Over the weekend, 2,500+ descended on the Sunshine Coast for Wanderlust Festival – a four-day event described as ‘Coachella for Yogis’.
We caught up with AUS/NZ Festival Director, Jonnie Healstead before the event to find out about more about Wanderlust and what’s in store this year: “There’s yoga, yes – but there’s also meditation, food, arts, culture and music,” he says.
“[At Wanderlust], lifestyle is showcased to young Aussies and Kiwis in a way that’s appealing and accessible, without it being something of a hippie fest or a nanny-state wellness conference.”
For starters, guests are put up in the Novotel Twin Water Resort, not some water-logged, draughty teepee on the beach. Past events have included performances by international music acts, talks by world class speaker and teachers, and collaboration with big-name lifestyle brands etc. etc.
“We’re about having fun at the end of the day.”
Event highlights from the weekend included:
- Stand-up paddle boarding and surfing
- Pool parties
- Daily smoothies, and land and pasture farm-to-table dinners
- D.I.Y art and crafts
- Evening burlesque performances
- Wine and spirit sampling
- Meditation and of course, yoga
Fun fact: Australia and New Zealand are the first counties outside the continental US to host their own Wanderlust Festivals. Last year, several free one-day launch events were held in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland bringing out 4000-strong crowds. Jonnie says each event is unique, and the next four-day retreat in Thredbo, Sydney will have activities and facilities highly curated to suit that environment.
For more information on Wanderlust Festival, including Australia/New Zealand 2016 events, visit their website.
Images: Supplied.
