retreat|recreate is delighted to offer this 8 day/7 night women’s tour exploring Tasmania through the lens of its contemporary and heritage handcrafts.
SOLD OUT
Scroll down to read testimonials from our previous Tasmania travellers
Click HERE to register your interest for future Tasmania tours
Our adventure begins in Luyni mungalina (Launceston). On our first afternoon together we’ll meet for a briefing meeting before being guided through a superb exhibition where we’ll learn about the life, culture and deep connection to Country of the First People of this region. We’ll head to stunning, nearby Cataract Gorge with our Trawlwoolway guide where we’ll deepen our understanding of Culture on Country.
With an acclaimed Trawlwoolway artist, we’ll work with locally collected grasses, fibres and kelp to create baskets, bowls and other objects.
Leaving the city, 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 (upcycling, recycling and repurposing) we’ll make and embellish a journal cover using fabric dyed with seaweed, creative embroidery, found objects and slow stitching techniques.
We’ll travel through the picturesque Midlands where we’ll explore historic townships, yarn shops, textile artisan studios and sheep and alpaca farms. We’ll meet inspiring, women wool and alpaca fibre growers and learn about the challenges and satisfaction of producing high quality fleece by implementing sustainable farming techniques. A visit to a small exhibition by the Basketmakers of Tasmania is an added highlight – this inspiring community create baskets and fibre related wonders using natural and man-made objects. We’ll enjoy a workshop with an accomplished basketweaver, maker and seamstress – using a needle and waxed linen thread, we’ll learn a new skill and each embellish a small rock (provided) or your own found object.
Continuing to vibrant Nipaluna (Hobart) we’ll arrive in time to browse the creative stalls at fabulous Salamanca market. A day trip from the State’s capital 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. Afterwards we’ll return to Hobart for our final group dinner – a time to reflect on the creative highlights of our week together.
This exciting handcrafts adventure is not to be missed! We do hope you’ll join us!
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.
Here’s what some of our Tasmania Handcraft travellers had to say:
So grateful that I was able to participate in the Tasmanian Handicrafts tour. The tour was well organised, the pace was pleasant (no early early mornings), the activities and workshops were varied and creatively enjoyable. The workshop presenters were generous with their expertise and their materials. I loved learning from such passionate women. My travelling companions were fun and supportive; as well as being incredibly creative. And our Guide, Susan Keeble, was a delight. Thankyou for this fabulous experience. I hope to be able to travel with retreat | recreate again. Carol – Tasmania, April 2024
Susan K led an enjoyable tour of textile experiences across Tasmania, exploring art making with experts in their field, farm visits and gorgeous local food. The privilege of sitting with and learning from First Nation people about traditional practices and the land was very special for me. The tutors all used sustainable practices in their art making. From local wool, alpaca fleece, gathered kelp, eco dyes collected from the bush and the beach and a positive outlook to care for what we have by sharing a respect for our environment. We learnt so much in a gentle, unrushed way. Many hours of planning and organisation went into making sure that this trip was perfect and it was. I felt very connected to the environment and appreciated the thoughtfulness of the sustainable planning. I would recommend retreat|recreate tours for people who want to learn and who may or may not have experience. I came away with lots of samples and ideas and would gladly join a future tour. Robyn – Tasmania, April 2024
So much variety was packed into this week. The high quality workshops, the unique visits, the passionate guided walks were all delivered in a relaxed atmosphere. It was interesting, stimulating and thought provoking. I loved it! Colleen – Tasmania, April 2024
What a wonderful way to learn new skills from talented artisans, develop understanding of our own indigenous culture and enjoy healthy delicious food with like minded people in a beautiful landscape. The organisation and communication for this tour has been superb. Faye – Tasmania, April 2024
I loved this tour! I had access to handcraft workshops otherwise unavailable to me. The workshops touched the surface and provided inspiration for many days to come. Judy – Tasmania, April 2024
I did not know what to expect but with an excellent leader and a small group of women, every day was full of beauty, passion and fun. Prepare to be in wonder and leave room in your bag for your work and other inspiring objects that you might want to bring home. I did not know what to expect having not been on a group tour before, but I now would not hesitate to go on another in the future as so much care and genuine love of craft has gone into the planning for this trip. Inspirational! Dale – Tasmania, October 2022
I experienced the tour in Tasmania which was as delightful as I could have imagined. A beautiful place with more than its share of creative, talented and interesting artists and craftspeople. The ladies on the tour were also very talented and it was so lovely to sit and share skills and create together. I loved being away from daily life, sleeping in lovely places, watching the scenery from the bus without having to navigate or drive and eating gorgeous food, prepared by someone else – no washing up – and chatting to really lovely people. Susan Keeble was an indefatigable host, always on hand to help, keeping an eye on everyone and quietly making sure everything was just right. I am so keen to do this again. I came home far more aware of fabrics in my wardrobe, designs and the beauty of everyday objects and choices. Saving for retreat|recreate’s India trip with great delight! Sandra – Tasmania, October 2022
I have experienced Tasmania for the first time and travel that includes craft experiences is my ideal holiday. I highly recommend this tour and its organisers. Susan K was an ideal host who went above and beyond her host duties. She is so organised, patient and tolerant. On this tour, you will meet some outstanding tutors; women who are inspirational and unafraid to be trail blazers. This is an extremely well organised tour with great attention to detail in all aspects. The food and accommodation was outstanding. Chris – Tasmania, October 2022
The Tasmanian Handcrafts tour was great fun! We met some wonderful women doing amazing things such as challenging the way to best farm sheep, caring for alpacas up close and personal, seaweed paper-making, and visits to some really lovely handcrafts shops. We travelled up from Hobart through the Midlands to the north coast, staying at some fabulous places serving delicious food. It was great to travel with a bunch of creative women from around Australia, and our leader, Susan Keeble, was fantastic! Liz – Tasmania, October 2022
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 February 2022 (and Japan Indigo x 2, Thailand and Laos 2023, India 2024)
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, Thailand & Laos 2023)
Thanks so much for an awesome week in Tasmania with inspirational workshop teachers and visits to fascinating creative destinations with trail blazing women sharing their experiences with us. Your planning and organisation was exceptional and your caring gentle manner made it a very relaxing journey. Don’t change a thing on the next tour – this one was as close to perfect as you can get. I look forward to my next tour with retreat|recreate. Anne – Tasmania, May 2021
This tour was a delight from start to finish. The organised but respectful tone was clear from the beginning, and I felt safe and relaxed. Susan was more than a tour leader; she was also a participant, but although she was doing the workshops with us, she also made sure that details were being taken care of without fuss or grandstanding. The itinerary was not too demanding – most stays were two nights and the morning starts were comfortably timed. The workshops were fun and stimulating, and the other visits interesting and often very educational. The food was excellent. All in all, I’d highly recommend retreat|recreate tours for women interested in fibre, textiles and handcrafts. Susan and Susan have a knack for finding interesting people and places, and they are organised, respectful, and kind. Mary-Helen – Tasmania, May 2021
The itinerary was well balanced with alternate days touring, shorter visits and doing a diverse range of workshops. All accommodation was excellent. I really enjoyed the lovely heritage hotels / houses included. This gave a nice historical perspective, colonial architecture, interesting quirky hosts and beautiful locations. The workshops were an absolute highlight! I loved spending all day with an artist, learning new skills, being able to use their materials and coming away with a momento to keep working on. Interesting how the workshops and visits all complemented one another. I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know likeminded women, and sharing new experiences together. And Susan, our most excellent guide! Your careful, thoughtful, respectful planning and delivery of a wonderful tour exceeded all my expectations. If you are thinking of joining this tour on your own, don’t hesitate. You will learn so much, come away with new passions, have a great time, travel with interesting likeminded women and visit some inspirational women doing amazing things. Go for it! Virginia – Tasmania, May 2021 (and Japan 2022)
It’s hard to find the right words to describe how relaxing, entertaining, informative, engaging, interactive, enlightening and FUN the Tassie trip was. If you like sharing and building your art and craft skills with a small cohort of like minded people in a beautiful and luscious land then don’t hesitate to come on board. Alison – Tasmania, March 2021 (and Japan 2022, Morocco 2023)
This is the trip to feed the creative soul in a stunning landscape full of history and close to home (for Australians). We learnt new skills from artisans who generously gave of themselves and their craft. But most of all we learnt from each other along the way. Such an interesting bunch of fellow travellers, each skilled in their craft and wiling to share. The memories will live on. Jan – Tasmania, March 2021
I was very pleased to enjoy the delights of Tasmania with a wonderful group of like minded ladies. A fantastic itinerary – Susan K found some amazing places for us to visit. I loved every day and didn’t want it to finish. I’ll certainly return to enjoy more of Tasmania soon. Lynne – Tasmania, March 2021
A fabulous tour! I would recommend it to anyone who wants to spend time in many lovely creative environments sharing it amongst fun and friendly people. Annie – Tasmania, March 2021
retreat | recreate 