Find your creative flow at
Retreat with Meg
Escape to nature, immerse yourself in writing and the writing community, and reset your creative energy with Meg at Karma Kinglake in Victoria
Bookings
Places at this retreat are limited to seven (7) participants
Early bird pricing closes midnight 21 June 2025
Retreat with Meg
Four day writing retreat
21 August 2025
–
24 August 2025
Fully catered, private bedrooms and writing spaces, a perfect balance of writing time and together time
Retreat with Meg is designed to offer you a peaceful and inspiring space to dive into your writing. Whether you want to get lost in your story, reflect on your creative process or simply recharge in nature, this retreat offers you sacred time. You'll enjoy the beautiful nature-filled surroundings at Karma Kinglake where writing meets serenity. All Retreat with Meg venues are selected for their facilities, accommodation and proximity to nature.
Retreat with Meg offers the perfect blend of nurture, structure, and creative freedom. Our retreats provide everything you need to make extraordinary progress on your writing project.
Retreat with Meg includes fully catered meals, daily optional writing and coaching workshops, one-on-one coaching, an extensive library of writing and creativity resources and ample time for individual writing and reflection. You can read more about the inclusions here.
Whether you're drafting your first chapters, polishing your final manuscript or writing for therapy our carefully crafted environment eliminates distractions and nurtures your creativity through:
- Private accommodation with dedicated writing spaces
- Fully catered, delicious meals prepared with fresh ingredients
- Optional daily workshops designed to deepen your project
- One-on-one coaching from a qualified creativity and mindset coach
- A supportive community of fellow writers
Retreat with Meg was a wonderful deep immersion into four days of writing. Thoughtfully put together it ensured that all of us, no matter what stage or level we were at, were all more than adequately looked after. The structure of the days meant that there was plenty of opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the location as well as spend as little or as much time with our work as we wanted. In the evenings Meg encouraged us to come together to spend time over a meal to relax and get to know each other which was also a happy way to end the day. I absolutely enjoyed all aspects of the retreat. I came away feeling like I had not only had an incredibly positive experience but also a more than special time to spend writing!
Lynn P
Emerging author
Inclusions
Retreat with Meg provides you with all you will need to spend time with your writing. Everything is curated with you in mind, so that all you have to do is arrive with your laptop and clothes and immerse yourself into your writing.
Fully catered
This is one of the most important parts of a writing retreat. As you use all that brain muscle, you need the right energy. The menu is fresh, nutritious and ample. We take into account most dietary requirements. Please reach out if you would like to discuss this more.
Breakfast, lunch, morning and afternoon tea and snacks are self serve to allow you to listen to the rhythm of your body. Each private space has a kitchenette for you to make your tea and coffee and, if you like, have your breakfast, lunch and snacks without interrupting your flow.
We gather at 6 pm each evening for nibbles and a drink. You are welcome to bring any extra drinks and snacks as you require.
Of course, if you have a desire to get a cafe made coffee, the coffee shop is only a short walk away.
Optional extras
1. Massage
There is a massage room at the venue, and you can book in for a massage from a qualified masseuse during your time there.
2. Feedback on your writing
If you would like Meg to provide feedback on your writing, you will have the opportunity to opt in for this.
What you get when you attend
- three nights’ accommodation with private bedroom, ensuite* and writing space
- wood fire in most rooms (other than Little Barn Studio)
- access to walks in the adjoining bush
- free Wi-Fi in all spaces
- extensive use of multiple lounge areas, garden and decks
- pre- and post-retreat 30-minute Zoom consultations with Meg Dunley
- two intention setting and writing clarity masterclasses
- two optional writing and creativity masterclasses including writing exercises and a guided walk-and-write
- one-hour one-on-one coaching and/or mentoring session with Meg Dunley
- facilitated writing conversations to workshop ideas, roadblocks and breakthroughs
- three evening group readings facilitated by Meg Dunley
- access to an extensive writing and creativity resource library
- goody bag with treats just for you
- fully catered three meals a day and morning and afternoon tea
- cheese platters and one drink each evening
- private kitchenette for tea and espresso coffee
- an invitation to my private online writing community
- option to have feedback on a piece of writing.
* if you choose to share a cottage, you will still have a private bedroom, but will share a bathroom
About Karma Kinglake
Karma Kinglake offers the perfect backdrop for your writing. The venue is nestled next to Kinglake National Park. You'll have a space of your own (think wood fire, couch, kitchenette, table and chairs and private bathroom) as well as a communal space to meet other writers.
Kinglake is a short drive from Melbourne and is service by public transport.
Meet your host
Meg Dunley // Creativity Coach, Writing Retreat Host, Writing Workshop Facilitator, Writer
Hello! I'm Meg and I help writers write. I love working with writers and creatives. I began running writing retreats about 10 years ago for my writing group, but the idea of running writing retreats goes back even further than that. Some time in the early 2000s, I began to think about how incredible it would be to provide writers with the time and space they needed to do their writing.
I know what writers need
Fast forward to today, and I've clocked up quite a few retreats so I know what does and doesn't help writers to do the one thing that they need to do: write. My retreats provide writers with the perfect balance of solitude to think and write (and nap, read, walk...) with a tiny bit of structured workshop time each day for those who would love to deep their relationship with their writing and their stories and characters.
I'm a graduate of the RMIT Professional Writing and Editing Program, a trained mindset and life coach and an editor.I've run writing workshops for over ten years in neighbourhood houses and libraries. I've coached many writers and creatives on their personal and writing goals. I'm also a gardener, knitter and mum of three adult sons and an inner Melbourne city dweller.
More than all this, I'm the person who cares about you and your writing and I want to help you make it shine.
I hope I get to work with you on getting your writing done in the most joyful way possible.
Meg Dunley
Did you know
Over 25% of Retreat with Meg participants return for a second (third, fourth...) time
"I highly recommend Retreat with Meg ... I'll be back for more"
Melissa Manning, Award winning author
Four time attendee of Retreat with Meg
"Every retreat has exceeded my expectations. There's something really special about the way Meg fosters a relaxed, collegiate, and creative environment. At the first retreat, I had high expectations and it was so much more than I’d hoped. Meg thought of everything. From planning to execution, it was relaxing, productive, interesting, inclusive and affirming. There’s something really special about the way Meg fosters a relaxed, collegiate and creative environment."
Give your writing the time and space it deserves
Join these happy writers
Who attends
Retreat with Meg welcomes writers at all stages of their journey. Experience has told us that writers struggle with the same issues, and the mix of stages provides robust conversations.
Hobby writers
You like writing stories in notebooks or in the computer. You don't know what these stories will be, but you're having fun. You may not know any other writers, or where you might submit your writing, but it's been a life long passion to write. Maybe you don't want anyone else to read your writing, but you've discovered that writing can be a deeply joyful and therapeutic activity. If you just had the time...
Early writers
You're just starting out. You haven’t done much writing or attended many workshops. You've probably thought about it, a lot, and may have done some reading up on how to write and on what you're trying to write. You might have sent some pieces of writing off to competitions or publishers, but so far have not been listed for any award or have been published.
Emerging writers
You've done a fair amount of writing and have read some books on writing. You might have attended writing workshops before and might be currently studying or might have studied writing at a university or TAFE. You most likely have had some short pieces published or been listed for some awards. You might have a contract for a book or have an agent.
Established writers
You've had a full length book of fiction, short fiction or non-fiction published by a mainstream publisher. You are familiar with the publishing industry. You may have a contract for another book (or not, and that may be causing some angst). You would love to be even better at the craft, more well known or more published.
Testimonials
Rediscovered my joy in writing
It was a bit like magic … by the morning of Day 3 I’d fallen in love with my story again. But maybe not magic.
I realised the whole experience was carefully considered – the workshops, the one-one-one sessions, the communal times for talking and sharing, the lovely venue and the (fabulous) catering – everything worked together to create a safe, warm, creative space.
SUSAN GREEN // Award winning author
Retreating with Meg proved to be an amazing bootcamp for my writing
I found it so motivating to be surrounded by like-minded writers in such a beautiful, peaceful and supportive environment with great food, a warming fire, lovely trees and wildlife outside, and Meg herself! Thank you Meg for helping me navigate my way through the dreaded MIDDLE OF THE NOVEL!!
Susannah Glenn // Author
The well needed opportunity to read, rest and refocus
Retreat with Meg provided a well needed opportunity to read, rest, reset, refocus and delve into my writing.
Her coaching technique was positive, practical and tailored to my individual needs.
The retreat is in an idyllic location and allowed me to rest and retreat from my city life and meet other writers all with different writing approaches, published, not published, and aspiring to be published. Meg created a warm, welcoming and safe environment which helped build trust very quickly with the group. I would highly recommend this retreat and Meg’s coaching services.
JOSEPHINE DALY // Writer
Find your supportive writing community at Retreat with Meg
Bookings
There's plenty of options for you to stay at Karma Kinglake, but it is a first in first serve basis. This means you get to choose the room that you would like best. You can read more about the rooms here.
The first three options allow you to share a cottage (and bathroom) with a mate, or you can book the entire cottage for yourself. All other options all have private ensuites and spaces to write.
1. Argyle Apple Cottage BOOKED
This cottage can be shared with another writer friend for extra savings.
- Spacious lounge room
- Cozy slow-combustion wood heater for those chilly winter nights
- Reverse cycle air-conditioning for cooling and heating
- Kitchenette for preparing light meals and snacks
- Dining table
- Comfortable queen-sized beds in both bedrooms with warm quilts and extra blankets
- Jack and Jill style bathroom between both bedrooms
- All linen and towels are provided
If you share the cottage, you'll get a writing table in your bedroom.
Argyle Apple Cottage
Secure this with a deposit or full payment
Pricing options
1. Private room with ensuite
Full price = $2895 (Purchase before 21 June for only $2645).
Pay in full or a 32% deposit with the balance due by 21 July 2025.
2. Book entire cottage for you and a writer mate (jack-and-jill bathroom)
Full price = $5190 ($2595 each) together (Purchase before 21 June for only $4690)
Pay in full or a 32% deposit with the balance due by 21 July 2025.
3. Shared cottage with another writer (jack-and-jill bathroom)
Full price = $2595 (Purchase before 21 June for only $2345)
Pay in full or a 32% deposit with the balance due by 21 July 2025
Note: if the other room is not filled, you will need to pay the difference ($300) between a shared cottage and the entire cottage.
2. Candle Bark Cottage BOOKED
This cottage can be shared with another writer friend for extra savings.
- Spacious lounge room
- Cozy slow-combustion wood heater for those chilly winter nights
- Reverse cycle air-conditioning for cooling and heating
- Kitchenette for preparing light meals and snacks
- Dining table
- Comfortable queen-sized beds in both bedrooms with warm quilts and extra blankets
- Jack and Jill style bathroom between both bedrooms
- All linen and towels are provided
If you share the cottage, you'll get a writing table in your bedroom.
Candle Bark Cottage
Secure this with a deposit or full payment
Pricing options
1. Private room with ensuite
Full price = $2895 (Purchase before 21 June for only $2645).
Pay in full or a 32% deposit with the balance due by 21 July 2025.
2. Book entire cottage for you and a writer mate (jack-and-jill bathroom)
Full price = $5190 ($2595 each) together (Purchase before 21 June for only $4690)
Pay in full or a 32% deposit with the balance due by 21 July 2025.
3. Shared cottage with another writer (jack-and-jill bathroom)
Full price = $2595 (Purchase before 21 June for only $2345)
Pay in full or a 32% deposit with the balance due by 21 July 2025
Note: if the other room is not filled, you will need to pay the difference ($300) between a shared cottage and the entire cottage.
3. Silver Princess Cottage BOOKED
This cottage can be shared with another writer friend for extra savings.
- Spacious lounge room
- Cozy slow-combustion wood heater for those chilly winter nights
- Reverse cycle air-conditioning for cooling and heating
- Kitchenette for preparing light meals and snacks
- Dining table
- Comfortable queen-sized beds in both bedrooms with warm quilts and extra blankets
- Jack and Jill style bathroom between both bedrooms
- All linen and towels are provided
If you share the cottage, you'll get a writing table in your bedroom.
Silver Princess Cottage
Secure this with a deposit or full payment
Pricing options
1. Private room with ensuite
Full price = $2895 (Purchase before 21 June for only $2645).
Pay in full or a 32% deposit with the balance due by 21 July 2025.
2. Book entire cottage for you and a writer mate (jack-and-jill bathroom)
Full price = $5190 ($2595 each) together (Purchase before 21 June for only $4690)
Pay in full or a 32% deposit with the balance due by 21 July 2025.
3. Shared cottage with another writer (jack-and-jill bathroom)
Full price = $2595 (Purchase before 21 June for only $2345)
Pay in full or a 32% deposit with the balance due by 21 July 2025
Note: if the other room is not filled, you will need to pay the difference ($300) between a shared cottage and the entire cottage.
4. Winter Lights Cottage BOOKED
- Spacious lounge room
- Cozy slow combustion wood heater for those chilly winter nights
- Reverse cycle air-conditioning for cooling and heating
- Full equipped kitchen with oven and stovetop, full sized fridge and lots of bench space
- Table
- Very comfortable queen sized bed with luxury hotel style sheets and warm quilt
- Private bathroom featuring a rainfall shower head
- Veranda with outdoor setting
- All linen and towels are provided
* Please note that this cottage is fully accessible and may be used for a participant who has accessibility needs. Please check with Meg prior to booking this
Pricing
Private room with ensuite
Full price = $2895 (Purchase before 21 June for only $2645).
Pay in full or a deposit of $900 with the balance due by 21 July 2025.
Winter Lights Cottage
Secure this with a deposit or full payment
5. Mountain Ash Guesthouse Suites - 2 of 2 BOOKED
The Mountain Ash Suite has two private bedrooms with private ensuites.
- Spacious lounge room
- Cozy slow-combustion wood heater for those chilly winter nights
- Reverse cycle air-conditioning for cooling and heating
- Kitchenette for preparing light meals and snacks
- Dining table
- Comfortable queen-sized beds in both bedrooms with warm quilts and extra blankets
- Separate ensuites off both bedrooms featuring a rainfall shower head and hydronic heating
- All linen and towels are provided
Pricing
Private room with ensuite
Full price = $2895 (Purchase before 21 June for only $2645).
Pay in full or a deposit of $900 with the balance due by 21 July 2025.
Mountain Ash Guesthouse
Secure this with a deposit or full payment
6. Little Barn Studio BOOKED
This queen-bed studio is a quiet and relaxing space. Upstairs is the massage room.
- Spacious lounge area with two-seater leather couch
- Kitchenette for preparing lite meals and snacks
- Dining table for two
- Comfortable queen-sized bed
- Double-sheeted with warm quilts and extra blankets is needed.
- Ensuite bathroom featuring rainfall shower head
- All linen and towels are provided
- Reverse cycle air-conditioning for cooling and heating
NOTE: this room does not have a wood fire.
Pricing
Private room with ensuite
Full price = $2895 (Purchase before 21 June for only $2645).
Pay in full or a deposit of $900 with the balance due by 21 July 2025.
Little Barn Studio
Secure this with a deposit or full payment
Early bird pricing closes in...
A typical day at Retreat with Meg
Loads of time to immerse in your writing
(reading, napping, walking and thinking are also writing)
Morning
- Wake to the peaceful sounds of nature
- Enjoy your self-serve breakfast at a time that suits you best
- Use your private writing space for your writing, or write from a place in the house or gardens
- Participate in an optional late morning workshop designed to inspire and focus your day's writing
Afternoon
- Help yourself to a delicious lunch that nourishes both body and creativity
- Enjoy extended private writing time in your personal space, house or gardens
- One-on-one coaching sessions (scheduled throughout the retreat)
- Take a gentle walk through the bush to refresh your mind when inspiration needs renewal
Evening
- Gather for drinks and nibbles on the deck or inside to celebrate the day's progress
- Continue the conversation over a fresh and nutritious dinner
- Participate in evening readings around the fire
- End the day with reflection and setting gentle intentions for tomorrow's writing
August 2025 schedule
Pre retreat
Pre retreat
Meg meets with you over the phone or Zoom to chat more about what you are hoping to achieve at the retreat and help you set goals for the retreat.
Day 1
Thursday 21 August
- Arrive by 10:00 am and settle into your room
- Welcome workshop at 11:00 am
- Creative practice time
- Scheduled one-on-one coaching sessions in the afternoon
- Drinks and nibbles 6:00 pm
- Communal dinner 7:00 pm
- Readings 8:00–9:00 pm
Days 2-3
Friday–Saturday 22–23 August
- Creative practice time
- Workshops 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Scheduled one-on-one coaching sessions in the afternoons
- Drinks and nibbles 6:00 pm
- Communal dinner 7:00 pm
- Readings 8:00–9:00 pm
Day 4
Sunday 24 August
- Closing workshop 11:00 am
- Leave after 12:00 pm
Post retreat
Post retreat
Meg will meet with you over the phone or Zoom to consolidate your time at the retreat and help you set up a plan to continue the great work you have done.
Hear from past participants
A safe and supportive environment
Meg offers a safe and supportive environment, delicious food and great advice and tips to get the most out of your writing time. I can highly recommend Meg’s retreats. Meg’s retreat was just what I needed to reconnect with my writing and focus my intentions. I got more out of it than I expected and have left with a clear plan for the rest of my manuscript.
Carolyn Nicholson // Writer
Meg provides a truly remarkable experience
Retreat with Meg was an indulgent experience for me. Totally new to writing I was hesitant about attending with more seasoned writers. What I experienced was an incredibly inclusive and supportive environment. The daily workshops provided me with so much guidance and helped me to structure and think more about my writing. Meg is a fabulous mentor, providing support and ideas while also giving the space and time needed to complete and reflect on your writing. The informal learning you gain from the other writers at the retreat should not go unmentioned, a wonderful group of women who shared so openly themselves and their work, and from which I gained much enrichment. Meg went above and beyond to manage my dietary requirements. You feel her love and passion for her work, and the experience she is offering you as soon as you arrive. An experience I will cherish for a long time.
Bro O'Brien // Writer
Beneficial in all aspects
The retreat was very beneficial in all aspects. I gained friends, I had excellent coaching with Meg, I had space to think and gained inspiration to write. Feedback from the fellow retreaters was invaluable. It was a very calm and lovely place to be able to sink into my creative self.
Airdre Grant // Author
Meg’s retreat provides safe & inspiring space
Meg’s writing retreat provides a safe and inspiring space to knuckle down and write. Nutritious food and a very well structured program with heaps of time to write, think, be, rest, create, refuel and reflect. Highly recommended.
Karen hollenbach // Writer
It's time to give your writing what it deserves
It's easy to put other's needs ahead of your own, but in doing so, your writing doesn't get the time it deserves.
Time at Retreat with Meg helps rebalance the creativity scales
I feel like Meg was born to run writing retreats and coaching creative people
Her energy and attention to detail turned this writer’s retreat into a magical experience.
Carolyn Leslie
Writer and Editor
Not sure if this is for you?
Frequently Asked Questions
Retreat with Meg welcomes writers at all stages – from those just beginning their first draft to established authors polishing final manuscripts. The retreat meets you where your needs are.
While many participants bring ongoing projects, others use the retreat to begin something new. Either approach works beautifully within the retreat structure.
Some established authors use the retreat to complete copyedits, proofread or map out new stories.
We welcome all genres – fiction, memoir, poetry, non-fiction, and more. The workshops are adaptable to support your specific project.
We limit each retreat to ten participants to ensure personalised attention. This helps create an intimate community while maintaining plenty of private space.
We pride ourselves on accommodating most dietary needs with delicious, thoughtful meals. Just let us know your requirements when booking.
Absolutely! While writing is the focus, the schedule includes free time to rest, walk in the forest, or explore nearby Kinglake if you wish. You are encouraged to listen to the rhythm of your body and mind.
Give your writing what it deserves
Book your room or make a time to find out more
More information
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© 2025, Meg Dunley