Image Credit: Destination NSW
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Sydney, 14 May 2026 – Global Wellness Day will celebrate its 15th anniversary on 13 June 2026, with Sydney becoming one of the first cities globally to kick off this year’s celebrations.

The flagship Sydney gathering, “Well Traveller’s Rituals of Joy”, will take place at Bennelong Lawn in the Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney from 10am, against the spectacular backdrop of Sydney Harbour.

The free consumer program invites Australians to slow down, reconnect and explore restorative rituals designed to inspire more joy and balance in everyday life.

Australians nationwide are also encouraged to embrace joy and moments of pause as part of the broader Global Wellness Day movement.

Global Wellness Day also reflects the growing demand for wellness travel – experiences designed to support personal wellbeing through nature immersion, movement, mindfulness, healthy food and cultural connection.

According to the Global Wellness Institute, Australia is now the fifth largest wellness tourism market globally, reflecting growing demand by Australians for local travel that intentionally supports their mental and physical wellbeing.

The movement also comes at a time when Australians are increasingly prioritising their health while looking for more opportunities to slow down and recharge. Research from the Global Wellness Institute found Australians rated their overall wellbeing at an average of 6.5 out of 10, with sleep, financial and emotional health among the lowest scoring areas.

“Feeling better doesn’t have to mean a complete life overhaul – often it’s the small rituals that have the biggest impact,” said Katherine Droga, Founder of Well Traveller and Australian Ambassador for Global Wellness Day.

“For some people it might be an ocean swim, a walk in nature, a harbour kayak or simply slowing down and spending time with friends. We’re seeing more travellers actively seeking moments that help them feel more balanced and energised – and Sydney is such a spectacular place to reconnect in that way.”

The free Sydney program will guide participants through a series of immersive sessions designed to inspire joy, calm and connection. Activities include a Sunrise Sydney Harbour Kayak, gentle movement and meditation, saunas, sound bath sessions and sensory rituals by Sodashi.

Global Wellness Day experiences are built around four guiding pillars:

• Joy in Gratitude – appreciating life’s small moments
• Joy through Connection – strengthening relationships through shared moments
• Joy in Movement – celebrating walking, movement and gentle activity
• Joy through Creativity – expressing imagination through art, music and self-expression

The event is proudly supported by Destination NSW.

Celebrated in more than 170 countries, Global Wellness Day is a not-for-profit global movement encouraging healthier, more connected living. The 2026 global theme, Joy Magenta, symbolises light, energy and emotional connection.

For more information on Global Wellness Day events and experiences across Australia please visit: www.welltraveller.com.au

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About Global Wellness Day:

Founded in 2012 by Belgin Aksoy, Global Wellness Day is an entirely not-for-profit day, which is an international social project, dedicated to living well. The first step taken in Türkiye towards living well has turned GWD into a global movement together with 115 GWD Ambassadors, 20 Key Supporters and 2 Advisors who are lifestyle-oriented entrepreneurs and wellness professionals from all around the world. Global Wellness Day is celebrated simultaneously on the second Saturday of June every year by millions of people in thousands of locations around the world.

About Katherine Droga, Australia’s Global Wellness Day Ambassador:

Katherine Droga is Australia’s Ambassador for Global Wellness Day 2026, driving national awareness of accessible wellness practices and inspiring Australians to integrate wellbeing into everyday life and travel. She is founder of Droga & co. and Well Traveller, a leading Australian wellness travel media platform and TV series. She is Chair of the Wellness Tourism Initiative for the Global Wellness Institute, the leading global authority on wellness trends and the wellness economy. With over 25 years’ experience, she is a recognised expert in wellness travel trends, helping consumers discover meaningful, experience.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Catherine Rodwell

E: Catherine.Rodwell@barkingowlcommunications.com.au

M: + 61 (0) 450 388 033

Natasha Cowling

E: Natasha.Cowling@barkingowlcommunications.com.au

M: +61 (0) 431 112 850