retreat|recreate is delighted to offer this 8 day/7 night women’s tour exploring Tasmania through the lens of its textiles and handcrafts.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart! The Tasmanian Textiles Tour was everything I hoped for and much, much more. I absolutely loved the workshops (especially slow stitching and eco-dyeing), the farm visits (who knew that sheep were such social creatures and alpacas so loving), and the introduction to the history and culture of the First Tasmanians. I am truly grateful for all your thoughtful work in organising the tour and for the opportunity to experience the tour with such a great group of fellow textile enthusiasts! Louise – Tasmania Feb 2022

This was my second trip with retreat|recreate and it was fantastic . Travelling with 12 adventurous textile lovers who were all inspiring and creators in their textile genre of choice was a strong foundation for a great 7 days. I loved that there was time for sharing of skills in both the structured class setting and around the breakfast table. Our leader Susan was calm and and her knowledge and organisational skills allowed me to relax, learn new skills and have time to reflect on my own practice. Thank you! SallyRose – Tasmania, February 2022 (and Bali 2016)

Our adventure begins with a pre-trip briefing and welcome dinner in Luyni mungalina (Launceston) on the Tamar River.  We’ll take a day trip to Deloraine, known for its creative and artistic community. A community textile craft project which took 3 years to complete is sure to impress. We’ll meet some of the inspiring makers (weavers, eco-dyers, knitters, spoon carvers, photographers)  from the Meander Valley region at a community creative studio.   The Great Western Tiers is culturally significant as the meeting place of three Aboriginal nations and is known as Kooparoona Niara (meaning Mountains of our Spirits) by the Traditional Owners. To gain an insight into the life, culture and deep connection to Country of the First People of this region, a local Aboriginal guide will lead us along a riverside cultural trail and to a significant bush site (which may only be visited with permission from the Elders) where Pallitore women of the North tribe have been collecting ochre for more than 10,000 years.  

We’ll spend two nights at a gorgeous coastal estate, set amidst beautiful gardens and surrounded by native bushland and vineyards. With an artist committed to sustainable craft practice (using upcycling, recycling and repurposing) we’ll make and embellish a journal cover using creative embroidery and slow stitching techniques.

Returning to Launceston, we’ll spend the day with an Aboriginal Elder and artist and learn more about the culture, lifestyle and handcrafts of Tasmania’s first people at a superb museum exhibition. We’ll then gather grasses and fibres on Country, followed by a basket weaving workshop.

Continuing southward through the picturesque midlands, we’ll explore historic townships, yarn shops, textile artisan studios and sheep and alpaca farms. We’ll meet wool growers and learn about the challenges and satisfaction of producing high quality fleece by implementing sustainable farming techniques.  We’ll spend a night in beautifully restored convict cottages and barns on a historic farm before heading to vibrant Nipaluna (Hobart) for two nights.  

A day trip from Tasmania’s capital city will take us to the picturesque Huon valley for our final full day of activities. At a stunning studio with river-side views, we’ll learn about the intricacies of natural dyeing with local native plants and eco-dye a pair of wool socks. We’ll return to Hobart for our group farewell dinner before our final morning browsing the many creative stalls at fabulous Salamanca market.

All accommodation on this trip is rated at 4 stars and includes a coastal historic estate, a heritage farm and two superb centrally located city hotels.

This itinerary features three fabulous hands-on workshops, led by three superb, accomplished artists, each respectful and mindful of treading lightly on this precious land.

• a basket weaving workshop with an acclaimed Aboriginal artist;
• a creative embroidery and slow stitching workshop during which we’ll make and decorate a journal cover using repursposed, upcycled and naturally-dyed materials;
• a natural dyeing workshop using local eucalypts.
• The result: three very special experiences and your very own hand-made souvenirs of Tasmania!

This exciting textile adventure is not to be missed!

Inclusions:

• 8 days/7 nights accommodation in 4 star accommodation
• 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners (drinks not included)
• Transport: private coach, taxi
• Workshops and activities as per the itinerary
• Entrance to museums, galleries, studios and excursion venues as per the itinerary
• Services of a retreat|recreate host

Exclusions:

• Airfares
• Travel insurance
• Early check in or late check out
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Personal spending (souvenirs, phone, laundry etc)
• Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
• Activities marked as optional
• Tips

Notes:

• retreat|recreate host is Susan Keeble
• Single place numbers are limited. Book early to avoid disappointment
• A deposit of AUD $1000 is required to secure your booking * (see below)
• The balance will be due no later than close of business on 28 January 2022
• Bookings made after 28 January 2022 must be paid in full at the time of booking
• Maximum group size is 12 people
• *Minimum number for the tour to proceed is 8. Should we fail to reach a
group of 8, the tour will not proceed and your deposit will be refunded.

retreat|recreate acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to the land, sea and community.  We pay our respects to the Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people and their cultures.