Saturday 6 September - Sunday 7 September 2025
TWO-DAY ADVENTURE AND TRAVEL WRITING RETREAT ON THE SIX FOOT TRACK
Want to write about your outdoor adventures? Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, this is your chance to take your storytelling deeper—and wilder.
Over two days on the iconic Six Foot Track in the Blue Mountains, you’ll hike 15km through the Megalong Valley, cross the Cox’s River, sleep off-grid at a remote eco lodge, and finish with lunch and wine at a boutique vineyard.
Along the way, you’ll take part in hands-on writing sessions—from interview skills around the campfire to sensory storytelling after a wild swim. You'll leave with practical tools, fresh ideas, and the space to shape your stories.
Every step also supports the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and Emu Trekkers, a not-for-profit tour company.
$699 (inc. accommodation, food, writing workshops and more).
WHO IS THIS RETREAT FOR?
This retreat is for writers at any stage of their journey—aspiring, emerging, or established—who want to explore the connection between nature and narrative.
You don’t need a portfolio, just a decent level of fitness, an open mind, and a love for the outdoors.
Group sizes are small to allow for real connection, rich feedback, and focused writing time.
You’ll learn how to:
Develop your unique writing voice and style
Experiment with different formats such as features, interviews, and personal narrative
Bring landscapes to life with sensory, place-based writing
Ask better questions and capture compelling quotes through interview practice
Pitch editors with confidence and shape your story for publication
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Book before 21 July to secure an early bird rate of $699.
Guided travel and writing sessions with adventure writer Brooke Nolan
Small group setting – connect, share stories, and write alongside a supportive crew of fellow adventurers
15km guided hike on the most scenic stretch of the iconic Six Foot Track—packed with natural beauty, wild moments, and writing inspiration at every turn
Workshops in the wild, from sensory writing after a swim to interview skills around the campfire
Time and space to write, with support to shape your own story in an unforgettable setting
One night off-grid at the Six Foot Track Eco Lodge, with a campfire, welcome drink, and slow-cooked dinner under the stars
All meals included – 2 x lunches, 1 x breakfast, 1 x dinner (vegetarian options available)
Wine tasting and long-table lunch at a boutique vineyard to end on a high note
Give back while you trek – all proceeds (after expenses) go to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and not-for-profit hiking tour company Emu Trekkers, (who provide all logistics and parks passes,etc)
Words Gone Wild workshop at the ExplorerFest festival in Hawkes Nest, 2025.
ITINERARY
With the perfect mix of adventure, creativity, and indulgence, this weekend isn’t just a break from the day-to-day—it’s a step away from the screen and back into the places where stories begin, all set in the stunning scenery of the iconic Six Foot Track.
We begin the day with a relaxed meet and greet over coffee, tea, and scones at the Megalong Valley Tea Rooms, where you’ll set your writing intentions for the weekend.
From there, we hit the trail. The path winds through scribbly gum forest and across open farmland—perfect terrain for learning to write about place. Along the way, Brooke will guide you through activities to help you capture not just the landscape, but emotion, too.
After a packed lunch, we continue towards the Cox’s River and the iconic Bowtell’s suspension bridge. Whether you’re crossing the bridge or wading through the river, it’s a moment to reflect on movement and discomfort—two powerful drivers in adventure storytelling.
At the remote Six Foot Track Eco Lodge, it’s time to slow down. Off-grid and nestled beside the river, it offers the perfect environment to pause, reflect, and write.
There’s time for a wild swim, a wander along the banks, or quiet writing with the sounds of the bush all around you.
As the sun sets, we’ll gather for a slow-cooked dinner before heading to the campfire for an evening session on interview skills and internal narrative—exploring how your questions, reflections, and instincts shape the stories you tell.
After a leisurely breakfast of scrambled eggs, muesli, fresh sourdough, and hot plunger coffee, we’ll explore different ways to structure a story—from personal essays to destination guides and interviews.
Then it’s over to you: a quiet stretch of writing time to shape what you gathered yesterday into a format that suits your voice and vision.
We’ll then farewell the lodge and begin the walk back through the valley, using the changing landscape to explore perspective, reflection, and the shape of a story.
By mid-morning, we’ll arrive at a boutique vineyard for a long-table ploughman’s lunch and a guided tasting of seven vintage wines.
Over lunch, we’ll wrap things up with a Q&A session. You’ll have the chance to share a short piece, workshop ideas with Brooke, or simply write for yourself.
The final leg of the hike is a gentle wind-down, giving you space to gather your thoughts and your words before heading home with a notebook full of ideas, memories, and momentum.
MEET BROOKE
Words Gone Wild retreats are led by writer and adventurer Brooke Nolan.
Brooke has published over 100 articles in publications such as We Are Explorers, Wild, Adventure.com, News.com.au, and Vertical Life, and contributed to three adventure books, including Hike by DK Eyewitness.
She’s passionate about turning lived experiences into stories that stick—whether it’s a personal essay, a magazine feature, or branded storytelling that still feels true.
Get in touch
Do you have questions?
Have questions? Ask away: we promise we don't bite. Unless you steal our trail snacks.
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