Twelve Apostles Women's Wellbeing Walk
September 9-12, 2023 | $3,395 per person
Join Journeying Women on a special walk that combines your love for hiking and nature with nurturing your wellbeing.
You will have the opportunity to learn practical and effective tools to improve your wellbeing and build resilience. A combination of workshops which are interwoven throughout the day, coupled with a variety of meditation, mindfulness and breathwork practices provide inspiration for your daily walks.
Each day provides opportunities to spend one-on-one time with Journeying Women's Sheena Polese (MSc Psych Coaching, Adult Growth and Development Specialist) and Susanne North (Wellbeing and Family Coach and Meditation, Mindfulness and Breath Work Teacher). Explore a variety of wellbeing themes such as work, family, children, grief, menopause, and life transitions. This walk will allow you to re-set, re-calibrate, re-energise, and reflect on what matters to you most.
This is a journey on foot along the Great Ocean Walk from Castle Cove to the Twelve Apostles where everything is taken care of. We’ll show you the way, carry all the extras on our back and point out natural features along the way. We’ll supply sumptuous lunches to sustain you, daypacks and walking sticks, cool lemonade and soothing foot baths at the end of each walk. Return each evening to our private eco-lodge where you'll be served gourmet meals complemented by local wines and beers.
For all enquiries and bookings please contact bookings@auswalkingco.com.au
Quick Facts
- Tour Duration: 3 nights & 4 days.
- Departs and returns: Mercure, Southbank, 9 Riverside Quay, Southbank Victoria.
- Minimum Group Size: 8 guests | Maximum Group Size: 9 guests.
- Special Guest Leaders: Two Journeying Women Leaders.
- Includes: Accommodation, meals, local beer and wine and all transport
Extra activities
An introduction to the science of Wellbeing and Mindfulness/Meditation helping you to improve your emotional wellbeing and self-regulation skills. Morning and evening activities such as a variety of mindfulness/meditation practices, a personal wellbeing check in with one of your facilitators, and wellbeing resources that will help you to feel better about life.
All wellbeing activities are optional.
FAQs - Journeying Women Retreats
Is the retreat like a group therapy session?
Not at all. The retreat is like a workshop where we introduce several evidence-based wellbeing concepts from the science of Positive Psychology, engage in some self-reflection exercises/activities and a broad range of mindfulness/meditation exercises. There is no personal sharing other than some insights that you might have because of the exercises, and this is by invitation only. We do not share personal challenges, or details about ourselves and we do not offer counselling. We provide a safe, non-judgmental, welcoming and all-inclusive environment. There is often a lot of laughter and a sense of lightness.
What is the age range of the women who are participating?
Our participants range from Students to Women in their 70’s with most women being in their 30’s -50’s. We have had mothers participating with their daughters in their early twenties.
Who usually participates?
Our participants are women who come from all walks of life with various backgrounds from all around Australia. Some are professionals, some are mothers, entrepreneurs, students, single, retired and some are women who are experiencing life transitions.
What issues do people arrive with?
Some people arrive tired, overworked and out of balance. Other people arrive ready for a simple refresh and time away from their everyday routine but need some psychological stimulation. Either way, your needs will be accommodated and its helpful if you can let the facilitators know of any personal needs you might have ahead of joining the trip. The wellbeing focus enables participants to learn about better supporting themselves, better understanding proven approaches to their emotional, psychological, physical, social aspects of themselves.
Is it awkward to come on my own?
Not at all. Many women come on their own as they are craving some ME time. Some bring a friend or two. We ensure that everyone feels welcomed and included. We will be spending most of the day as a cohesive group. We find that our participants are usually like-minded women who all get on with each other.
What can I expect as far as time off / down time and content delivery?
There will be various sessions at different times of the day on wellbeing, intertwined with the walking adventure and quiet relaxing time.
What can I expect from the retreat?
You will leave the retreat feeling energised, rested, affirmed, and equipped with a range of tools and strategies that will help you to bring more balance into your every day, enhancing your personal wellbeing and equipping you with better coping mechanisms.
The retreat offers you the opportunity to slow down, create some space and re-connect with who you are and reassess what matters to you most.
Will I be able to use some of the strategies in my family and work?
Absolutely. The strategies can be easily applied in your family, work and other relationships. Everyone can benefit from them.
Do you offer a follow up after the retreat? How do I continue with the work that I have started?
To continue and strengthen the work that we have started, we offer a follow up subscription program called UPLIFT, where we meet six times during the year via Zoom. The sessions are being held from 7.30 pm till 8.45 pm at various days during the week and cost $159. The sessions are deepening the learnings from the retreats and introduce new wellbeing tools.
I am a manager and thinking about sending members of my team. What will they get out of it?
The content provided on these trips is relevant for personal and / or professional development. We delve into aspects of the self, our strengths, behaviours and aspects of ourselves that perhaps get in the way of optimal functioning. All of these are relevant whether you’re a member of a team, leading a team or running a household or community organisation. How we show up in the world depends on how we feel about ourself, how well we know ourself and how we feel connected to others and the activities in which we spend our time. Please talk to us if you have a specific need to be addressed.
Do you also offer programs for men or young women?
We offer bespoke programs for mothers and daughters, HSC students, corporate teams, schools and other groups. Please speak to us to discuss your needs and requirements.
Journeying Women
We help women identify their inner and natural character strengths so they can unlock the key to thriving. We take time to explore values, reassess and reprioritise what is important to you. Using research, we explore the importance of emotional intelligences and use a wellbeing model that enables valuable reflection, appreciation and intention setting for sustainable change. We explore what is flourishing, the importance of hope, the value of slowing down, and we show how time in nature restores the body and soul.
We incorporate pre-work, on the ground fun activities and worksheets, the science of reflection and journaling, meditation and mindfulness practices, all with an evidence base.
Introducing Sheena Polese and Susanne North
Sheena Polese (to the right) is a Development and Leadership Coach,MSci (Psych Coaching) Syd Uni, Mindfulness, Wellbeing and Change Practitioner. The current President of the Australasia NSW Branch of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) an Associate at the Positivity Institute and is highly trained in Stages of Adult Psychological Development, Mental Toughness, Global Leadership Wellbeing Diagnostics and Mental Health, is a Mindfulness practitioner and a Facilitator of Immunity to Change. Sheena runs her own Coaching practice, designs and delivers development and wellbeing programs and has co-facilitated Leadership and Development trips with Outward Bound Australian and Australia for UNHCR in Uganda. Webpage | LinkedIn
Susanne North is a Family Coach, Positive Psychology, Mindfulness, Meditation and Wellbeing Practitioner. Her work is dedicated to supporting and empowering women, especially in times of significant life transitions, grief and loss. Working in private practice, she develops and facilitates wellbeing programs for women, teenagers, schools and wider communities.
Webpage | LinkedIn
Twelve Apostles Signature Walk
On the Twelve Apostles Signature Walk everything is taken care of. Your only job is to put one foot in front of the other. We’ll show you the way, carry all the extras on our back and point out natural features along the way. We’ll supply sumptuous lunches to sustain you, daypacks and walking sticks, cool lemonade and soothing foot baths at the end of each walk. Return each evening to our private eco-lodge where you'll be served gourmet meals complemented by local wines and beers.
Women's Wellbeing Workshops
Our days begin before breakfast with an optional meditation. Our walks provide time for reflection and contemplation. The journey importantly offers precious opportunities for one-on-one conversations with Sheena or Susanne. Each afternoon and evening at the lodge we engage in workshops and journalling at the lodge. Each night finishes with a post-walk body-check. The workshop content will be tailored to the groups and include the following:
Day one: Letting Go. Re-discover your inner strengths!
Day two: The power and healing of Mindfulness in everyday life!
Day three: Rediscover your own North Star!
Day four: New Beginnings.
Day 1: Blanket Bay to Cape Otway
Approximately 3 hours walking
On the morning of your walk, we meet at Mecure, Southbank (9 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3000) at 7.45am. Here, your guide will introduce you to fellow walkers before departing for our drive to Blanket Bay. Be dressed and ready to walk, with your daypack fully packed for the days' walk ahead.
We start the first section of the walk at Blanket Bay, a beautifully scenic section of the Great Ocean Walk that follows along the coast of Great Otway National Park. Beautiful ocean views from cliff tops and sandy beaches and inlets are frequent along this stretch of coast, along with koalas, kangaroos, and echidnas all scattering about along the trail. The Cape Otway Lighthouse makes for a great end to the walk, where our guides can teach you all about the naval history of the area.
From the lighthouse, we transfer you to our private lodge in Johanna, where we welcome you with a glass of local sparkling and a spectacular long table dinner to celebrate your first day of walking.
Day 2: Milanesia Track to Moonlight Head
Approximately 6-7 hours walking
We’ll drive 30 minutes this morning to the most challenging day no the trail. It comes with great reward - the most visually spectacular and isolated sections of the Great Ocean Walk - known as ‘the wild side.’ Take a winding path that leads from Milanesia Track down through the forest to beautiful Milanesia Beach.
After a gentle beach stroll, we turn upwards for a short, but steep climb that sets the tone for the trail ahead. The trail is dissected by gullies before a gradual climb, which delivers fabulous views back over Milanesia. Rough tree ferns and stands of remnant Eucalypts dot the path before an ascent of 138 steps. The trail continues in a westerly direction until a steady climb leads us out of the forest and into Ryans Den campsite.
From here, coastal views stretch to both Cape Volney and Cape Otway; an ideal place to reflect on your journey so far. The walk from here rises and falls many times as it parallels the coastline before cutting along the ridge behind Cape Volney, providing breathtaking views to the west. A final seated lookout delivers a magnificent vantage point, just metres from the walk’s end.
Day 3: Moonlight Head to Wreck Beach
Approximately 3-4 hours walking
It’s a 30 minute transfer to Moonlight Head. The first four and half kilometres gently meander through native stringybark forest providing a contrast to the coast, concluding with a rise to the Gables, one of mainland Australia’s highest cliff top lookouts. Tide dependent, you will descend onto Wreck Beach and continue through to a lovely lunch spot past Devil’s Kitchen overlooking the distant Apostles. Wilder days will give an insight into the cauldron-like ocean at this part of the coast. A high tide option combines coastal scrub with forest and walks through Devil’s Kitchen campsite.
Stunning coastal views to the west this afternoon provide the incentive to keep moving forward. The topography and geology change from sandstone to limestone and its associated coastal flora. This afternoon is gentle walking that finishes at the Wreck Beach carpark, where our bus will be waiting to transfer you back to the lodge.
Day 4: Princetown to the Twelve Apostles
Approximately 3 hours walking
Enjoy your final morning at Twelve Apostles Walking Lodge. After another wholesome breakfast, there’s a final pack up, check out and lodge farewell before a 45 minu te drive back to Princetown.
These fabulous natural wonders emerge on slow reveal as the trail rises and falls along the coastline. There is a viewing lookout exclusively for walkers before our final stretch of trail into the Twelve Apostles Visitors Centre. You’ve made it!
Take to the skies to bid farewell with a 15-minute helicopter flight. Capturing the chiselled coastline from above gives scale not only to the Apostles but the trek you’ve completed. Follow this with a final lunch in the sleepy fishing town of Port Campbell before returning to Melbourne. We offer a drop off to the airport and Melbourne CBD after your walk. (5.30/6pm drop off to Mercure Southbank and to Tullamarine for domestic flights from 6.30pm/ international flights after 7:30pm).
Exclusive Accommodation
True shelter, something that gives protection and refuge, simple and sustainable, clean and comfortable.
Our groups have exclusive use of our Twelve Apostles Lodge your forest hugged home just three hours from Melbourne.
The Twelve Apostles Lodge
At the end of a day out on track, the Twelve Apostles Lodge is a forest-hugged refuge three hours from Melbourne. This is where the foot spa awaits, rainforest showers, kitchen garden, dining room stocked with local wines, and your king bedroom with spacious en-suite.
The architectural-designed lodge has been crafted with environmental sensitivity in mind. This translates to passive solar design, hydronic heating, low consumption electric and water fittings, on-site wastewater treatment and composting, plus a self-sufficient water supply. And there’s a reason this eco-development is award-winning, delivering modern comforts with equal rigour. Expect Myrtle & Moss toiletries, hair dryers, library, mobile coverage (Telstra only).
What’s more, the lodge is exclusively yours. The only way to stay is to join one of our walks or trail runs. That means the moment you arrive, consider it home. Unpack your bags and get comfy. Five generous bedrooms can be converted to twin share or two single rooms depending on group requirements - all enjoying access to private en-suite bathrooms.
The dining room has a lounge area well-suited for canapes when the fire pit isn’t crackling with friend-huddling flames. After a glass of regional red, move to the long table for your nightly two-course regional menu.
Onsite you’ll also find 24-hour tea and coffee facilities, gear drying room, daily newspapers and a lodge library well stocked with magazines, reference and fictional books or ask about the lodge property walks. You’re not alone if you don’t stray far from the foot spa and dining table though!
*Alcoholic beverages are available in the lounge. These are included in your package. We stock a small selection of house and premium wines and locally brewed beers by the bottle. As an eco-accredited operator, we support local wine and beer
*One complimentary clothes wash (including soap) is included in your package, the Lodge Manager will explain how this is organised at your briefing on day one. Additional loads are charged to your tab to discourage excessive usage/environmental impact.
Itinerary Details
Twelve Apostles Signature Walk with Journeying Women
September 9-12, 2023 | $3,395 per person
- 4-day 3-night guided walk
- Each trip requires a minimum of 8 guests (Twin Share). The maximum is 9.
Bookings
- For all enquiries and bookings please contact bookings@auswalkingco.com.au or 1300 767 416.
Single supplement
- We do not charge for a single supplement as all rooms can be divided into two to offer privacy with dual access to the bathroom.
Our standard booking terms and conditions apply to all bookings. In addition:
- Cancellations
- more than 90 days from the scheduled departure date, a fee of $350 per person will be charged with the balance payment refunded;
- within 90 days of departure, no refund is available. Bookings can be transferred to another name.
- Minimum numbers are required four months before departure.
- This walk cannot be booked in conjunction with any other offers and discounts.
COVID-19 Peace of Mind Booking Assurance
After the minimum number of bookings has been achieved, the departure will be confirmed. Due to the high fixed costs on these trips, guests on our ‘Limited Edition Walks' who postpone due to COVID-19 as per our Peace of Mind Booking Guarantee, will incur an amendment fee of $1,000 to reschedule to another departure date. All cancellations by guests will incur cancellation fees according to our standard terms and conditions. Bookings are transferrable.
Inclusions
- Return transfers between Melbourne and the walk base
- 3-night lodge stay, all linen and towels
- 3 breakfast, 4 lunch, 3 dinners
- Daily morning and afternoon tea
- Use of daypack, waterproof jacket, poles, ankle gaiters and water bottles
- Daily guided walks, with professional eco-guide
- Vehicle support daily
- All entrance & national park fees
- Optional airport drop off day 4
- A bespoke wellbeing program facilitated by The Journeying Women Leaders
Additional information
- Have a burning question? If you need further help please don't hesitate to contact our friendly reservations team.
Enquire
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