Olivia Newton-John's Top 5 Places in Australia

We mourn the passing of Olivia. She was a personal friend. She was a great Australian.

Her talent made her an international star. Her character and humanity transformed her personal suffering into pioneering work to ease the suffering and improve the health of thousands of women with breast cancer.

Australians have a special and enduring affection for Olivia not only for her talent, but also for her courage, commitment and generosity.

Her extraordinary career as a singer, songwriter and actor spanned several decades. She sold 100 million records, topped the record charts multiple times, garnered four Grammy awards and starred in one of the most successful musical films of all time – Grease.

Alongside her career, Olivia championed environmental issues and animal rights, raised funds for humanitarian causes, and actively promoted health awareness. Since her diagnosis for breast cancer in 1992, she played a prominent role in encouraging women in the early detection of breast cancer.

In Australia, she partnered with Austin Health and successfully raised millions of dollars to build the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre in Melbourne which opened in June 2012. As part of her fundraising, she led a team of fellow cancer survivors, celebrities and Olympians on a three-week, 228 km. walk along the Great Wall of China. The Centre provides a comprehensive range of services and facilities for cancer treatment, education, training and research including a wellness center for the mind, body and spirit.

This holistic approach was also behind the multi award-winning Gaia Retreat and Spa in Byron Bay in New South Wales which she co-owned.

Olivia was inducted into the prestigious Australian Music Hall Of Fame. And in 2010, she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia from Governor General Quentin Bryce.

Below is Olivia’s response when we asked her to name her top 5 favourite places in Australia.

To read more about Olivia go to her website: http://www.olivianewton-john.com

For more information on the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre go to: http://www.oliviaappeal.com

For information on the Gaia Retreat and Spa go to: http://www.gaiaretreat.com.au

Olivia’s Top 5 Places:

Asking me to name my top 5 favorite places to visit in Australia is difficult as I love so many!

Gaia Retreat & Spa
New South Wales

Gaia Retreat & Spa

I have to say my number one favorite is Gaia Retreat and Spa – an amazing healing property in the hinterland of Byron Bay, of which I am a very proud co-owner. When I spend five or more days there with nurturing treatments, relaxation and great food, I feel completely restored. Five days there is equivalent to a month off! I am able to find my perfect balance and re-centre myself, especially during my busy touring schedules.

Mullock Heaps, Coober Pedy
South Australia

Coober Pedy

Many years ago I did a TV special, filming all around Australia. One of the places that fascinated me and I really loved was Coober Pedy. It is a unique and quirky place with many colourful characters, that are hard to forget.

Bondi to Bronte Walk
Sydney

I absolutely love the Bondi to Bronte walk – it is simply stunning. I feel like a world away there. It has a great combination of beaches, parks and spectacular views which makes it one of my favorite walks along Australia’s coastline, another being Tallow Beach – Byron Bay.

Melbourne

My old home town Melbourne, still holds many fond memories for me especially as my mum lived there and most of my family still live there. I stay at the gorgeous Lyall Hotel, a warm cosy boutique hotel which is privately owned and offers grand hotel service and facilities on an intimate and personal scale.

Lizard Island
Queensland

Last but not least is the tranquil Lizard Island in north Queensland right on the Great Barrier Reef. It is one of my most cherished little Aussie islands, boasting powdery white beaches, and amazing snorkeling on beautiful fringe reefs. I can’t wait to take my husband John there, as it has all the elements he loves: stunning nature and Australia’s amazing botanicals, all surrounded by ocean.

Travel Tips:

* Moisturise and drink water often! Travel can dehydrate you inside and out – Gaia’s hydrating “Mist Refresh” from their certified organic skin care range “Retreatment” is a must!! www.gaiaretreat.com.au/about-gaia/exclusive-items-for-sale/mist-refresh

*I always have a warm scarf with me to keep my neck and chest warm and to cover my eyes in the plane for sleep.