Dangar Island Named Australia’s #1 Hidden Gem…
And We’re Honoured to Teach There!
Tucked quietly within the Hawkesbury River, just north of Sydney, lies a place that feels wonderfully untouched by the rush of modern life. Dangar Island, a tiny 30-hectare island with fewer than 300 residents (including our very close friends Ian and Joanne Cameron), has recently been named Australia’s number one hidden gem destination for 2026.
The ranking, revealed in a new national study analysing destinations across Australia, evaluated locations based on several factors including search demand, social media visibility, accommodation availability, distance from capital cities and overall travel appeal. The result? Dangar Island rose to the top as the country’s most special under-the-radar escape. And it’s easy to see why (see links below).
Accessible only by a short 15 minute boat ride from Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River, the island offers a rare experience that feels worlds away from the city of Sydney despite being so close. Cars are completely absent here, making Dangar Island the only Sydney postcode that is entirely car-free. Instead, locals transport groceries by wheelbarrow, a huge variety of birds greet the sunrise & sunset, and quiet bush tracks wind around the island’s shoreline.
We are so honoured to offer you the opportunity to experience our Lomi Lomi Level 1 in this enchanting place 22nd -24th May, 2026.
We are so happy to host our workshop at one of our favourite venues:
Bathers Boatshed which is located on the water’s edge and metres from the Islands Café and Ferry terminal.
A leafy 4km walking track loops the entire island, passing hidden coves, honey-coloured sandy pockets and wide river views. In the warmer months, visitors often swim in the calm waters of the Hawkesbury, with Bradleys Beach being a local favourite.
Beyond its scenic beauty, the island is also rich in wildlife and history. More than 100 species of animals and birds have been recorded here, and the island contains a rare Blackbutt forest as well as significant Aboriginal heritage sites, including ancient rock carvings and middens that date back thousands of years.
Despite its growing recognition, Dangar Island has managed to retain its peaceful charm. With just one beloved local café, the Dangar Island Depot, and a relaxed bowling club overlooking the water, the rhythm of life here remains slow and deeply connected to nature.
It is precisely this atmosphere… quiet, grounded and deeply nourishing, that has drawn us to hold regular Traditional Old Style Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage training workshops on the island.
There is something profoundly aligned about learning and receiving Lomi Lomi in a place where time slows down, the river surrounds you, and the distractions of everyday life simply fall away.
Each year we always look to offer some intimate workshops here, allowing students to immerse themselves not only in the teachings of this sacred lineage but also in the natural stillness that Dangar Island offers so effortlessly.
As the world begins to discover what locals have quietly known for years, we feel incredibly grateful to continue to share this special place with those who join us for our workshops.
If Dangar Island has found its way onto your travel list for 2026, perhaps it may also be the place where you begin your Lomi Lomi journey.
Level 1
Lomi Lomi Training
22 May 2025 – 24 May 2026
9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
Location: Bathers Boatshed
3 Yallaroi Parade, Dangar Island, NSW, 2083
Take $100 off by signing up to our mailing list!
Our Level 1 Traditional Old Style Hawaiian Lomi Lomi training offers a complete introduction to this restorative bodywork practice. The Level 1 treatment covers all major regions of the body including the back, neck, chest, stomach, arms, hands, legs, feet and face, forming a full and deeply nurturing massage experience.
This traditional form of Lomi Lomi works gently yet deeply into the muscles using continuous, flowing strokes that move rhythmically across the body. The flowing nature of the massage often creates a deeply relaxing, almost hypnotic effect, allowing the recipient to soften both physically and mentally, bringing the mind to a place of profound stillness.
Previous massage or bodywork experience is not required to join this training. Many massage therapists are drawn to learn this modality as it beautifully complements existing skills and can be integrated alongside other therapies. Others join simply from a sincere interest in learning this authentic lineage-based tradition.
This therapy is recognised by IICT, ANTA and Massage & Myotherapy Australia, and can be included within IICT membership and professional insurance coverage. Upon completion of the workshop, students receive a certificate of training, which may be used when registering with IICT.
To make joining us as accessible as possible, flexible payment options are available. If you are unable to pay in full at the time of booking, simply select bank transfer at checkout and secure your place with a non-refundable deposit of $350, with the remaining balance due 14 days prior to the workshop commencement date. Students may also choose to Pay in 4 with PayPal, allowing the investment to be spread across four instalments.
Our upcoming Dangar Island workshop will be held from 22nd – 24th May 2026. Many students choose to extend their stay either before or after the training, taking the opportunity to fully experience the island’s peaceful rhythm, whether that means enjoying the scenic coastal walk, swimming in the calm waters of the Hawkesbury River, or simply unwinding amongst the quiet bushland and river views.
If you’d like to learn more about this style of Lomi Lomi and the workshops we offer, you can explore further information on our website or reach out to us via the contact form. We are always happy to assist and can also take bookings manually if needed.
We would be honoured to welcome you to this beautiful island and share the teachings of Traditional Old Style Hawaiian Lomi Lomi in such a special place.
Dangar Island Voted Australia’s #1 Hidden Gem as per the following news and travel articles published in February 2026:
https://www.timeout.com/australia/news/revealed-the-top-10-hidden-gem-destinations-in-australia-for-2026-020426
https://secretsydney.com/dangar-island-things-to-do-summer/
https://www.australiantraveller.com/nsw/sydney/dangar-island/
