Sounds of Silence 2026
a Silent Retreat
24 - 30th August 2026.
If you're feeling the weight of a noisy, busy life with way too much information coming at you, or feel lost in the maze of life and aren't sure how to find your direction again, this is an opportunity to make space for stillness, silence, and reflection so you can make thoughtful decisions.
By the time you leave you will feel more grounded, be in touch with your purpose, and have tools to find a rhythm so you're ready to step back into everyday life refreshed.
If this rings true for you, read on…..
This is for you if....
You feel life is too busy?
The constant noise coming at you is overwhelming?
You're feeling numb inside?
Life's so full it’s hard to find the space to make thoughtful decisions?
That still small voice gets smothered too often?
It is hard to find time and space for deeper moments of reflection?
You are worried that you are on a treadmill and will wake up one day only to find you missed out on following your passions?
The luxury of stillness sounds fantastic ?
So:
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Step away from a world screaming at you and away from the digital overload.
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Turn down the noise and listen well: to yourself, to nature (it has its own sounds), and your Still Small voice.
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Spend quiet time in this beautiful natural environment designed to support nervous system recovery and your total wellness.
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Immerse yourself in natures healing presence.
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Discover more of your inner self through guided reflective exercises so you practice mindfulness and refocus on your purpose.
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Join us for this peaceful, semi-structured Silent Retreat that gives you time to breathe deeply.
When you return home you will:
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Feel refreshed, renewed and with a clearer sense of your purpose.
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Understand your passion so you can keep it in focus.
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Carry a sense of calm to help continuing to make thoughtful decisions in everyday life.
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Enjoy some tools to help you carve out moments of stillness in the busy-noisy world you return to.
Join us in the quiet setting of a bushland environment at Fosterton Retreat, sharing the 100 acres of all kinds of trees, birds, wallabies and other healing elements of nature.
Sleep in the safety of a dark night, cocooned in a comfortable bed without the noise of the city, town or busy world.
Meet with retreat facilitators Bronwyn or Max at the start of your stay to decide on your intention for this retreat.
Then pick from a selection of gentle, guided reflective exercises to help you slow down, enter the silence and move from your busy life to the being present with yourself.
Walk one of the 4 labyrinths on the property as a full-body way to listen.
Take a silent bushwalk on one of the paths on the property.
Deepen your awareness of what matters in your life by heightening your senses as you notice things you would often not see.
Practice mindfulness and patience as you visit the river nearby and build your own rock tower- incredibly satisfying.
Enjoy delicious vegetarian food that someone else has prepared.
Sit under the stars (which are often hidden in towns) and absorb the stillness night brings, allowing you clarity for your decisions.
True silence is the rest of the mind, and is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment.
William Penn
https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/silence-quotes
Choose your adventure- come for 2 or more days.
2 days 1 night is the minimum. Research shows that a number of short breaks throughout the year can lead to better well-being.
And if you’ve never been on a silent retreat before we recommend starting with 2 days.
Your investment is $200 per day plus accommodation 9am - 6pm is a day
Retreat includes:
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A boutique retreat experience with limited numbers (22 max),
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Help yourself breakfast, afternoon tea, supper, lunch, tea, coffee,
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A simple vegetarian evening meal per full day you're booked (if you're in the cabins you're welcome to use the facilities to cook as long as silence reigns and clean-up happens),
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Night time under the stars, around the fire pit (weather permitting)
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Sunset reflections- questions provided, silence observed.
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Access to the swimming pool & spa, should you be brave enough.
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Accommodation at Fosterton Retreat (see options below) with all linen provided,
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Up to 1 one-to-one reflective session every second day (if you choose 1 day, you'll still get 1 session), including some suggested exercises, e.g: facilitated labyrinth walk.
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Reflective tools that you can use at home.
Retreat does not include:
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Alcohol & soft drinks.
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Transport to & from the retreat.
If you want to come by train we can pick you up & drop you off at Dungog train station. A small fee applies.
One of 2 bathrooms in
Fosterton House
One of the 5 bedrooms
in Fosterton House
Accommodation options
Well appointed cabins
Valley View cabin– up to 2 people, in 1 bed Queen $180 p/ night
Mountain View cabin- up to 2 people, in 1 bed Queen $180 p/ night
MV bring 1 more friend Single- bunk bed (bottom) $70 p/ night, share the bathroom.
Accommodation in Fosterton House
(5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms)
King room- (2 people) King bed $150 p/ night
Queen room- (2 people) Queen bed $140 p/ night
Double room- (2 people) Double bed $130 p/night
Shared single bed room- (1 with 2 adults, one with 3 adults)
Single beds $80 p/ person / night
Mountain View cabin bedroom.
Plenty of room in the shared bedrooms.
Retreat terms & conditions
We want you to be clear about our terms & conditions,
but we've tried to make them easy & fun to read!
Bookings:
· A 30% non-refundable deposit is required at least 3 weeks before a retreat to secure your place. Payment of the deposit constitutes the guest's acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
· Balance of payment must be received in full at least 14 days prior to the start of a retreat. If not, the owners will contact you, but without payment we have the right to cancel the booking and attempt to re-book your place.
Cancellations & Refunds:
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Cancellation by participants made up to 4 weeks before a retreat receive a refund minus10% fee.
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Cancellations by participants between 4-2 weeks prior to a retreat receive a 50% refund,
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Cancellations by participants within 2 weeks of a retreat receive no refund, unless person is found to replace you (like for like),
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If a retreat is not run by Max & Bronwyn Greive cancellations and refunds are between the retreat organiser and the client.
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If you want to "pull out of" a retreat and move to another one at a different time it will be treated as a cancellation. Rebooking will be subject to availability & at the listed price for that next retreat (even if it has increased).
Note: If extreme things happen outside of your control, (we know what it's like to have sudden tragedies) we understand that variations to these may be possible, so contact us- Yes talk to us!
We might have a waitlist.
Other issues:
· We care about our participants so it is important that anyone registering to attend a retreat discloses any health or related issues which might impact on their involvement, so we can take great care (eg: physical, psychological, spiritual, dependencies or family issues). To not do so could result on the cancellation of a booking/place at a retreat,
· The number of guests should not exceed the number stated on the confirmation notice/email or the number subsequently agreed in writing or email. Fees will apply for additional guests not agreed to with the owner in advance,
· While there have never been any problems with theft, personal items are the guest's responsibility during their stay,
· However anything found at the conclusion of the stay is collected by the cleaners and we contact you and ask what you want to do about it,
Alcohol: Fosterton Retreat does not have a liquor license. Some retreats are dry, others are not. It will be listed on the individual retreat page. You are welcome to bring alcohol to a retreat that is not dry but moderation is expected and unruly behaviour is not okay (see next point).
· Disturbance to other visitors or our neighbours, including trespassing on their property or excessive noise, is prohibited and may result in termination of your place at a retreat,
· Linen for residential guests is supplied by Fosterton Retreat except for extras agreed between the owner and visitor in writing (email included),
· Pets are not allowed unless specific arrangements have been made in writing with the owner (Guide and assistance dogs excepted of course with consultation).
· Smoking is not allowed inside any buildings or within 5 metres of buildings.
· Times to vacate rooms will be stipulated in each retreat and need to be adhered to for the sake of other guests.
Each retreat is different but Fosterton Retreat does not have a liquor license, if it is not a dry retreat you can bring alcohol and we expect moderation in its use.
Each retreat has a minimum number of participants required, which may vary for each retreat. The date for any cancellation of a retreat due to lack of numbers will vary but will be listed in the information for each retreat. Registered (paid) participants will be notified asap.
We will make every effort to ensure our retreats are available as advertised. However, the owner reserves the right to make alterations due to rare and extreme unforeseen circumstances. Max and Bronwyn will contact you soon as possible if such a situation arises and every attempt will be made to accommodate you at another suitable retreat in the next 12 months or money paid will be refunded.
What can I expect?
Your outcome will be unique but there will be common experiences.
You come with your own background, knowledge, beliefs and spiritual practices, while we provide opportunities to nurture your soul. Everyone is different so the schedule is semi-structured, with set eating times, and the rest set by you to suit your rhythm, including a collection of exercises to choose from and booking a reflective session with Max or Bronwyn.
Beginning:
Whatever day you chose to come, everyone starts by turning off their phone (if you even brought it) and do a walking meditation on one of our 4 labyrinths. Max will guide you in this. This helps you bring your inner and outer worlds into sync.
Choose your adventure:
Know how you want to spend your time in silence? Great. A collection of exercises will be available to choose from, so you can create your own rhythm, such as: sitting, breathing, creative, nature connection, using labyrinths- walking or handheld, body scan and sensory meditations.
Walk our labyrinths
Come find yourself on the path in one of our labyrinths, to ground yourself, contemplate, centre, pray, meditate- you can't get lost. Or, if walking is difficult use a handheld one. These practices are well researched as being helpful for well being, including Labyrinths! There are different ways to use these exercises, you can bring your own practices or we'll give you some ideas.
Meet one-to-one for some suggestions.
There are no group sessions, but you're invited to a face-to-face session with Max or Bronwyn, where we use reflective listening with contemplative practices of compassion., This can be planned to suit your rhythm: if you're a morning person, from 6am on. If you love afternoons, make it then. And if the night is where you go deep, anytime up until 8.30pm can be scheduled. You get the idea. How many sessions will depend on how many days you go on retreat and what you need (everyone can have at least 1).
Journalling.
Whether it is visual, or written, focusing on insights or gratitude, each person is encouraged to find some way to journal while on retreat. This is for you, unless you want to share it with us. Materials are provided so anyone can visually journal or incorporate colour and symbols (as used in mind mapping).
Finish well.
You might have come for any number of reasons: as a sort-of stamina test (less physically gruelling than a marathon but still with challenges), life changes, looking for direction, family difficulties, time for reflection, or.....
And while you were silent for the retreat we offer each person a post retreat session, again using reflective listening and contemplative practices of compassion, with a future focus, this helps consolidate and integrate your retreat insights and experiences.
A retreat isn't just a stand-alone thing, it's part of your whole life.
Silence is refreshment for the soul.
Wynonna Judd https://www.brainyquote.com/topics/silence-quotes
A silent retreat has many benefits...
Switch off the noise
Stop running... get off the treadmill.... step away from distraction... switch off your phone. (Hand it in or leave it at home.)
Take time to notice, go deeper, reflect, and help create calm, peace and contentment. Silence can also be a first step towards the awakening of more creativity, or the start of deep listening.
Fresh air is good for you.
Breathe in deeply, send your gaze out over the acres of rolling hills all the way to the Barrington Tops National Park. Become aware of the sounds, fragrances and sights around you, either during the day or under the stars at night.
Be nurtured by nature.
Restore your connection with the beauty and wonder of nature. Listen to your heartbeat among our 101 acres. Centre yourself as part of the environment, noticing the surrounding hillsides and mountains, local flora and fauna, waterways of creeks and the nearby river. All available while you retreat.
Discover a new path.
We won't lie to you, being silent and shedding distractions makes space for the deep work of transformation. Discover new thoughts, ideas and emotions (positive and negative). Of course this can be uncomfortable. Silence can help us stay with the 'uncomfortable' long enough to listen to it, learn from it and even befriend it. A chance to heal.
Become intentional.
Set a new path of choice and direct your life, with purpose, rather than just rolling along. "If you don't prioritize your life, someone else will" Geoff McKeown. (Read some of his story at see https://gregmckeown.com/if-you-dont-prioritize-your-life-someone-else-will-harvard-business-review-2/).
“Silence is a source of Great Strength.”
Lao Tzu https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/silence
Thankyou Philip for this lovely photo taken when you stayed at Fosterton Retreat.
Who is it for?
This is for anyone who:
Wants to make space to go deeper,
Are committed to the work of inner transformation,
Feels drained from life (but there's no medical cause for it),
Often find themselves distracted by the noise of life,
Wants to get in touch with a deeper self, nature, and/or a higher power,
Likes to set themselves a challenge.
We need to care for you and everyone who comes, so if you have any mental health concerns we need to know about it and discuss these with you.
If you are under the care of a doctor, counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist for any mental health issues you need to speak with them before attending. They might like to know more about us before advising you, please give them our contact details.
Answering some of your questions
“My personal hobbies are reading, listening to music, and silence.”
― Edith Sitwell https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/silence
What if my family needs me?
Families can contact Max and Bronwyn directly if there is an emergency, we have coverage with our phones. And of course we will pass it on straight away.
Will I be just sitting around all day?
That will be up to you. There will be a variety of activities/ reflective exercises available for you to chose from, including a morning sitting meditation. Some of the activities/ reflective exercises will be walking meditations, others sitting, plus there is 100 acres for you to explore. The point is this will all done in silence, that is the key.
Do I have to share a room?
No. At Fosterton Retreat we have cabins people can be in just by themselves or a room to themselves in the house. However the cheapest option is to share a room with a couple of people- you might not know them, or you might come with friends. I went to a retreat (not silent)and shared a tiny room with a woman I'd never met before and probably never will again. The room was as small as the room I had on my own as a nursing student and we shared an experience by being there at the same time.
Do I have to have sort of faith/religious belief?
No, come as you are. The reflective exercises do not assume any kind of faith/religious belief. It is for people who want to go deeper though. Some people will have faith/religious beliefs, and some of the contemplations might involve quotes or sacred text but just like the quotes on this website it will be varied. And there are no discussion groups, each of you will carry your own worldview into everything you do through this time.
Can I speak at all?
Silence is a discipline, and we won't be following you around. We know a nun who at the start of her journey she used to get away and talk during 'the grand silence'. She is a deep, faithful, loving human being, so, there is no penalty if you have a conversation, out of the way, with someone who is also wanting a short exchange.
A face-to-face session with Max or Bronwyn obviously allows speaking. However, it is about your purpose and consideration of others, BUT meals, the accommodation and retreat spaces are silent spaces for this week and that we will keep an eye on.
Do I have to stay on the property?
No. There are some lovely walks nearby and the river with beautiful rocks (great for rock towers, a very centring practice). However, we do ask people to sign out when leaving, and sign in when returning. We'd hate anything to happen to you and us not realise where you were.
Will there be any television or media?
Television will not be turned on. but we will check the news twice a day and put up a notice about anything important. We were flying to the USA on Dec 26, 2004 when the tsunami happened, the world completely changed between leaving and landing, it was important to us to know this.
That is something we would put a notice up about.
If you don't want to know about such events, don't read the notices.
Anything personally important we will pass on to you directly.
Still not sure if this is a good fit for you?
Email, ring us to discuss it further, Details below.
Or send us an enquiry form.
