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About the River Ceramics Retreats

The intention for these retreats is to offer an experience where participants have a chance to live and breathe creativity for a little while. Free from to-do lists and rich in spaciousness. My hope is that everyone has plenty of opportunities to connect to nature, develop new skills and have lots of fun.

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Some Information on Margaret River

I am very lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Tucked away in the South West Corner of Australia, we are in an area which is surrounded by beautiful forests, beaches and rivers. Known for its boutique wineries and world class surfing, there is always something fun to do!

You can learn lots about the region and its attractions by visiting margaretriver.com

Margaret River is a 3hr drive South of Perth, though you can now fly directly from either Melbourne or Sydney to Busselton Margaret River Airport with Jetstar

Who this is for

If you love the idea of diving into a place and time which is reserved for developing your creativity, your skills with clay and your appreciation for nature, a retreat can offer an opportunity unlike that which we have in our day to day life.

Perfect for those wanting to give themselves a jumpstart into this craft, or feel that they can resonate with the way I teach, and would like to experience a deeper learning opportunity.

Jolene From River Ceramics Teaching Sculpting

The Retreat Format

So far I am offering both a 3 night and 4 night Retreat, staying in a beautiful space surrounded by nature.

I provide a fully catered experience to ensure that everyone feels spoiled and relaxed.

All workshops will take place on site to offer an opportunity to fully drop into the space and have nothing to think about except the provided classes, and supporting activities of your choice. This means that we can provide airport transfers from Busselton if required to save you hiring a car if you would like to keep it simple.

Further Exploration

If you would like to explore our region while you are here, perhaps consider extending your stay or hiring a car.

If you are planning to explore the area I will be happy to provide ideas and additional recommendations for you.

Image of Surrounding Bushland by ‘The Row Cottages’

Concept 4 Night Itinerary (subject to change.)

Day 1

Everyone arrives. Meet me for a Tea Tasting and / or glass of wine with nibbles to get to know each other.
Dinner

Day 2

Breakfast in your own time
9.30 - 11.30 Morning Session ~ Hand build a variety of pieces in 2-3 different clays.
12pm Lunch
1.30 - 4pm Afternoon Session ~ Introduction to Creature Sculpting. Plan and Build.
Rest / Walk / Read / Swim (Optional)
6pm Dinner

Day 3

Breakfast in your own time
9.30 - 11.30 Morning Session ~ Wild Clay Bush Walk and build by the campfire (or alternative if conditions unsuitable)
12pm Lunch
1.30 - 3pm Afternoon Session ~ Continue Creature Sculpting. Add Details, Accessories for Narrative.
4 - 6pm Paint and Sip with Chloe Wilder. Local Wine Tasting and Beautiful Local Teas Offered.
7pm Dinner

Day 4

Breakfast in your own time
9.30 - 11.30 Morning Session ~ Creative Exploration Activity. Decorate built pieces with Sgraffito.
12 pm Lunch
1.30 - 4pm Afternoon Session
- Complete & Decorate Character/s
- Complete Sgraffito Pieces
- Glazing Demonstration (if we have time)
6pm Dinner

Day 5

Breakfast in your own time
Rest / Walk / Read / Explore (Optional)
Check Out by 10am

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About the Venues

Both Venues I have chosen are beautiful and best for their Season. I decided to keep the cooler-month retreats to a place where we can have cosy fires and gorgeous spaces, while the Spring Retreat has a fantastic lake for swimming and a chance for longer bush-walks in the forest to enjoy that magical time of year.

I did not want to give participants the extra cost and hassle associated with renting a car if visiting from the East Coast, so luckily a great solution lay in choosing the right venues, where there was no need to leave, and reminded myself that dropping into a place is the best way to create a sense of spaciousness. I find this to be a key feature in differentiating an experience like this from the hustle of everyday life.

The Dates & The Details

Creative Clay Retreat ~ Spring 2025

October 18-24

SOLD OUT

This is the longest retreat, and the one with most opportunity for extra activities at your leisure. Taking Place at the beautiful Tanah Marah just out of Margaret River, everyone has their own King Sized Room, sharing a chalet with just one other. Here we have a lovely big function space overlooking the lake, and lots of space for bush walks, swimming and relaxing. All beautiful plant based meals are provided, with breakfast provisions supplied in your chalet to make in your own time.

Being a 4 night stay, we have 3 Full Days of creative workshops to enjoy.

Early Bird Pricing is available until May 15th.

SOLD OUT

Creative Clay Retreat ~ Autumn 2026

May 21-24th

This is retreat is all about beauty, design and creativity. Taking Place in Forest Grove just South of Margaret River, everyone has their own well appointed space, sharing a chalet with maximum 2 others. With Brass Moon we have a stunning function space designed by Poppy & Scotty to really set the scene for a Creative Experience. All delicious plant based meals are catered.

Being a 3 night stay, we have 2.5 days of creative workshops to enjoy with checkout after lunch on Sunday.

Early Bird Pricing is available until September 15th.

book autumn 26

Creative Clay Retreat ~ Winter 2026

July 30-August 2nd

Get ready for a cosy fireside getaway with a Winter Retreat. Format and Venue is the same as our Autumn Retreat; Taking Place in Forest Grove just South of Margaret River, everyone has their own well appointed space, sharing a chalet with maximum 2 others. With Brass Moon we have a stunning function space designed by Poppy & Scotty to really set the scene for a Creative Experience. All delicious plant based meals are catered.

Being a 3 night stay, we have 2.5 days of creative workshops to enjoy with checkout after lunch on Sunday.

Early Bird Pricing is available until November 15th.

book winter 26

Getting Here

If you are Self Driving

The Retreat is Located in the Margaret River Area which is approximately 3-4 hours south of Perth. Details to your accommodation will be provided when booking.

Flying Into Perth

You will need to arrange your own transport to Margaret River. Jetstar may offer flights to Busselton by then, or otherwise you can hire a car to drive.

Flying from Sydney to Busselton (BQB)

At time of preparing this, Jetstar flys into Busselton on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays out of Busselton Mondays, Thursdays & Saturdays.

Flying from Melbourne to Busselton (BQB)

At time of preparing this, Jetstar flys into Busselton on Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays out of Busselton Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays.

Transfers & Extra Nights

Feel free to contact the accommodation provider to arrange extra nights stays. Please note that his will not be available if you are staying at the Brass Moon. Alternatively you can visit one of the other areas like Augusta, Margaret River, Yallingup or Dunsborough which are all beautiful, and all located less than an hour away.

If you would like a car to explore the area while you are here, there are several hire companies available where you can drop and collect in Busselton.

If you have a spare day and would like to be taken on a fantastic guided adventure, I recommend Sean from Margaret River Discovery Tours

If you would like an airport transfer to and from your accommodation for the Retreat, we are happy to offer this as a complementary service on the arrival and departures days of your flights in Busselton.

You will receive a transfer form prior to the stay, please complete and return email to me once you have booked your flights.

FAQ’s

Can I bring my Partner with me?

This Retreat will become more than clay techniques for many people, and creating a safe and predictable space is very important for this. Only participants of the event can stay in the chalets, participate in activities and share meals. There are some off site packages available for those who would like to travel with others who are not participating.

I have specific dietary needs, can these be catered for?

I have chosen a fantastic caterer who offers lovely plant based meals suitable to most. Upon Booking you will have the opportunity to note any specific dietary requirements so that I can run them past our caterer. If she is unable to meet your needs you may choose to have this portion of the fee refunded, and supply your own food in the self catering kitchen.

I am a beginner to clay, is this retreat suitable?

Yes absolutely, this retreat is suitable for anyone wishing to extend their skills or experience with clay, or just have an opportunity to focus on the craft for a few blissful days.

Do you provide transport?

As all activities take place on site, you do not need to arrange transport for the duration of the retreat. If you would like to explore beyond the accommodations, or make your own may to the retreat, then you will need your own car. We are happy to arrange transfers to and from Busselton Airport on the first and final day of the retreat for you. See attached page ‘Getting Here’.

I live / have friends in the area, Can I stay off-site?

I have a limited number of places available for ‘Off-Site Participants’. Please select this option when making your booking, or contact me if this is not showing as an option. This option includes lunch and all activities.

How will we get our work home?

After the retreat I will be firing and glazing all of the work for you. The Retreat includes Postage of these pieces within Australia. A surcharge applies for international postage.

Your Question not answered?

Please get in touch by emailing me at jolene@riverceramics.net

How to Book

Bookings are Now Open and Spaces are Filling Fast!

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Creative Clay Retreats ~ Margaret River