Cedarvale Health Retreat: 4-Night Lifestyle Reset in Kangaroo Valley, NSW

Cedarvale opened in 1990 and has run continuously since, with two sites: Kangaroo Valley in the NSW Southern Highlands and the Yarra Ranges in Victoria. The NSW property overlooks Kangaroo Valley and is known for its forest setting, waterfalls, walking trails and wildlife. Accommodation is boutique rather than institutional, and the atmosphere is quiet.

The programme is a health and lifestyle retreat, not a bootcamp. The focus areas listed by Cedarvale are reaching an optimal lifestyle, improving immune function, managing stress, rest and relaxation, weight management, reducing high blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, managing diabetes, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol and caffeine dependence, improving mental wellbeing, and chronic lifestyle diseases. Staff are qualified and the programmes are designed around lasting lifestyle change rather than a short-term fix.

Dr Darren Morton's healthy lifestyle programme is a core part of the week. One guest review describes it as giving "all the information you need to flourish." Guests also meet individually with staff — the same review mentions Cassie doing research around the guest's goals.

Treatments are a significant part of the stay. The review below names Swedish massage, therapeutic massage, Power Glow and a hot pack super treatment, and describes them as helping with muscle tightness, stress, immune function and circulation.

Food is plant-based and generous. The same guest called it "outstanding" and "like eating a delicious rainbow." Meals are included in the programme.

The property is a not-for-profit charity run by a Board of Directors, which is worth knowing if you're comparing it with commercial retreats — the pricing and the tone reflect that.

What's included

- 4 nights accommodation at the Kangaroo Valley property - Plant-based meals throughout the programme - Health presentations, including Dr Darren Morton's healthy lifestyle programme - Exercise sessions - One-on-one consultation with staff - Access to walking trails and the property grounds - 15% off all 4-night programmes in October and November 2026

What's not included

- Treatments such as Swedish massage, therapeutic massage, Power Glow and hot pack (booked separately) - Travel to and from the retreat - Travel insurance - Personal expenses