Give your writing the time it deserves at Retreat with Meg writing retreats
Join Creative Coach Meg Dunley at Retreat with Meg writing retreats. Her transformative retreats are designed to provide you with the ideal environment to nurture your creativity, focus on your writing project, and connect with a community of like-minded writers. This intimate retreat offers a supportive and calm atmosphere where you can retreat from the world and immerse yourself in your craft.
Testimonials
I had high expectations for this retreat, 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. An easy drive from Melbourne, with the bush at our doorstep we retreated to our beautiful rooms to write; came together in workshops (indoor and outdoor), to eat (amazing food prepared by Meg), and relax by the fire to talk writing and life. The dedicated time, with Meg as host and workshop leader was a privilege. It allowed me to reconnect with my writing practice and my work in progress. The other participants were such smart, warm, interested and talented people – I feel very lucky to have shared the time with them. I’m looking forward to returning next year. I highly recommend a retreat with Meg.
– Melissa Manning, Author of Smokehouse, Winner of 2022 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award
Know someone who needs time and space to write?
Retreat with Meg writing retreat 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
The details
The venues
Join Retreat with Meg’s writing retreats in the comfort of your own home, or join other writers at carefully selected locations close to nature
Retreat with Meg writing retreats are chosen for their proximity to natural and lux country feel.
Retreat with Meg (Karma Kinglake, VIC)
Kinglake is 56 km north-east of Melbourne CBD. The Karma Kinglake property is a short distance from the town and Kinglake National Park. It’s about a ninety-minute drive from Melbourne. Participants are responsible for their own transport. Options include carpooling or commuting by train to Mernda and bus to Kinglake.
The property includes four cottages, a guesthouse and studio and communal area. Each building has tables, wood fires and lounge areas. All participants have their own bedroom with kingsize beds and work table. The stunning outdoors has beautiful Australian native gardens, seating areas and surroundings to help unwind, find inspiration or explore.
Retreat with Meg (Virtual) – COMING SOON
Meg’s virtual retreats are ideal for those who cannot travel for any reason, those who cannot carve time away from their home, those who have their own place to which they can retreat, and those who have needs that make physical writing retreats difficult.
Meg’s services
Meg coaches, facilitates and nurtures
Meg is an accredited mindset coach with a focus on creativity. She is also and experience writing workshop facilitator and a writer, editor and provider.
Meg provides:
- an abundant, balanced and nutritious menu
- 1-on-1 and group coaching
- workshops to deepen your writing
- safe and guided group discussions
- guidance, support, and encouragement.
Retreat with Meg structure
A balance of structure and unstructured
Whether you are attending virtual or physical Retreat with Meg writing retreats, the structure provides you with structured and unstructured time. This gives you freedom to work to your own rhythm and to listen to your body and mind.
In-person retreats
The retreat begins with a gathering to connect with the group and set intentions. Each evening we meet for a drink followed by a communal dinner to chat about the day, and set intentions for the next day. This provides time to grow your writing community. There are optional writing workshops and complementary one-on-one coaching sessions. Self-serve breakfasts and lunches allow for flexibility and uninterrupted writing time. You can use the time to read, nap, write or explore the surroundings.
Retreat with Meg (in-person) general structure:
- arrive and join in a welcome workshop
- self-serve breakfast and lunch each day
- quiet writing time until 6pm each day
- 6pm drink and nibbles followed by dinner together
- readings in the evenings
- closing gathering before departure.
Virtual Retreats with Meg (COMING SOON)
- one-hour morning session to welcome and create intentions for the day’s writing
- one-hour lunchtime session to chat over lunch about how the writing is going with a question to take into the afternoon’s writing session
- one-hour early evening session (maybe over a cheeky drink and nibbles)
Catering
The in-person writing retreats are fully catered
Retreat with Meg is fully catered with a fresh and healthy menu. Pantry items are provided like tea and coffee, fruit, oats, muesli, bread, spreads and yoghurt for breakfast and warming soups and fresh salads for lunch. Drinks and cheese are included on the first night. Dietary requirements are taken into account.
Number of participants
Small and intimate providing writers a safe and connected space
Retreat with Meg (Kinglake) is limited to 10 writers. This provides an intimate and safe environment for participants and provides everyone with a room of their own for writing and sleeping. Most rooms have their own ensuite and writers who are happy to share a cottage with a Jack-and-Jill bathroom for a reduced fee can reach out to Meg to find out more. There are only three cottages that have two bedrooms with shared bathrooms.
Retreat with Meg (Virtual) is limited to twelve writers. This provides a small-group environment during the online sessions, and helps writers to feel more connected.
Retreat with Meg writing retreats’ inclusions
Come with your laptop and clothes
Retreat with Meg (in-person) writers receive:
- luxurious accommodation with private bedrooms and ensuite
- two intention setting and writing clarity masterclasses
- daily writing and coaching masterclass (optional)
- evening facilitated writing conversations to workshop ideas, roadblocks and breakthroughs
- access to an extensive writing and creativity resource library of over 45 titles
- goody bag on arrival
- nutritious breakfasts, lunches, and fruit and snacks for morning and afternoon tea
- delicious, healthy and seasonal dinners
- cheese platters and refreshments each evening
- a range of teas and espresso machine coffee
- two bathrooms with baths
- one hour coaching and/or mentoring
- free wifi
- extensive use of property
- access to walks in local state and national parks.
Participants at Retreat with Meg (Virtual) receive:
- three daily online group coaching sessions
- a goody bag with items to create a nurturing space
- pre-Retreat worksheets
- one one-on-one coaching over the Retreat
- simple and delicious recipes to prepare prior to the Retreat.
All Retreat with Meg writing retreats alumni receive the following benefits:
- 15% off the Creative Empowerment 12-Week Coaching Program (new clients only)
- one 8-week round of live Writing Momentum online writing group
- unlimited access to Writing Momentum recordings
- one-month’s access to live online group coaching & Q&A
- unlimited access to group coaching recordings
- monthly coaching newsletter
- twice monthly writing prompts, opps & comps newsletter
- an invitation to a private online writing community to support each other and promote writing news.
Retreat with Meg 2025 dates
Book now
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Retreat with Meg February 2026 writing retreat
Price range: $2,995.00 through $5,710.00 -
Retreat with Meg June 2026 writing retreat
Price range: $3,345.00 through $6,330.00 -
Retreat with Meg August 2026 writing retreat
Price range: $3,345.00 through $6,330.00 -
Retreat with Meg November 2026 writing retreat
Price range: $2,845.00 through $5,410.00
Waitlist
Retreat with Meg testimonials
The place and people made me work harder and get on with writing
Meg’s writing retreat exceeded my expectations. The location was not too far from Melbourne and in the middle of nature and Australian bush.
The small group of five writers were interesting and comfortably shared their experience, knowledge and were open about their writing challenges. Meg served food with love.
I will be back.
– Katarina Cobain, Emerging writer
Huge gratitude, Meg!
I was amazed at what I could achieve in four days on this retreat and credit for this has to go to Meg for providing such a nourishing environment. I had modest hopes of mapping out some of my novel’s structure and returned with a pretty extensive story map and a strong sense of purpose for how I will take my writing journey along this path. No coincidence that I developed new skills in managing my writing self-doubt which I believe freed me up.
– Sue White, Author of The Cut and Take the Shot
A much needed experience I didn’t know I needed
The retreat provided atmosphere, privacy, sacred space and relaxation that helped me capture the words as they unravelled into story. The conversation and connection with other writers was heart-held and inspiring. I set an intention to trust myself as a writer and to own my style – all of which I achieved with Meg’s coaching and guidance. Meg created a space where there was room for everything and all of it.
I will be back again.
– Annabelle Sharman, Author of The Future Ancestor
I highly recommend Meg’s retreats
Her warmth and generosity created a beautiful space for four incredible days. Meg had everything we could wish for from candles in our rooms to fabulous food. I couldn’t have been better!
– Tracy P, Emerging writer
My first time at Retreat with Meg writing retreats was fabulous
The second time was every bit as good, and valuable.
I’ve already booked my next one.
– Melissa Manning, Author of Smokehouse, Winner of 2022 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award
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 and Editor
I enjoyed every minute a Retreat with Meg
As a writer new to the world of retreats, it’s hard to quantify how much I’ve gained from the Retreat. It was a blessing to have the time to write in such idyllic surrounds while being nurtured with a steady supply of sustenance. I enjoyed every minute at the Retreat and will definitely be booking another Retreat with Meg soon!
– Claire McClelland, Emerging Writer
Meg’s insights on the work are deep, offering fresh points to explore
Meg’s been organising our writing retreats for years and it has never ceased to amaze me how she makes it all come together so seamlessly. The retreat’s structure and setting facilitate immersive concentration that I simply couldn’t get even if I were home alone. I leap at the opportunity to be involved in anything she offers and am forever grateful to be involved with such a generous soul!
– Nicky Heaney, Writer and Editor
Trust is the first word that springs to mind
Meg holds space for my writing and me as a creative and – perhaps more importantly – has genuine understanding and support for the world outside writing. When we take time away from our families, our lives, when we write, I can absolutely trust Meg to be dependable and have my back during this time.
– Kim Hood, Writer and Editor
A truly enabling weekend
– Katrina Watson, Author of The Bones
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
Thank you Meg!
Retreat with Meg proved to be a bootcamp for my writing, helping me to push through the dreaded ‘middle of the novel’ in a supportive, peaceful and motivating environment.
– Susannah Glenn, Author of Between Husbands and Wives
If you’re looking for a quiet, nourishing place and time to get your writing or creative work done, can highly recommend this upcoming retreat with my wonderful friend – writer, coach & chief carer & organiser – Meg Dunley. Over the last seven years, Meg has been responsible for booking & organising our self-led writing retreats in the gorgeous surrounds of Musk Farm. As a writer, she knows first hand the value of quiet, validated space & time to work away from other life obligations, and as a coach & logistically minded human, she preempts challenges, asks timely questions & listens with compassion.
– Kate Mildenhall, Podcaster at The First Time, Author of Skylarking, The Mother Fault & The Hummingbird Effect
Retreat with Meg (Musk)
