Let the day
set the pace
Galahs at first light, a morning practice, time with the animals, a slow lunch, the river in the afternoon, prayers at dusk and a sky full of stars. Join in as much or as little as you like.
Everything is an invitation, nothing is compulsory
There's no timetable to keep up with and nothing to get right. Whether you're here for an afternoon or a fortnight, the day tends to follow the same quiet arc Mohanji describes: from sounds, through slowing, to silence.
Sounds: arrive as you are
Bring the busy mind with you. Nothing to fix, nothing to prove. The first gift of the day is permission to simply be here.
Slowing: notice
A practice, a walk, an hour with the animals. As the pace drops, you start to see what drains you and what steadies you.
Silence: settle
By evening, the quiet outside starts to become a quiet inside. That's the part people take home.
A day, hour by hour
This is how a day often unfolds. The rhythm moves with the seasons and with what's on, and your Guest Information sheet has the current details.
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SoundsFirst lightWake to the bush
Galahs and parrots start the day, and the kangaroos are often still on the lawn. Quiet hours run until 6 am, so the morning begins softly. Make a cup of tea on your verandah and watch the mist lift off the river.
Be you. No alarm, no agenda. Start where you are.
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SoundsMorningA practice to begin
The sacred spaces open at 6 am, and the morning is the natural time to sit. Depending on the day and who's here, that might be yoga, conscious gapless breathing, a guided meditation or a walking meditation through the trees. If you'd rather sit alone, the silence zones are always open.
Notice. Watch the mind for a few minutes instead of being carried by it.
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SlowingMid-morningTime with the animals
The birds are fed three times a day, and you're welcome to watch quietly. Kamadenu and her calf Nandini are usually close to the fence, and the peacocks keep their own schedule. Our volunteers will tell you each animal's story, and when it's safe to come closer.
Kindness to all beings. It's why the centre is vegan, and why the animals are family, not attractions.
Meet our beings -
SlowingMiddayA slow vegan lunch
Everything on the property is plant-based. Chalet guests cook in their own kitchenettes (Walpole's IGA is five minutes away), and retreat meals are prepared at the centre, often with produce from the chemical-free garden. Eat slowly. No phone at the table is a good place to start.
A clear mind. No alcohol, smoking or vaping here, so everyone can be fully present.
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SlowingAfternoonThe river, the forest, or nothing at all
Walk down to the river and the inlet, read on the verandah, or lend a hand in the garden. The Giant Tingle Tree and the Tree Top Walk are a short drive away. Or do nothing, which turns out to be harder, and more useful, than it sounds.
Share what you have. An hour in the garden or a few words with a volunteer. Giving a little care is one of the surest ways to feel well.
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SilenceDuskPrayers at the water's edge
As the light goes, the day's prayers are held at the sacred spaces and at the jetty, and guests are welcome to join or simply sit nearby. The kangaroos come back to the lawn. It's the stillest hour of the day.
Alert, aware, active. Fully here for the end of the day, not already thinking about tomorrow.
About the sacred spaces -
SilenceNightStars, and deep quiet
Quiet hours begin at 10 pm. With no city glow, the night sky is extraordinary, so step outside before bed. If you hear barking, that's our guardian dog on duty, keeping the animals safe.
Settle. Nothing left to do today.
Three ways to spend a day here
Stay in a chalet
Your own space and your own pace, with the whole day open to join in or to rest.
Come on a retreat
A guided weekend with practices, meals and silence held for you, alongside others on the same path.
Visit for a day programme
A few hours of meditation, a vegan lunch and quiet time by the river. A good first taste.
Before you come
What to bring
Layers for every season (south-coast weather changes quickly), covered shoes for uneven ground, a head torch for the evenings, sunscreen, swimwear, a yoga mat if you have one, and your own plant-based food if you're staying in a chalet.
Phones and signal
Only Telstra and Telstra-based networks have coverage on the property. Many guests find that a gift. We encourage some phone-free time each day, and phones on silent in shared spaces.
Children
Children are very welcome. Please keep them with you at all times, especially near the animals, the machinery and the river.
Our way of living
The centre is vegan, free of alcohol, smoking, vaping and drugs, and quiet from 10 pm to 6 am. You'll find the full guidelines in the Terms & Conditions of Stay.
The centre's practices are meditative and wellbeing practices. They're not therapy, counselling or medical treatment. If you need support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency.
