Bluff Knoll Yoga & Hiking Retreat
Join Kookaburra Yoga in the wild and beautiful southwest where we stay in cosy chalets by the Porongorup National Park over the June Long Weekend. This retreat is a profound opportunity to immerse yourself in the wild and beautiful landscapes of WA, meditate amongst the trees, challenge yourself with a hike to WA's highest peak; enjoy nourishing, delicious yogic cuisine and the rhythms of early morning meditation, and hatha yoga; and then evening restorative yoga, relaxation and music meditation. |
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Retreat highlights
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Immerse yourself in beautiful, wild landscapes of the southwest |
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The Stirling Range is renowned for its unusual, and sometimes spectacular cloud formations. The Aboriginal name for the range, Koi Kyenunu-ruff, means ‘mist rolling around the mountains’ – a frequently seen occurrence. |
Cost & Accommodation Options:
$690 pp shared room; Single room $890 pp. $1380 for 2 in double or twin room;
$1680 for 2 in private cottage. $1190 for 1 person in private cottage.
$690 pp shared room; Single room $890 pp. $1380 for 2 in double or twin room;
$1680 for 2 in private cottage. $1190 for 1 person in private cottage.
Some of our wonderful participants on the 2016 retreat
A rewarding and amazing personal challenge
Spectacular skies, sweeping views
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A beautiful walk in the company of adventurous souls
You'll literally feel on top of the world!
The journey home
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Retreat program
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Saturday
12pm Arrive between 12pm-1pm. Please don't arrive before 12. 1pm Enjoy lunch at our venue amongst the karri trees 2pm Walk Castle Rock/Granite Sky Walk (2 hours) 5.00pm Opening Circle 5.30pm Hatha Yoga 7.00pm Dinner 8.00pm Relaxation & Meditation Sunday 6.00am Chanting 6.30am Hatha Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation 7.30am Breakfast 8.30am Depart for Stirling Ranges (40 minute drive) 9.30am Stirling Ranges/Bluff Knoll Walk. Bring own packed lunch. (approx 5-6 hours) 3.00pm Depart for Karribank 5.30pm Restorative Yoga 7.00pm Dinner 8.00pm Relaxation & Meditation Monday 6.00am Chanting 6.30am Meditation 7.30am Hatha Yoga 9.00am Breakfast 10.00am Check out of accommodation. 10.15am Closing Circle 10.30am Walk - Porongorup National Park (2 hours) 12.30pm Light Lunch 1.00pm Retreat closes |
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About the venue & program
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MeditationWe take the peaceful Kookaburra meditation and relaxation practices to the southwest. The yoga and meditation on this retreat prepares and supports you to undertake the challenging hike to Bluff Knoll and also assist you to integrate and contextualise the experience. In the evenings we relax deeply with extended relaxation and sound healing. You'll fall asleep to the sounds of the forest.
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Porongorup National ParkThe massive ancient granite domes of Porongurup National Park rise 670 metres, giving sweeping views of the landscape, especially from the Granite Skywalk suspended from Castle Rock which we walk to on Day 3. The landscapes and views are majestic and the walk up through the forest is refreshing and nourishing.
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Powerful, healing placesTaking time in ancient and wild landscapes reminds us of our own true nature. In the busyness and demands of everyday life we often neglect the creative, emotional, spiritual aspects of ourselves leaving us feeling disconnected and without purpose. The outer landscape guides us to explore and reconnect with those inner aspects of ourselves which long for healing, expression and to be free.
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Relax and unwindOn retreat we leave behind concerns and distractions of everyday life to deeply and profoundly realise the spiritual and material benefits of yoga and nature, Stepping away from the everyday and into a retreat process often provides us with profound insight, and the time and space to simply surrender to being in the moment.
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about the facilitators
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Robert Becker has taught yoga and inspired many thousands of students over almost 4 decades here in Australia, and also India, Africa and Europe. Robert is a humble teacher, his yoga is deeply spiritual and real and he is committed to sharing and passing forward the insights and knowledge he has acquired. Robert has a Masters in Psychiatric Social Work, having worked in the field for many years, and is a professional, skilful group facilitator and spiritual guide.
Mandy BeckerKnox has decades of experience teaching the subtle, powerful and transformational methods of yoga. Her knowledge and insights have been inspired through devotion, consistent practice, higher education in yoga, Ayurveda, the arts, and integration of yogic values and concepts into everyday family and professional life. Mandy has organised and led many yoga, meditation retreats here in Australia and internationally. Both Robert and Mandy are experienced hikers. They recently walked to Mt Everest Base Camp, Nepal and Mt Kailash, Tibet, and have led yogic pilgrimages in the Himalayas. |
the accommodation
Inclusions & Cost
twin share room in chalet (per person)$690 pp
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Facts & Questions
Why choose Kookaburra Yoga for your retreat?
- Established, reputable business. Kookaburra Yoga is directed by experienced teachers Robert Becker and Mandy BeckerKnox in Perth, Australia who teach at their centre Kookaburra Creek Yoga Centre. Kookaburra Yoga is well established having been operating for twenty years.
- Retreat management experience. Kookaburra Yoga have offered professionally organised and facilitated international retreats for over ten years. Each retreat is carefully planned to ensure the safety and comfort of participants.
- Health & Safety. We take every precaution to ensure the hygiene and health of participants.
- Quality food. Food is an integral part of our retreats and menus and ingredients are planned and considered to ensure they are nourishing, health-promoting and conducive to yoga and meditation.
- High quality program. Directors Mandy and Robert facilitate all Kookaburra Yoga Retreats. They are both exceptional yoga and meditation instructors with decades of continuing education, self-enquiry and practical teaching experience. They have literally taught thousands of people yoga and to meditate and how to effectively apply the knowledge gained to enhance and transform their lives.
- Professional leadership. Both Robert and Mandy have worked professionally in high-level leadership positions in government and the not-for-profit sector and are leaders and skilful group facilitators able to guide individuals and groups safely through peak experiences and the transformational change which often occurs on retreat.
- Value for money. Retreats are fully inclusive with everything included in the cost. There are no additional costs and there are no items or services offered for sale during the retreat.
- Socially responsible. We care for people and the planet. All our retreats cause as little harm as possible. We are an entirely vegetarian venue with food on most retreats being vegan, gluten-free and organic whenever possible.
- Personal development. Kookaburra Retreats are a wonderful opportunity for personal and professional development. You'll be gently guided to explore limitations and obstacles to achieving your potential and become equipped with the tools, techniques and practical wisdom to evolve and grow. Kookaburra Retreats are transformational and potentially life-changing!
Do I need to be fit or have yoga & hiking Experience
YOGA & MEDITATION The yoga and meditation practices on this retreat are carefully explained and taught in a caring, respectful and safe manner. All of the practices taught can be adapted to suit the needs of the participants.
HIKING The hiking component of this retreat requires a moderate level of fitness. Please do not participate in the Bluff Knoll hike if you are unfit or have injuries which are contraindicated for hiking. The other two hikes are less challenging and may be accessible for you. Seek the advice of your health care provider if you are unsure.
HIKING The hiking component of this retreat requires a moderate level of fitness. Please do not participate in the Bluff Knoll hike if you are unfit or have injuries which are contraindicated for hiking. The other two hikes are less challenging and may be accessible for you. Seek the advice of your health care provider if you are unsure.
WHAT ARE THE VENUE DETAILS?
- Karribank Retreat Centre is an historic complex of cottages set on 30 acres. It is comprised of 10 chalets each sleeping up to 4 people. In addition to this, there are a number of small 1 bedroom (double bed) cottages suitable for couples. There are 2 cottages which can have two single beds for friends sharing.
- Karribank is 4 hours drive from Perth city (3.5 hours from Kookaburra). The address is 1983 Porongorup Road, Porongorup WA 6324. The most direct route is Albany Highway.
CANCELLAtiON POLICY
Cancellation Policy
- Your booking and full payment confirms your place, meaning other people cannot book it. $300 is a non-refundable deposit portion of your payment.
- If you cancel 0-2 weeks before the retreat the full amount of the retreat is payable.
- If you cancel more than 2 weeks before the retreat your payment will be returned to you, minus the $300 non-refundable portion which will be retained.
- If the organisers cancel the retreat the full amount will be refunded to you.
Health & Safety
- This retreat requires a moderate level of fitness for the hiking. Please do not attempt the hiking components of this retreat if you have poor fitness or health issues. Please check with your GP or medical provider to determine your suitability to attend this retreat.
- The hike to Bluff Knoll is relatively straightforward with a clearly marked trail, but is uphill the whole way. Some parts of the walk are graded difficult. Care must be taken on the summit. You must carry at least 2 litres of water and bring your own lunch and snacks. You must wear suitable footwear. We recommend sturdy hiking shoes and if you have weak knees or joints to use walking poles. We also suggest wearing a wind and waterproof jacket.
- Participating in the hike and any of the activities on this retreat is completely optional - all participants are welcome to relax at the venue during the hikes if they wish to. Participation in hikes is at your own discretion, and own risk.
- If you become sick or are injured during the retreat or while hiking, the nearest hospital is Albany, which is 40 minutes drive. There are nearby GPs at Mt Barker. Please ensure you have adequate insurance or means to cover any medical expenses which may be incurred.
COVID POLICY
If the retreat cannot go ahead due to Covid-related restrictions (no travel between regions, groups size restrictions, lockdown etc) the retreat will be cancelled or rescheduled. Participants will be offered the following:
• full refund to same account/card paid from
• transfer to rescheduled date, or to same retreat on a future date listed on website (subject to availability)
• credit for any future retreat or program with Kookaburra Yoga
If the retreat is affected by Covid-related restrictions imposed once the retreat has already commenced and during the retreat, then refunds will not be issued. Participants must comply with all government directions and rulings.
If you are unwell with any respiratory symptoms on the retreat commencement date you are not permitted to attend the retreat, unless you have been tested for Covid19 and have evidence of a negative result. The usual refund policy applies if you are unwell and cannot attend.
If you become unwell with any respiratory symptoms during the retreat, you will be required to self-isolate in your room, and to book a Covid19 test at your own expense at the nearest testing facility. You will need to self-isolate until the test results are returned to you. If the result is negative you may rejoin the retreat program.
• full refund to same account/card paid from
• transfer to rescheduled date, or to same retreat on a future date listed on website (subject to availability)
• credit for any future retreat or program with Kookaburra Yoga
If the retreat is affected by Covid-related restrictions imposed once the retreat has already commenced and during the retreat, then refunds will not be issued. Participants must comply with all government directions and rulings.
If you are unwell with any respiratory symptoms on the retreat commencement date you are not permitted to attend the retreat, unless you have been tested for Covid19 and have evidence of a negative result. The usual refund policy applies if you are unwell and cannot attend.
If you become unwell with any respiratory symptoms during the retreat, you will be required to self-isolate in your room, and to book a Covid19 test at your own expense at the nearest testing facility. You will need to self-isolate until the test results are returned to you. If the result is negative you may rejoin the retreat program.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Full payment confirms your place
- online payments only: credit card, paypal or direct deposit
- see cancellation policy above
- If you need a payment plan please be in touch. An additional $100 will be added to the amount for this option.
What should I bring?
- Personal Information Form all participants must complete this prior to attending
- Warm clothes suitable for both yoga and hiking. It is very cold here in the mornings and evenings so gloves, woollens and a beanie will be needed.
- Torch
- Personal toiletries
- Yoga Mat
- Shawl/blanket for yoga/meditation
- Cushion for yoga/meditation
- Yoga bolster for Restorative Yoga if you have one
- Sturdy hiking shoes (it is essential you have non-slip, supportive footwear)
- Water and wind proof jacket and clothing Rain & cold weather is likely so be prepared
- Hiking day pack with rainproof cover
- Water bottle 2 litres minimum per person for 3-4 hour hike
- Walking poles if you need them
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hat
- Lunch and Snacks Bring additional food for snacks, and to prepare and pack your own lunch for Sunday walk to Bluff Knoll. There is a fridge and kitchen in your accommodation.
CONTACT DETAILS
Retreat Organiser - Mandy BeckerKnox. Phone 0422 318 104.
Karribank Retreat Centre - Dan Blythe. Phone 9853 1022.
Address: 1983 Porongorup Road, Porongorup WA 6324
Please note there is NO internet at Karribank and most mobile phones (with the exception of Telstra) won't work there.
Karribank Retreat Centre - Dan Blythe. Phone 9853 1022.
Address: 1983 Porongorup Road, Porongorup WA 6324
Please note there is NO internet at Karribank and most mobile phones (with the exception of Telstra) won't work there.
DISTANCE/DIRECTIONS
Karribank Country Retreat is 4 hours drive from Perth city (3.5 hours from Kookaburra). The address is 1983 Porongorup Road, Porongorup WA 6324. The most direct route is Albany Highway. See Google map
LINKS & RESOURCES TO PREPARE FOR HIKING
Download Information Brochures about both the Porongorup National Park and Stirling Range National Park: Western Australian Adventure Activity Standard Guidelines for Bushwalking published by the Department of Sport and Recreation Other Resources
Contact details
Retreat Organiser - Mandy BeckerKnox. Phone 0422 318 104. Karribank Retreat Centre - Dan Blythe. Phone 9853 1022. Address: 1983 Porongorup Road, Porongorup WA 6324 |
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