Australia’s leading sanctuary for women experiencing grief, loss and exhaustion.
Nurturing Hearts. Restoring Energy
Spending time alone walking the beautiful grounds, sitting by the pond and the firepit was a balm for my nerves.
Welcome to Women’s Healing Sanctuary
Women’s Healing Sanctuary is a not-for-profit charity nestled on six acres in Port Stephens (NSW). Our sanctuary is a safe and nurturing space where women in distress can step away and rest their nervous system.
We offer retreat accommodation (including meals) to any woman who may benefit, regardless of their capacity to pay.
Each time you book and pay to stay with us you become a Sanctuary Angel. Your fees fund our charity providing retreat accommodation for women in need.
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.
If you are experiencing a domestic violence emergency please call 000
Upcoming Workshops & Retreats
A beautiful place to stay for any woman
Especially those who need to nurture their heart and restore their energy.
Retreat Accommodation
Short-term accommodation for women who seek time out for personal retreat, or a quiet place to recharge and restore.
Privacy & Exclusivity
Our accommodation provides privacy, security, and tranquillity with a maximum of seven guests at any time.
Dining Included
All meals are provided, with the option to dine with other guests, or enjoy meals in the privacy of your room or one of our outdoor settings on the verandah or by the pool.
Finding Tomorrow - Paperback
Limited Edition Autographed Memoir by Sharalyn Drayton
From unbearable loss to radical transformation, this memoir explores how grief can open us up to forgiveness, healing and an enduring relationship beyond death.
All proceeds support women in distress through our Angel Sponsorship program
Exclusive Workshop Facilities
By choosing Women’s Healing Sanctuary for your small group retreat, you join us in supporting women traversing turbulent or exhausting times.
Considering hosting a transformative workshop for your female team or clients?
The Women’s Healing Sanctuary is perfect for your next small group workshop or retreat.
Workshop Facilities
Exclusive workshop facilities and facilitator accommodation for a maximum of seven guests and one facilitator.
Luxury Accommodation
Luxury accommodation including all meals, beverages, morning and afternoon tea is provided for private workshops, retreats and small events.
All Inclusive
We can tailor packages and outsource additional services to suit your needs.
What Our Guests Say
It was the first truly safe place I’ve experienced for a long time
It’s been such a hard time and to come somewhere and just feel loved, accepted and nurtured has been amazing. So grateful!
I barely know how to describe my experience at Women’s Healing Sanctuary, except extremely grateful.
I didn’t want to leave. Its an amazing place for women. I allowed my mind and body to relax so much and its a credit to what you are providing for women who are exhausted!
“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
Latest News
Why Self-Care Is Not Selfish and Why Women Need to Prioritise It
For many women, self-care sits at the bottom of a long list.
Work deadlines, family needs, emotional labour, and the quiet responsibility of holding everything together often come first. Over time, rest becomes something we plan to return to “when things settle,” even though they rarely do.
Self-prioritising is not about indulgence or escape. It is about sustainability.
The Hardest Thing You’ll Do Is…Nothing
If you’re a woman who’s always running; meeting deadlines, juggling work, family, social life, and somehow trying to fit in self-care this will hit home. You know that feeling: your mind won’t stop, your to-do list never ends, and the idea of just sitting still makes you twitch a little. Here’s the truth: doing nothing is one of the hardest things you’ll ever do.
The Importance of Self-Care for Women
Just like we can’t pour from an empty cup, we can’t truly show up for others if we don’t take care for ourselves first. Self-care, rest, and rejuvenation are not indulgences – they’re essentials.