Join us at Wooleen Station for water-colour workshop hosted by David Harvey. 

Slip off your farm boots, and make yourself a cuppa. Add a slice of warm, freshly baked banana bread and it's time to start painting!

The ultimate immersion in station life, a Homestead Stay is the iconic Wooleen experience. You’ll live under the same roof of owners and hosts, David and Frances, as they share their National Trust listed home with guests and offer a glimpse into working station life. Expect a visit filled with personal touches and the attention to detail that is synonymous with relaxed luxury. During the day time, you'll learn skills from David Harvey to make your paintings come to life.

David is a practising artist who works from his studio in Darlington WA. David specialises in painting and drawing using a variety of media. David’s work is represented in private collections in Australia, the UK and North America. David’s primary training was completed in London, graduating in fine art, with post-graduate qualifications in art education and art psychotherapy.
For many years David lectured in fine art at Edith Cowan University. In 1992, through the WA Academy of Performing Arts, he initiated a Masters in Art Therapy training programme, the first of its kind in Australia.

Included in your stay:

• 4 nights' accommodation and all meals
• 3 water colour workshops hosted by David Harvey
• A sunset tour with David Pollock
• An educational dingo presentation and encounter by Zali Jestrimski
• A pack of materials for your use 

Your stay includes a room in the historic Wooleen homestead, all meals, and hosting during your stay. A sunset tour with David Pollock (owner of Wooleen Station), a dingo encounter and daily guiding and lessons with Shelley Pearson. The workshop is capped at a maximum of 8 participants to ensure you enjoy a personalised, tailored experience. If you would like to learn how to improve your bird photography, whilst experiencing the vast Australian outback and its wonderous birds, then this bird photography workshop is for you.

Single Room and workshop participation (1 adult): $2,413.00
Double/Twin Room and workshop participation (2 adults): $4,256.00

We require that all our guests are independent, with reasonable fitness and mobility. This workshop involves a reasonable amount of walking and is not suitable if you have mobility limitations.

We always recommend increasing your walking activity prior to departing if you are not a regular walker - try out comfortable shoes to take with you and improve your walking fitness - it's a great way to be sure to get the most out of your trip.

Itinerary

In today's fast-paced world, the disconnect between humans and the natural environment has led to ecological challenges and a sense of detachment from our true selves. The retreat offers an immersive and transformative experience designed to help guests rediscover their ecological self by embracing the principles of deep ecology. Drawing inspiration from this ecological philosophy, which recognises the inherent interconnectedness and intrinsic value of all beings, this retreat aims to facilitate a profound reconnection with nature and foster a sense of responsibility towards the planet.

Your experience will be centred at Wooleen Station Homestead. The ultimate immersion in station life, a Homestead Stay is the iconic Wooleen experience. You’ll live under the same roof of owners and hosts, David and Frances, as they share their National Trust listed home with guests and offer a glimpse into the conservation work that Wooleen is all about. 

Your stay includes transport from Geraldton to Wooleen return, meals, accommodation, guiding by Belinda McCawley each day, a Wooleen sunset tour and dingo encounter.

Itinerary Highlights*: 

Day 1: (L,D)
Start your journey at the Ocean and travel to the Outback. Meet fellow participants at Geraldton Foreshore where Elyce Turnbridge from New Leaf Connect will facilitate the beginning of your passage. Depart Geraldton as a group (in the provided transport) and travel through Mullewa to arrive at Wooleen Station. 

Day 2: Guided Nature Bathing (B,L,D) 

Immerse yourself in the natural splendor of Wooleen Station along the Murchison River as you're guided in Nature Bathing—a rejuvenating experience that deepens your connection to the land, renews your spirit, and leaves you with a profound appreciation for the region's pristine beauty. The experience includes gentle walking, sensory activities, mindful exploration of the natural surroundings, and moments of reflection. 

Day 3: Gratitude and Honouring Our Pain (B,L,D)

In this workshop, we delve into the profound themes of gratitude and honoring your pain for the world, fostering a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life. You’ll be guided through activities and reflective practices, providing a safe space for you to explore and transform your ecological concerns into a catalyst for positive change. 

Day 4: Seeing with New Eyes + The Ecological Self  (B,L,D)

Embody a new way of seeing and understanding the world. As you participate in activities like the Council of All Beings, you'll embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, exploring the interconnectedness of all life and cultivating a fresh perspective that fosters a deeper understanding of your place within the natural world. 

Day 5: Going Forth + Close (B,L)

In this immersive workshop, you'll have the opportunity to plant the seeds of your newfound wisdom, grounding yourself in the rich soil of your experiences, and nurturing personal growth and healing as you journey forward, integrating your newfound knowledge into the tapestry of your life. It's a sensory and emotional exploration that empowers you to embrace a sustainable, purpose-driven future with all your senses awakened. 

Depart Wooleen Station with Elyce Turnbridge and return to Geraldton airport. 

*Please note the itinerary is subject to change based on the seasons and availability of activities. 

Join us at Wooleen Station for Winter Writing Workshop with Tabetha Beggs. 

ABOUT TABETHA ROGERS BEGGS  

Tabetha is the author of several published short stories, and was the recipient of a National award in 2014 for her flash fiction piece, When the Children Came. Her debut novella, The Dog Next Door, was published by Gumnut Press in 2019. 

Tabetha is the former Chairwoman of Writing WA and the Katharine Susannah Prichard (KSP) Writers Centre in the Perth Hills. She has facilitated many book launches and author talks with many of Western Australia’s best loved and best selling authors. 

Tabetha has also been a theatre, arts and entertainment reviewer for So Perth, Perth Culture and Perth is Great with over 100 published posts throughout these platforms. 

She lives in the Perth Hills with her two teenage children, works a full time job as the Tourism Development Specialist for the City of Armadale and is currently working on several full-length novels. The juggle is real.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS WRITING RETREAT

Whether you are starting out on your writing  journey or well on your way to writing your masterpiece, this retreat will provide the perfect platform and environment to progress your work. Time for planning, plotting and stretching those creative muscles with a clear path forward.

With a mix of writing workshops to inspire, we will make time to share writing under stars, around campfires and at the dining table. A time to float ideas and provide feedback in a positive and constructive way. Talking about your passion to like-minded creatives and listening to the journey of others is often the best way to keep motivated. My manta has always been ‘Creativity breeds creativity.’

There will also be plenty of free time to write, explore and dream.

While this workshop is shaped to be immersive and dedicated to your writing, it will also be designed to make memories, have a little fun and leave with a sense of camaraderie. Against the backdrop of a truly outback setting, it is hoped that thoughts will flow uninhibited, akin to the way the regenerative ethos of land care at Wooleen Station is allowing the land to flourish organically. Good words will blossom, as does the natural way of things at Wooleen. 

Included in your stay:

• 3 nights' accommodation and all meals
• 2 writing workshops hosted by Tabetha Beggs
• A Sunset Tour with David Pollock
• A boutique pack of materials for you

Join Suzy Jones of Starbright Wonderland Photography for an exclusive Astrophotography Workshop Retreat at the iconic Wooleen Station in the Murchison region. Set against the vast, unspoiled landscapes of the Australian outback, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the art and science of astrophotography, guided by one of WA’s best astrophotographers.

Wooleen Station, covering over a quarter of a million acres, is renowned for its stunning outback scenery and commitment to ecological conservation. This unique location provides an unparalleled setting for night sky photography, where participants can capture the Milky Way, constellations, and the serene beauty of the Murchison the night sky. With minimal light pollution, the station offers some of the clearest skies in Australia, making it a dream destination for astrophotographers of all levels.

The workshop runs from the 29th of May to the 3rd of June, perfectly timed to take advantage of the dark skies following the new moon. The workshop includes a comprehensive theory session to help you master your camera settings and plan your Milky Way shots effectively. You'll participate in three evening astrophotography sessions, complemented by two editing workshops designed to enhance your astro images. Additionally, there's an optional early morning shoot to capture the setting Milky Way, followed by a farewell dinner to conclude the experience. This carefully structured workshop ensures you gain both the skills and inspiration needed to create stunning astrophotography.

This retreat is designed to be both educational and inspiring, providing ample opportunities to practice and perfect your astrophotography skills. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced photographer, this workshop at Wooleen Station will enhance your ability to capture the night sky like never before.

Requirements

You do not need previous experience with photography astrophotography to participate. What you do need is;

• a camera that you can take manual control of, and a relatively wide angle lens; anything less than about 35mm.
• a tripod
• a laptop for the editing session

If you are unsure if your camera is suitable you can contact Suzy on 0449035787 or suzy@starbrightwonderland.com.au.