THE NEW ERA OF WELLNESS TRAVEL
Why more travellers are seeking experiences that prioritise mindfulness and wellbeing
HORMONAL SHIFT
Find out why hormones change as we age, and how to manage them
WELLBEING READS
Read these books to improve your health and wellbeing PLUS CATCH UP ON WHAT’S HAPPENING IN CAMBERWELL JUNCTION
4 • THE NEW ERA OF WELLNESS TRAVEL
More travellers are seeking destinations and experiences that prioritise mindfulness and wellbeing. Find out why.
8 • HORMONAL SHIFT
Find out why hormones change as we age, and how to manage them so they don’t negatively affect your quality of life.
9 • WELLBEING READS
From practical guides for living your best life to mastering matters of the mind, these are the books to improve your health and wellbeing.
10 • CAMBERWELL CATCH-UP
Catch up on what’s been happening in the Camberwell Junction precinct.
To celebrate health and wellness, we’ve dedicated this issue of The Camberwell Citizen to everything wellbeing.
Our main feature, The new era of wellness travel, looks at why wellness travel is on the rise as more travellers seek destinations and experiences that prioritise relaxation, mindfulness and wellbeing. We’ve spoken to travel experts who share an insight into some specific wellness travel trends that will be popular this year.
As you age, you may notice some changes in your energy levels and mood, and this is often due to fluctuating hormones. In Hormonal shift we look at why hormones change as you age, and how they can be managed so they don’t negatively affect your quality of life.
When it comes to improving your health and wellbeing, there’s no better companion than an informative book to inspire new ways of doing things. From practical guides for living your best life to mastering matters of the mind, we share the books to improve your health in Wellbeing reads
Lastly, be sure to catch up on what’s happening in Camberwell Junction. We’ve got details about CamberWELL-BEING, plenty of shop news and more in Camberwell Catch-up
I hope you enjoy the reads in this special wellbeing issue.
Sharon Green Editor
EDITOR
Sharon Green
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Steve de Niese
JOURNALIST
Melissa Noble
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Wellness travel is on the rise as more travellers seek destinations and experiences that prioritise relaxation, mindfulness, and overall wellbeing.
To most people, the idea of wellness travel sounds like pure bliss. Immersive wellness travel experiences have become increasingly popular in recent years, as people try to escape from the rat race of everyday life.
Wellness travel has evolved beyond the classic yoga retreat and now includes everything from a luxurious spa experience to digital detox retreats, adventure-based wellness trips that include hiking or surfing, and lots of options in between.
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) defines wellness tourism as travel associated with the pursuit of maintaining or enhancing one’s personal wellbeing.
Ashmore, Harris and James Travel Associates assistant business leader Kellie Woodward said wellness travel means something different to everybody.
“For some people, it’s getting away on a holiday on their own. For some, it’s getting away with friends and family, while for others it’s escaping and having that time to disconnect from the world,” said Ms Woodward.
“It really does depend on the person as to what wellness means.”
Ms Woodward said wellness travel surged in popularity after the COVID-19 pandemic years. The numbers tell us as much.
After peaking at USD $696.6 billion in 2019, wellness tourism expenditures fell to USD $343 billion in 2020, due to pandemic-related travel bans.
After travel restrictions relaxed, wellness tourism grew rapidly over a three-year period, reaching a new peak of USD $830.2 billion in 2023. By 2028, the global wellness tourism industry is expected to be worth about USD $1.35 trillion.
“We have noticed a big change in the way people travel post-COVID,” said Ms Woodward.
“I think people were forced to switch off in some respects during that time, so now they’re realising how busy they have found themselves and they’re looking for that reason to be able to switch off.
“We tend to finish work and go home and doom scroll through phones, so having that digital detox is actually something that a lot of people do look for in their holidays.”
Whereas in the past wellness travel may have been associated with older, more affluent travellers, Ms Woodward said younger people were increasingly booking wellness trips, including millennials.
“On average, a lot of them would be in their 30s or 40s, but we are now starting to see the 50s age group as well,” she said.
Helloworld Travel Camberwell owner and manager Natalie Daw said many of her wellness travel clients were in their 50s.
“It is predominantly females doing it,” she said.
“A lot of them are exhausted, they’ve had the kids, their body is out of shape, they’re hitting menopause.
“Women are finding these resorts because they can be with other women who are experiencing the same thing. It’s the sisterhood.”
THE WELLNESS ADD-ON
One of the biggest trends in 2025 is to add on a wellness component to a broader travel itinerary.
Travellers may have a six-week European sight-seeing holiday planned and want to spend a week recharging at a wellness escape in Sardinia at the end, or tack on a yoga retreat in Hydra in the Greek Islands, for example.
“What we’re finding is all ages are wanting to include some sort of wellness within their holiday,” said Ms Woodward.
“It may not necessarily be 100 per cent a wellness holiday, but they might be wanting to have at least a few nights to have that detox before they come home.”
Another trend that’s becoming increasingly popular is to combine wellness with adventure.
That might look like an epic multi-day biking holiday around New Zealand with a thermal hot spring rejuvenation at the end.
Alternatively, it could be a nature-based experience with hiking, surfing or kayaking, with a strong wellness focus.
“There are a lot of resorts now that are starting to combine wellness with adventure,” said Ms Daw.
“It’s a bit of a mixture, rather than listening to your heartbeat and concentrating on your breathing around the clock.”
For those not wanting a one-size-fits-all wellness travel experience, there are tailored wellness retreats that customise the offering to your needs.
These kinds of retreats may provide personalised itineraries with whatever it is you’re needing, whether it’s one-on-one personal training, energy therapy, detox programs or something different.
“Earlier last year, I spent time at Joali Being, the first wellbeing island in the Maldives,” said Ms Woodward.
“They offer a wellbeing program designed to meet your specific objectives including relaxation, stress recovery, weight management and energy replenishment, just to name a few.
“It was an absolute delight.”
For some people, going to a lifestyle retreat with all the bells and whistles like organic food, a spa, an in-house dietitian, and daily wellness activities is outside their budget.
However, people are accessing wellness travel in other ways. You don’t necessarily need a big budget to do it.
“It’s about self-care,” said Ms Daw. “Wellness travel is all about looking after yourself.”
Ms Daw said it might be as simple as travelling to Cambodia to enjoy a massage a day and focus on sitting by the pool with a book.
“It’s not necessarily a wellness retreat, but it’s a wellness-type holiday,” she said.
“People aren’t necessarily choosing a retreat; they’re choosing destinations where they can concentrate on themselves.”
Wellness travel is all about immersing yourself in an experience that will enhance your sense of wellbeing.
For some people, that might mean doing a digital detox at a longevityfocused retreat or eco-friendly escape. For others, it could look like an adventure-based wellness trip or something more low key.
Ms Daw said one thing’s for certain: “It’s a great way to travel.”
When Shannon Mulgrew’s daughter, Imogen, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in March 2022 at the age of eight, their world turned upside down.
What followed was an intensive two-and-a-half-year battle, filled with daily chemotherapy, hospital stays, and several transfusions. But through the darkest days, one thing became clear – without the generosity of blood and plasma donors, Imogen would not be here today.
From the moment Imogen was diagnosed, she needed urgent transfusions of blood products –haemoglobin and platelets – to keep her alive.
“She was on daily chemo for two and a half years, and throughout that whole period, she’s been requiring blood, platelets and plasma regularly,” Ms Mulgrew said.
The treatments were gruelling, and the side effects took their toll. But for Imogen, every transfusion meant another chance to keep fighting.
Before Imogen’s diagnosis, Ms Mulgrew admits she never realised how critical blood and plasma donations were for cancer patients.
“The donations were lifesaving. If Imogen wasn’t able to get blood products, she would not be here today,” Ms Mulgrew said. “You get a real insight into how crucial the blood products are.”
For many, donating blood or plasma is something they might do once in a while, if at all. But for people like Imogen, those donations are the difference between life and death.
“I didn’t realise how much cancer patients would require blood products. It was a big eye-opener,” Ms Mulgrew said.
“Whenever I heard that there was a shortage of blood supply, I’d get quite anxious because I just couldn’t imagine not being able to have that on hand. There were times when we needed it really quickly.”
Determined to give back and encourage more people to donate, Ms Mulgrew has been actively promoting the importance of blood and plasma donations. She has seen first-hand how her advocacy has helped inspire new and returning donors.
“We’ve got people who are donating now who haven’t donated for about 30 years, or some who haven’t donated before. And people who can’t donate are sharing our social media posts to encourage others to get on board,” she said.
Her message is simple: if you can donate, please do. Every donation has the power to save a life, just as it has saved Imogen’s.
After an incredibly difficult journey, Imogen is finally on the road to recovery. She finished her treatment in October 2024, and after missing almost three years of school, she has started back this year and it’s going well.
“She’s a real fighter,” Ms Mulgrew said.
As Camberwell welcomes a new Lifeblood donor centre, now is the perfect time to step up and help people like Imogen. Your donation of blood or plasma could be the lifeline that someone desperately needs.
Drop into the donor centre at 293 Camberwell Rd or book an appointment by calling 13 14 95, visiting lifeblood.com.au or using the Donate Blood app.
• One blood donation can save up to three lives
• A new blood donor is needed every four minutes
• 33,000 blood and plasma donations are needed across Australia every week to meet demand
• One in three people in Australia will need blood or blood products in their lifetime, but only one in 30 donates
• Plasma is a powerful part of blood that can be used in 18 different life-giving ways
Cancer patients, as a group, are the biggest recipients of blood and blood products in Australia.
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Hormones are chemical messengers that help control the body’s major processes, including metabolism, growth and reproduction.
When hormone levels change, it can have a massive impact on the way our bodies function and how we feel.
However, with the right support, hormonal changes can be managed, so that they don’t negatively affect your quality of life.
As we age, our hormone levels fluctuate, and some start to decline. That’s when people typically begin to notice changes in their body.
For women, the perimenopause and menopause represent a significant period of hormonal change, while men may experience andropause.
Perimenopause usually starts in the mid-40s and lasts four to six years, but this varies.
Perimenopause is the phase leading up to a woman’s final menstrual period. During this time, hormone levels change.
Irregular periods are a common symptom, but women may also experience menopause symptoms.
These include hot flushes, sleep issues, loss of libido, excessive fatigue, headaches, aches and pains, bloating, urinary problems, mood swings, brain fog, anxiety or depression, and weight gain.
“Some women will experience none of these; some will experience some of them or all of them,” said Julie Brennan, a naturopath at Bayleaf Wellness in Camberwell Junction.
“It’s quite individual and varied. They are certainly a reflection of a reduction in progesterone and oestrogen.”
The average age of women going into menopause – defined as the absence of a menstrual cycle for 12 continuous months – is 51, but again, it varies.
Ms Brennan said while blood tests can check hormone levels, they can be misleading.
“Progesterone is a much straighter projectory of decline, but with oestrogen, it fluctuates,” she said.
“A blood test will give you a picture, but it’s not going to be the complete picture because six months down the track it might be different.
“As naturopaths, we take really good case histories as well… to get a thorough understanding of what’s going on.”
Menopause treatments include hormone replacement therapy, nonhormone prescription medicine, lifestyle and behavioural changes, and complementary therapies.
Dubbed the ‘male menopause’, andropause is an age-related reduction in testosterone, typically in men aged 50 or older.
Andropause is often affiliated with hypogonadism – both conditions involve reduced testosterone levels and similar symptoms.
“What men experience isn’t perhaps as severe as what some women go through, but they certainly do experience symptoms as part of this,” Ms Brennan said.
Symptoms include low energy, depression, decreased motivation, foggy headedness, insomnia, increased body fat, breast growth, reduced muscle mass, erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, infertility, decreased bone density, decreased testicle size, loss of body hair or hot flashes.
A blood test can check testosterone levels. Treatment options include healthy lifestyle changes or testosterone-replacement therapy (this should be discussed with your doctor).
The thyroid produces hormones that control many of the body’s functions, including the speed of your metabolism.
“If it’s under-functioning, those systems tend to slow down,” said Ms Brennan. “It’s the opposite if someone has an over-functioning thyroid.”
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) usually affects people aged over 60 and is more common in women. The body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, causing a range of symptoms, from fatigue and constipation to muscle weakness and a hoarse voice.
With hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), the thyroid gland overproduces thyroid hormones. Some health conditions can lead to hyperthyroidism, such as Graves’ disease.
Symptoms range from weight loss with increased appetite, to rapid heartbeat, irritability, fatigue, and frequent bowel movements. The thyroid gland may also swell into a goiter.
Ms Brennan said it was important to seek support for hormone-related health concerns.
“If people are feeling like they’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s best to get them checked out and tested, typically through saliva or urine tests, which are often a more accurate reflection of current hormone status,” she said.
“Some of these signs and symptoms can really affect people’s quality of life and there’s no need to go through that when there’s lots of help at hand.
“Naturopaths use a tailored, holistic, and evidence-based natural approach to support and manage people’s health.
“We don’t just treat the symptoms; we also address the causative factors to optimise overall health.”
From practical guides for living your best life to mastering matters of the mind, these are the books to improve your health and wellbeing.
THE LET THEM THEORY by Mel
Robbins
In this popular wellbeing book, New York Times bestselling author Mel Robbins shares the power of two simple words: let them. It’s a must-read if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed or frustrated with where you’re at in life. The Let Them Theory puts the power to create a life you love in your hands using a no-nonsense, science-backed approach.
MAKE CHANGE THAT LASTS by Dr
Rangan Chatterjee
British physician Dr Rangan Chatterjee reveals secrets to lifelong wellbeing: know yourself, realise what’s tying you down, and take control of your health. Drawing on ancient philosophy and 20 years of GP experience, Dr Chatterjee explains the key to health and happiness is to find what works for you. Life throws you curveballs – how you respond makes all the difference.
BEYOND ANXIETY by
Martha Beck
New York Times bestselling author Dr Martha Beck brings us Beyond Anxiety, a guide to reducing anxiety by awakening your creativity to find the calm within. Dr Beck explains why anxiety is skyrocketing and how to climb out of an anxious spiral. To do so, we must engage different parts of our nervous system – the parts involved in creativity.
by Dr Julie Smith
Psychologist Dr Julie Smith’s latest book, Open When, is about learning how to reframe life’s complex problems and find calm and strength. Diving into themes of grief, fear, self-doubt, relationship issues, difficult decisions, burnout and regrets, each chapter begins with a letter from Dr Julie to the reader offering comfort and perspective, followed by her trademark simple and straightforward advice.
BECOMING MAGNETIC by
Erika Cramer
Mindset coach Erika Cramer, also known as The Queen of Confidence, offers a no-nonsense, real-talk guide to unlocking your inner potential and living your best life in Becoming Magnetic Find out why some women effortlessly stand out, and how you can, too. Harness your energy, own your presence, and master the art of attracting what’s meant for you – all without apology. Packed with practical steps, real exercises and coaching questions, it’s a roadmap to attracting everything you desire in life.
There has been plenty of activity taking place in Camberwell Junction in recent months and lots in store for the coming weeks.
Join us on Saturday, May 31 for CamberWELL-BEING, an annual celebration of the vibrant health and wellness community in Camberwell Junction. Don’t miss this exciting day of discovery and fun!
Start your journey at CamberWELL-BEING HQ, located at the rear entrance of Camberwell Fresh Food Market via Market Place, where you can check in and pick up your Wellness Passport.
Your passport will lead you along the Wellness Trail, guiding you to participating health and wellness businesses offering exclusive events and special deals. Be sure to collect stamps from each stop along the way.
Once you’ve completed the trail, return your stamped passport to HQ by 2pm for a chance to win incredible prizes, including personal training vouchers, free fitness classes, beauty treatments, and health consultations.
Details: camberwellbeing.com.au
Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 11, so now’s the perfect time to find something special for Mum. With more than 400 stores in Camberwell Junction, you’ll have no trouble picking the perfect gift. Surprise her with flowers, a great book, stylish fashion, or a relaxing salon voucher, or gather the family for a delicious brunch at a local cafe. Explore the full list of businesses at camberwellshopping.com.au and make this Mother’s Day one to remember!
Autumn is a fantastic time to explore Camberwell Junction, with its vibrant mix of food, fashion, and fitness. Take a stroll through one of Melbourne’s premier shopping precincts and enjoy all the season has to offer.
This season, it’s all about animal prints, biker chic, faux leather and ‘70s boho style. Camberwell Junction’s fashion stores are filled with the latest trending pieces for your wardrobe that are perfect for channelling that effortlessly cool style while offering those perfect garments for layering as the weather cools down.
Cooler days might make it tempting to skip your usual outdoor workouts, but Camberwell Junction has plenty of ways to keep active. From top-tier yoga and Pilates studios to state-of-the-art gyms and HIIT centres, there’s no shortage of fitness options to keep you moving this autumn.
With a new season comes an abundance of fresh produce, and Camberwell Fresh Food Market is the perfect place to stock up. Find beans, carrots, potatoes, eggplant, and mushrooms all making a return to autumn menus.
Enjoy home-made pizzas, pies, and savoury quiches, or warm up with a hearty soup or curry at a local cafe or restaurant. And for a sweet seasonal treat, look out for baked figs, rhubarb, and apples, served with a generous dollop of cream.
Several Camberwell Junction restaurants have created special fixed-price lunch meals that include a main course and glass of wine, from as little as $29. You’ll find fine dining options at Young’s Wine Rooms (227-229 Camberwell Rd), The Meat & Wine Co. (482 Riversdale Rd), and Fiorelli (209 Camberwell Rd). These stylish venues are perfect to meet clients or friends for lunch.
Once a month we send out an email newsletter that shares latest offers, competitions, local news and ‘Meet a Trader’ stories. It’s a great way to stay up to date on everything happening in Camberwell Junction. Sign up at camberwellshopping.com.au
Highlights and happenings in the Camberwell Junction shopping precinct.
For a full-body workout that combines strength, balance and cardio, be sure to book a Pilates class at KX Pilates.
Get premium self-serve acai, macqui and frozen yoghurt bowls at Yo-Bar. Pop in today to treat yourself.
Find stunning hats and headwear at Hats Off Handmade Headwear – perfect for your next special occasion.
AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS LIFEBLOOD
293 Camberwell Rd
Want to make a life-changing donation this year? The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has opened a donor centre in Camberwell and collects blood and plasma donations – make a booking online at lifeblood.com.au
INNOVASKIN STUDIO
756 Burke Rd
New to the precinct, InnovaSkin Studio offers tailored beauty treatments and aesthetic enhancements.
LOVABOWL
740 Burke Rd
Head to Lovabowl for a range of acai bowls, smoothies, toast, porridge, coffee and tea. Gluten free and vegan options available.
MACPAC
586 - 590 Burke Rd
Macpac, a leading brand of hard-wearing, durable apparel and equipment for outdoor adventures, is now in Camberwell Junction.
MELBOURNE PODIATRISTS & ORTHOTICS
Suite 2, Level 1, 277 Camberwell Rd
Melbourne Podiatrists & Orthotics has opened in Camberwell Junction. The clinic specialises in all facets of podiatry including custom orthotic prescription for children, adults and seniors.
PRICELINE PHARMACY
592 Burke Rd
Priceline Pharmacy is now under new management. Pop in store to find your favourite beauty, hair and health products, and to access pharmacy services.
PROSPECT ESPRESSO
2A Prospect Hill Rd
After undergoing a transformation, Prospect Espresso has reopened and invite you to experience their cosy new space. They still have the same excellent coffee and a delicious food menu.
TAM’S BEAUTY AND NAILS
Unit 9, 460-480 Riversdale Rd
Tam’s Beauty and Nails now has new owners. The salon offers specialist nail services, as well as waxing and spray tanning.
THE GIFT BARGAIN STORE
725 Burke Rd
Discover bargain household goods, stationery and decor at The Gift Bargain Store. They’ve also increased their party supplies including paper serving ware, decorations, costumes and helium balloons.
VODAFONE
692 Burke Rd
Vodafone’s Camberwell store has been refurbished. Pop in store to get all your mobile phone, tablet and internet needs sorted.
YUMMY BANH MI
733 Burke Rd
New to the precinct, Yummy Banh Mi is a Vietnamese cafe and bakery that offers banh mi, rice paper rolls, vermicelli bun, sandwiches and Vietnamese coffee.
Camberwell Catch-up is sponsored by the Camberwell Centre Traders Association camberwellshopping.com.au
