Read. Rest. Repeat.
Reading retreat with Toni Jordan
24-27 September 2026
Reading Retreat with Toni Jordan
Embrace the pure joy of reading with the rare luxury of time to rest deliciously hosted by Toni Jordan, one of Australia’s leading authors.
Her eight novels include Addition, adapted as a film starring Theresa Palmer, Nine Days, which won the Indie Award for best fiction, and her latest book Tenderfoot, which is shortlisted for the ABIA literary fiction book of the year.
This intimate 3 day retreat is designed for people who love books and cannot put them down.
Toni is an accomplished speaker and workshop presenter passionate about reading as a source of joy and fellowship, consolation and celebration. She will guide conversations about how fiction builds empathy and how books can be a radical act of humanity in these tech-dependent times.
She is passionate about reading as a way to rewire our brains, to deepen and expand upon our understanding of the world and other people and to build immunity against our shortening attention spans.
Set away from city frenzy in a superb five-star guest house in Bathurst, Toni will join us each day to spend several hours sharing her experience as a teacher, a writer, and a fascinated reader.
For this special weekend, combine your own love of reading with Toni’s inspirational stories, deep analysis of reading completely, and knowledge across the genres and times.
Experience this exceptional opportunity to disconnect and read, all in the sublime surrounds of Littlebourne Guest House.
About Toni Jordan
Toni Jordan is the author eight novels including the international bestseller Addition, which won the Indie Award for best first book.
Her latest novel Tenderfoot, has just been listed for the Miles Franklin prize this year and is shortlisted for the ABIA literary fiction book of the year. Previous works include internationally published Fall Girl, and also Nine Days which was awarded Best Fiction at the Indie Awards and was named in Kirkus Review’s top 10 Historical Novels of 2013.
Our Tiny, Useless Hearts was longlisted for the International Dublin Literary Award and for the Voss Literary Award. The two Schnabel family novels, Dinner with the Schnabels and Prettier if She Smiled More, were both critically acclaimed.
Toni’s essays and short fiction has been published widely in newspapers and magazines, and she's an experienced teacher of creative writing and judge of writing prizes. She is chair of the Paragraph Fellowship, Patron of Writers Victoria and has presented key-note speeches and workshops, appeared on panels at numerous writers festivals and been a writer-in-residence for schools and organisations. Her students and protégées include published novelists and memoirists. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Queensland and a PhD in Creative Arts from Deakin University.
As interesting background, Toni has also worked as a molecular biologist, quality control chemist, TAB operator and door-to-door aluminium siding salesperson.
You can find out more about Toni her website
The Retreat Program
Welcome dinner - an inspiring introduction to the weekend with Toni reflecting on how her life has been shaped by unexpected events, the publication of her own works and the inspiration she has taken from reading incredible authors over so many years.
Each day there will be a two hour program for thoughtful, engaging discussion with Toni in a casual setting around a single table, These sessions will explore ideas, techniques and the pleasures of reading quietly and deeply.
Unlimited time to explore the short catalogue of books which Toni has prepared as a base for conversation, or simply indulge yourself in a book which has been teasing you to read.
Each morning a yoga session is offered in the Littlebourne garden to ready the soul and the body for a day of quiet reading ahead.
Serene luxury
Littlebourne is a superb national trust registered homestead with acres of tranquil gardens and five-star boutique hotel style rooms. Each guest room has luxurious appointments and a private ensuite. Littlebourne is on the edge of Bathurst, around 2.5 hours from Sydney,
Guests will enjoy beautifully prepared meals using the freshest local produce and also savour regional wines, locally roasted coffees and blended teas always ready to brew.
Time will be yours, to relax, to read, to talk. Or to simply be still.
Details
Duration - 3 nights from
Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 September 2026
Includes - accommodation, all meals, literary sessions, yoga and refreshments
Places limited - maximum of 10 people
FEATURES
Superb five star accommodation in king or queen rooms, each with luxurious en-suites and amenities. Take a room for yourself or share with your friend or family.
All meals - breakfasts, lunches and dinners - included.
Local wines and brewed ales included.
Home-made snacks, never-ending coffee and fresh brewed tea anytime included.
Beautiful heritage indoor and outdoor spaces and gardens in which to read and reflect, in private or in groups.
A personally signed copy of Toni’s novel Tenderfoot for each guest.
If requested, a guided river walk or local expedition
Morning yoga to stretch the body before the mind awakens
COSTS
Starting from $1,750 twin share and $2,599 solo depending on room choice
Includes - accommodation, all meals, literary sessions, yoga and refreshments, airport or railway station transfers
Read. Rest. Repeat.
Because reading deserves time.
Because reading is restorative
Because reading all day is never enough.
For bookings and expressions of interest, please complete the Reading Retreat Booking Request Form.
Toni Jordan Reading Retreat Booking Request Form
