said. “Bringing people together to cook, eat and slow down in a place like Byron is something really special.”

Alongside the cooking program, participants can take part in daily yoga and meditation sessions, guided garden tours, massages and make use of the retreat’s facilities, including a 20m solar-heated mineral salt swimming pool.

Founded in 1988, Byron Yoga Centre is one of Australia’s longest-running yoga schools and retreat centres, offering accredited teacher training, retreats, community classes and professional development programs.

For more information or to book, visit byronyoga.com/nourish-your-soul