Queer Retreat

Lanie and Belinda warmly invite you to join us for our upcoming Queer Retreat – a celebration of Queerness, embracing trans and gender diverse people.  It is a chance for deep self-exploration, should you choose, meaningful connection to nature, yourself, and others.

If you’re looking for a space that welcomes you exactly as you are, this retreat is for you. We’ve created an experience that provides a supportive environment for reflection and connection, through a trauma-informed and consent-based lens. Through discussion, yoga, guided meditation, heart-centered practices, and more, you’ll have the opportunity to reconnect with your most authentic self, surrounded by a Queer community.

This will be the only retreat we are hosting in 2025. Spots will fill quickly, so if you know this retreat is for you, be sure to book soon or schedule a payment plan.

Our venue choice reflects the eclectic and diverse nature of the LGBTQIA+ community. Continental House https://www.continentalhouse.c..., affectionately known as the "Conti," is a rustic 1920s homestead with stunning gardens and a history of ashram life. It combines modern comforts with cosy accommodation and beautiful communal spaces.

Expect delicious, lovingly prepared plant-based meals, fully catered by Sophia from Bloom Kitchen https://www.bloomkitchen.com.a..., who creates the most tasty, nourishing, and fresh dishes. Rest assured, all activities are optional, and the yoga sessions will be accessible to all bodies, shapes, and abilities.

During your free time, you can book a massage treatment or experience the Turkish steam/hammam at the venue. Or, you may prefer to relax or connect with other Queer folks.

This weekend offers the perfect opportunity to slow down, step away from the busyness of life, and reconnect with yourself and others. Whatever life looks like for you right now, come exactly as you are.

Please note, due to the age of the retreat venue, wheelchair accessibility is limited but not insurmountable—please reach out if you have any questions so we can accommodate your needs.

INVESTMENT: ALL PRICES ARE PER PERSON  - Strictly limited to 14 places so email us with your room request when you pay your depostit -  connect@queeryogamelbourne.org

• $1250 per person ($1150 HCC concession) – Single Room with bathroom
• $990 per person ($890 HCC concession) – Twin share with bathroom (2 single beds, sharing with one other person)
• $990 per person ($890 concession) – Double room with bathroom (Queen bed)

We will do our best to match solo travellers wanting to share a room. However, if by August 1st you have not found someone to share with, you will be charged the rate for a single room.

All meals, accommodation, and scheduled activities are included. The Turkish steam experience is optional and comes at an additional cost.

All linen, towels, and aromatherapy toiletries will be provided. Each bedroom features an ensuite, split system heating/cooling, and ceiling fans.

A deposit of $250 (plus a booking fee) is required at checkout to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due before 1st August 2025, with an invoice for the remaining balance sent 14 days prior via email.

If you would prefer to pay in full or would like a payment monthly plan tailored to your circumstances, please email us at connect@queeryogamelbourne.org.

QUEER RETREAT SCHEDULE (subject to change)

Friday, 29th August
3:00 PM onwards – Arrival and check-in
5:30 PM – Opening Circle
7:15 PM – Dinner
Free time

Saturday, 30th August
7:30 AM – Yoga (gentle flow – accessible to beginners/all levels/all bodies)
9AM – Breakfast
10.15am - Mindful walk

12:30 PM – Lunch
free time/time to book Turkish steam
3:30 PM – Queer Conversations
6:30 PM – Dinner
8– PM – Meditation and Reiki

Sunday, 31st August
7:30 AM – Yoga (Floor based beginner friendly)
9:15 AM – Breakfast
10:30 AM – Closing Celebration
12:00 PM – Check-out

The Hepburn Bathhouse is next door to the Conti, so you may want to enjoy a soak after the retreat!

WHAT TO BRING

• Water bottle
• Comfy clothing for yoga
• Sun hat and sunscreen
• 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 non-judgmental 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.