WordFam Retreat

Returning in 2025: the WordFam is holding a Retreat!
This year, we will be going to beautiful North Stradbroke Island / Minjerribah to enjoy writing time, cool winter beaches and possible passing whales. We hope you can join us!
This will be a writing-focussed Retreat, so bring along whatever project you wish to work on.
Key Details
- When: 6-7 September 2025
- Where: Anchorage, Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island
- Who: WordFam members 18+ years old
- Cost:
- Early bird price (book before end of April 2025): $80 per ticket
- Full price (from 1st May): $95
Accessibility note: there are steps up to the conference room we will be using for Retreat activities. If this is a concern for you, please talk to Kess for more information.
Retreat FAQ
What does the ticket include?
Your ticket includes access to the Retreat activities and amenities on the Retreat schedule:
- Entry into the Retreat spaces for the weekend
- Retreat activities
- Tea/coffee
- Exclusive WordFam Retreat loot bag
The ticket does not cover:
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Refreshments or snacks (except those specified above)
- Travel to/from the island
Retreat schedule
The schedule of activities for the Retreat is as follows:
Saturday 6th September
- 9-10am: Registration and goal setting
- 10am-12pm: Writing time!
- 12-1pm: Lunch break
- 1pm-4pm: Writing time!
- 4-5pm: Check-in and goal update
Sunday 7th September
- 9-10am: Check-in and goal update
- 10am-12pm: Writing time!
- 12-1pm: Lunch break
- 1pm-4pm: Writing time!
- 4-5pm: Final goal update and wrap-up
Writing time activities
During the Retreat, we have scheduled some meal breaks and lots of writing time. Writing time can include lots of things! Here's what we will have available for you:
- A quiet-writing area for those who want to focus and not be disturbed
- A writing area on the beach
- Poolside writing space
- Writing discussion space
- Writing goals
- World building and plot creation tools
If you want to discuss your story (or take a break and discuss something writing-related), you can go to the writing discussion area and put up a sign to indicate if you want to discuss characters, plot, or something general about writing. Those who want to join in can move over and take part in the discussion!
We will also be encouraging everyone to set a writing goal for their Retreat weekend. Whether you're drafting, redrafting, or editing, you can track your progress against your goal.
Accommodation recommendations?
You can book any accommodation that suits you and your situation! Bring your partner or family if you wish (though please note your ticket covers only your entry to Retreat spaces and activities).
The WordFam recommends Anchorage as they have very reasonable prices and great apartments. If you wish to stay at Anchorage, book with them directly through their website to get the best prices.
You can also travel to and from the venue each day if you wish! Staying is not mandatory.
How to get there
The Retreat is at Anchorage, Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island.
Travelling to the Ferry
To get to North Stradbroke Island, you need to get to Toondah Harbour and get a ferry to Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island.
From Brisbane Airport, you can get there by public transport:
- Train (Airport Line): Brisbane Airport to Central (~20mins)
- Train (Cleveland Line): Central to Cleveland (1 hour)
- Bus (258): Cleveland Station to Toondah Harbour (5-10mins)
By car, Toondah Harbour is about 45 minutes from the airport.
Ferry Options
You can book tickets on the ferry as a walk-on passenger or for a car. The car ticket covers everyone inside the car. (Coordinate with other attendees on the Discord server to carpool!)
Travel times: 25 minutes (passenger ferry) or 45 minutes (vehicle ferry)
Travelling to the Venue
Once you are on North Stradbroke Island, head north to Point Lookout to get to Anchorage. It is about 30 minutes by car.
If you have a walk-on ticket for the ferry, the bus from Dunwich to Point Lookout may be free, check with your ticket provider.
Parking
Anchorage has a car park where you can leave your car while you're at the Retreat. It's directly in front of the building and off the street.
Want to see how our previous retreats have gone? Check out the post all about it!
Interested in attending? Book your ticket here!