Gunnebah Addiction Retreat
About Gunnebah Addiction Retreat
Gunnebah Addiction Retreat is a private residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in the peaceful Northern Rivers hinterland of New South Wales. Set among subtropical gardens, farmland and forest near the Queensland border, the retreat offers adults a calm, semi-remote place to step away from everyday triggers while remaining within reach of Gold Coast Airport, beaches and essential medical services. The programme combines evidence-based addiction treatment with holistic wellness and individualised support. Care is organised around physical health, mental health, spiritual wellbeing and social connection, helping guests understand addictive patterns while developing healthier routines, coping strategies and relationships. Treatment may include individual counselling, facilitated group therapy, CBT, motivational interviewing, EMDR, psychoeducation, mindfulness and practical life-skills work. Daily life balances structured clinical sessions with exercise, creativity, recreation and time outdoors. Guests may begin the day with yoga, group fitness or boxing, take part in gardening and art therapy, and join supervised excursions such as surfing, bushwalking, cycling or visits to local attractions. Nutritious meals, private bedrooms and a small residential community help create a supportive, home-like atmosphere rather than a hospital environment. Admissions begin with clinical and medical assessments to determine suitability and identify any withdrawal-management needs. Detoxification can be coordinated on or off site depending on clinical requirements. Before discharge, each guest develops a personalised aftercare plan, with optional continuing individual therapy and therapist-led online groups available for additional support.
Centre Highlights
Location
View on MapsActivities
Yoga, Fitness and Boxing
Mornings may include yoga, group exercise or boxing-based fitness, supported by access to a gym and swimming pool. Movement is used to rebuild energy, establish healthy routines and support emotional regulation.
Bushwalking and Nature Excursions
Guests can explore walking trails, nearby national parks and the Northern Rivers landscape through supervised hikes. Time in nature provides space for reflection while helping participants rediscover enjoyable sober experiences.
Surfing and Beach Activities
Seasonal outings may include surfing lessons, beach walks, swimming, paddleboarding and beach fitness. These activities encourage confidence, teamwork and positive engagement with the region's coastline.
Gardening and Farm Life
The retreat's gardens and farm setting offer opportunities to grow produce, spend time with animals and participate in practical outdoor tasks. Gardening can provide a grounding, mindful addition to the clinical programme.
Meet our Team
Reviews from Guests
Real experiences from people who've been there.
If you are looking for addiction support, look no further! Gunnebah offers a program that is wholistic, gentle, and effective. Guests are treated with respect and dignity from the support staff all the way through to upper management. Your recovery is everyone’s top priority without losing any basic privileges that many addiction centres remove from their guests. You are able to maintain connections with your support network while focusing on your own healing journey. The activities are fun and engaging with a lot of variety. I would highly recommend Gunnebah to family, friends, or anyone seeking a new life in recovery.
This program gave me the opportunity to rediscover myself and begin healing. The support from staff and peers helped me navigate some of the most challenging moments of my life. I learned valuable coping strategies, built healthier habits, and gained a renewed sense of purpose. I will always be grateful for the care and encouragement I received here. My Happy Joy JuJu 🥰 has returned ! The only regret I have that I did not come sooner xo
The magnificent environment, professionalism of staff, amazing array of activities and guidance and direction activities for addiction would have to make this a number one choice of places. The food is so tasty I ended up putting on weight. The setting is awesome. I would highly recommend Gunnebah to everyone.
What an amazing & supportive environment. I am eternally grateful to have spent a month here as a patient. The location in the mountains was incredible, and being able to swim in the river and head out surfing genuinely made me feel human again. The clinical care here is world-class. There is a therapy hub where you can literally walk in and talk to a therapist at any time during the day. Having 24/7 support workers and doctors on-site meant I was always cared for. The group therapy sessions were also incredibly well-facilitated and fostered a true sense of community. Some of what makes this place SPECIAL: - The FOOD is seriously michelin star (Mark is a maestro). Fresh meals everyday plus a kitchen patients can use at ANY time of the day. - Private GYM with all necessary equipment - Private POOL & SAUNA that actually gets hot (80°C) - GARDENS that patients can tend to & pick from (fresh fruit, veg, aloe etc.). - ANIMALS to feed & look after (donkies, goats and 4 adorable Border Collies). - Private YOGA (shoutout Lisa), POTTERY (shoutout Lindy), ART and MUSIC classes to keep you relaxed, creative & grounded. The love & care shown by EVERY staff member was truly special - special shoutout to Paddy, Liam, Sam, Sandy, Bry, Jodie & Scott. You guys truly went the extra mile & I am forever grateful. MUCH LOVE GUNNEBAH 💕
Treatment and Levels of Care
Levels of Care
Core Psychotherapies
Holistic and Experiential Therapies
Treatment Philosophy
Continuing Recovery Support
Accommodation, Wellness and Recreation
Accommodation
Wellness Facilities
Outdoor Setting
Community and Leisure
Dining and Practical Services
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Admissions and Staying at Gunnebah
Practical information for prospective guests and families considering residential addiction treatment at Gunnebah.
While costs may vary due to program length and insurance benefits, it typically costs $22,120 AUD/28 days.