Weekend retreats

Two Singing/Yoga/Sound bath/Bushwalking weekend retreats at Wangat Lodge in 2025
28-30 March and 23-25 May
Open to all!

Come along for a relaxing, rejuvenating weekend of singing, yoga, bushwalking and more
in the beautiful bushland of Wangat Lodge (located in the foothills of Barrington Tops, 20 minutes north of Dungog).

“The weekend of Wangat was one of belonging, kindness, joy, just a general celebration of life! I’m so very grateful for this time of deep restoration…” (Janette)

Both the singing and yoga, led by experienced teachers, are suitable for beginners and more experienced. There will also be a one hour relaxation sound bath.

“I loved the entire weekend. We learnt quite a few songs and I enjoyed the pace that Jacki went at. The yoga was my kind of yoga – easy and good stretches.” (Denise)

You can choose between March or May retreats or come to both! March should be perfect for swimming in the pristine river, and in May we’ll have fires inside and out for a cosy atmosphere.

“The whole experience from the venue, food and local knowledge to the beautiful Jacki (singing) and Gina (yoga) sharing their skills and arts with us was absolutely refreshing. I loved the friendly and kind vibes which permeated the weekend. And it felt so peaceful…” (Virginia)

For any questions and to book in, please email me at jackistuart@yahoo.com.au

March Timetable
Friday 4pm til Sunday 4pm
The weekend includes…
6 hours of singing (led by Jacki), plus an informal sing-a-long session around the camp-fire
3 hours of yoga plus a one-hour relaxation “sound bath” (led by Gina)
2 morning guided bushwalks (about 3 hours each)

May Timetable
Friday 4pm til Sunday 4pm
The weekend includes…
6 hours of singing (led by Jacki)
2 hours of yoga plus a one-hour relaxation “sound bath” (led by Gina)
2 morning guided bushwalks (about 3 hours each)
2 hours of nature art (led by Julia Jay)

Wangat Lodge accommodation
Wangat Lodge is an iconic and multi-award winning conservation and outdoor education centre. On one weekend in October, over 60 bird species were identified, as well as wallabies, land mullets (Australia’s largest skinks) and a koala spotted.
Accommodation at Wangat is dormitory rooms (with single and bunk beds) with 3 or 4 people in each room.
Please let us know if you would prefer to camp or bring your own camper. (Same cost.)
Wangat also has two cottages that may be available for an additional cost.
(Photos and more detailed information can be found on the Wangat website www.wangat.com.au/lodge.)

Catering
Catering includes all main meals, plus morning and afternoon teas.
The food is vegetarian – wholesome, homemade, high-quality and delicious.
Dietary requirements are catered for.
Fruit is always available. And there is plunger coffee and a selection of teas.

Singing
The songs will have a theme of nature, with a combination of lovely reflective songs to suit the beautiful bushland environment, and uplifting songs to celebrate life and build a sense of community. A sense of fun is also integral to the overall singing experience.
Two, three or four part harmonies are achieved through rounds and part singing. Even though music is usually handed out, sight-reading is not necessary, and prior choir experience is not expected.

Yoga
Yoga that is being offered on Saturday and Sunday mornings will be suitable for beginners. It is a gentle style of yoga, focusing on breath and awareness of body movements and sensations.
The yoga in the afternoons will be chair based and more focused on breath, sound and relaxation.

Relaxation Sound Bath
The sound bath is a time to relax and enjoy the sounds from vibrational instruments, such as crystal bowls, Tibetan bowls, gongs, drums and other percussion instruments.

Bushwalking
The guided bushwalks (including an optional swim in the pristine river), led by the very experienced and knowledgeable Wangat staff, require a basic to moderate level of fitness.
The bushwalks, as with all of the weekend activities, are optional. You may decide instead to have some quiet time at the lodge, or go for a short walk to the river and maybe have a swim.

Nature art
Make a cup of tea or pour a glass of wine whilst we spend some time creating some nature art together.
Nature Art is a fun & creative way to play with nature- Julia will have pre-collected dried materials such as bark, gum nuts, sticks, pretty leaves and other fallen nature bits that we can use to create beautiful patterns & mandalas.
We will be creating together in groups to make the nature art mandalas and will make them inside on tables so that it is gentle on the body and can be done seated or standing. 
Julia hopes that this will inspire you to make patterns and leave behind some art magic next time you are in nature!

Meet your facilitators…

Jacki Stuart
Jacki strongly believes in the multiple benefits of singing, especially with others. It can offer a time-out from a hectic life; a time for self-nourishment; and a chance for connection with others, creating more harmony in our lives and a sense of community. Fostering a sense of fun is also an essential element in her group singing.
Jacki has been teaching music in some capacity since she was 16 years old, beginning with teaching piano (while she was preparing for her 8^th grade exam), then moving to a cappella choirs – almost 30 years now! She taught music, as a qualified primary teacher, in a Steiner school for 17 years and now teaches piano and music classes for children through Julie Logan Music.
Her background of performing includes singing and playing keyboards in rock bands when younger and singing in classical choirs (sometimes concurrently!) and then vocal quartets and quintets.

Gina Hernon
Gina has a passion that runs deep in helping people to discover yoga in a safe and supportive way which helps them to connect to themselves on a deeper level (and get a good stretch as well!)
Yoga explorations became part of Gina’s life almost 40 years ago and have remained entwined with her interest in natural health and healing. Being such an important part of her life Gina obtained her Diploma of Yoga Teacher Training with IYTA in Sydney and has since been teaching yoga classes in Medowie and Tea Gardens for 10 years. Gina is a level 3 Senior teacher and is a member of Yoga Australia.
The style of yoga Gina offers is a gentle, nurturing style. Her class is focused on gentle flowing movements for the body with awareness to the breath and relaxation for the mind.
Alongside her love of yoga Gina’s journey has also guided her to explore the world of Sound Healing, a joyous part of Gina’s life which she is excited to share with you. Through her study at the Sound Healing Academy she completed her Diploma which supports her soul purpose in helping to lift people’s energetic vibration for better health.
For more information check out Gina’s website: www.yogaandsounds.com.au

Cost and cancellation policy
Cost: (all-inclusive) $445 or $425 early-bird if paid by 2 months prior to retreat
If you cancel before 2 months prior to retreat you will receive an 80% refund.
If you cancel between 1 and 2 months prior to retreat, you will receive a 50% refund.
Up until 1 month prior to retreat you are able to transfer your ticket (once only) to a future retreat of ours. Please note this will incur an admin fee of 10% of ticket cost.
If you cancel after 1 month prior to retreat there is no refund, but it is transferable (up until 5 days prior to retreat) to another person, if you find someone to take your place. Please note this will incur an admin fee of 10% of ticket cost.

For any questions and to book in, please email me at jackistuart@yahoo.com.au

These retreats are strictly limited to 30 participants to ensure a close-knit community experience. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

OPEN TO ALL!

more testimonials…

 “I had a great time at Wangat. Jacki’s teaching singing skills are exceptional. She did such a great job with a very mixed bunch. Also Gina is a wonderful yoga teacher and models calm so beautifully. Even though I’ve done the bush walks before, I still enjoyed them both and loved listening to Dan share his extensive knowledge of the bush. Thank you for this rejuvenating time with wonderfully talented presenters and a group of warm and friendly participants.” (Jo)

“A wonderfully restorative weekend – singing, yoga, bushwalking and a sublime sound bath, all in a lovely natural setting. Highly recommended!” (Coral)

“A place to relax, connect with others or be quiet by yourself. The bush is so beautiful and full of plants, animals and birds that amaze and give awe.
To share the joy of song with a clever and talented teacher in such a place is life affirming.
To participate in the most resonating, gorgeous yoga that is so gentle, soothing and full of healing and love is such a gift. And the sound bath is transformative, awesome, beautiful and unforgettable.” (Lynne)

“If you love to be in a tranquil bush setting, then this is the Best Weekend away for you. Awesome! Bush walking, singing and relaxing, vibes! DO IT!!” (Laurie)