Australia Wellness Tourism Market Overview, 2029

The wellness tourism market in Australia has its roots in the country's indigenous healing traditions, which date back tens of thousands of years. Aboriginal Australians have long practiced holistic approaches to health and well-being, incorporating rituals, bush medicine, and connection with the land into their healing practices. However, the modern wellness tourism industry in Australia began to develop in the 19th century with the establishment of health retreats and spa towns, particularly in regions with natural thermal springs such as the Mornington Peninsula and Hepburn Springs. Australia's legacy in wellness tourism is characterized by its stunning natural landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and commitment to holistic health and sustainability. The country's indigenous heritage continues to influence its wellness offerings, with Aboriginal healing practices, bush walks, and cultural experiences being integral components of many wellness retreats and experiences. Over time, Australia's wellness tourism industry has evolved to encompass a wide range of wellness modalities, including luxury spa resorts, yoga retreats, eco-friendly lodges, and wellness-focused adventure tours. The country's abundant sunshine, pristine beaches, and vast wilderness areas provide a natural backdrop for wellness experiences that emphasize relaxation, rejuvenation, and connection with nature. In recent years, Australia's wellness tourism market has experienced significant growth, driven by increasing global interest in holistic health and well-being. The industry has responded by expanding its offerings, investing in wellness infrastructure, and promoting sustainable tourism practices. With a continued focus on authenticity, diversity, and innovation, Australia remains a leading destination for wellness travelers seeking transformative experiences that nourish the body, mind, and spirit. According to the research report "Australia Wellness Tourism Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the Australia Wellness Tourism Market is expected to grow with more than 11% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. Tourists are increasingly drawn to Australia for wellness experiences due to a combination of factors that showcase the country's natural beauty, outdoor lifestyle, and holistic wellness practices. One major driver for wellness tourism in Australia is its diverse and stunning natural landscapes, including pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vast Outback wilderness. These environments provide an ideal setting for wellness activities such as yoga retreats, hiking, surfing, and wildlife encounters, attracting travelers seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and connection with nature. Furthermore, Australia's cultural significance in the wellness tourism market is evident in its embrace of indigenous healing traditions and holistic wellness practices. Aboriginal Australians have long valued holistic approaches to health and well-being, incorporating rituals, bush medicine, and connection with the land into their lifestyles. Visitors to Australia can immerse themselves in indigenous wellness experiences, such as guided nature walks, traditional healing ceremonies, and cultural exchanges, which offer insights into ancient healing traditions and cultural heritage. Moreover, Australia's reputation for hospitality, laid-back lifestyle, and emphasis on outdoor living makes it a popular destination for wellness travelers seeking authentic and transformative experiences. Wellness retreats and eco-resorts in Australia often integrate elements of indigenous culture, such as dreamtime storytelling, bush tucker cuisine, and Aboriginal art, into their programs, providing visitors with opportunities to connect with the land and indigenous wisdom while prioritizing their well-being. Overall, the major drivers of wellness tourism to Australia include its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and commitment to holistic wellness practices. With its diverse offerings, cultural experiences, and warm hospitality, Australia continues to attract wellness travelers seeking rejuvenation, relaxation, and cultural immersion in a stunning and serene environment.

The wellness tourism market can be divided into three segments – by traveler, by location, by service. By traveler it is further classified into primary and secondary. Secondary travelers lead the market while primary traveler segment is growing at a high CAGR rate. By location It is further categorised into Domestic and international. Domestic market is leading the segment while international market is also growing at a high CAGR rate. By Service it is further categorised into Lodging, In-country transport, wellness activities, food & beverage, others. Lodging is leading the segment while food & beverage is growing at a high CAGR rate. Several challenges hinder the growth of wellness tourism in Australia, despite its abundant natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and cultural richness. One challenge is the perception of distance and remoteness among international travelers. Australia's vast size and relatively remote location can deter some travelers from considering it as a wellness tourism destination, especially those who are seeking more accessible or easily reachable destinations. Additionally, there is a need for greater awareness and promotion of Australia as a wellness tourism destination on the global stage. While Australia offers a wide range of wellness experiences, including spa resorts, yoga retreats, and eco-lodges, many potential travelers may not be aware of these offerings or may not fully understand the breadth and depth of Australia's wellness offerings. Infrastructure development and accessibility can also pose challenges for wellness tourism in Australia. While major cities like Sydney and Melbourne have well-developed tourism infrastructure, other regions with potential for wellness tourism, such as remote coastal areas or outback regions, may lack adequate accommodations, transportation options, and wellness facilities. To address these challenges and foster the growth of wellness tourism in Australia, both the industry and government are taking initiatives. The industry is focusing on marketing and promoting Australia as a wellness tourism destination through various channels, including social media, travel agencies, and wellness expos. Efforts are also underway to diversify wellness offerings and experiences to appeal to a wider range of travelers, including budget-friendly options and niche wellness experiences tailored to specific interests. On the government side, initiatives include investing in infrastructure development and improvement, particularly in rural and remote areas with untapped wellness tourism potential. This may involve funding for transportation projects, eco-friendly accommodations, and wellness facilities to improve accessibility and enhance the visitor experience. Additionally, government support for sustainable tourism practices and initiatives aimed at promoting Australia as a key player in the global wellness tourism market can help drive growth in the industry. Overall, by addressing challenges such as distance perceptions, awareness, and infrastructure development, both the industry and government can work together to further grow the wellness tourism market in Australia and showcase the country as a premier destination for wellness travelers. Considered in this report • Historic year: 2018 • Base year: 2023 • Estimated year: 2024 • Forecast year: 2029

Make this report your own

Have queries/questions regarding a report?

Take advantage of intelligence tailored to your business objective

Ask an Expert

Prashant Tiwari

Research Analyst

Aspects covered in this report • Wellness Tourism market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation By Traveller • Secondary • Primary By Location • Domestic • International

Don’t pay for what you don’t need. Save 30%

Customise your report by selecting specific countries or regions

Specify Scope Now

By Service • Lodging • In-country Transport • Wellness Activities • Food & Beverage • Others The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Wellness Tourism industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.