Shoalhaven, the heart of wellness

There's something special about slowing down and immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Shoalhaven region.

- Lauren Day and Matt Duncan

Located just a two-hour drive from Sydney and two-and-a-half hours from Canberra, the award-winning South Coast region not only boasts 100 beaches but is made up of 70 per cent national parks and forests. In the eight years my wife Lauren and I have lived on the South Coast, we've only scratched the surface – it was time to dig a little deeper.

Our weekend began in Milton, a town that blends country charm with vibrant energy, setting the perfect tone for the days ahead. As we arrived, we felt an immediate sense of ease, the kind that comes from crisp, coastal air, rolling green hills and the promise of time well spent. Our intentions for the weekend were to dedicate time to deeply rest, reconnect with each other and soak up the simple joy of being present in a truly beautiful place.

Time to heal

Our first stop was The Heal Zone, a newly opened space that overlooks Conjola National Park and offers breathtaking views of the coast. Since its opening in December 2024, owners Madi and Nic have cultivated a welcoming space dedicated to healing, rest, movement and growth.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by Nic, who shared with us his deep passion for movement and healing. Nic's approach, shaped by years of yoga training, a love for surfing and various other modalities, shines through in everything he does. We participated in a 90-minute session blending movement, mobility and breathwork, followed by a cold plunge and sauna. Nic's unique style emphasises grounding exercises that promote fluidity of movement, tailored to each individual's body. His distinctive approach and gentle prompts helped us to release tension and stiffness from our bodies and minds.