Watercolour Retreat in Maleny
Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Queensland
A three-night immersive retreat in the Sunshine Coast hinterland designed to help you slow down, connect with nature, and explore the expressive medium of watercolour.
Held at Ferntree Hollow, this retreat offers a gentle balance of guided creative sessions, rest, and space for personal exploration.
No prior experience is needed — this retreat welcomes complete beginners through to experienced painters.
A Gentle Creative Rhythm
This retreat invites you into a slower rhythm of making, where painting in watercolour becomes a space for presence rather than pressure.
Guided sessions are balanced with time to rest, notice, and simply be, allowing your creative process to unfold naturally.
You are supported in a gentle, responsive way, with no expectationof producing perfect work — instead, it is about reconnecting with creativity, curiosity, and a sense of ease.
This Retreat Supports You To:
Slow down and step out of everyday demands
Reconnect with your creativity in a gentle, unpressured way
Build confidence with watercolour through guided exploration
Spend time in nature and quiet reflection
Let go of perfection and reconnect with curiosity
Feel more present, grounded, and creatively open
The Retreat Journey
Each retreat includes six hours of guided watercolour sessions across the three days, with generous time for rest, creative practice, and personal space in between.
You will be supported through demonstrations, individual guidance, and time to practice at your own pace. Sessions are flexible, allowing space for both learning and creative exploration without pressure.
There is also time between sessions for rest, reflection, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings of Ferntree Hollow and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Retreat Options & Pricing
Retreat for One
A private retreat experience designed entirely around your creative interests.
Total Price Includes:
Three nights private accommodation at Ferntree Hollow
Three watercolour sessions tailored to your experience and interests, guided by Jo.
All watercolour materials provided
Individual guidance throughout sessions
Time for rest, creative practice, and exploration
Total Price
$1,699
Australian dollars
Retreat for Two
Share the retreat experience with a friend or family member while still enjoying space for your own creative journey.
Each participant receives individual guidance within shared sessions.
Total Price Includes:
Three nights accommodation at Ferntree Hollow
Three watercolour sessions with individual support, tailored to your experience
All watercolour materials provided
Shared retreat experience with personal guidance
Time for rest and creative exploration
Total Price
$1,299 per person
Australian dollars
“The processes and techniques I discovered really helped me look more closely at nature leading to the creative mindset.”
Mel - watercolour retreat
Additional Guest Information
Ferntree Hollow has two bedrooms and can accommodate up to four guests.
If you would like to attend the retreat with a partner, friend, family member, or support person who is not participating in sessions, they are welcome to stay.
Additional guests
$50 per person, per night
Australian dollars
2026 Retreat Availability
JUNE
1 midweek | Monday 22 - Thursday 25
Weekends bookedJULY
Fully bookedAUGUST
1 weekend | Thursday 14 - Sunday 16
2 midweek | Monday 10 - Thursday 13
Monday 24 - Thursday 27SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER
Open for bookings.
Dates are confirmed during our enquiry conversation.
Hello, I’m Jo
I am a watercolour artist and retreat facilitator based in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
My work centres on creating calm, supportive spaces where people can slow down, connect with nature, and explore watercolour in a way that feels relaxed and accessible.
I guide each retreat in an intuitive and responsive way, meeting you where you are — whether you are new to watercolour or have been painting for many years.
Enquire About This Retreat
If you feel drawn to this experience, I invite you to reach out.
Together we’ll explore what you are looking for, current availability, and whether this retreat supports your needs at this time.
Testimonials
Natasha - watercolour retreat
“I was gifted this experience from Mike Arena on behalf of Carers Queensland. I don’t think I realised how much I needed this time to myself and that I need to prioritise art in my life, it is my happy place. Jo, you are a wonderful, calm and creative person, it is a joy to be around you and watch you create. Thank you so much for hosting me.”
Mel - watercolour retreat
“Firstly, I loved and will have fond memories of my experience (plus some good belly laughs). The processes and techniques I discovered really helped me look more closely at nature leading to the creative mindset.
So many times in everyday life we overlook our surroundings and to look closely at the beauty of nature. I will certainly be looking much closer from here on in.
The positive for me is it has reinvigorated my passion of the creative process and to be free to create, again (it’ been too long). Freedom to me is taking away all we know, the rules, the expectations and the outcome. Jo allows self expression and releasing that inner child to play and learn has been invigorating!”