Welcome to the Outback Writing Retreat
Connect to nature,
share its story.
share its story.
The Outback Writing Retreat offers a supportive and creative opportunity in nature, learning to share its story.
This immersive experience allows you to connect to the arid wilderness of Western NSW.
Meet other writers and enjoy focused time to develop your writing craft.
Designed for all word lovers, for all levels of writing experience, from all walks of life.
Eligibility: Open to everyone and all writing experience levels.
Retreat type: This retreat focuses on nature writing.
Location: Broken Hill, NSW
Dates: 22nd April to 24th April, 2026
Investment: $580 per person
(not included: travel expenses, accommodation or meals)
Deposit: $150 deposit is required to secure a place in the program.
Places are strictly limited so we encourage you to book soon.
Full payment of $580 (remaining $430) must be made by March 1st, 2026.
Pay a deposit to secure your place now:
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at the retreat?
You’ll learn, write, spend time with nature, and meet amazing people who also love communicating the natural world with words. There will be activities to prompt creative thought, quiet dedicated time to write and craft your words, discussion with fellow writers, and guided field walks outdoors.
Can you tell me more about the program?
The program will kick off on Wednesday 22nd April at 3pm with an afternoon walk to Stephen’s Creek Reservoir followed by a welcome dinner. On Thursday 23rd April, we will begin the day with a nature meditation exercise, followed by writing activities among the stunning outback landscape. In the afternoon you’ll have time to write, read, discuss and explore. On Friday 24th April, you will visit a local lake for a guided nature walk and hear from a guest speaker about indigenous storytelling, followed by writing exercises and discussion over a delicious morning tea. The program will end at midday on Friday.
Are all activities compulsory?
Absolutely not! Everything is optional. If you want to participant in an activity or sit it out, that it completely fine.
Do I need to arrange my own travel, accommodation and meals?
Yes. To ensure this retreat is as affordable as possible for everyone and to give people the option to plan an experience that suits them best, your travel, accommodation and meals are up to you to arrange. The program fee includes the workshop sessions, welcome dinner on Wednesday evening and morning teas on both Thursday and Friday, however it does not include your travel expenses, accommodation and other meals.
Where should I stay?
We recommend all participants stay at the Broken Hill Outback Resort, located 13 km from Broken Hill. The Outback Resort is our central meeting location, from where we will go on walks, run activities, and where we will have our group welcome dinner. We have arranged a special promotional accommodation rate of 10% on self-contained king-bed rooms with balconies (when calling up to make your booking just reference ‘Writing Retreat’). The Outback Resort is the most convenient place to stay for this program. We recommend making your room booking early so not to miss out. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to stay elsewhere, there are lots of other places in town and we can make recommendations.
Can you recommend ways to travel and places to eat?
Certainly! Broken Hill has an airport with flights to/from Sydney and Adelaide. You can also drive here and take in the gorgeous scenery. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are available at the Broken Hill Outback Resort (recommended accommodation), alternatively our favourite places for coffee and food are The Silly Goat cafe, The Palace Hotel and The Old Saltbush restaurant.
When should I arrive and depart?
The program kicks off on Wednesday afternoon, the 22nd of April at 3pm. The final activity of the program concludes at midday on Friday 24th April. Again, all activities are optional, so if you need to arrive and depart early or late, that is up to you, though the program fee is fixed.
Do I need my own vehicle?
Having a vehicle gives you flexibility and ease of travel, as the retreat will take place in different locations surrounding Broken Hill. The Outback Resort is located 13 km from Broken Hill city (20 km from the airport). Part of the retreat on Thursday will take place on a private property located 15 km from the Resort, and on Friday we will gather at Imperial Lakes Nature Park which is located 9 km from the Resort. If you do not have a car, carpooling with other participants is an option and we are certainly happy to help coordinate lifts. Taxis and hire cars can also be arranged by participants (not included in program fee).
What is the expected outcome of the retreat?
It is our hope that you will have a wonderful creative experience and an opportunity to connect with nature. The program is designed for developing your writing craft, allowing time for relaxation and contemplation in the incredible outback landscape. It is also your chance to meet other writers interested in the natural world. We want participants to leave feeling inspired and relaxed, and with a bunch of new friends!
I’m not a nature writer, can I still participate?
Of course! All writers of all types and literary genres are welcome. Whether you are working on a historical fantasy, memoir, or children’s superhero novel, whether you are a journalist, avid diary writer, or screenwriter, whether you’re working on a book to be published or just love scribbling notes, everyone is welcome! This is about learning how to incorporate nature into your writing, no matter what kind that is.
I have limited mobility or special needs, can I still participate?
There are various outdoor activities and walks in this program, however we hope to make this experience as accessible to everyone as possible and will do our best to accommodate your needs. If you have limited mobility or any needs that you think we should know about to help your experience, please let us know.
How do I secure my spot?
Places are strictly limited so we recommend placing your deposit soon. You can secure your place with a $150 deposit. Full payment of $580 (remaining $430) must be made by 1st March 2026.
I have paid for my place but can no longer attend, what do I do?
If you can no longer attend, please let us know ASAP. We will offer a refund if ample time has been given. Cancellations within one month of the retreat will not be eligible for refund.
I’m travelling alone and I’ve never been to Broken Hill, I’m a bit nervous!
We’ve got you! Most of our participants are expected to be solo travellers attending this program by themselves. Once you are here, you will meet amazing people and be in great company. We are here to help you, support you, and give you the best experience.
I’d like to travel with a friend or family member, is that ok?
Sure, you are welcome to bring whoever you’d like to Broken Hill (we’re a friendly bunch here!) There is lots to see and do in and around town, from art galleries, museums to nature trails. If your friend/family member is wanting to take part in the program, of course they will need to register and pay the participant fee.
I have other queries, can I reach out?
Of course, please feel free to email any queries to Anika at [email protected]
What is nature writing and why is it important?
Nature writing matters. Painting landscapes with words allows readers to see the dancing sunlight on a forest floor, to breathe in the scent of earth after rain, to feel the stillness of a morning when jewels hang from spider webs. Nature writing is a critical artform that connects people to the natural world and raises awareness of environmental issues. In illustrating the magnificence woven in the fragility of the environment, readers often feel moved to look after our precious planet. Beyond the purposeful prose, it is also an opportunity for creative mindfulness. Nature writers observe the natural world with deep introspection, and in doing so may experience their stress dissipating with a southerly breeze and their pulse slowing to the melodious song of a pied butcherbird.
Pay a deposit to secure your place now:
A book can grow an idea.
From an idea, a better world can bloom.
From an idea, a better world can bloom.