Art Retreat Maleny QLD Australia 2025
Art & Nature
Hinterland Retreat
A sacred space where art, nature, & warm hospitality intertwine & rejuvenate your spirit.
Located in the Sunshine Coast hinterland town of Maleny, Queensland, Australia.

For women seeking to enhance personal growth, wellbeing, & healing through the synergy of art & nature.
Nature-based sessions help you to cultivate a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you.
Hello, I’m Jo
Australian watercolour artist, transpersonal art therapist, and Airbnb super-host.
I provide a safe and nurturing environment for you to explore your inner world, express your emotions, and improve your wellbeing.

“Jo’s patience, understanding, and kind nature allowed me to feel safe and heard.”
Nicole
Through exploration of nature and art materials authentic self-expression is created.
The wonderful part, everyone can do this, no prior art experience or skill is necessary. Just your curiosity and willingness to be guided through the process.

“I came not knowing what to expect, and was a little anxious about what would unfold. I needn’t have worried! Jo made the whole experience calm and relaxing.”
Darlene
I help women going through life transitions and challenges to:
find clarity
release emotions
heal trauma
discover new perspectives
gain self-confidence
reclaim self-identity
find purpose and meaning
identify and overcome blockages
experience inner-peace
deepen connection to nature
Sessions are designed to gently guide you in a natural, intuitive way. They include creative exploration, connection with nature, mindfulness, and being present with whatever arises.

Retreat from the demands of every day life & immerse yourself in a harmonious blend of creativity and tranquility to support your wellbeing.






Art & Nature Hinterland Retreats include…
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Six hours of nature-based art and therapy sessions tailored to suit your needs.
We can discuss session options and location during your free online consultation. No art experience or skill is necessary, so don’t let that hold you back.
Whether you come by yourself, with a friend, relative, or support person, you may choose to participate individually or together.
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I supply all art and nature materials used in the sessions.
Supplies may include; paper, paint, brushes, crayons, pastels, pens, pencils, magazine, glue, and nature.
You bring your curiosity and a willingness to explore various materials.
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Located in the picturesque Sunshine Coast hinterland town of Maleny, Queensland, Australia.
Art & Nature Hinterland Retreat bookings are made directly with Jo to ensure her availability for sessions.
Read Airbnb reviews or book accommodation only please click here.












Ferntree Hollow is within walking distance of the main street of Maleny, Obi Obi Creek with a platypus viewing deck, and nature walk trails.
The main bedroom has a queen bed and the second bedroom has a double bed with a view of the private courtyard. Both bedrooms have a split system reverse cycle air-conditioner.
The sitting/lounge room has a comfortable two-seater couch with views of the private courtyard and a HD smart TV with Netflix.
The kitchenette is to the side of the sitting room with tea and coffee-making facilities, toaster, microwave, bar fridge, and a sink.
The bathroom is a generous size with a luxurious ball and claw bath and shower with a rainfall shower head.
The private courtyard is a lovely place to relax and unwind on the deck and watch the ferns unfurl.

Art & Nature Hinterland Retreat for One.
Experience the restorative benefits of taking some time out for yourself.
A retreat for one is the perfect way to fully immerse in creating some personal space for self care. Enjoy the entire guest suite to yourself with all sessions 1:1 with Jo.
“I followed a feeling to book an art therapy retreat with Jo. I have never done anything like this before but some part of me knew I needed to take myself from my norm of life - a retreat for Self. What unfolded over my sessions was mind and heart blowing. I leave with so much insight on what this next phase of my life is about and what I need to do - a new sense of purpose and direction.” Tereasa
Total price $1,699 or
subscribe to my newsletter for
20% OFF and SAVE $340
Total price for newsletter subscribers $1,359.
Price includes 3 night’s accommodation and 3 x 2 hour art therapy sessions for one.
Art & Nature Hinterland Retreat for Two.
Share the experience with a friend or family member.
Enjoy the privacy of your own bedroom whilst sharing the rest of the guest suite and sessions with someone close.
“I was gifted this retreat with my best friend to celebrate my 60th birthday. As we both have experienced emotional trauma over the past couple of years. I came with an open heart to the retreat with hope that I would take away some understand and closure on my trauma. Jo was the perfect guide/teacher, gently guiding us both through deep feelings long tucked away. Surprisingly for me I was able to talk and open up about feelings and the healing activities have left me with a positive outlook, peace in my heart, healing the hurts and a new found insight to my ability to help myself. Throughly enjoyed. Thanks Jo”. Christine
Total price per participant $1,299 or
subscribe to my newsletter for
20% OFF and SAVE $520
Total price per participant for newsletter subscribers $1,039.
Price includes 3 night’s accommodation and 3 x 2 hour art therapy sessions for two.
Non-participating guests welcome.
Ferntree Hollow has 2 bedrooms and can sleep up to 4 guests.
If you have a friend, relative, partner, or support person not participating in sessions but would like to stay please see additional charge below.
$40 per night per non participating guest
e.g. 3 nights = $120
All prices are subject
to change and will be confirmed once all information has been received. Discounts may apply under special circumstances.
Let’s work together to rejuvenate your spirit.
Leap In.
Please complete this form and Jo will reply as soon as possible.
Testimonials
Julie
“I am still in awe at the depth of things that bubbled up and the unconscious way messages and themes presented themselves. It has been such a reminder to me to trust the process. What is meant to be revealed will be if you remain open.
So many small signs of serendipity throughout the stay! I truly believe I was meant to be here with you Jo, at this time. Thank you for your generous spirit and energy and gentle guidance. You have a gift and I am glad you tapped into it.
It’s my prompt to keep making time and space to create! I don’t know why but I just know I do! ”
Beris
“Jo was welcoming, easy to talk to, and made me feel comfortable. I enjoyed our interactions. Through discussion and using colour patterns allowed me to see more clearly how well I’ve done over the last two years.
I’ve never seen it done in this way before and I thank Jo for opening my eyes - it made it clear for me to see.
I wouldn’t change anything about the retreat, it was very well done. Thank you.”
Tereasa
“I followed a feeling to book an art therapy retreat with Jo. I have never done anything like this before but some part of me knew I needed to take myself from my norm of life - a retreat for Self.
What unfolded over my sessions was mind and heart blowing.
I leave with so much insight on what this next phase of my life is about and what I need to do - a new sense of purpose and direction”.
Chris
“I was gifted this retreat with my best friend to celebrate my 60th birthday. As we both have experienced emotional trauma over the past couple of years. I came with an open heart to the retreat with hope that I would take away some understand and closure on my trauma.
Jo was the perfect guide/teacher, gently guiding us both through deep feelings long tucked away. Surprisingly for me I was able to talk and open up about feelings and the healing activities have left me with a positive outlook, peace in my heart, healing the hurts and a new found insight to my ability to help myself.
Throughly enjoyed. Thanks Jo”.
Nicole
“I spent three session with a close friend at Jo’s Art Therapy Retreat. We both need guidance and love to process betrayals, disappointments and challenges we were facing in our life.
Jo’s patience, understanding and kind nature allowed us both to feel safe and heard.
The art sessions were enjoyable and fascinating learning how to access our own inner guidance and true self was a very new experience that we throughly enjoyed. Thanks Jo”.
Kim
“Jo is wonderful at art therapy, she’s definitely meant to help women focus and find the next steps with feeling stuck, overwhelmed or lost sense of Self.
I went back and forth about having one-on-one 3 days with someone I didn’t know and to trust what would come of it and if it would be awkward. Best thing I’ve done in years. Better for me than psychology or self help books/course.
The art we do isn’t about form or technique it’s about describing feeling or issues without words and it’s much easier than I thought and without worrying about what it looks like. It’s the best way to “jump into” or “out of” what’s on your mind (or your feelings) without explaining too much and it coaxes so many things you didn’t associate with or realise the connection.
I left feeling optimistic and that I really did have more direction of where I wanted/needed to go and the inspiration to follow up with what solutions and options to explore with the several competing issues and realising where I am right now and what I can do to get to where I want to be.
Jo’s ability to interact genuinely and prove guidance makes you feel connected to her and the circle of women going through similar things.”
Kaz
“I thoroughly enjoyed the retreat. The sessions made me think and feel safe enough to share things I needed to work through.
Jo is a thoughtful listener and her guidance is calm and non intrusive. The creativity tools used were a lot of fun, and I felt very much at ease just letting creativity flow without any judgement.
The accommodation is beautiful and serene, I felt very pampered.”
Darlene
“I came not knowing exactly what to expect, and was a little anxious about what would unfold. I needn’t have worried! Jo made the whole experience calm and relaxing.
The space provided a warm charm which aided in the sense of letting go and being in the moment. Not being an artist I found playing with the different media quite challenging and fun at the same time.
This has given me confidence to go forward and experiment some more! Thank you!!”
Carmel
“I feel reminded that I am journeying in the right direction and just need to keep reminding myself of that when things are difficult.
Everything from the garden, to the colours and decor of the accommodation was peaceful and inviting and I leave feeling refreshed, and peaceful.
I really appreciated having the opportunity to share my art therapy journey with my sister.”





