Writing Retreat
Enjoy a peaceful weekend of time and space to write.
Bask in the beautiful surroundings of Campfire in the Heart on Arrernte country in this fully catered, self-guided writing retreat. Writers can enjoy the peace and quiet of this special place for a weekend of intensive solo writing, away from the distractions and responsibilities of everyday life. Writers will have the option to get together each day for yoga sessions and shared meals in like minded company. With accommodation options to suit a range of budgets, the retreat includes use of the meditation centre for writing, lush landscaped gardens, walking trails and and swimming pool.
WHERE Campfire in the Heart, 147 Ragonesi Road, Ross, NT 0873
WHEN Friday 5 April – Sunday 7 April 2024
COST Packages from $275 – $495
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Retreat Schedule
Pre-retreat
- Writers submit up to 1500 words to receive feedback from author Renee McBryde on their writing. Writers can also choose to receive this feedback after the retreat instead.
Friday 5 April 2024
- Check in from 3.30pm.
- Group dinner.
Saturday 6 April 2024
- Morning yoga session.
- Breakfast.
- Quiet writing time.
- Lunch.
- Quiet writing time.
- Group dinner.
- Optional sharing/reflections session.
Sunday 7 April 2024.
- Breakfast.
- Quiet writing time.
- Lunch.
- Quiet writing time.
- Afternoon yoga session.
- Late checkout available until 5pm.
- Writers depart by 6pm.
Post-retreat
- A private group will be set up for optional ongoing sharing and group feedback amongst the Writing Retreat cohort
Packages
Every ticket option includes:
- All meals provided.
- Written feedback on a 1500 word writing sample from Renee McBryde.
- Daily yoga classes.
- Use of the meditation centre, walking trails, pool and landscaped gardens.
- Quiet indoor & outdoor writing spaces.
BYO Swag/Tent – $275
Bring your own swag or tent for a budget-friendly retreat! Camping facilities include shared bathrooms and showers. Sites are unpowered.
Shared room – $385
Campfire in the Heart offers shared/partitioned rooms located within the peaceful Retreat Centre. These rooms are close to bathrooms, the kitchen and writing spaces. Please indicate in your booking who you want to share with if you have a specific request. If more than one shared room ticket is purchased in the same booking, we will accommodate you together.
Private cabin – $495
Enjoy your own space, kitchenette and writing table in a private cabin. Bathrooms may be shared.
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About the Venue
Campfire in the Heart is a restful location along the East MacDonnell Ranges, just seven kilometres from the centre of Alice Springs. The property provides quality accommodation for people needing to get away from their busy lifestyle, to relax in a quiet comfortable bush setting. The East MacDonnell Ranges form the backdrop for this tranquil 5 acre property, a brief 10 minute drive from the centre of Mparntwe – Alice Springs.
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About Renee McBryde
Renée McBryde is a writer, social worker, counsellor and mother of four young children. For more than 20 years Renée has worked with children and families in the community services sector, her passion being trauma-informed practice and healing to bring about change. Her first memoir, The House of Lies, was released in 2017, to critical acclaim, later being featured on Nine’s 60 Minutes and SBS’s Insight programs. With much anticipation Renée’s second memoir ‘Unravelling Us’ was published in 2022, receiving high praise and media attention.
Renée also writes short pieces and blogs for various publications and is now devoting her attention to writing fiction that reflects the unique life experiences of life in the middle of Australia.
Renée grew up in Sydney, but after years of travelling overseas, she has made her home living and working in Alice Springs where she loves nothing more than exploring the outback with her husband, kids and wonder dog August.
Retreat FAQs
Who is providing the catering?
Catering is provided in-house by Campfire in the Heart. Breakfast and lunch will be simple meals that writers can help themselves to, while dinner will be provided as a group meal and chance to get together. Writers will have access to the meditation centre kitchen to store their own snacks and to make teas and coffees throughout the day.
Any dietary requirements must be communicated via the participant form sent in the confirmation email upon booking.
I have accessibility requirements.
Please use the booking form to share any accessibility requirements or requests that could support your attendance of the retreat.
Can I leave early?
Writers are free to come and go from the property at all times. Visitors will not be permitted to the property during the retreat.
What does quiet writing time mean?
The daytime hours at the retreat are designed for undisturbed writing time. Please respect others’ work by maintaining a quiet environment between 10am and 6pm. Unless you have previously arranged to catch up with a fellow writer during this time, please do not disturb others within this time frame.
What should I bring?
Laptops, notebooks and stationery, and a phone to hotspot if you need internet, as there is no wifi available at Campfire in the Heart. A light, warm layer for the evenings, yoga mat, toiletries, and ear plugs if you are sound sensitive. Please be aware that the property is in a bush setting and you may come across snakes, spiders, lizards and other wildlife.
How do I get there?
Campfire is located at 147 Ragonesi Rd, Ross NT 0873. Follow signage into the property’s driveway where you will find ample parking.
I have a different question.
Please email hello@ntwriters.com.au and we will be in touch within 1-3 days.
Please note: This retreat requires a minimum of 7 participants to go ahead. In the unlikely event that the retreat is cancelled, you will receive a full refund.