Frequently Asked Questions

  • You are welcome to read whatever you’d like – it’s not a book club, and there’s no prescribed reading or themes. You can bring books from home that you’ve been wanting to read, or read the books given to you from your personalised prescription. Lots of second-hand books will also be available for you around the property - you can read any of them, and you are welcome to take one or two home if something catches your eye (or swap for any books you might finish over the weekend!).

  • Solo travellers are always welcome. Many of our guests attend solo, and retreats are designed to feel comfortable and welcoming whether you’re travelling solo or with others. You will have your own room and never be placed with someone you don’t know.

  • There’s never any pressure to socialise - you can choose your level of interaction with others. The number of guests at each retreat are intentionally kept small to create a calm, intimate atmosphere. Retreats are designed to give you the freedom to enjoy quiet solitude or connect with other readers if you wish. We can bring you breakfast in bed, dinner in your room or set you up with a picnic, whatever you’d like.

  • Yes! You’re always welcome to share the experience with a friend, partner, or group. You’ll be able to book for two people via the website and get in touch any time if you’re keen to book for a larger group. We also welcome people of all genders. While there are no age restrictions, please get in touch if you have a younger (under 18) reader in your life who wants to come along, and we can discuss options. 

  • Check in usually starts from mid-afternoon on the first day. When you arrive at the retreat property, you’ll be welcomed by Sarah from Reading Retreats Australia, and shown to your room and around the property. The time is then completely yours and the reading can commence! We can bring you a cuppa or wine as you settle in, and there will be an opportunity for some welcome drinks before dinner – but the time is yours for reading straight away. 

  • All types of readers are welcome, no matter what genre you love or how many books you read a year. You might be looking to kick-start your reading journey, or be reading 150 books a year, it doesn’t matter – all are welcome, including solo travellers looking for quiet time, couples or friends wanting a shared reading experience, or groups like book clubs.

  • Not at all – it’s your retreat and you get to spend it however you’d like. Some of our longer retreats offer optional, low-key activities like bookshop crawls, high teas or lunches. But you are never under any obligation to attend these activities. Reading by the fire for an entire day also sounds like bliss!  

  • A reading prescription is a personalised book recommendation list, tailored to your tastes. Before your retreat, you’ll be asked to complete a short questionnaire. You’ll then receive a curated list of books we think you’ll love. Retreat guests also receive a selection of books from the prescription as part of their retreat gifts, to help you discover new favourites during and after your retreat.

  • No dress code whatsoever. We don't expect people to be in their finery at any stage - the comfier the better. Fluffy socks and track pants all the way, if that's your vibe. If the property we’re going to has a pool and/or spa, bring your swimmers – and we'll provide beach towels.  We recommend bringing comfortable clothing, layers for changing weather, and anything that helps you relax such as a journal, headphones, or your favourite reading accessories. Everything else, including meals and linen, is taken care of.

  • We do our best to make our retreats as welcoming and comfortable as possible for all guests and welcome the use of assistive technology. However, accessibility can vary depending on the specific retreat property and location. If you have accessibility requirements, please reach out before booking. We’re happy to discuss the details of each retreat, and to look for alternative properties where possible.  

  • Guests are responsible for arranging their own travel to the retreat location. Retreat venues are held in regional destinations such as the Hunter Valley, Blue Mountains, and NSW South Coast, so most guests choose to drive or organise private transport. We’ll always provide the address and directions well in advance of the retreat, and you’re welcome to get in touch any time with travel or transport questions. 

  • Retreats are fully catered, with meals, snacks, and a selection of drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) provided throughout your stay so you can focus entirely on reading and relaxing. All linen, towels, and bedding are also supplied, so you don’t need to bring your own. That said, if you have a favourite snack, specific drink, or a beloved pillow you can’t live without, you’re very welcome to bring them along to make your stay extra comfortable (or let us know what we can have ready for you!)

  • If your plans have changed and you’re no longer able to attend, please get in touch as soon as possible to discuss your options. Cancellation and transfer arrangements may vary depending on how close it is to the retreat date and whether your place can be otherwise filled from our waitlist. Where possible, we’ll work with you to explore options such as transferring your booking to a future retreat or transferring your place to someone else, but please see our terms and conditions page for the fine print. 

  • While there are slight variations depending on the venue and time of year, every retreat will run for two or three nights, and include:

    • Accommodation in a beautiful, comfortable setting

    • Delicious, professionally prepared meals, and lots of snacks - all dietary requirements are accommodated 

    • A personalised reading prescription (an individualised list of book recommendations, aligned to your favourite genres)

    • A gift bag with a selection of books just for you, and other reading goodies

    • Access to reading spaces across the property, and quiet areas for reading together or solo 

    • Hosts on hand always, to make sure you never lift a finger (and to discuss books, any time!)