FRIDAY JULY 31ST - SUNDAY AUGUST 2ND, 2026
A RETREAT FOR REST, RECONNECTION AND RENEWAL
Itha Mari Yapara Retreat -
Byron Bay 2026
Friday July 31st to Sunday August 2nd
A space to slow down and come back to yourself
WHY THIS RETREAT
In a world that moves fast and asks a lot of us, it’s easy to lose connection with ourselves. This retreat is for people who are carrying stress, grief, or the quiet weight of holding others. It offers a carefully held space to slow down, rest, and reconnect, to your body, your story, and the natural world. Through story, sound, ceremony, and time on Country, you’ll be supported to let go of what no longer serves you, and return to what matters.
Stop and listen to the whispers of your ancestors as they guide you as you walk barefoot upon mother earth.
- AUNTY LYIATA
Who this is for
This retreat is for people who support others, in health, community, leadership, or family,
and who need space to rest, reflect, and reconnect with themselves.
A Journey of Reconnection
STORYTELLING
Sharing yarns in a safe circle
FIRE CEREMONY
Letting go of what no longer serves.
SOUND HEALING
Resonance that clears the mind.
FREE TIME
Mineral pool and ocean swims
Grounding Ceremony
A moment of stillness to mark your arrival.
THE STAY
Accommodation
At Byron Yoga Centre, we know that your surroundings are an important part of your stay. Our accommodation is simple, comfortable, and designed to support your rest, relaxation, and practice. Options range from shared rooms to private ensuites, giving you a peaceful space to recharge, unwind, and integrate your yoga, wellness, or training experience each day. Please note that accommodation is booked directly through the centre.
NOURISHMENT
Vegetarian Menu
At Byron Yoga Centre, we believe that nourishing your body is essential to support your practice and wellbeing. Most of our fresh produce comes straight from our three acres of organic gardens. Our vegetarian menus are designed to be balanced, cleansing, and deeply nourishing, providing the energy you need for your yoga, wellness, or training experience. Guided by our SLOW philosophy, we use super-fresh, organic, and seasonal ingredients, supplemented with locally sourced produce whenever possible. The result is wholesome, nutrient-rich meals that taste as good as they make you feel.
Your Guides
Experience deep healing and connection held by experienced practitioners and cultural wisdom keepers.
ELDER & WISDOM KEEPER
Aunty Lyiata Ballangarry
Aunty Lyiata is a Baaka Wimpatja Elder and River Keeper of the Gurnu Baakintji clan. Her life’s work is grounded in restoring power, dignity, and identity for communities impacted by dispossession, through her Healing the Heart model. Her teachings are shaped by deep connection to Country, ceremony, and cultural law, and centre belonging as a pathway to healing.
TRAUMA - RESPONSIVE PRACTITIONER
Harp Kalsi-Smith
Harp brings over 20 years of trauma-responsive practice working alongside First Nations, migrant, and refugee communities. She integrates sound therapy, creative arts, and systems thinking to support genuine collective healing. Her work bridges Aboriginal ways of knowing with lived migrant experience, creating grounded and inclusive spaces for reflection and change.
FILMMAKER & SOCIAL ADVOCATE
Ed Coney
Ed is a filmmaker and storytelling practitioner whose background in social work grounds a practice built on trust, care, and the belief that communities are the rightful authors of their own stories. As Creative Director of Open Stories, Ed works alongside organisations and communities to build storytelling capability from within self, providing a powerful space for self reflection.
The Rhythm of the Days
FRIDAY
Arrival & Grounding
3pm - Arrival & Settle
Welcome to the sanctuary
4pm - Opening Circle
Mandala creation & Setting Intentions
7.30pm - Fireside Yarns
Welcome to the sanctuary
SATURDAY
Deep Connection
9.30am - Songline Mapping
Connecting to personal histories.
2pm - Vision Boarding
Visualizing your future path.
7pm - Fire Ceremony & Sound Healing
Transformation and release.
SUNDAY
Renewal & Return
9.30am - Sound Immersion
Final resonance and integration.
11.30am - Heart & Body Mapping
Craft your vision, reclaim your heart.
2pm - Closing Circle
Blessings for the journey home.
The Sanctuary
Nestled in the hinterland of Byron Bay, our venue offers a private mineral pool, lush native gardens, and eco-luxury accommodation designed for deep rest. Every corner is curated to encourage stillness and reflection.
MINERAL POOL
NATIVE GARDENS
PRIVATE ROOMS
Retreat Fee
Friday to Sunday Experience
( July 31st to August 2nd )
Nourishing Meals
All guided workshops & ceremonies
Access to All Facilities
$850 AUD / Person
Retreat fee does not include accommodation.
Accommodation will be handled separately.
Book your Accommodation
As accommodation is managed separately by our host venue, Byron Yoga Centre, please use the link below to select and book your preferred room option.
Giving Back
We believe in the power of reciprocity. 10% of all retreat proceeds directly support the Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation.
Healing is a collective journey. Your participation supports the healing of Stolen Generations survivors.
Common Questions
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes for movement, a journal, swimmers for the pool/ocean, and an open heart. A detailed packing list will be sent upon registration.
Do I need prior experience in meditation or sound healing?
Not at all. This retreat is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of where you are on your path.
Are meals catered to dietary requirements?
Yes, our chefs focus on organic, local produce and can accommodate all dietary needs provided they are
shared with us in advance.