I first visited the Fleurieu eleven years ago, on a sun-drenched November day with temperatures soaring into the thirties. I was absolutely wooed by the place—its wild beaches, rolling hills, and the vibrant sense of community. It was love at first sight. I returned to my old home, packed my bags, and came back to start a new chapter. I even took copies of the local magazine home to show friends and family where I was moving. It felt like the perfect place to grow a family and a practice.
When I first decided to study Chinese medicine twenty-three years ago, I imagined I’d always need to live in a big city to build my career. Yet here I was, setting down roots in what seemed like an idyllic location, surrounded by nature and a welcoming, close-knit community.
In my industry, reputation, word of mouth, and how you’re woven into the fabric of the community matter just as much as your qualifications. Over the last decade, I’ve witnessed a groundswell of practitioners and proactive locals taking responsibility for their wellness—embracing a broader, more holistic view of health. The Fleurieu has truly flourished, with options now ranging from acupuncture, yoga, Pilates, and tai chi to water aerobics, meditation, bootcamps, and more. What was once considered ‘alternative’ is now part of the mainstream approach to health and wellbeing.
There’s a beautiful resonance here—a spirit of collaboration and community that shines through among both practitioners and residents. Local practitioners, like Niki Porter (naturopath, nutritionist, and herbalist in Port Elliot), describe the Fleurieu as having a “great outdoors” feel that draws people outside, connecting with nature and focusing on wellbeing. Leonie Hick, former owner of All About Health in Aldinga, has seen a rise in demand for natural therapies and more cross-pollination and acceptance across the health professions. Kristin Nelson, former owner of Fleurieu Yoga, notes that “science is now backing up what ancient yogis have been offering—intelligent breathing practices to regulate the nervous system.”
This openness is reflected nationally too. A 2018 review found that 63% of Australians use complementary medicine, and nearly half take some kind of supplement (Steele, 2018). In our region, residents are especially health-conscious, caring about prevention as much as management.
The medical community here is embracing this change. Vikki McLaughlin, a GP at Mount Compass Medical Centre, describes the Fleurieu as a unique area with breathtaking beauty and an eclectic mix of people. She values the ability to blend conventional medicine with a diverse array of complementary therapies, offering her patients a truly broad-spectrum approach to care.
As demand for health care grows—driven by population growth, an aging population, and longer life expectancy—so too does the need for collaboration and choice. Stuart and Chloe Tomson, directors of Fleurieu Physiotherapy & Wellness and Goolwa Occupational Therapy, have noticed a positive shift: “The number and variety of different health care services available locally has grown, allowing our communities to get the care they need without travelling, and offering more choice.”
Lauren Locke, physiotherapist and owner of PhysioAlive, sees more young families moving in and a growing awareness of health options, thanks in part to social media and a culture of sharing and support. People are also more willing to name and seek help for anxiety and stress, putting mental wellbeing on equal footing with physical health. Matt Newlands, mental health advocate, believes our region offers “community, deliberate or accidental mindfulness, and a return to purposeful self-care and connection with nature—things we now recognise as essential for mental wellbeing.”
Rebecca Paul, counsellor and owner of Fleurieu Counselling, notes that with the influx of new residents, we now have “many wonderful practitioners from a variety of health industries… previously you had to go ‘down the hill’ for mental health services.” Now, much of what we need is right here.
The Fleurieu offers the perfect environment to slow down, reflect, and connect—both with nature and with each other. The expanding health choices and strong sense of collaboration among practitioners are part of what makes our community so special. We are fortunate to receive so much of our care locally, and to be part of a region where the fabric of wellness is truly knitted together by community, collaboration, and a shared commitment to living well.
At Deep Water Medicine, we’re proud to be part of this tapestry—offering Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and herbal support as part of a broader, integrated approach to health. Whether you’re seeking preventative care, support for a specific condition, or simply wanting to connect with others on your wellness journey, you’ll find a welcoming space here.
Here’s to the ongoing health and flourishing of our beautiful Fleurieu community.