Pouring From an Empty Cup? It's Time to Refill Yours
Are you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and stretched thin? We understand how challenging it can be to care for neurodivergent children while managing the demands of daily life. That's why we're offering you a chance to step away from it all and focus on something that’s often overlooked—yourself.
At Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages, we know firsthand how exhausting it can be to give so much of yourself to your children, especially when they have high needs. This retreat is designed to give you the time and space to rejuvenate, recharge, and reconnect with yourself. Over the course of three days, you'll be treated to luxurious self-care experiences, including massages, facials, art therapy, and more, all set against the serene backdrop of our vineyard.
Your stay will include two nights of accommodation in one of our beautiful cottages, all meals and drinks, and a goody bag filled with thoughtful items — everything you need to feel pampered and appreciated.
When: 1st - 3rd November 2024
What's Included
-
2 Nights Accommodation
Stay in one of our cozy cottages, each offering stunning views and tranquility.
-
Food & Drinks
Indulge in delicious meals featuring locally sourced produce and estate grown wine throughout your stay.
-
Activities
Enjoy a range of restorative activities, including massage, facials, art therapy, and more.
-
Goodie Bag
Take home a curated goody bag filled with locally sourced items designed to help you continue looking after yourself even once you've gone home.
Meet Aspen: Your host and fellow parent
I'm Aspen Forgan, the owner and facilitator of this retreat. As a mother of two neurodivergent children, I understand the challenges you face every day. For years, I put my own needs last, constantly giving to my children until I was running on empty. It wasn’t until I nearly reached my breaking point that I realized how crucial it is to carve out time and space for ourselves.
Taking a few days away for self-care helped me return to my family as the best version of myself. I created this retreat to offer you the same opportunity—to refill your cup so you can continue to pour love and care into your children without losing yourself in the process.
Accommodation Options & Pricing
-
Hill Station
Formerly the old Logan Village railway station, this quaint cottage is perched atop a hill with 360-degree views of the Scenic Rim, including Mount Lindesay, Mount Barney, and more. It includes a self-contained kitchen, an indoor spa bath, a wood-fired heater, a BBQ, and a day bed on the verandah.
1 Queen bed
$2,500 1 person or $3,000 for 2 people
-
Florries Cottage
This cute 120 year old cottage offers privacy and comfort with an open-plan design, ensuite with a luxurious double spa bath, and breath-taking views from the wrap around verandah. It includes a self-contained kitchen, a wood-fire heater, a BBQ and a day bed on the verandah.
1 Queen bed
$2,500 for 1 person or $3,000 for 2 people
-
Lakeside Bungalow
This charming cottage is nestled by the lake, offering stunning water views. It features a spacious living area, a fully equipped kitchen, an indoor spa bath, and a private deck with BBQ facilities. The cottage also includes a wood-burning fireplace and air conditioning.
1 Queen bed
$2,500 for 1 person, or $3,000 for 2 people.
-
Garden Cottage
The Garden Cottage is perfect for those seeking a shared experience. It offers multiple room configurations, with a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious living area, indoor fireplaces, and a large outdoor deck overlooking the creek. Ideal for groups or families, it combines comfort with communal living.
3 Queen beds & 1 Double bed
Room 1: Queen bed + ensuite - $1,800 for 1 person, or $2,300 for 2 people
Room 2: Queen bed + shared bathroom - $1,500 for 1 person, or $2,000 for 2 people
Room 3: Queen bed + shared bathroom - $1,500 for 1 person, or $2,000 for 2 people
Room 4: Double bed + shared bathroom - $1,100 for 1 person, or $1,600 for 2 people
Picture yourself coming home after a few peaceful days, completely recharged and ready to tackle life again with a fresh perspective. Surrounded by others who get it, you’ll leave feeling more supported and less alone.
Join us for this transformative retreat and rediscover the importance of self-care. Spaces are limited, so book your spot today.
*Families with respite in their core funding may be eligible to use their NDIS funding to cover the cost of this retreat.
FAQs
-
The retreat will take place from November 1-3, 2024, at Barney Creek Vineyard Cottages. Our peaceful, secluded location is approximately 1.5 hours' drive from both Brisbane and the Gold Coast, offering a serene escape surrounded by nature.
-
Yes, your partner is welcome to join you! There will be an additional cost of $500 to cover their meals and participation in the activities. While the retreat is focused on providing respite and self-care for parents and carers of neurodiverse children, partners can attend and share in the experience. Simply choose an accommodation option that fits both of you.
-
This retreat is specifically designed to provide parents and carers of neurodiverse children with a chance to focus on self-care, relaxation, and respite. As such, children are not included in this particular event. However, we understand the importance of family support and are working on future events that will include children, so stay tuned for more information!
If you’d like to be notified about family-inclusive retreats, feel free to contact us or sign up for updates.
-
The cost of the retreat depends on the accommodation option you choose. Prices per person for the 3-day retreat (November 1-3, 2024) are:
Hill Station, Florries, or Lakeside Cottages (2 people max, 1 queen bed): $2,500
Garden Cottage (shared):
Room 1: $1,800 (queen + ensuite)
Room 2: $1,500 (queen + shared bathroom)
Room 3: $1,500 (queen + shared bathroom)
Room 4: $1,100 (double + shared bathroom)
All prices include accommodation, meals, drinks, and activities.
-
If you have respite care included in your core funding, you may be eligible to use your NDIS funding to cover the retreat cost. We recommend speaking with your NDIS service provider to confirm that you have enough funds in your budget. Once your funding is confirmed, we can issue an invoice for you to claim through the NDIS.
-
The retreat includes a mix of scheduled activities and personal free time to ensure a balance of relaxation and self-care. Planned activities include massages, facials, art therapy, picnics by the creek, bonfires, and more. There will be moments of downtime for you to relax, reflect, or explore the peaceful surroundings of Barney Creek. Our goal is to offer restorative experiences while allowing space for you to unwind at your own pace.
-
Booking your spot is simple! To reserve your place, click here. Be sure to book early, as spaces are limited!
-
We want to keep the retreat small and intimate to ensure a personalized experience for everyone. The group will consist of 7 to 14 people maximum, allowing for meaningful connections, individual attention, and a supportive atmosphere.
