

According to the 2025 Well Traveller Wellbeing Survey, 56% of Australians plan to take a wellness-focused trip in the next 12 months. After years of burnout and busy schedules, more people are looking for ways to rest, recharge and reconnect - without breaking the bank.
One way to achieve this is utilising convenient and affordable bus companies like the family owned FireFly Coach Services. Offering daily connections between cities and regional towns making slowing down simpler than ever.
Australians are swapping packed itineraries for slow travel and meaningful experiences. The survey found bathing rituals like wild swimming, communal bathhouses, thermal springs and ice baths are the top wellness trend for 2026 (32%). Other growing trends include sleep optimisation, gut health and holistic fitness, showing a shift toward travel that prioritises wellbeing over sightseeing.
Meanwhile, Traveloka’s 2024 ‘Travel Redefined’ APAC Study revealed 34% of Australians are travelling mainly to rest and recharge and many are choosing bus travel to do it affordably, sustainably and socially.

Blue Mountains - Wild Swimming & Forest Bathing
Just a short bus ride from Sydney, the Blue Mountains are ideal for a weekend wellness reset. Explore waterfalls, hike lush trails, and enjoy wild swims at Minnehaha Falls or Jellybean Pool. Affordable eco-lodges and hostels in Katoomba make this a low-cost yet deeply restorative escape.
Byron Bay – Surf, Sound and Sleep
Byron remains one of Australia’s wellness capitals. You can catch a direct bus from Brisbane or Sydney and land in a town buzzing with yoga hostels, surf camps and open-air meditation spots. Don’t miss Byron Bay Bluesfest (April 2026) perfect for travellers chasing music, mindfulness and community.

Mornington Peninsula – Hot Springs & Coastal Hikes
Reachable by bus from Melbourne’s CBD, the Mornington Peninsula blends hot springs, ocean views and coastal walks. The Peninsula Hot Springs offer budget-friendly soak passes -add a hike along the Two Bays Trail and finish with a beach picnic for the ultimate low-cost wellness day.
Melbourne – Urban Wellness on a Budget
Melbourne’s inner suburbs are full of affordable wellness finds. Think float centres, bike trails and rooftop yoga. Plan your visit around Moomba Festival (March 2026) or the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (April 2026) for a fun, uplifting city wellness break that’s accessible via local transport.

Fleurieu Peninsula – Ocean Dips & Mindful Trails
An easy bus ride from Adelaide, the Fleurieu Peninsula delivers affordable coastal calm. Stay in a seaside hostel in Port Elliot, swim at Horseshoe Bay, and hike the Heysen Trail. Ideal for travellers wanting nature, movement and mental clarity on a budget.
Adelaide Hills – Slow Living & Fresh Air
Reconnect with nature and local food in the Adelaide Hills. You can reach towns like Hahndorf or Stirling by local bus, where affordable farm stays and boutique retreats await. Visit during Adelaide Fringe Festival (Feb–Mar 2026) or Tasting Australia (Apr–May 2026) for an inspiring blend of culture and wellness.

You don’t need a luxury resort to feel your best. With FireFly Coach fares starting at just $65, you can experience some of Australia’s most restorative wellness destinations by bus.
Whether you’re soaking in hot springs, hiking coastal trails or reconnecting with friends at a festival, wellness travel in 2026 is all about rest, recharge and reconnection - without the high price tag.
Click here to book your 2026 bus ticket today.