Lanie and Belinda invite you to be part of our upcoming Queer Nature Retreat - a celebration of Queerness and an opportunity for deep self exploration should you choose it.  Expect connection to nature, self and others!
We placed this retreat in winter as it presents us with the perfect opportunity to slow down, rest and digest our lives. As nature hibernates it is important, we also turn within so that we might welcome spring with renewed vigor and optimism. We have chosen a location which is truly remote, wild and untouched in its natural beauty.

The invitation is to slow all the way down to a heartbeat. To practice deep listening to one's longings, desires and natural rhythms.  In our modern culture which prioritizes productivity over well-being, it is so important to practice listening to one's inner voice in a retreat setting so that we can channel that listening into our everyday life where it matters most. The retreat is a disruptor to less than optimal patterns. An opportunity to reset and re-calibrate one's intentions. To truly receive nourishment from nature, ourselves and from connections to others.

We have curated an experience that offers a supportive environment for deep reflection and connection. Through discussion, movement, yoga, guided meditation, heart centered practices, and more, you will have the opportunity to reconnect to your most authentic self surrounded by Queer community.

Sit down meals lovingly prepared and shared together and reported by our participants to be highlight. All food will be delicious and nutritious vegetarian cuisine. Any special dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice. As well as main meals there will be snacks and hot beverages available throughout the day.

All activities are optional- the yoga component will be accessible to all bodies, shapes and abilities.
This retreat is trauma informed and consent driven providing both support and emphasis on self responsibility.
However life is for you right now, COME EXACTLY AS YOU ARE.

Accomodation (kingparrot.com.au)

King Parrot Cottages are beautifully nestled onto the south side of the Pennyroyal Valley (near Lorne), capturing all the northern light and spectacular views across the valley. There is a crystal-clear creek running through the bottom of the property, offering beautiful bushwalking opportunities. The accommodation is in architecturally designed and self-contained with a modern kitchen along with 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms. The views from each cottage are spectacular and each cottage has a wood fire heater, along with reverse cycle heating and cooling.

You will have the opportunity to step into the warmth of a two person infrared sauna, where soothing heat penetrates deep into your body, promoting detoxification and rejuvenation. As you relax in this sanctuary, enjoy views of the bush, creating a serene and meditative atmosphere. You will also be able to immerse yourself in invigorating ice baths that invigorate your senses and stimulate circulation. The crisp, cool water contrasts with the warmth of the sauna, offering a unique and refreshing experience that leaves you revitalized and full of energy.

INVESTMENT: ALL PRICES ARE PER PERSON including all linen, food, accommodation and all activities.

$795 Quad Room per person (shared bathroom 4 beds) until sold out

$895 Twin Room per person (shared bathroom 2 bed) until sold out

$1100 Private room per person (shared bathroom) - 1 adult until sold out

$1200 Private room per person (private bathroom)- this room is twin share/ couple $1400 single person. SOLD OUT

Spaces are limited, bookings essential. All meals accommodation, activities and yoga included.

Please ask us about concession prices if relevant to you.

Deposit of $250 (plus booking fee) required at checkout to secure your booking. Remaining balance due before the 17 of May 2024. Invoice for remaining balance will be issued 14 days prior to this date via email.

If you would like to pay in full for the retreat or would like a payment plan that suits your current circumstances, please email us at connect@queeryogamelbourne.org

QUEER RETREAT SCHEDULE (this is a rough schedule that is subject to change):

Friday 31st May

3pm onwards arrival and check in

5.30pm: Opening circle

7.15pm: Dinner

Free Time

Saturday 1June

7.30am Optional Yoga (gentle flow)

9am Breakfast

10.30am Nature walk

12.45pm Lunch

Free time

3.30pm - Creative exploration around who you desire to be; aligning with your values & Queer identity.

6.00pm Optional Yin yoga practice

7.30pm Dinner

9-9.30pm Yoga Nidra

Sunday 2nd June

7.30am Optional Yoga/ walk

9am Breakfast

10.30am Closing celebration

12pm Check Out

WHAT TO BRING

*Water bottle

*Yoga appropriate clothing

*warm clothing

*gumboots/rain jacket

*Walking shoes

*Toiletries

*Snacks if desired

YOUR TEACHERS:

Lanie Tobias -

Lanie comes to yoga with a background in Social Work. She has been inspired to deepen her practice and share her love of yoga with others upon recognising the transformational qualities yoga brings to her own life. Lanie is trained and experienced in teaching Vinyasa (flow), Yin, Restorative and pre/post natal yoga to all levels and all ages.

With a background in social work, Lanie has a clear and compassionate teaching style that emphasizes progressive learning and self-study. With the combination of asana (physical practice), meditation and pranayama (breathing); Lanie provides a safe, encouraging and nonjudgmental environment where students can explore their Yoga practice. Lanie’s goal is to help her students find and maintain a peaceful mind and body. In maintaining a mindful practice, she believes the mind-body connection teaches us how to live a fulfilling, healthy, and happy life on and off the yoga mat.

Belinda Res -

Belinda Res has a background as a Rudolf Steiner teacher. Having practiced yoga for over 15 years prior to having children, a shift towards yoga teaching offered a synthesis of both her passion and spirituality. Striving to meet the needs of her students, Belinda cultivates a warm and supportive environment for students to connect with themselves. Encouraging her students to step beyond the narrow confines of the physical practice, movement and gesture is explored as a pathway to personal freedom.