Champers & Canvas Retreat

Champers & Canvas Retreat

Champers and Canvas is all about taking time for yourself and letting someone else do all the work, so you can unwind and please yourself…although you just might create some inspired artwork while you are at it. If you need some fresh air, fresh veggies from the garden, relaxation and a dose of creativity, then come, find your inner child. It’s is all about relaxing, de-stressing and taking home some artwork you have created, which you can hang in your home.     I’ve made it easy…templates, instructions, paint, canvas, brushes, water…all supplied. Wine? Well WHY not? We’re not licensed, but you are free to bring your own… I’ve got plenty of glasses and great food. What’s it all about? It’s about having two nights away from the usual hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s about meeting new people or sharing the fun with your friends or work colleagues, in a non-threatening environment. It’s about being creative and relaxed, regardless of any limitations, in a stress free, easy and relaxed way, while enjoying a glass or two, eating good food and making new friends. It’s about swimming in the ocean, walking along the beach or reading a great book while enjoying the ambience. It’s about going home totally relaxed and revitalized. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about having fun. The building blocks of self-esteem, energy and productivity come from spending time creatively revitalizing….do not fear mistakes for there are none.   “To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow”   What’s included? Two night’s shared accommodation in one...
Humpback Whales

Humpback Whales

Humpback Whales & the Winter Solstice! It’s migration time! The Bawley Coast has some of the most incredibly beautiful coastlines.  It’s common to see favourites like dolphins and seals frolicking in the bays and around the rocky headlands, but this time of year is even more special…it’s whale migration time! Just a few short weeks during the last weeks of June and early July you may spot a pod of Humpback Whales heading north to a warmer climate. Located on the Bawley coast within easy access of Bawley Point, Meroo National Park has some of the best vantage points for whale viewing on the NSW south coast. Don’t miss the panoramic views from Meroo Head lookout. You will find an easily accessible vantage point from Bawley Point by following the walking track north to Nuggan Point. While you are visiting Meroo, be sure to take advantage of the many other activities this coastal playground has on offer – enjoy fishing, walking, paddling, birdwatching and cycling. It’s a common sight to see the dolphins surfing the waves or cruising past a bay as you stroll along the beach.  Seals and Manta Rays can also be spotted if you explore the rocky headlands and pristine beaches. Spanning 44km of dramatic coastline just south of Merry Beach on the Bawley Coast is Murramarang National Park. This is another great place to explore the cliffs, headlands and pristine beaches of the NSW south coast while you keep an eye out for migrating whales. Take it to the next level! Book yourself a 2hr Eco Extreme Whale / Wilderness Cruise – departing from Jervis Bay here While you are...
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

The health and variety of  sea life in this area is astounding.  With the Marine Park close by and the pristine natural environment, the Bawley Coast is one of the best for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling. It’s a very popular pastime – year round. If you are a keen scuba diver or you would like to learn how, this is the perfect area for you to dive. Our beaches adjoin the Batemans Marine Park so we have an incredible array of sea life. It’s also a great spot to take underwater photos. We see groups training for open water dives, off the rocks of Bawley Beach, nearly every weekend. There are several Dive centres in the area. Contact Pure Scuba – 5/33 Orient Street, Batemans Bay on Ph. 02 4472 9930 see website here Ulladulla Dive & Adventure – 211 Princess Highway, Ulladulla on Ph. 02 4455 3029 see website...
Renovating the Retreat Space

Renovating the Retreat Space

Are you wanting to facilitate or run a small retreat, workshop, art or group gathering? We have the perfect venue for you. Len & I are excited to announce that we have started renovations on the Barn. We are planning on having it up and running by the end of July. Our plans are moving forward and we are excited. Accommodation is not affected in anyway and in fact once the ‘retreat space’ is finished, the possibilities for its use are only limited by our imagination. Dorm upstairs and living downstairs for younger, adult supervised, groups Dining and relaxation area and after activity meeting space Small conference/meeting room Small Event space/gathering Art/Craft Room Needlework /Knitting Classroom Fundraising event area Half Day/Full Day workshops Cooking/Preserving School The facilities we will have available in the barn will be – Internet access for guests Wall mounted large screen TV with HDMI, USB ports and an inbuilt DVD player. Workshop/Dining Table 10-12 seater Lounge/Breakout area Shower and Toilet Tea and Coffee facilities Kitchen Heated Yoga/Pilates/Art space upstairs with a Balcony for soaking up a little sun during a break. Outdoor communal area for a touch of fresh air and sunshine in between activities. Internet access is not available at the cottages unless of course you have your own. We decided against that facility in our cottages because sometimes it is nice to be “off grid” for a while, particularly if you are wanting to relax and unwind. Having said that we realise that sometimes you just need to be able to access the internet, so we are providing that facility in the barn....
L’escargot Ivre Photography’s Annual “Winter Witches Picnic Shoot

L’escargot Ivre Photography’s Annual “Winter Witches Picnic Shoot

“Just like the Summer picnic, our winter one is a women’s only event – a chance to get out in nature in the company of other equally amazing goddesses.” “Like the Shallow Crossing Picnic Shoot, it’s free to join in on the fun. And if you’d like, you can buy the photos I take.” WHEN: SUNDAY AUGUST 9TH WHAT TIME: 2pm-DARK HOW MUCH: FREE WHERE: MIMOSA ECO RETREAT – 96 BAWLEY POINT ROAD, BAWLEY POINT What to bring? Yourself, your friends, costume & props, a picnic & picnic mat or chairs, bubbles and your inner goddess! There will be lots of costume props available for you to choose from to add to your theme. Check the Facebook page for all the details How to get there: – View in Google Maps Karin Neate is L’escagot Ivre Photography – aka The Drunk Snail. She has a delightful studio in Milton in a little period house called “The Green House Studio” just opposite the hospital on the Pacific highway on the left as you travel North from Ulladulla. Vintage Glamour by Karin Neate Wouldn’t you just love one of these of yourself to keep? Every year Karin does two picnic shoots for women only. She explains here – “After three of my annual Shallow Crossing Picnic Shoots, I’ve decided that I cannot possibly wait an entire year in between picnics! The Shallow Crossing one is held on the second Sunday of February each year and it’s such a lovely way to say goodbye to summer that I’ve decided to farewell winter with a winter woodland version! A bohemian gypsy witch inspired theme with the...