Home Our Team Press Careers Locations Contact store
Facilities Accommodation Activities Spa Organic Cusine Packages Nature Enthusiasts Reservations newsletters
 


Stand on a mountain top and see the earth curve. Sandy islands to the north, monolithic Cook Island to the east. Lush vegetation and the blue Pacific dominate the scene. Remnants of the massive 22 million years old Wollumbin (Mt Warning) volcanic plateau gently slant toward the ocean. Gwinganna is situated on one of these north pointing ridges. Receiving an ideal solar arc. Sunrise and sunsets often linger, fresh ocean breezes cool in summer and refreshing winters are mild. Fertile red soils blend with complex folded sediments pushed up by the granite uplifts 300 million years ago. Microbial rich leaf mould blends into humic material accumulating under scrublands and forests.

Freshwater springs flow through fern and palm glades into gullies, sprinkling over cliffs and cascading during downpours. Many pathways frame distant mountain views, through billowing canopies and curtains of vines amongst tall eucalypts. Some forest trees have weathered 1000 seasons. Koalas chew quietly in swaying gums. Red backed wallabies graze on forest verges. Kookaburras chorus when its time to greet the dawn. Enjoy the daily activities. Harvest edible greens, fruits and nuts from fields, gardens and orchards. With guidance gather aromatic leaves from shrubs and grasses for medicinal teas. Be part of this natural splendor in ways that excite you to discover, transform and harvest the abundance of your local natural precincts when you return home.

 

 
 
 



John Palmer is our resident botanist and social ecologist. He lives in the Gwinganna House on the property and has a passion for mother earth. Originally he followed the animal paths around the property and through the wilderness, from which he developed 16 different walk tracks.

John regularly escorts walks and hikes before breakfast, fascinating guests along the way with his knowledge. John also presents a key session on the program ‘Natures Way’ where he inspires one and all to adopt a more sustainable approach to living in the modern world. He is passionate about recycling and requests that each of us assist in this process. John is also the beekeeper and regularly harvests the Gwinganna honey and is well known for his ability to serenade guests with his guitar sing-a-longs.

 
 

“Gwinganna brings health retreats to a whole new level- it is a special place with special people, guaranteed to make the soul and spirit soar. I shall return.”
Alison Lord

 
 
 
© 2005 Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat | For bookings or enquiries please call toll free:1800 219 272 or email info@gwinganna.com