WOW Australia
International Writing Retreat & Blue Mountains Immersion
New South Wales, Australia
October 14-20, 2024
Only 12 spots available.
Nurturing Awe
Everyone has the desire to tell a story or two. WOW helps you put your story into words on a page.
Virtual meet-ups, classes, and networking will expand your creative mind.
And to go further than you’ve ever gone, stepping away from the familiarity of your space and the comfort of your local yoga studio to fully immerse yourself in a new culture will unlock a greater vision than you ever imagined possible.
Traveling to a captivating place will take you further.
Explore your next-level transformation right alongside an intimate group of creative adventurers and kindred spirits.
The most thought-provoking storytellers in the world have one thing in common.
They value the power of taking a break from the busyness of their lives and stepping back to reflect on where they’ve grown, what they’re making next, and how they want to create the next chapter.
Writing On Water (WOW) is a live retreat and cultural experience that’s been purposefully designed to propel the curious to their next level of story writing accomplishment.
That’s why we’re setting aside seven days so you can unplug from your day-to-day and tap into unexplored territories of your inner terrain while immersing yourself in a new culture.
The WOW Australia Sojourn
Cultural and Storytelling Immersion.
A sojourn is a creative writing retreat experience.
A temporary stay in a space and time stolen from our ordinary days.
A sacred time spent discovering, living, and connecting as a local in a foreign culture.
Join us for 7 awe-filled days of culturally immersive tours, mindful movement, guided creative writing workshops, storytelling salons, and an abundance of free time.
This is WOW Australia.
Where we can hear our inner voices and allow our stories to emerge.
Learning to write with inner and outer stillness frees your mind so you can focus. What you create next might surprise you.
Here’s a look at what to expect over your 7-day cultural sojourn …
A lightly structured, focused, and spacious schedule, giving you dedicated time for learning, writing, connecting… and resting, recalibrating, and recharging. Perfect for introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between.
Changing your creative writing scenery unlocks fresh ideas.
Explore the essence of your tales at the heart of the ancient Blue Mountains. Retreat into cozy village life and surrender your imaginative spirit to artful, timeless landforms along quiet bush paths.
Nourish your senses as you savor local providores’ fare and the kookaburra laugh.
Inhale fresh air from the abundant forest and surrounding waters and exhale your story.
Write into your awakened creative core and experience awe.
The WOW Australia Cultural and Story Writing Experience is for you if…
You’re craving an escape from your busy days to rest in a natural setting
You cherish your quiet writing practice and also want to get out from behind your computer to make some meaningful connections
You have the liberty to travel and are a little hesitant to embark on a solo expedition
You’re bumping into some blocks with your story and have a sense it’s time to change things up and see things from a new perspective
Your inquisitive mind wants to see new things, discover new wonders, and enjoy exciting adventures
Prepare to be WOW-ed:
Create meaning in your life
Uncover adventure
Satisfy your need for curiosity
Enjoy group travel
More profound layers of self-expression
Rejuvenation and an unrushed experience
Let our team look after everything
Stretch your individual experience out to the wider world, reconnect with nature and return home to yourself with a deeper understanding of life.
Your WOW Australia Retreat includes:
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Historic Accommodations
6-night stay at a charming guest house in Blackheath. Savor breakfast, lunch, and dinner with curated selections.
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Delicious Meal Selections
Daily locally sourced breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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Movement & Meditation
Guided exercise and stillness rituals, both indoors and outdoors.
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Writing & Storytelling
Inspiring creative writing workshops & salons to help release your story.
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Meditation Ceremony
Guided cultural and history experience.*
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The Three Sisters
Blue Mountain tour and nature therapy walk.*
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Australia's Grand Canyon
Locally guided tour*
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Free Space & Time
Write, explore, or relax with “me” time to savor Australia on your own.
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Sydney Transfers
Enjoy the view on your train ride to and from Sydney Central Station.
*includes transportation and fees.
The Location
Glenella
A grand Blue Mountain house.
Tucked into the village of Blackheath, you’ll find the historic Glenella. Perfectly located for strolls to explore the village and just a short walk to the train station, shops, and restaurants. is close to the most visited National Park in New South Wales.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Monday, October 14
2:00 pm - Gather at Sydney Central Station to prepare for boarding the train to Blackheath.
Then, you’ll attend our welcome session with drinks and snacks, followed by dinner and an introduction to the retreat.
Days 2-6: Tuesday, October 15 to Saturday, October 19
Each day begins with gentle movement and writing, followed by breakfast. You’ll enjoy daily nature therapy walks, catered lunches, and expert-led storytelling, and prompt following. Each sunrise set off for guided cultural adventures or meals and even a book shopping spree before returning for evening events.
You’ll also have space in each day, plus a free day to rest, explore, visit the spa, or enjoy some “me” time.
Day 7: Sunday, October 20
On our final day, we’ll enjoy a panel discussion on working with editors and publishers, enjoy lunch, and then depart via train at 1:00 pm.
One-on-one 45-minute WOW advisory sessions are available upon request
Meet Your WOW Sojourn Experience Facilitators
Australia Lead Facilitator
Rose Marie Sabangan is WOW’s Creative Director and the smiling face you’ll greet upon arrival in Australia.
Rose migrated to the United States from the Philippines in 1972 but spent her early childhood years schooled under the British in North Borneo.
A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and Goddard College (MFA, Creative Writing), Rose launched Writing On Water (WOW) in 2016 to indulge her passion for storytelling, travel, and community.
Growing a team of international professional creatives, Rose is thrilled to bring you opportunities to explore creative cultural sojourns in stunning spaces.
Guest Teaching Artists
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Annette Higgs
Prize-Winning Novelist
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Mark Tredinnick
Award-Winning Writer & Educator
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Wendy Guest
Australia-Based Writer & Nature Therapy Guide
Other local creatives will also lead the sojourn’s workshops and rituals.
Why water?
Water is the foundation of all life on Earth.
Water and its creatures have retained all memories from our planet’s beginning, and we find them flowing freely in our oceans, lakes, rivers, and human bodies.
As a fetus, we're 99% water
At old age, we're about 50% water*
* Emoto, Masaru. The Hidden Messages in Water. Hillsboro: Beyond Words Publishing, Inc., 2001. pp. xv-xviii.
Treat Yourself to the WOW Sojourn Cultural Experience
Traveling with WOW, we realize we belong to a way of life larger than we have been accustomed.
We learn and absorb stories outside of our own, ancient and new.
We grow our own stories.
We look after all the details so you can recharge. The retreat schedule allows plenty of spaciousness to slow down — to nap, to read, to have a stretch, shop, enjoy nature, and to make new life-long friends. Just west of the shimmering harbour city of Sydney, you’ll delight in Australian hospitality and the timeless world of sculpted ancient landscapes.
In the serenity of your home away from home, you’ll reawaken your senses to connect with your spirit and your stories.
WOW Australia Experience Investment
BEST EXPERIENCE
WOW Australia
Single Occupancy/Ensuite Bathroom
Early Bird Pricing
Save $445 before May 31
USD $3,330 $3775
7 spots left
BEST VALUE
WOW Australia
Single Occupancy/Hall Bathroom
Early Bird Pricing
Save $445 before May 31
USD $2,800 $3250
5 spots left
Space is limited to 12 participants.
Includes all accommodations, meals, and activities as listed in the Itinerary.
Airport transfers to and from Sydney Central Station are not included. WOW organizers will meet you at Sydney Central Station to facilitate your travel to the Blue Mountains.
Are you ready for your WOW Australia adventure?
Here’s how to sign up:
Step 1: Click the WOW With Us button below and submit your payment.
Step 2: You’ll receive an email confirmation with your receipt within a few minutes of registration and sending payment.
Step 3: You’ll get all your next steps and an official welcome from the WOW team, including all the details you need to prepare for an exceptional sojourn experience. You’ll also hear from our creative team with an invitation to share an optional writing sample 30 days before we begin.
To grow and foster a new sense of self expression that honors all life on our planet, the WOW experience may push, challenge, and change your perspectives — in the most beautiful way.
Questions about Writing On Water Berlin?
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We meet you where you are and are completely inclusive. That goes for your story writing level and interests. We’re open to participants from all walks of life. We welcome all storytelling writers, creatives, artists, photographers, and anyone with an open mind to the page.
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If you’re flying, you’ll fly into Sydney International Airport (SYD) and plan to arrive early on Monday, October 14, 2024, or the day before.
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We begin our adventure on Monday, October 14, at 2:00 pm at the Sydney Central Station, so we recommend you arrive early in the day or the day before.
Checkout from Blue Mountains accommodations is on Sunday, October 20, at 1:00 pm.
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All accommodations are single occupancy unless you request otherwise.
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If a double occupancy room is still available, we’d love to welcome your guest too! Rooms feature single beds or two twin beds.
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All meals are locally sourced and organic when possible. Please let us know if you have any allergies or preferences.
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Wear comfortable clothes that feel good to you. Loose or flexible clothes are best for meditation and gentle movement sessions. The average temperatures in October are from 58° F (14° C) to 74° F (23° C).
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A light jacket or sweater for evenings
Short and long-sleeved shirts for layering — it can get cool at night, so layer up!
Comfortable shoes for walking, a flat or boot with cushioning support
You may also need:
Sunscreen
A camera
Water bottle
A rain cover
Charger adapter – In Australia, the power plugs and sockets are type I. The standard voltage is 230V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Spending money (Australian Dollars or credit cards) – To purchase souvenirs or gifts.
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Movement sessions are tailored to participants. Daily movement is designed to be gentle and inclusive. Our expert movement guide will work with you on any modifications needed. You’re welcome to participate in all activities or only a few.
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You are not required to pack anything besides your favorite writing tools, such as your laptop, tablet, or notebook.
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You may receive a full refund of your payment to your original payment method if you send a refund request to inquiries@writingonwater.net at least 90 days before the first day of the event you paid for.
After that:
60 days before the paid event: 50% refund of payment
During the event: A 100% refund if you’re present during the first day of the event paid for, but the event is canceled by Writing on Water (WOW) Corporation.
Please note that there are no refunds for leaving a Writing on Water (WOW) experience early, arriving late, or skipping meals. All activities are optional; however, if you choose to opt out of any of our activities or offerings, that is your choice, and you will not receive a refund of any part of your registration fee.
Still have questions?
Email us; we’re happy to help:
inquiries@writingonwater.net.