“I haven’t spoken about this incredible Rock that sits in front of this property, which radiates an energy, and on a deeper level, that rock has a lot to do with everything that’s happening here.”

Nestled amidst the beauty of Australia’s wilderness lies Mt Jukes Eco Retreat, a sanctuary created by Dave Deakin. His journey, driven by what he later recognised as a pursuit of purpose, has birthed not just a retreat but a sacred space for healing, self-discovery, and environmental consciousness.

Dave’s story diverged from the ordinary at a young age when he left school at 14. Despite lacking formal education, he established seven successful businesses across diverse industries. As he looks back and reflects, he is grateful that he escaped being boxed and conditioned into mainstream thinking by leaving school early.

It was, however, the loss of his brother in a car accident and the profoundness of his watch stopping at the exact time his brother died that ignited a profound spiritual awakening within Dave.

Guided by this newfound awareness, Dave took off across the world to find himself and immerse himself in the ancient teachings of Tantra/Hatha yoga, seeking solace and wisdom in the sacred lands of Bali and Thailand. There, at one with the whispers of the land, he found the healing and transformation he needed to undo the version of himself he had grown to dislike – the business-driven and unhealthy person he had become.

Yoga became Dave’s sanctuary, teaching him to embrace grace, resilience and harmony with himself and the world despite life’s challenges.

“I live yoga, and I feel so grateful for being on this property because you understand the elements much deeper when you’re in nature.”

Inspired by his need to live a simpler life and grow his own food after becoming disenchanted by the food industry, Dave founded Mt Jukes Eco Retreat—a sanctuary inspired by the embodiment of yoga and rooted in the principles of holistic living and environmental sustainability. Here, amidst the glamping tents with ensuites and cast-iron baths, the rugged beauty of nature, a food forest that contains over 350 + fruit trees and 50 varieties from all parts of the world, the freedom to swim in a fresh flowing spring that runs through 32-million-year-old volcanic rocks that energise the property, ordinary people can visit and tap out of the mainstream chaos to nourish their bodies, minds, and souls.

At Mt Jukes, sustainability is woven into the fabric of daily life. From off-grid infrastructure powered by solar energy to sustainable permaculture practices and bidet toilets educating guests on toilet paper wastage, every aspect of the retreat reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship.

The offerings at Mt Jukes are diverse and transformative. From daily yoga and meditation classes to sound healing sessions and educational workshops on sustainable living, guests embark on self-discovery and personal growth. The goal is for guests to leave the retreat inspired to make conscious choices that benefit themselves and the planet.

As guests explore the retreat’s nourishing grounds and immerse themselves in its healing offerings, they are invited to reconnect with the natural world and rediscover their inner harmony without the need to ‘do’ anything beyond immersing themselves in the tranquillity of this sacred space. That alone, Dave believes, is enough to create profound inner change.

In addition to its daily offerings, Mt Jukes hosts immersive retreats. From week-long yoga retreats to weekend wellness workshops, guests can explore new avenues of personal growth and are invited to embrace the principles of environmental sustainability and conscious living. From organic farm-to-table meals to eco-friendly accommodations powered by renewable energy, every aspect of the retreat reflects a commitment to minimising environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices.

“I would class us as an educational centre. I wouldn’t not sell ourselves as that but the reality is when you come here, there’s the magic. You’re being educated, but you just don’t know it.”

In addition to its commitment to environmental sustainability and education, Mt Jukes is dedicated to giving back to the local community and supporting initiatives that promote social and environmental justice. From donating surplus fruit and vegetables to the homeless and women’s shelters to hosting volunteer programs, The Chai House café educational chats, the retreat strives to create positive change locally and globally.

As guests depart from Mt Jukes, they carry memories of transformative experiences, profound insight, a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper connection to themselves and the world around them.

“My goal is to bring people into this space and no one leaves here untouched. I’m not here to preach to people. I’m not here to tell anyone what’s right or wrong. All you need to do is come and eat wholesome grounding food, move, be still, sweat, and swim in beautiful water running through 32-million-year-old volcanic rock. I promise something special will happen.”

A timeless reminder that within each of us lies the capacity for growth, healing, and profound connection. Especially when we take the time to tap out of the chaos that we often recognise as life, and tap into nature’s ability to heal.