EVIDENCE-BASED WELLNESS RETREATS IN VICTORIA
Getaways for people who want wellness, without the waffle.
- Weekend & 7-day retreats in Benalla, Victoria
- Run by actual healthcare professionals
- Float therapy, aerial yoga, medical-grade red light, reformer pilates
- Miniature goats who don’t judge your life choices
- Comes with a Feel Good Guarantee
2 Minute Quiz
Five quick questions
Quick quiz to match you with the perfect retreat. Answer 5 simple questions about your wellness goals, energy levels, and what you need right now. No email required, instant recommendations.Tailor to Your Needs
Personalised recommendations
Get retreat recommendations based on what you actually need — whether that's burnout recovery, trying new wellness treatments, wildlife experiences, or simply disconnecting and resting. Your retreat, your rules.No Woo-Woo
Evidence-based wellness
All treatments are backed by research and run by qualified healthcare professionals. Float therapy, medical-grade red light, physio-led classes — real wellness that actually works, not pseudoscience.
Retreat
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.
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.-
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 -
All Meals
Nutritious, delicious meals 3× daily. Real food that's actually healthy, with proper coffee when you need it.
Food FAQ -
Float Therapy
Magnesium salt hydrotherapy in our float tanks. Research-backed relaxation, nervous system reset, and muscle recovery.
Floatation FAQ -
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 -
Red Light Therapy
Medical-grade red light therapy sessions. Evidence-based treatment for inflammation reduction, skin health, and cellular recovery.
RLT FAQ -
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.
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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.
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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? -
Mineral Spa & Pool
Heated mineral spa, swimming pool, and cold plunge pool. Hydrotherapy at your own pace, available throughout your stay.
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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 -
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.
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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
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.
Which of these sounds
most like you?
We want to make sure we're speaking to exactly where you're at right now.
What's drawing you
to a retreat?
How long would you like
your escape to be?
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.
What sounds most
appealing?
What rhythm feels
right for you?
Who's joining you?
What's your biggest
concern?
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.
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.
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Floatation Therapy
Learn about float therapyAll 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.
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Red Light Therapy
Learn about red light therapyMedical-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.
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Animal Therapy
Meet the animalsResearch 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.
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Mineral Soak & Hydrotherapy
See what's includedTake 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.
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Infrared Sauna Treatments
Learn about infrared saunaClinical 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.
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Physio-Led Yoga, Pilates & Myofascial Release
See the full retreat scheduleOur 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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.