Jacqueline 
Australia is not only known for its beautiful beaches and sunsets, but also for its Pilates studios. Honestly? The scene here is next level. If you’re travelling the east coast and looking for a good class (or five), I’ve got you. These are the studios I can recommend by heart.
Byron Bay & Gold Coast
Peaches Pilates
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve walked into a Peaches studio along the east coast, but their workouts never disappointed. Full of spice, a serious burn, great cues and even better instructors. Peaches offers mat Pilates and mixes classic principles with variety, resistance and repetition for a total body workout that actually delivers.
I visited their studios in Surry Hills, Dee Why, Byron Bay and Burleigh Heads, and if you get the chance, try to grab a spot in one of Laura’s or Mel’s classes. You’ll thank me later.
Pilates by Brooke — Boutique Studio
Pilates by Brooke is a boutique studio founded by Brooke Timms, specialising in small group and 1:1 settings and honestly, some of the best classes I took during my whole time in Australia happened here. It’s not just mat either. If you want to go deeper into the Pilates method, book a 1:1 reformer, chair or cadillac session. You won’t regret it. Trust me.
A Special Mention — Bende
I’m a total fangirl of Bende, partly because I did my mat certification with them, so maybe I’m biased, but also because they’re just genuinely great. They offer classes across two studios including Barre, Reformer, Yoga and mat Pilates, so you’ll definitely find something you want to do. The classes are dynamic and instructors modify when needed, which I always appreciate.
Check out Emily’s, Dani’s or Bec’s classes specifically. I keep coming back to their online platform even now. And make sure to arrive there in time, cause it took me some time to find the studio as mat and reformer rooms are located in different buildings.
Free coconut – Yamba
Just an hour’s drive from Byron Bay, you’ll find Free Coconut — a Reformer, mat Pilates and Barre studio tucked into the cutest little town called Yamba. I checked out their intro offer and, on rainy day I did two classes in one day to make the most of it.
Daisy, the owner, was so lovely, she showed me around the studio while I was literally just passing by, and then completely delivered in her Barre class. The Reformer classes were great too.
Muse – Maitland
Muse Maitland wasn’t on my list & only went because it was raining cats and dogs and I thought, why not? I joined a class with Grace, who was just the loveliest, and taught a genuinely challenging but dynamic session that I was not expecting. Muse is a chain so there are multiple locations, check their website to find your nearest studio.
Sydney
Studio Mouvoir — Surry Hills
This studio is tucked into a beautiful building in Surry Hills, with a gorgeous ambience and a view to match. And the best thing there’s a bakery next door. Please go. The class I joined was progressive, dynamic and genuinely challenging, and they offer different styles so you’ll find something that suits you.
Mode Pilates — Manly
Mode has studios in a few locations but I joined the one in Manly, and this place has a vibe. The class was challenging and fun and I was actually injured during my visit, but the instructor was brilliant about giving me modifications throughout. (Always check with your doctor first before joining a group reformer class if you’re working around an injury, just a reminder.)
Mode offers both mat and reformer classes and their whole thing is making you feel strong, supported and energised. That’s exactly how I walked out. 10/10.
Gone but Not Forgotten — Hustl.
This studio is no longer open, but it absolutely deserves a spot on this list. Hustl. was founded by Alexz and had the most incredible vibe, all black branding, super modern, dynamic energy. I actually discovered the online platform first, and Hustl. was the studio that made me fall in love with a more dynamic, modern approach to Pilates. When I got to Australia, visiting in person was non-negotiable and I went multiple times.
The studio had to close, but the online platform is still live if you want to check it out.
Studios I Wanted to Visit (But Didn’t Make It)
No guide is complete without the ones that got away. These are on my list for next time — and if you visit any of them, please report back:
- Vicalates — Brisbane
- Fluidform — Sydney
- House of Sculpt — Bondi Beach (still sad about this one)
- Body by Berner (was recommended to me so many times)
- BodyLove Pilates — Manly
- Pilates with April
- Fusion Pilates
- Essential Studio
- The Loft
I also checked out a few other studios along the way, but these are the ones I can genuinely stand behind. Whether you’re in Australia for the Pilates, the beaches, or both, you will find a class and a studio that resonates with you.
I hope this guide helps you walk out of a class feeling energised, happy, and maybe a little bit sore in the best possible way. 🌿
— Jacqueline