Australia’s leading sanctuary for women experiencing grief, loss, and exhaustion.

Women’s Healing Sanctuary

A beautiful place to stay for any woman!

Especially those who need to nurture their heart and restore their energy.

Short-term retreat accommodation for women who seek time out for personal retreat, or simply need a quiet place to recharge and restore.  A safe, restful and nurturing space, it is somewhere to pause where you are the priority, and we do all the work.

We especially offer a soft place to land for women experiencing grief from any loss.  Significant loss can come in many forms throughout a woman’s life, and not only from the death of a loved one.  For example, loss of safety, security, trust, health, certainty and from trauma and abuse.  Loss is only a tiny word, but being forced to endure it can be overwhelming and utterly exhausting and sometimes traumatising.

We are a not-for-profit charity in the Port Stephens area (NSW) and also offer sponsored stays if required.  Research shows that when women are able to self-care, everyone in their circle of influence benefits.

Women’s Healing Sanctuary provides a unique service that is not a refuge or emergency crisis centre.  It’s a serene and supportive environment for women to step away from their stressful circumstances and rest their nervous system in a beautiful, peaceful environment.

(Please note, if you are experiencing a domestic violence emergency please call 000).

WE OFFER

All meals, linen, towels, and other essentials are provided.
You only need to bring YOU (and anything extra you may require for your own needs and comfort).

Dining options:  meals can be enjoyed in the community with other guests and our manager.  However, if you prefer to be alone you are welcome to take your meal to your room or enjoy one of our outdoor settings on the verandah or the pool deck.

Each room offers privacy and security, a tranquil and beautiful outlook, tea/coffee-making facilities and WIFI.  Private and shared bathroom facilities are available, and guests are welcome to relax in the bubble bath in the main bathroom.

“Emotional stress is a major cause of physical illness, from cancer to autoimmune conditions and many other chronic diseases. The brain and body systems that process emotions are intimately connected with the hormone apparatus, the nervous system, and in particular the immune system.” 

Gabor Maté

CHOOSE YOU

When you are overwhelmed with challenges in your life yet don’t feel worthy of a break or believe you don’t even have the time for one, it’s ok to push against that in the best way you know how.
Rebelliously choose to take care of yourself, even if you think you should be doing something else.
You are more than your career, your successes, your failures, your losses, your scars, your fears, your traumas and even your joys.  You are more than the roles you choose, or the ones expected of you.

You are worthy of your attention. Make time for what helps you slow down, breathe and heal.

“Traumatised women often have trouble sensing what is going on in their bodies …
which impairs their ability to look after or take care of themselves.”

Bessel A. van der Kolk

Her House Podcasts

Inspiring Stories from the Women Who Live Next Door

Sharalyn is the co-founder of the Women’s Healing Sanctuary, a safe, restful, and nurturing place for women. Located near Port Stephens, about a 2.5-hour drive north of Sydney, the sanctuary provides short-term retreat accommodation for women who are experiencing distress, exhaustion, or need a safe place to stay.

We chat with Sharalyn about growing up in a small town in New Zealand and how she made the move to Australia. We find out about how through her own difficulties and personal tragedy, Sharalyn and her friend Janine founded this unique and special place, to provide women with the opportunity for restoration and healing.