Billabong Retreat
Billabong is a purpose built eco-centre located just 50mins NW of Sydney between Dural and Windsor. Set in 12 acres of stunning natural bush surrounding 2 beautiful billabongs the centre provides the perfect setting for exploring the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and Yoga.
The main building includes two yurt-like structures that maximise energy flow and access to nature. One is used for group practice and the other for relaxing, cooking and dining. In between is a large covered and insulated deck that offers views of the billabongs. An open yurt beside one of the billabongs provides for a great practice space during the warmer months. Heating throughout is provided by wood combustion and pot belly heaters.
Accommodation includes a quaint and colourful federation style house that would best suit participants with any mobility difficulties. Located on flat ground near the main building it provides 3 twin rooms with a shared bathroom. A single room can be requested with a surcharge.
In addition, three purpose built cabins nestle in the bush like tree houses each with balconys and bathrooms. Perched on rocky escarpments overlooking the billabongs access from the main building is via well laid out bush paths and stairs.
Cabin accommodation options include:
- Shared room (max 4) with share bathroom
- Twin room with shared bathroom or en-suite
A single room can be requested with a surcharge.
The centre's eco-focus requires guests to use biodegradable toiletries which can be purchased at the centre if necessary. Doonas,blankets and pillows are provided and linen (sheets pillowcase and towel) can be hired or you can bring your own.
Directions and transport options can be found here
Stroud Monastery
The natural beauty and tranquillity of Stroud Monastery provide the perfect setting for our Living with Awareness retreats. The Monastery is located just outside Stroud, a rural village approximately 1 hour north of Newcastle and 2 ½ hours north of Sydney.
The Monastery was established in the mid 1970s by a group of Anglican Sisters to provide a home for their life of reflection and prayer. With help from many parishioners from Anglican parishes they constructed a series of beautiful mud brick buildings. In March 2000 the Sisters decided they could no longer maintain community life and with the support of the Franciscan Association the Monastery is now used for workshops, retreats and gatherings. The Monastery has a history of prayerful reflection and is made available to groups who will preserve and add to the reflective ambiance of the site. Cari and I are very grateful for the opportunity to be part of continuing that legacy.
"One of the most enjoyable parts of my 'time-out' was the peacefulness of the surroundings" Geraldine, May 2008
"I enjoyed sitting on the deck of the Tree House, crunching my boots over the leaves on the trails and time with me in silence" Jane, May 2008
"I learnt so much in such a beautiful setting" Deborah, March 2009
The Monastery itself provides single room accommodation for up to 16 participants and includes two (2) communal bathrooms with 4 showers and 6 toilets, an amazing kitchen that is a delight to cook in, a beautiful chapel, a spacious dining area and a large but cosy lounge area for workshops. For those of you who may feel the cold, wood fires in the lounge room and chapel provide more than adequate heating in cold weather and we also slip something warm into your bed each night.
You yoga practice is held in a separate building called Gunya Chiara. Built in 1997 it is also constructed of mud brick and beautiful polished timber with wood fire for those colder mornings.
Hopefully the photos will give you some indication of just how special the Monastery really is. It is truly a gift to be able to relax and rejuvenate in this sacred space.
Unfortunately there are no public transport facilities to Stroud however we are happy to help you explore car pooling options with other participants.
To download directions to the Monastery Click here
Billabong is a purpose built eco-centre located just 50mins NW of Sydney between Dural and Windsor. Set in 12 acres of stunning natural bush surrounding 2 beautiful billabongs the centre provides the perfect setting for exploring the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and Yoga.
The main building includes two yurt-like structures that maximise energy flow and access to nature. One is used for group practice and the other for relaxing, cooking and dining. In between is a large covered and insulated deck that offers views of the billabongs. An open yurt beside one of the billabongs provides for a great practice space during the warmer months. Heating throughout is provided by wood combustion and pot belly heaters.
Accommodation includes a quaint and colourful federation style house that would best suit participants with any mobility difficulties. Located on flat ground near the main building it provides 3 twin rooms with a shared bathroom. A single room can be requested with a surcharge.
In addition, three purpose built cabins nestle in the bush like tree houses each with balconys and bathrooms. Perched on rocky escarpments overlooking the billabongs access from the main building is via well laid out bush paths and stairs.
Cabin accommodation options include:
- Shared room (max 4) with share bathroom
- Twin room with shared bathroom or en-suite
A single room can be requested with a surcharge.
The centre's eco-focus requires guests to use biodegradable toiletries which can be purchased at the centre if necessary. Doonas,blankets and pillows are provided and linen (sheets pillowcase and towel) can be hired or you can bring your own.
Directions and transport options can be found here
Stroud Monastery
The natural beauty and tranquillity of Stroud Monastery provide the perfect setting for our Living with Awareness retreats. The Monastery is located just outside Stroud, a rural village approximately 1 hour north of Newcastle and 2 ½ hours north of Sydney.
The Monastery was established in the mid 1970s by a group of Anglican Sisters to provide a home for their life of reflection and prayer. With help from many parishioners from Anglican parishes they constructed a series of beautiful mud brick buildings. In March 2000 the Sisters decided they could no longer maintain community life and with the support of the Franciscan Association the Monastery is now used for workshops, retreats and gatherings. The Monastery has a history of prayerful reflection and is made available to groups who will preserve and add to the reflective ambiance of the site. Cari and I are very grateful for the opportunity to be part of continuing that legacy.
"One of the most enjoyable parts of my 'time-out' was the peacefulness of the surroundings" Geraldine, May 2008
"I enjoyed sitting on the deck of the Tree House, crunching my boots over the leaves on the trails and time with me in silence" Jane, May 2008
"I learnt so much in such a beautiful setting" Deborah, March 2009
The Monastery itself provides single room accommodation for up to 16 participants and includes two (2) communal bathrooms with 4 showers and 6 toilets, an amazing kitchen that is a delight to cook in, a beautiful chapel, a spacious dining area and a large but cosy lounge area for workshops. For those of you who may feel the cold, wood fires in the lounge room and chapel provide more than adequate heating in cold weather and we also slip something warm into your bed each night.
You yoga practice is held in a separate building called Gunya Chiara. Built in 1997 it is also constructed of mud brick and beautiful polished timber with wood fire for those colder mornings.
Hopefully the photos will give you some indication of just how special the Monastery really is. It is truly a gift to be able to relax and rejuvenate in this sacred space.
Unfortunately there are no public transport facilities to Stroud however we are happy to help you explore car pooling options with other participants.
To download directions to the Monastery Click here
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