Writers Retreat
The Writers Retreat offers a chance to step away from the everyday and focus on your craft, bringing writers together in a peaceful, inspiring setting.
Held in unique regional locations, the retreat is designed to create space for creativity, reflection and connection. Through a mix of guided workshops, shared learning and time to think, write and explore, participants are encouraged to slow down and immerse themselves in the writing process.
Whether you’re developing new ideas, refining your skills or simply looking for a creative reset, the Writers Retreat provides a supportive environment to explore storytelling in different forms. Sessions may include workshops, walks in nature, creative exercises and opportunities to connect with other writers and facilitators.
📸 The photos from the 2026 Writers Retreat are being uploaded to our gallery shortly. Take a look back and relive the experience.
Want to be involved in a future Writers Retreat?
If you’re a facilitator, presenter or creative with a workshop or idea to share, submit an Expression of Interest and start the conversation.
About the 2026 Writers Retreat Presenters
Merinda Dutton is a proud Gumbaynggirr and Barkindji woman, lawyer, writer, and the co-founder of Blackfulla Bookclub, and online community celebrating First Nations stories. Her work has appeared in multiple Australian publications and she brings a wealth of experience in helping writers explore new perspectives and develop their voice.
Through her workshops, Merinda encourages participants to embrace creativity and curiosity, guiding them through practical exercises and discussions that spark fresh ideas and deepen their writing practice.
Matt Hetherington is a writer, music-maker, and teacher living on Bundjalung Country in Murwillumbah, NSW. He has been writing poetry for over 40 years, and his seventh collection, ‘About Alone Away’, was published by Walleah Press in December 2024. He has performed his poetry in all parts of Australia other than the Northern Territory, including the Tasmanian Poetry Festival, The Perth Poetry Festival, The Queensland Poetry Fesitval, and the Melbourne Writers’ Festival. He was also Co-editor of the Australian section of the first World Haiku Anthology, and has previously run Haiku Walks in Queensland in places as diverse as Mount Isa, Bribie Island, and Goondiwindi.