We are providing a serene physical space to shut out the clutter and clamour of daily life. We offer the reflective time and a guided approach to reading deeply and opening up thoughtful discussion with other passionate readers, including our renowned guest authors.

Reading selection is completely up to you. Our authors will curate a list of suggested books and some additional resources to enhance your reading, but of course you’re free to bring and read anything you like.

Nothing is compulsory – you can spend the entire time reading in your bathtub, grab a hammock or stay in bed to read, read, read. Or choose to take a stroll around the gardens or pop into explore Bathurst for an hour or two. Discussions with your fellow book-lovers and questions/answers with our authors will be hosted during lunches or dinners each day. But you are free to use the time any way you wish.

Meals are included - Thu/Fri/Sat dinners, Fri/Sat/Sun breakfasts, Fri/Sat lunches.

A selection of soft drinks, local wines and brewed ales will also be provided.

Privacy is very important during retreats, and discussion can take place that is both candid and personal. We ask that technology is limited and recordings are only made and shared with explicit permission of any participants involved.  We ask guests to turn phones off, leave in your room or at least silence them during shared meals and  discussions.

Of course! There are plenty of activities in and around Bathurst to entertain people looking for walks, golfing, art, vineyards, history and so much more. We are happy to advise on a full range of activities for attending partners who might like a lighter dose of reading.

Unfortunately dogs and other pets are not accommodated at Littlebourne due to the antiques throughout the house and farm animals on the land surrounding the extensive garden. (Trained and required assistance animals are welcome.)

While guests over 10 years old are always welcome at Littlebourne, the reading retreat is most appropriate for adult children, and certainly a wonderful experience to share across generations.

This is a reading retreat, discussing published books only. Please don’t bring a piece of writing ‘just in case’, as we would be very embarrassed to have to refuse discussion on the day. Our host and guests are attending a Quiet Books Reading Retreat, not a writing program.

Yes – you will be able to connect to the WiFi world if needed.

There is no smoking allowed inside the house or on the verandas of heritage listed Littlebourne. A small area is set aside in the garden for people who need to puff, and ashtrays will be provided to keep all areas clean.

There are some wonderful cafes and restaurants nearby in Bathurst, and they would be best to visit if you’d like to catch up with other friends in the region. This will help to respect the privacy of other participants and maintain our quiet, bookish vibe.

 Cancellations 4 weeks or more prior – 50% refund*

Cancellations less than 4 weeks prior – no refund*

*If we are able to sell your cancelled booking to another participant, we will refund an amount up to 90% of the original fee if the amount received from the replacement booking is equivalent.

The retreat will proceed if at least six people register (maximum 10 participants).  If something outside of our control occurs and the program is cancelled or rescheduled, any fees paid will be refunded or your booking moved to the new time.

Participants should provide dietary and allergy information during registration. Please indicate all your requirements at registration to help us provide appropriate catering as last-minute unusual dietary requests will be difficult to accommodate. Our catering team will do their best to accommodate your needs so please give us as much information as possible.

Littlebourne is single level, largely step-free and has one suite with a flexible accessible bathroom. Please contact us direct to discuss exact requirements so we can advise you of accessibility details.

Of course. We hope everyone who visits feels embraced and pampered. We respect and care for all our visitors, and expect guests to do the same for each other. There is no tolerance for rudeness or abuse – this may result in our cancelling your booking without refund. We welcome respectful behaviour and difference of every kind.

Please fill out the registration form for one of our retreats by heading to the Reading Retreats page and select your retreat of choice. On the selected retreat page you will find a registration form.  Rooms will be allocated as forms and payment are received, with first bookings having greatest choice. As places fill, you’ll be advised of remaining available rooms or wait-list options. Places are strictly limited so please register as soon as you can.

Please fill out the registration form for one of our retreats by heading to the Reading Retreats page and select your retreat of choice and complete the registration form on that retreat’s page. You must select TWO Participants and provide names, email and phone number for both guests. We will not allocate a shared room to people who do not know each other and book together.

    Yes – please send a registration form from the website with your details and preferences.