Darkwood Retreat

Leave behind the demands and responsibilities of everyday life and allow nature to hold space for you.

offering a peaceful setting, GENTLE GUIDANCE AND supporT, AND time IN SOLITUDE to reconnect with nature and your wild, authentic self.

• You feel overwhelmed with the responsibilities of family, work or life in general

• You feel tired and depleted trying to meet everyone’s (including your own) expectations

• You’ve lost your sense of self through motherhood, relationships or work

• You feel at a cross-roads in life and need time and space to navigate your next steps

• You feel burdened by your life choices and know you need to make some changes

• You struggle to find the time to prioritise your own well being and self care practices

• Step away from the ‘day to day’ grind and come home to your true, authentic nature

• Slow down and drop into the innate wisdom of your body

• Learn how to manage stress and self-regulate with nature as your guide

• Fill and replenish your cup - so that you’ll leave feeling refreshed and energised

• Reconnect and rebuild your relationship with the natural world

• Experience how nature holds space in a way that no one else can!

Darkwood Retreat offers a unique experience - unlike anything you’ve experienced before!

Rather than a group setting, I offer solo experiences that hold and support you, whilst allowing the space to reconnect with your authentic self and nature.

As your host and guide, I’ll be present to guide you through some powerful practices – but really, the magic comes when you sit with nature herself.

Retreat outline

Day 1:

After a stunning drive through the Thora valley, you’ll arrive on ‘Patanga’ late afternoon and be greeted by your host and facilitator, Lara.

Your accommodation will be a beautiful, self-contained bell tent in a quiet location, overlooking the mountain range known locally as Nangali or ‘Old Man Dreaming’.

Take some time to settle in, unpack your bags or wander down to our private swimming hole to cool off for a while.

Once you’ve settled in, you’ll be invited to take part in a ceremony dedicated to creating a safe container for your solo retreat.

Finish the evening with a simple, nutritious meal – made from fresh, locally grown or sourced produce (delivered to your tent to be enjoyed in solitude).

Day 2:

Wake to the sound of bird calls, make yourself a cuppa and take in the natural world – the sun rising over the mountains, the cool morning breeze, the myriad of bird calls…

Your breakfast will be delivered in a basket to enjoy at your camp or take into the forest to fully immerse yourself in the wild.

After breakfast, we’ll meet for a guided session focused on attuning to nature through embodiment and deep nature connection.

This is an opportunity to explore how you connect with your self and the elements, and begin to learn how nature guides you through life and challenges.

We’ll return to camp by lunch time – where again, you’ll enjoy a simple, nutritious meal delivered in a basket to enjoy however you like!

From lunch until the following morning, your time will be dedicated to solitude!

Choose to rest, go for a wander through the forest, swim in the creek or perhaps dedicate some time to ponder a question or challenge you’ve been experiencing.

The practices you explored during the morning session can be drawn on here to help open your awareness and tune into the wisdom of nature.

To fully honour your solitude, your evening meal will be left in a safe place for you to collect when you’re ready.

(Please note – during this time, I will be on call should you need my assistance)

Day 3:

Wake again to the sound of bird calls and create some time for your morning routine - a sit spot, a wander down to the creek, some yoga or meditation…

You may continue your time in solitude and have breakfast alone, or sit together and have some space to talk about your experiences, new awareness and insights.

You’ll be given some time to pack your belongings and perhaps take a final wander down into the forest, then we’ll meet for a final ceremony mid morning.

This ceremony will be dedicated to closing the container and offering gratitude to the land, ancestors and guides that held and supported you during your retreat.

We’ll finish by late morning – giving you the rest of the day to explore the area, take a drive down Darkwood Road or visit the markets in Bellingen.

However you decide to spend the day is up to you – but I highly encourage you to take that time and ensure your cup is overflowing when you return home!

If this is calling to you, your next step is to fill out an enquiry form – letting me know who you are and what you’re looking for.

After I receive your form, I’ll have a read through and make sure we’re a good fit (if you’ve got this far – I have little doubt that you are)!

I’ll invite you to a zoom call where we’ll meet and go through some of the finer details – what to bring, food preferences, level of comfort, experience in nature, etc.

This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and get to know me (as your host and facilitator)!

We’ll look at the dates available (I offer mid-week and weekend retreats) and when you’re ready, you can book in!

Please note - If you’re purchasing this as a gift voucher, please give me a call me and we’ll make sure this is right for your loved one!

Cancellation / refund policy:

Any cancellations requested within 2 weeks of your retreat will incur a 50% cancellation fee (unless for emergencies or unsuitable / dangerous weather).

Any cancellations requested within 48 hours of your retreat, will forfeit the full costs.

Where possible, I’ll do my best to find an alternative date for your retreat – to try and avoid paying any hefty fees!

the Exchange:

Two night solo retreat: $1000 AUD (all inclusive)

For a limited time, I’m also offering 10% off all bookings (including vouchers) received by the end of January 2024 – saving you $100 off your solo retreat!

To get your discount code, just mention the offer when you fill out the enquiry form!