Bluff Knoll Yoga & Hiking Retreat
​Long Weekend 2-4 June 

2-4 June 2018 Take a short break and 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 (Saturday 2nd - Monday 4th June).

Our program includes hiking in both the Stirling Ranges (to the summit of Bluff Knoll) and the nearby Porongorup National Park; yoga, meditation; sound healing and evening kirtan.

​This weekend 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; 3 day-time hikes; evening yin yoga, relaxation and sound healing.

Retreat highlights
  • early morning healing meditations
  • vitalising morning hatha yoga
  • restorative yin yoga & relaxation
  • simple, yet profound meditation practices
  • hike to the summit of Bluff Knoll (5 hours)
  • hike in Porongorup National Park (2 hours)
  • hike to Castle Rock (2 hours)
  • nourishing, delicious vegan food
  • gorgeous venue set amongst the karri trees on a historic, beautifully landscaped property

Immerse yourself in beautiful, wild, winter landscapes 

​Koi Kyenunu-ruff

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. 
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Some of our wonderful participants on the 2016 retreat
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A rewarding and amazing personal challenge
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Spectacular skies, sweeping views
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A beautiful walk in the company of adventurous souls
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You'll literally feel on top of the world!
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The journey home

Retreat program 

Saturday
12pm Aim to arrive between 12pm-1.30pm
1pm Enjoy lunch at our venue amongst the karri trees with sweeping views to the Porongorups
2pm Walk Porongorup National Park (2 hours) 
5.30pm Hatha Yoga and Meditation 
7.00pm Dinner 
8.00pm Kirtan/Sound Healing

Sunday
6.30am Mano Yoga Meditation 
7.30am Hatha Yoga 
9am Breakfast 
10am Depart for Stirling Ranges (40 minute drive) 
11.00am Stirling Ranges/Bluff Knoll Walk. Bring own packed lunch. (approx 5 hours) 
4pm Depart for Karribank 
5.30pm Yin Yoga and Meditation 
7.00pm Dinner 
8.00pm Kirtan/Concert 

Monday (public holiday)
6am Mano Yoga Meditation 
7am Hatha Yoga 
9am Breakfast 
10am Walk - Porongorup Granite Skywalk/ Castle Rock (2 hours) 
12pm Lunch 
1pm Check out and depart      

About the venue & program

the venue

Karribank Country Retreat is an historic property set on 30 acres. The conference room is equipped with dining facilities and a lovely space for our yoga practice. More information about Karribank is on their website. If you wish to book additional nights either side of this retreat please be in touch with them directly.   
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the region

Living closely to nature brings us into harmony with both the external environment and our inner nature, enabling an intuitive understanding of what is needed to rebalance and bring healing to the body, mind and soul. On this retreat we meditate within and upon nature, including the sun, the moon and the trees.

Hatha Yoga

Kookaburra Yoga's integrated system of Hatha and Raja Yoga is holistic and beneficial on every level of being. Asanas are of 2 types (both rejuvenative and restorative imbued with 4 qualities: those which bring inner quiet; those which bring focus and body awareness; those which bring humility and detachment; and those which increase confidence and vitality.

Meditation

We 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.

Bluff Knoll

Located in the Stirling Range National Park, Bluff Knoll is the third highest and one of the most spectacular peaks in Western Australia. It is 1,099 metres above sea level, and is one of only a few places which experiences snow in WA! There are amazing 360 degree views from the summit on a clear day. The walk is both challenging and exhilarating.

Porongorup National Park

The 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.

Community

You'll have the time and the opportunity to get to know and share with others. We take turns assisting in the kitchen which is an opportunity to learn about the yogic diet and also work informally beside others. Our long meandering walks in the forest and to Bluff Knoll provide time for both solitary contemplation and sharing with others.

Powerful, healing places 

Taking 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. 

Total surrender

On 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. 

Pure and real food

Food on this retreat is sattvic - meaning it brings peace and enhances the wellbeing of the body, mind and spirit. All food is plant-based, vegetarian and gluten-free, and is sustainable, pure and real - supporting your body to detox, cleanse and heal. Vegan options for all dishes.

About the facilitators

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 and travel retreats here in Australia and internationally.

Inclusions & Cost

SINGLE / SHARED
Shared Room in Chalet
COTTAGE UPGRADE Double Room in Chalet
FAMILY CHALET
Private Cottage Upgrade
495
990
1190
PER PERSON
twin share room in chalet
PER COUPLE
​double share room in chalet
PER COUPLE
​Private cottage upgrade
  • Accommodation for 2 nights in shared room
  • choose TWIN SHARE ROOM if coming alone or with a friend
  • 6 vegetarian meals (Day 1: lunch, dinner. Day 2: breakfast, dinner. Day 3: breakfast, lunch) 
  • 6 yoga/meditation sessions 
  • evening relaxation/sound healing
  • 3 Hikes (Bluff Knoll, Porongorup National Park) 
  • Doesn't include entrance fees to national parks. 
  • Accommodation for 2 nights in a private room with a double bed in a chalet
  • choose DOUBLE SHARE room
  • 6 vegetarian meals (Day 1: lunch, dinner. Day 2: breakfast, dinner. Day 3: breakfast, lunch) 
  • 6 yoga/meditation sessions 
  • evening relaxation/sound healing
  • 3 Hikes (Bluff Knoll, Porongorup National Park) 
  • Doesn't include entrance fees to national parks.​​


​
  • Accommodation for 2 nights in private cottage (twin share room not available with this option)
  • 6 vegetarian meals (Day 1: lunch, dinner. Day 2: breakfast, dinner. Day 3: breakfast, lunch) 
  • 6 yoga/meditation sessions 
  • evening relaxation/sound healing
  • 3 Hikes (Bluff Knoll, Porongorup National Park) 
  • Doesn't include entrance fees to national parks.​​

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 experience in Yoga to attend this retreat?
No, we welcome anyone who is interested in embarking upon a journey of self enquiry and discovery. The yoga and meditation practices on this retreat are carefully explained and taught in a caring and respectful manner. All of the practices taught can be adapted to suit the needs of each participant.
​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.
  • 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. 
What if I Need to cancel?
Cancellation Policy
  • Your booking and full payment confirms your place, meaning other people cannot book it. 
  • ​If you cancel 0-1 week before the retreat the full amount of the retreat is payable.
  • If you cancel 1-2 weeks before the retreat 50% of your payment (minus deposit) will be refunded to you.
  • If you cancel more than 2 weeks prior to the retreat your full payment (minus deposit) will be refunded to you.
  • ​If we have a waitlist and can fill your place from this, all money paid (except for a $50 administration fee) will be refunded to you regardless of when you cancel. 
What if I am not in perfect condition or if I get sick?
  • This retreat requires a reasonable level of fitness. The hike to Bluff Knoll is relatively straightforward but is uphill the whole way! Some parts of the walk are graded difficult.
  • Participating in the hike and any of the activities is completely optional - all participants are welcome to relax at the venue during the hikes if they wish to.
  • If you become sick during the retreat, the nearest hospital is Albany, which is 40 minutes drive. There are nearby GPs at Mt Barker.

​WHAT IS THE RETREAT SIZE?
  • ​Total retreat capacity staying at Karribank - 40 people
what are the 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
What should I bring?
  • ​Warm clothes suitable for both yoga and hiking.
  • Waterproof jacket if raining 
  • Yoga Mat if you don't have one you may purchase one from us at the retreat for $25 - please let us know in advance.
  • Shawl/blanket, cushion, bolster for yoga/meditation
  • Sturdy hiking shoes
  • Water and wind proof jacket
  • Day pack
  • Water bottle *2 litres per person for 3-4 hour hike
  • Packed lunch for Sunday walk to Bluff Knoll
  • torch
  • mosquito repellant
  • toiletries, personal items
CONTACT DETAILS
Retreat Organiser - Mandy BeckerKnox. Phone 0422 318 104.
Karribank Retreat Centre - John Blythe. Phone 9853 1022.
Address: 1983 Porongorup Road, Porongorup WA 6324​
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 ​
ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARKS & HIKES
Download Information Brochures about both the Porongorup National Park and Stirling Range National Park: ​
Book Now
Contact details
Retreat Organiser - Mandy BeckerKnox. Phone 0422 318 104.
Karribank Retreat Centre - John Blythe. Phone 9853 1022.
Address: 1983 Porongorup Road, Porongorup WA 6324

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