NSW is stepping into the global spotlight as a leader in wellness travel, with Sydney set to become the first city in the world to mark Global Wellness Day 2026 on Saturday, 13 June — reinforcing the state’s position at the forefront of a rapidly growing global movement centred on wellbeing, connection and restoration.

As global demand for wellness travel continues to surge, research from the Global Wellness Institute shows the sector is now worth almost $1.2 trillion globally with Australia the fifth largest wellness tourism market globally, reflecting strong demand for travel experiences that support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.

And NSW is redefining wellness as something that can be experienced by everyone — from sunrise swims in Sydney’s iconic ocean pools and guided coastal walks to immersive Aboriginal cultural experiences and farm-to-table dining.

Emerging global trends identified in the recently released Global Wellness Institute’s Wellness Tourism Initiative Trends Report show travellers are increasingly prioritising emotional wellbeing, joy and recuperative experiences with “restorative travel”, nature immersion and slower journeys shaping the future of tourism.

Sydney has also attracted international recognition, recently taking the top spot among Australian cities in Oprah Daily’s naming of Australia as the Wellness Destination of the Year — further highlighting the country as a leading destination for wellbeing-focused travel.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: "NSW is one of the world's great wellness destinations, and Global Wellness Day is the perfect moment to celebrate that.

“Whether it's an ocean swim at sunrise, connecting with Aboriginal culture on Country, farm-fresh dining in the regions, or simply unpacking in nature, our state offers world-class wellness experiences for every kind of traveller.

"That's not just great for visitors, it's great for the businesses and communities right across NSW that benefit when people choose to travel here."

Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones said: “Wellness in NSW is woven into the very fabric of the visitor experience.

“From our beaches and national parks to our food, wine, cultural and sporting experiences, NSW offers countless ways to support wellbeing. Importantly, these experiences make wellness travel more inclusive and accessible than ever before.”

Founder of Well Traveller and Global Wellness Day’s Australian Ambassador Katherine Droga said: “Travellers are increasingly seeking experiences that help them slow down, feel calmer and reconnect — not just physically, but emotionally.

“We’re seeing growing demand for simple but meaningful moments of joy, whether that’s an ocean swim, time in nature, a harbour walk or sharing experiences with others.

“Sydney and NSW are uniquely positioned to lead this shift, offering the kind of outdoor, nature-based and culturally rich experiences that support true restoration.”

Wellness experiences for all across NSW

Nature & National Parks

With more than 890 national parks and reserves, NSW offers some of the world’s most biodiverse and scenically spectacular landscapes. From the cliff-top trails of the Royal National Park to the expansive bushwalking network of the Blue Mountains, visitors can embrace nature as a pathway to wellbeing. Experiences such as nature-based adventures with operators like Blue Mountains Climbing School highlight the growing demand for active, outdoor wellness.

Cultural connection

For tens of thousands of years, Aboriginal communities have practised wellness through deep connection to Country. Across NSW, visitors can engage in guided cultural walks, storytelling and immersive experiences that foster mindfulness, respect and a deeper understanding of place, including experiences like the Aboriginal Bush Tucker Tour at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and Koori Kinnections’ Taste on Country experiences.

Mindfulness and retreats

From boutique wellness retreats in the Southern Highlands and Byron Bay hinterland to yoga, meditation and ocean bathing experiences across Sydney, NSW offers opportunities to rest and reset at every price point. Experiences such as Flow MOcean’s ocean-based wellness sessions in Manly and Elysia Wellness Retreat in the Hunter Valley reflect the growing interest in restorative and immersive wellbeing experiences.

Farm-to-table and food wellbeing

Across the Hunter Valley, Mudgee and the Southern Highlands, visitors can experience paddock-to-plate dining, farm stays and vineyard experiences that highlight the connection between food, land and wellbeing. Experiences such as kitchen garden tours at Margan Wines in the Hunter Valley and dining at MilkHaus in Milton showcase how food and sustainability play a central role in wellbeing.

Stays and restorative escapes

Wellness-led accommodation is also on the rise, with NSW offering a diverse range of stays designed to support rest, reconnection and immersion in nature. From bush retreats like Billabong Retreat near Sydney to unique regional escapes such as Sierra Escape in Mudgee, visitors can choose from experiences that range from simple, nature-based stays to fully integrated wellness retreats.

NSW will celebrate Global Wellness Day 2026 on 13 June 2026, commencing with Well Traveller's Rituals of Joy at Bennelong Lawn in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney from 10am. For more information on how to get involved in free events across Sydney click here.