About us
Your host at Reading Retreats Australia is Sarah, a lifelong reader rarely without a book in hand. After attending a reading retreat as a guest, she knew it was the perfect way to support the joy of reading for others.
Reading Retreats Australia was founded in 2023 by booksellers Katie and Emily, united by a love of reading and the challenge of finding uninterrupted time to enjoy it. In September 2025, the business was passed on to Sarah, who continues their vision of creating dedicated spaces for readers to slow down, switch off, and reconnect with books.
After moving to Canberra and completing university, Sarah found her way into the book world, managing several Angus & Robertson stores across the region. Although her career later led her into government and parliamentary roles, her connection to books never faded. In 2024, during a period of long service leave, Sarah returned to bookselling and attended a Reading Retreats Australia weekend—quickly falling in love with the experience, the people, and the sense of calm it created.
Today, Sarah leads Reading Retreats Australia with the same passion that first drew her in. She continues to balance her time between her parliamentary role, working in a local bookshop, and hosting retreats for fellow readers. The original vision for Reading Retreats Australia remains at the heart of every retreat—creating a warm, welcoming space where reading can take centre stage.