Little Farm of Calm — Evidence-Based Wellness Retreats in Victoria
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Wellness Retreats Victoria — 2 Hours from Melbourne | Little Farm of Calm

WELLNESS RETREATS VICTORIA

Rustic-luxe retreat with a down-to-earth vibe. Evidence-based treatments & classes to help you reset & feel good. Tasty food that's actually healthy, with proper coffee when you need it.

Everything is included. Everything is optional.
Do as little or as much as you feel.

Medical-grade red light therapy room at Little Farm of Calm, evidence-based wellness retreat Victoria

Evidence Based Treatments

Evidence Based Treatments

No pseudoscience. Float therapy, magnesium salt hydrotherapy, medical-grade red light, aerial yoga, reformer pilates, massage & myofascial release — all backed by research.

See What Works
What's Included — Little Farm of Calm Wellness Retreats, Benalla Victoria

EVERYTHING THAT'S INCLUDED

Accommodation, all meals, float therapy, physio-led aerial yoga, red light therapy, reformer pilates, massage, infrared sauna, mineral spa, wildlife experiences, and mini-goat happy hour — all included in every package. No extras, no upsells.

The best value wellness retreat in Australia — and the only one with a Feel Good Guarantee.
  • Private ensuite cabin at Little Farm of Calm wellness retreat, Benalla Victoria — luxury linens, blue-light free lighting, heating and cooling

    Accommodation

    Private cabins with ensuite. All rooms include comfy beds, luxe linens, heating/cooling, TV with Netflix, hair dryers, and blue-light free lighting for better sleep.

    Accommodation FAQ
  • Nutritious retreat meals at Little Farm of Calm wellness retreat, Benalla Victoria — wholefood dining included in all packages

    All Meals

    Nutritious, delicious meals 3× daily. Real food that's actually healthy, with proper coffee when you need it.

    Food FAQ
  • Float therapy tank at Little Farm of Calm wellness retreat, Benalla Victoria — magnesium salt hydrotherapy for deep relaxation and muscle recovery

    Float Therapy

    Magnesium salt hydrotherapy in our float tanks. Research-backed relaxation, nervous system reset, and muscle recovery.

    Floatation FAQ
  • Aerial yoga savasana in silk hammock at Little Farm of Calm — physio-led aerial yoga retreat, Benalla Victoria

    Aerial Yoga

    Physio-led aerial yoga sessions. Decompress your spine, build strength, increase flexibility — all levels welcome. Led by AHPRA-registered physiotherapist and 1000hr RYT Jill Mentiplay.

    All about Aerial Yoga
  • Medical-grade red light therapy room at Little Farm of Calm wellness retreat, Victoria — evidence-based treatment for inflammation and recovery

    Red Light Therapy

    Medical-grade red light therapy sessions. Evidence-based treatment for inflammation reduction, skin health, and cellular recovery.

    RLT FAQ
  • Reformer Pilates dome studio at Little Farm of Calm wellness retreat — physio-led workshops, Benalla Victoria

    Reformer Pilates

    Physio-led Reformer Pilates workshops designed to strengthen, stretch, and make you feel good. Suitable for all levels — led by AHPRA-registered physiotherapist Jill Mentiplay.

  • Myofascial release workshop at Little Farm of Calm wellness retreat, Victoria — practical self-management techniques led by AHPRA physiotherapist

    Massage & Bodywork

    State-of-the-art massage chairs in the zen room and a myofascial release workshop. Practical techniques to self-manage common niggles — leave feeling loose as a goose.

  • Infrared sauna at Little Farm of Calm wellness retreat, Benalla Victoria — private sessions for detox, relaxation and contrast therapy

    Infrared Sauna

    Private infrared sauna sessions. Detox, relax, and boost circulation in your own time — or combine with cold plunge for full evidence-based contrast therapy benefits.

    Why Sauna?
  • Heated mineral spa and swimming pool at Little Farm of Calm wellness retreat, Benalla Victoria — hydrotherapy, cold plunge available

    Mineral Spa & Pool

    Heated mineral spa, swimming pool, and cold plunge pool. Hydrotherapy at your own pace, available throughout your stay.

  • Darren Mentiplay with kangaroos at Little Farm of Calm DEECA-licensed wildlife rescue shelter, Benalla Victoria

    Supporting Native Wildlife

    Learn about our DEECA-licensed wildlife rescue work. Optional opportunities to assist with animals in care — or join a 7-day Wellness, Wildlife & Yoga Retreat to volunteer with the shelter.

    Wildlife Retreats
  • Guided bike tour of Lake Benalla at Little Farm of Calm wellness retreat — included activities, Benalla Victoria

    Plus More

    Guided bike tour of Lake Benalla, self-defence workshop (Tony Blauer system), mulled wine by the firepit — all included. Do as little or as much as you feel.

  • Miniature goats looking through window at Little Farm of Calm wellness retreat, Benalla Victoria — mini-goat happy hour

    Mini-Goat Happy Hour

    Hang out with our miniature goats. They don't judge your life choices and they're excellent listeners.

Everything is Included. Everything is Optional.

Feel like doing everything? Great. Feel like doing nothing? Also great. Your retreat, your rules. We're here to support whatever you need.

Upcoming Retreats

Mini Goats and Animal Therapy on Wellness Retreats
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Tasty meals included on Benalla Wellness Retreats
Find Your Perfect Retreat — Little Farm of Calm
Little Farm of Calm · Retreat Finder
FIND YOUR PERFECT RETREAT

2 Minutes

Five quick questions

Personalised

Tailored to your needs

🌱

No Woo-Woo

Evidence-based wellness

FIRST UP, WHERE
ARE YOU AT?

No wrong answer — this just helps us meet you where you are.

😌

I just know I need a break

I'm running on empty and something needs to change — I just haven't figured out what yet

🔎

I've been exploring getaway options

Winery weekends, coastal trips, day spas, retreats — I'm weighing up what's out there

🙌

I've found you guys — help me choose

I already know I want a retreat here, I just need to pick the right one

Burnout Profile

Which of these sounds
most like you?

We want to make sure we're speaking to exactly where you're at right now.

Exhausted but wired

Too tired to function, too stressed to actually rest — I can't switch off no matter what

🜀

Sleep is broken

Lying awake, waking at 3am, or sleeping long hours but still feeling wrecked

😶

Emotionally flat

Going through the motions — can't feel much of anything, positive or negative

🫠

It's showing up physically

Headaches, muscle tension, jaw clenching, gut issues — my body is carrying it

😓

All of the above, honestly

The whole system is overloaded — I just need everything to stop for a while

Question 1 of 6
Your Motivation

What's drawing you
to a retreat?

Choose up to two that resonate most
😌

I need a nervous system reset

Burned out, stressed, running on empty — I need to properly switch off

💪

I want to invest in my body

Movement, strength, flexibility — I want physical health to be the focus

🌿

I need nature and simplicity

Fresh air, open space, animals — a circuit breaker from screens and routine

💕

Quality time with someone special

A meaningful getaway with my partner or a close friend

🙌

I'm a carer and need respite

I give so much to others — I need somewhere that takes care of me

Question 2 of 6
Your Time

How long would you like
your escape to be?

Choose one
🌞

A proper weekend break

Friday to Sunday — a concentrated dose of calm

🌄

A deeper reset — 4 days

A little more time to really slow down and sink in

🌠

The full experience — 7 days

A full week of daily treatments, movement, and wildlife volunteering

Honest check

One quick heads-up
before we go further

Tick anything that sounds like you. Nothing will disqualify you — we'd just rather be upfront than have you arrive expecting something we're not.

📚

I'm hoping for workshops or lifestyle talks

Lectures, group coaching sessions, structured educational content

💆

I really want a proper day spa experience

Facials, manicures, beauty treatments, the full pampering package

🚱

Animals make me uncomfortable

I'd prefer to avoid close contact with farm animals or wildlife

Question 3 of 6
Your Interests

What sounds most
appealing?

Pick up to three things that make you think "yes please"
🤸

Yoga, pilates & aerial classes

Reformer pilates, aerial yoga, yin flow and myofascial release

🛰

Float therapy & sensory deprivation

Completely switch off in our magnesium salt float tank

Red light therapy, sauna & spa

Medical-grade treatments, infrared sauna and hydrotherapy

🐐

Cuddling miniature goats & animals

Goat Happy Hour and time with our hand-reared therapy animals

🦘

Volunteering with native wildlife

Hands-on time feeding, caring for and rehabilitating Australian wildlife

😴

Honestly? Just doing nothing

A cosy cabin, Netflix, good chocolate and zero obligations

Question 4 of 6
Your Pace

What rhythm feels
right for you?

Choose one

Fill my days

I want to try everything — keep me moving and engaged

⚖️

A balanced mix

Some activity, some stillness — the best of both worlds

🌸

Keep it gentle

I'm here to rest — soft mornings, quiet afternoons, early nights

Question 5 of 6
Your Company

Who's joining you?

Choose one
🚶

Just me — a solo retreat

Private cabin, my own pace, zero compromise

👬

My partner — a couples escape

Queen bed cabin, shared wellness, quality time together

👯

A friend — twin share

A fun, restorative getaway with someone I love spending time with

👥

A group of us (8+)

Workplace retreat, hen's weekend, or a gathering of friends

Question 6 of 6
Honest Check-in

What's your biggest
concern?

No wrong answer — this just helps us address what actually matters to you
🔔

I'm not sure what to expect

I've never done anything like this and I'm not quite sure what I'm signing up for

👥

Being around people I don't know

I'm a bit introverted — I'm not sure how the group dynamic works

💳

Whether the cost is justified

I want to know exactly what's included before I commit to anything

📴

Whether I'll actually switch off

My brain doesn't really do "quiet" — work and life have a way of following me

Nothing — I'm ready to book

I know what I want, I just need to see which option fits best

Your Perfect Retreat

How we deliver on what matters to you

Ready to feel
the difference?

Everything is included. Everything is optional. Do as much or as little as you feel.

VIEW DATES & BOOK →

We'll call you — no pitch, just answers

Leave your number and a time that suits and we'll give you a ring. No obligation, no sales script — just a real conversation.

Evidence-Based Wellness Retreats Victoria — Little Farm of Calm

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE CALM

Every therapy at Little Farm of Calm is selected for its evidence base, not its Instagram appeal. Between them, Jill (AHPRA Physiotherapist, MSc Melbourne, 1000hr RYT) and Darren (AHPRA Exercise Physiologist) bring 50 combined years of healthcare experience to every retreat decision. If the science isn’t there, it doesn’t make it onto the program.

  • Floatation therapy tank inside the float studio at Little Farm of Calm, Benalla

    Floatation Therapy

    All retreats include sessions in our magnesium salt floatation and sensory deprivation tank — designed to switch off your senses, give your nervous system complete rest and dissolve muscle tension.

    From just 1–2 sessions across a weekend, you may sleep more deeply and feel noticeably calmer. Regular float therapy has been linked to reductions in stress, anxiety, blood pressure, chronic pain and sleep disorders.

    Learn about float therapy
  • Medical-grade whole-body red light therapy room at Little Farm of Calm wellness retreat

    Red Light Therapy

    Medical-grade whole-body red light therapy is included in all retreat packages. Associated with dermatology and skin health, it also penetrates deeper to target cellular recovery — used clinically for mood, sleep disorders, wound healing, joint pain and muscle recovery. Even adopted by NASA.

    From your first session you might feel relaxed, glowing and restored. Every person is different — if you can, jump in more than once.

    Learn about red light therapy
  • Mini goats looking in through a window at Little Farm of Calm, Benalla Victoria

    Animal Therapy

    Research shows time with animals and in nature replicates similar brain wave effects to deep meditation — because animals demand full presence and temporarily disable your internal chatter.

    We offer all levels of access to our hand-reared therapy animals. Whether you'd prefer to watch from behind a fence or immerse yourself in full goat-antics mode, we've got you. We're probably the only wellness retreat in Victoria to have goats on the program.

    Meet the animals
  • Heated mineral hydrotherapy spa at sunset at Little Farm of Calm, Benalla

    Mineral Soak & Hydrotherapy

    Take your relaxation to the next level in our heated hydrotherapy spa — complete with medical-grade massage jets and mineral salts that dissolve tension and ease you into a state of deep rest.

    Too warm? Step straight into our 75m² magnesium salt pool or cold plunge for the full contrast therapy experience. Winter invigoration guaranteed.

    See what's included
  • Private infrared sauna session on a Victorian wellness retreat at Little Farm of Calm

    Infrared Sauna Treatments

    Clinical studies link infrared sauna use to improved cardiac health, reduced chronic pain, faster muscle recovery, deeper REM sleep, lowered cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugars, boosted metabolism and protection against the degenerative effects of ageing.

    Yes, it's hot — but stepping out you'll feel invigorated and recharged. And because we have two private saunas, you can do it again tomorrow.

    Learn about infrared sauna
  • Myofascial release massage workshop on a yoga retreat at Little Farm of Calm, Victoria

    Physio-Led Yoga, Pilates & Myofascial Release

    Our retreat schedule uses evidence-based movement to relieve aches and pains, relax tight muscles and target common niggles — you might find yourself capable of more than you thought.

    Sessions include aerial yoga (yin and flow), reformer pilates and myofascial release workshops. Retreats also include time in our Zen Room with state-of-the-art massage chairs targeting from your neck to the soles of your feet.

    All sessions range from low to moderate intensity and are led by teachers from healthcare backgrounds — physiotherapy, exercise physiology, rehabilitation programming and elite coaching.

    See the full retreat schedule

All six therapies are included in every retreat package. No extras. No hidden costs. Led by Jill Mentiplay (AHPRA Physiotherapist · MSc, University of Melbourne · 1000hr RYT) and Darren Mentiplay (AHPRA Exercise Physiologist) — 50 combined years of healthcare experience, and a shared conviction that if it doesn’t have a proven benefit for your recovery, it doesn’t belong on the program.

Compare Wellness Retreats — Little Farm of Calm, Benalla Victoria

CHOOSE YOUR PERFECT RETREAT

Every retreat is completely all-inclusive — accommodation, all meals, every treatment and class. More nights means more sessions, more wildlife time, and more of everything you came for.

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Wellness Retreat Itinerary — Little Farm of Calm, Benalla Victoria

YOUR DAYS AT LITTLE FARM

Pick your retreat length below for a sample day-by-day schedule. Every session, therapy and meal listed is included — no extras, no hidden costs.

Scheduled session — fixed time
Open access — use any time in the window
Feel Good Guarantee — Little Farm of Calm

FEEL GOOD GUARANTEE

At Little Farm of Calm, we want every guest to leave feeling lighter than when they arrived. We are so confident in our space, our teachers, and our nourishing food that we back every retreat with our Feel Good Guarantee.

  1. Real-Time Resolution

    If any aspect of your stay isn't meeting expectations — from your room to the retreat schedule — please tell us immediately during the retreat. This gives us the opportunity to fix the issue, move your room, or adjust your experience in the moment.

  2. The Farm Reality Acknowledgement

    Little Farm of Calm is a farm and wildlife shelter — not a luxury spa and resort. Wildlife (including kangaroos), dust during dry seasons, mud when it rains, and communal living courtesies (such as popping your plates in the dishwasher or wiping down the red light bed after use) are a low-effort part of the experience that helps us keep the high value in what we offer — and are not grounds for a refund.

  3. Your Retreat, Your Way

    Think of the program as a tasting menu — not everything will be your cup of tea, and that's fine. Skip it, sit it out, do your own thing. No guilt, no judgement. Opting out of activities is not grounds for a refund.

  4. Safety First

    If you have any concerns about hygiene or our wellness facilities, please let us know straight away so our team can walk you through how everything is cared for and address it on the spot.

  5. Active Participation

    The guarantee applies to guests who have engaged with the retreat program. It doesn't extend to choosing to leave early, or to situations arising from outside the retreat itself.

  6. Raise It Before You Leave

    This guarantee applies to concerns raised with our team during your stay. Once you've completed your retreat and left the property without raising a concern, the guarantee no longer applies.

The spirit of this guarantee is simple: we want to know if something isn't right so we can fix it while you're still here. We'd rather resolve it on the spot than have you leave unhappy. Just talk to us.

Victorian Wellness Retreat FAQ

Victorian Wellness Retreat FAQ

Nature and tranquility on yoga retrats in Benalla
Just out of Benalla township is Little Farm of Calm Wellness Retreat Centre

Where is
Little Farm of Calm?

121 Grant Drive, Benalla 3672

Our Victorian Wellness Retreat & Event centre is an easy 2 hour drive or train trip from Melbourne - once you get on the Hume Hwy you are 2 turns away. We offer station pick up & drop off so you can sit back and relax!

We are located in a rural area, yet only 6 mins away from Benalla which features cafes, shops, chemists and supermarkets. If you are feeling active that becomes a 15 minute bike ride.

Wellness Retreats Booking FAQs

How far in advance can I book?

We traditionally offer our retreats in 3 monthly seasonal blocks. This allows us to be constantly adapting and improving our offerings and ensures the quality of our retreat scheduling. To keep up to date with when new retreat dates are announced please follow us either on facebook.com/littlefarmofcalm or instagram.com/little_farm_of_calm/

Do you offer payment plans?

We currently offer the Paypal - Pay in 4 option for retreat payments which divides your retreat into 4 equal payments across 8 weeks.

Do you take NDIS bookings?

We will happily work with your NDIS plan manager to arrange for you to attend one of our wellness retreats under respite care for carers and NDIS participants - please get in touch through our Contact US page and we will work with you to establish if we can provide the ideal retreat environment for you.

Do you run private retreats?

Yes, if you have a group of 10+ people (or 8+ rooms) we can design a custom itinerary to suit your group. Please get in touch with us via littlefarmofcalm@gmail.com with:

Number of guests / rooms

Preferred dates

Contact number

We can then give you an idea of availability and approximate costs. Please note that there is no giant discount as our costs remain the same whether the retreat is run for just your private group or any other group of people. A deposit will be required to reserve private retreat dates so please consider these things prior to making a request.

Wellness Retreat Food FAQ

What food can I expect on retreat?

Our yoga retreat menu changes with the season, so in the cooler months we provide more hearty dishes such as curries, soups and layered dishes. There is no private chef onsite and we do not claim to provide Michelin star rated food. We do however, invest in local Victorian produce and pride ourselves in homestyle cooking with great flavours and healthy ingredients. Meals will generally include one gluten free and vegetarian dish, plus at least one other which may include gluten / animal protein / lactose.

Please note; We use spice, warmth and seasonings in our cooking. If you have a highly specific palate, or severe food allergies, we invite guests to bring some of their own preferred foods to store in the fridge. We also request details of any food allergies or intolerances 7 days prior to your retreat to ensure that we can shop and prepare menus or advise if your needs cannot be met.

Do you provide gluten free catering?

Yes, we can provide gluten free options for each meal where this information is provided at least 1 week prior to the retreat commencement. Please be specific as to the level of your intolerance / dietary choice so that we can cater accordingly and ensure that your requirements are met. Please note that not all dishes served will be gluten free and ask staff members if you have any concerns / queries.

Lactose/ dairy free catering?

Yes, we can provide a lactose/dairy free options for meals and dairy alternatives, where this information is provided at least 1 week prior to the retreat commencement. Please be specific as to the level of your intolerance / dietary choice so that we can cater accordingly and ensure that your requirements are met. Please note that not all dishes served will be dairy free and ask staff members if you have any concerns / queries.

Vegan /Pescatarian/FODMAP?

Yes, we can provide Vegan or fructose reduced options for meals where this information is provided at least 1 week prior to the retreat commencement. Please be specific as to the level of your intolerance / dietary choices so that we can cater accordingly and ensure that your requirements are met as definitions of a vegan / pescatarian/ formal diet vary widely. For example, we do not assume that vegetarian or pescatarian includes the exclusion of dairy unless this is specified, and we consider pescatarian diet to include vegetarian meals - fresh seafood is not highly available in Benalla and we like to source local produce wherever possible.

For FODMAP please indicate whether garlic-infused oil, chives and/or spring onions can be tolerated Please note that not all dishes served will be vegan/pescatarian/FODMAP friendly and ask staff members if you have any concerns / queries.

Other dietary intolerances / allergies?

We will attempt to provide a tasty meal option for most dietary needs - however there are limits on what we can provide within the scope of group catering - especially when multiple foods / groups / flavours are being eliminated. This retreat does not provide private chef / personalised catering & all food needs to be accessible to the entire retreat group.

Please contact us directly with any special needs, or the option is available is to bring your own pre-prepared meals and fridge space/ microwave / air fryer / toaster oven is provided in guest kitchen space.

What is included on our retreats?

Retreats include breakfast, lunch and dinner from Friday night through till breakfast (7am-11am) Sunday morning.

Breakfast is a buffet style, self serve selection of cereals, fresh bread, fruit, yoghurts and condiments with tea, coffee, condiments and DIY eggs.

Lunch and dinner change with the seasons, with cooler months traditionally featuring hearty soups, curry and bowl based dishes. Meals consists of 1 large lactose free/ gluten free/ vegetarian dish with condiments/ toppings/ animal protein options that can be added to suit your tastes and needs.

Acknowledgement of Country

Little Farm of Calm Benalla is in Yorta Yorta Country.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land and pay our respects to the Elders of Yorta Yorta clans past, present and future - for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Aboriginal Australia. We will always remember that this land is, was and always will be traditional Aboriginal land.

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