The Sydney Retreat offers a transformative recovery experience inspired by the world-renowned Retreat in Minnesota, USA. Unlike traditional hospital or clinical settings, we provide a warm, community-based environment where recovery is guided by peers who have walked the same path and achieved lasting freedom from addiction.

Our method is grounded in Twelve Step Facilitation, a proven and empowering approach that has helped millions achieve long-term sobriety through connection, understanding, and practical tools for daily living.

The results speak for themselves: 85% of our guests who follow our program remain sober after 12 months, far exceeding conventional rehabilitation outcomes. At The Sydney Retreat, recovery isn’t just a possibility, it’s real, lasting, and life-changing.

The Sydney Retreat stands apart by providing a supportive, educational, and community-based approach to recovery. Our approach is centred on the proven Twelve Step Facilitation model, empowering guests to take meaningful steps toward long-term sobriety. Rather than a clinical or medical setting, we offer a welcoming environment where guests learn practical tools for recovery, build strong connections, and gain guidance from peers who have successfully transformed their own lives.

By the time you complete the program, you’ll have a dedicated recovery mentor and a clear path forward, equipped with the same principles and practices that have helped countless individuals achieve lasting freedom from addiction.

The Sydney Retreat is guided by a dedicated board of directors, supported by an experienced professional team, and enriched by more than 150 dedicated volunteers from the recovery community. Every member of our team has personally overcome addiction and is now living a full, meaningful life in recovery, making us uniquely positioned to help others do the same.

We are qualified, experienced, authentic, and compassionate, bringing genuine understanding and care to every guest’s journey toward lasting sobriety.

The Sydney Retreat welcomes adults aged 18 and over who are ready to take the first step toward lasting recovery from alcohol or drug dependency. Our program is designed for those who are motivated to make meaningful change and engage in a supportive, community-based environment.

Admission begins with a confidential pre-registration consultation over the phone, allowing our team to understand your needs and ensure the program is the right fit. 

The length of stay is 28 days.

The Sydney Retreat is a registered charity determined to keep its fees as low as possible whilst covering its costs. The current guest fee is $11,950, which covers all expenses for our 28-day residential recovery program. Guests are not able to use their private health insurance for our program; however, there are partial scholarships available to those who qualify and guests may be eligible to access their superannuation to cover the cost.

Did you know you could be eligible to use your super for mental health and dependency treatment under the Compassionate Release of Super Program?

For more information visit Release My Super or get in touch with our admissions team on (02) 9171 2920 who can help you navigate the process.

Absolutely. One of the core pillars of our program is making sure you are connected to a recovery community to provide ongoing support once your time at The Sydney Retreat is over. Some people may choose to enter our Sober House Program where they gain additional support.

Yes, the family can visit for lunch and a group family support session afterwards, with time to connect with your loved ones. Children under 18 years are unable to visit, however video calls with dependent children can be arranged during your stay.