The Sydney Retreat
About The Sydney Retreat
The Sydney Retreat is a private, not-for-profit drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in Stanmore, in Sydney’s Inner West. Its structured 28-day residential programme welcomes adult men and women into a comfortable, community-oriented setting where they can step away from alcohol and drugs and focus fully on recovery. Rather than operating as a hospital or medical detox, the retreat follows a non-clinical, mutual-help model shaped by Twelve Step Facilitation, the Minnesota Model and spiritual principles. Guests explore the nature of addiction, develop practical tools for maintaining sobriety and build relationships with a wider recovery network. Group work, mindfulness, life-skills education and relapse-prevention planning support this process. A distinctive part of the programme is its emphasis on lived experience. Staff and volunteers from the recovery community offer encouragement, practical guidance and an understanding of the challenges guests may face during early sobriety. Weekly addiction education and regular AA or NA meetings add further structure to each guest’s stay. The Stanmore property offers shared accommodation, welcoming common areas, outdoor spaces and recreational facilities. After completing residential care, guests may remain connected through recovery meetings, follow-up support and sober living options designed to strengthen the transition into everyday life.
Centre Highlights
Location
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AA and NA Meetings
Guests participate in Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings, both at the retreat and within the local recovery community. Meetings encourage connection, accountability and ongoing peer support.
Physical Fitness
Regular opportunities for physical activity help guests add healthy movement and routine to their recovery programme.
Meditation and Mindfulness
Guided mindfulness and meditation practices encourage present-moment awareness, emotional balance and healthier responses to stress.
Addiction Education Presentations
Weekly presentations from addiction experts help guests better understand substance dependence, recovery and the practical work involved in maintaining sobriety.
Reviews from Guests
Real experiences from people who've been there.
I attended The Sydney Retreat on 17 May 2025, and I can honestly say it changed my life. My time there had a huge impact on my recovery and helped me begin turning my life around. The staff were compassionate, supportive, and genuinely cared about every person there. They created a safe, respectful environment where I felt understood and able to focus on healing. The Sydney Retreat gave me hope, practical tools, and a strong foundation for recovery that I still carry with me today. I’m deeply grateful for the care I received and for the role they have played in changing my life for the better. I would strongly recommend The Sydney Retreat to anyone looking for real support and a place that truly cares. Thank you to the staff who made it such a life changing experience.
What an amazing experience, it was a privilege to be involved such an in depth program purely based on the big book, steps and meetings. I only wish I could have stayed longer. To Jody, Sharon and all the beautiful RA’s I can’t thank you enough.
I had been to 5 rehabs before this one - and each occasion after a period of time I went back to my old habits. Sydney Retreat saved my life. I became sober at an older age but even so, I have my life back and a totally different relationship with my family. I called the program "AA on steroids" but it was what I needed. I tried many other programs, methods to control my drinking but I had to stop totally and it was The Sydney Retreat that helped me come to that realisation and also that I could no longer blame others but take responsibility for myself. I am now almost 2 years sober and have the best life. Thank you to The Sydney Retreat, its program and dedicated staff for giving me back my life and enriching the relationships with friends and family.
I can't thank the Sydney Retreat enough for giving me my life back. I had been trying to get sober for nearly 8 years and wasn't able to maintain any length of sobriety before going into their residential 28 day program. Since leaving I have stayed connected to everyone I met in there (both staff, volunteers and other patients) everyone is like a family. I have remained sober ever since leaving almost 2 years ago. Today I live a much simpler and happy life and owe it all to the Sydney Retreat. If you are struggling with addiction, do yourself or your loved one a favour and give them a call today. The intake team are both friendly, awesome and ALL sober members in recovery, so they have been through what you are going through. It will be the best decision you ever make. It saved my life. Simon M - 23 months clean and sober.
Treatment and Recovery Programmes
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Therapies and Skills
Continuing Recovery Support
Accommodation and Amenities
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Admissions FAQs
Helpful information for people considering admission to The Sydney Retreat in Sydney.
While costs may vary due to program length and insurance benefits, it typically costs AUD $11,950/ 28 days.