All levels of experience.

The workshops and material will be geared towards confident beginners to Intermediate and Advanced players.

Confident beginners are players that know most of their first position chords and are comfortable with a handful of picking and strumming patterns. Though you do not need to read tablature, it will be beneficial to have basic understanding of it.

We will not have specific baritone instruction, but you are most welcome to bring your baritone for the jam sessions.

Standard tuning for ukuleles will be C6, and left handed players are welcome to attend.

A Ukulele retreat is like a holiday where you get to  step away from everyday life and immerse yourself in your passion.  Unlike a festival the focus is on your personal development by creating specially crafted lesson plans that aim to enhance and add inspiration to your musical journey as well as offering time out for connection, exploration and rejuvenation.

It's mid spring in the Hunter, perhaps enjoy an early morning stroll around the property, go for a swim in the indoor pool, join an outdoor stretch/yoga class. Or be really daring and go on an optional hot air balloon flight and float above Australia's oldest wine growing region.

After a full buffet breakfast in the Locavore Restaurant, it's time to head to the classroom and immerse yourself in the specially designed workshops led by your Master teachers.

Mid morning, it's time for a break as you enjoy a delicious morning tea in the courtyard, stretch your legs as you take a short stroll thru the 40 year old rose gardens before heading back to the classroom.

Lunchtime! Enjoy a hot/cold buffet lunch before regrouping for an ensemble workshop. Then the afternoon is all yours to explore the property on the walking trails, enjoy the optional wine tasting tour or simply relax and unwind.

As the sun begins to set, grab your uke and head to the Epoche Bar for happy hour and jam session, followed by a two course dinner. Complete the evening with relaxed performances featuring students and teachers and/or a sing-a-long around the bonfire enjoying a hot chocolate.

We understand each participant is on their own ukulele journey. Sessions will be tailored to suit different levels and no matter which level you are at currently there is always room to expand and improve your knowledge and musicianship.

You will:

• Explore different strum patterns and techniques for a range of genres including, but not limited to Hawaiian, classical and popular music This will spice up your rhythm and improve tonal qualities

• Learn tips and tricks to add embellishments and interest to your sound through small breakout sessions

• Gain solid foundations for playing riffs, finger picking styles and chord melodies. You will become more expressive in your playing and receive  guidance on improving solo ukulele techniques

• Experience the joy of playing in a ukulele orchestra. This will give you a deeper understanding of music theory and how musical groups can better work together 

Above all you will be with like-minded enthusiasts, rubbing shoulders with world-class mentors and most importantly, having fun.

Yes Absolutely! they are most welcome . This retreat doubles as a unique holiday getaway .We have designed a package add on for that very reason. You both dine together for all meals and join in social gatherings, concerts and Jam sessions - everything excluding the workshops .  

The Hunter Valley is approximately  two hours drive north of Sydney, or one hour drive west of Newcastle.

• Sydney Airport (SYD) services domestic and international arrivals

• Newcastle Airport (NTL) services domestic flights from Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast and Melbourne

We would suggest hiring a car or booking a transfer service if you want total flexibility.

Trains depart regularly from Sydney for Maitland, Morriset and Singleton, where you can catch connecting buses to Wine Country or hire a car to explore.  https://maps.app.goo.gl/PTCgdNBFbqJtTXba8

Group Shuttles:

1)If you are flying in from Europe or the US and your flight arrives in Sydney early in the morning of the day of the retreat, we are considering putting on a one-time group shuttle from Sydney Airport to the venue and return (for a fee TBA). If this is something that you are interested in please drop us a note when you make your deposit so we can see how many people we would have.

2) If you you need transport from Newcastle and can’t arrange a private shuttle or car please send us a note with your deposit and we will try to arrange a group shuttle (at cost) or a car-pool of some kind.

Until we have numbers we can’t confirm if these services can be offered. In the event there are insufficient people to cover costs we would refund your deposit for any group shuttle that meet this criteria. Please also refer to our Ts&Cs.

We appreciate the retreat is quite some way off yet. However, the venue requires us to secure the event well in advance and hence we have tied our payments to that requirement.

The early-bird specials have now ended and therefore all deposits are now non-refundable. The balance on registrations made after 31st December 2024 is due within 30 days of registering and paying your deposit. Guests who registered prior to 31st December are required to pay their outstanding balance by 30th April, 2025. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full product details. We recommend you purchase travel insurance to cover yourself for unforeseen circumstances after the refund period.

Should we cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, we will refund any payments made (minus any transaction fees).

Payment plans can be arranged upon request.

Absolutely.  We will be sending all guests a questionnaire relating to dietary restrictions & preferences.

You can participate in as much or as little of the retreat as you wish - the choice is yours (we do hope that you will take full advantage of all that is on offer). As we have negotiated the best packages based on attendance for each guest in its entirety we are unable to offer modified packages.

Unfortunately no.  Those wishing to opt for a twin share are responsible for finding their own room mate . Each participant is required to pay a deposit .  Should one of those participants cancel, then the remaining guest can a) find a replacement room mate, or  b) upgrade to a king Single. 

Kirkton Park is ramped with easy access to the main dining bar/restaurant and conference rooms.  There is one room (Queen double) that provides complete wheelchair access . Please let us know if you have any specific requirements and we will do our best  to accommodate you .

Regrettably the retreat is a package all-inclusive deal and it is not possible to split up the components. SO no you are not able to attend just the sessions or arrange your own accomodation or camp

Whilst we don’t offer a travel agency service, there is soooo much to see in NSW. Start by looking at this web site for ideas. Sydney has many famous attractions (Bondi, Harbour Bridge climb, Opera House, Taronga Zoo etc) and accomodation is plentiful in either hotels or AirBnB etc https://www.visitnsw.com/things-to-do

Further afield you can take a flight to see the Great Barrier Reef in QLD, or jump down to Hobart in Tasmania to visit the MONA gallery. If you are really adventurous why not consider Margaret River in Western Australia, ( its a 4 hour flight so be prepared)