Nature heals, soothes and restores. It reduces anger, fear and stress whilst increasing emotional wellbeing. Being in nature also contributes to your physical wellbeing. Yaraandoo is blessed with 70 hectares of beautiful walking tracks that lead to rocky outcrops, rivers and streams. There are also a wide diversity of walks in the six neighbouring National Parks – New England National Park, Cathedral Rocks National Park, Guy Fawkes National Park, Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, Cunnawarra National Park and Dorrigo National Park.
Yaraandoo is surrounded by impressive waterfalls and lookouts. Cathedral Rock National Park offers breathtaking views of dry eucalypt forest and granite outcrops. Wollomombi Falls boast the highest waterfall in NSW. After heavy rain it cascades 220m over the dramatic cliffs; the massive gorge fills with mist and the occasional rainbow. Ebor Falls are a 115m drop formed by a columned basalt rock. It is a great spot for a picnic, with stunning views of the Guy Fawkes River and Gorge country. Point Lookout is the highest elevation in the region; at 1,564m above sea level. It has spectacular views of the escarpment and New England National Park. On a clear day, you can see the Pacific Ocean, which is over 60km away. Beech Lookout oversees ancient Antarctic beech rainforest, including the tallest eucalypts in Australia. Wrights Lookout offers panoramic views of the Bellinger River and surrounding mountains. This rocky plateau is an ancient trachyte remnant of Ebor Volcano. Tours can be organised with Yaraandoo for all of these destinations.
The area is globally renowned for its rainbow trout and fly-fishing. Yaraandoo organises guided tours of local streams. Our experienced guides take guests through neighbouring properties, giving unique admission to some of the best spots, otherwise inaccessible. Guided fly-fishing is available for both novice enthusiasts and experienced anglers; all equipment is supplied. Since 1949, the trout hatchery has been raising and releasing about 2 million fish per year into inland streams and waterways. They offer daily tours of the hatchery, including activities such as feeding the trout. You are able to purchase some of the tastiest trout you will find anywhere.
Art is an important tool for exploring yourself, as well as relaxing. It is not so much about understanding pictures as it is about the process of creating them. Healing happens through the act of symbolic expression. When words are not possible, art can be an effective means of self-expression and healing. Art therapy is a creative opportunity for exploring strengths and possibilities. All art making is in some way about transformation, empowerment, renewal and love. Many people have not engaged with artistic practices since they were in school. Yaraandoo offers a wonderful program of creativity, that everyone can enjoy.
It has been proven that Yoga amplifies flexibility; lubricating joints, ligaments and tendons. It loosens all organs to operate and feel better; building muscle strength and tone, facilitating weight loss and reducing sensations of chronic pain. Tai Chi is a low impact, slow-motion exercise that can help enhance the immune system, quality of sleep, lower blood pressure and reduce joint pain. Whilst helping to relax the mind and body, meditation and mindfulness also increases your immunity and reduces anxiety, depression, insomnia and stress.
Immerse yourself in the bliss of a holistic massage, designed to relax tight muscles, soothe the nervous system and improve sluggish circulation. Massage is perhaps one of the oldest healing traditions. One of the immediate benefits of a massage is a feeling of deep relaxation and calm. This occurs because massage prompts the release of endorphins that produce feelings of wellbeing. Hence, levels of stress hormones are reduced. As part of our pampering packages you can also get a restorative facial. This 1 hour activity is aimed to restore your skin, body and mind. A deep double cleanse and exfoliation, followed by a soothing face, neck, shoulder and scalp massage to release tension and to activate all of your senses. Your skin will be detoxified, your body and soul nourished. You will leave feeling a new sense of energy, calm, rejuvenated and blissful.
Reflexology is the application of pressure to specific points on the feet or hands. Reflexology stimulates nerve function, increases energy, boosts circulation and can induce a deep state of relaxation. It eliminates toxins from the body, helps stimulate the central nervous system and prevents migraines. It can speed up recovery after an injury or surgery, reduces sleep disorders and relieves depression, pain, eases stress and anxiety. Our experienced therapists will tailor your session to meet your specific health issues. Reflexology of the feet is a wonderful treatment for the nervous system. Treating over 7000 nerves in the feet alone. It is calming, potent and non-invasive.
It doesn’t matter if you love pop, metal or EDM, music can lighten your mood and help you cope with (or even take control of) tricky emotions. It has been generally accepted that both listening to and creating music can have various positive effects on mood and mental health. Incorporating music into your everyday life can help to. It will elevate your mood and motivation, aid relaxation and increase the efficiency of your brain processing. We incorporate music into our retreats through a very talented harp musician playing live during pre-dinner drinks and drum beat therapy which is an ancient approach that uses rhythm to promote healing and self-expression. Drumming reduces tension, anxiety and stress. Drumming induces deep relaxation, lowers blood pressure and reduces stress. Best of all, it is always a good laugh.
Belly Dancing is an ancient dance of celebration. It’s a dance where you move around to be comfortable with your own body. The music inspires you to move. It’s about expressing yourself and your emotions; and anyone can do it! Belly dancing increases self-confidence, improves posture and muscle tone, helps with weight loss, digestion health, memory and brain function. It will lift your spirits as is fabulous for stress reduction. Concentrating on the movements can help relax a mind filled with daily worries. Belly dancing can be practiced by people of almost any age, shape, and size. It’s a whole lot of fun and great for a laugh.