FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions.



Here is a collection of frequently asked questions (FAQs) that may help you find the information you need. If you have any additional questions, you can call Jenny direct on 0459 995 880, email her at jenny@heartlandmeadows.com.au or use the contact page on this website. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.




Before You Book


I've never been on a retreat before. Is this retreat suitable for first-timers?

Absolutely. In fact, many of our guests are attending their very first retreat. We understand that stepping into something new can feel a little daunting, so we've created a relaxed, welcoming environment where there are no expectations or pressure. Many guests tell us afterwards that they were nervous before arriving, but within a few hours they felt completely at home.

Can I attend alone?

Yes, and many of our guests do. In fact, arriving on your own is one of the things people worry about most, but it quickly becomes one of the things they enjoy most. Our retreats naturally foster connection, and you'll find yourself sharing meals, conversations and experiences with a wonderful group of like-minded people. Many lasting friendships have begun at Heartland Meadows.

What if I'm not very spiritual?

That's absolutely fine. Our retreats are about well-being, self-discovery, relaxation and personal growth rather than following any particular belief system. Some guests love meditation and mindfulness, while others simply enjoy the peaceful environment, nourishing food and time away from everyday life. You are welcome exactly as you are.

What makes Heartland Meadows different?

Heartland Meadows isn't a luxury resort. It's a family-owned retreat centre built on warmth, kindness and community. We want you to feel like you're coming to stay with friends rather than checking into a hotel. Guests often comment that they feel genuinely seen, cared for and accepted here, and many return again and again because of the welcoming atmosphere we've created.

Why are your retreats so affordable?

We believe that retreat should be accessible to more people, not just something experienced once in a lifetime. From the very beginning, our vision was to create a place where guests could return whenever life became overwhelming or they simply needed to reconnect with themselves. We choose to keep our retreats affordable because we value community, connection and making well-being more accessible.

We pride ourselves on creating one of Queensland's most affordable retreat experiences without compromising on quality. Our guests enjoy nourishing meals, comfortable private bedrooms, thoughtful workshops, a heated magnesium pool, an infrared sauna, beautiful natural surroundings and, most importantly, a genuine sense of care, connection and community.



During Your Stay


Do I have to participate in every activity?

Not at all. This is your retreat, and we encourage you to listen to your own needs. While most guests enjoy participating in the workshops and activities, you're always welcome to take some quiet time for yourself, enjoy the gardens, read a book, swim in the magnesium pool or simply rest. There is no pressure to do anything that doesn't feel right for you.

Will I have time to simply relax?

Definitely. While we offer a beautiful program of workshops and activities, we've intentionally built free time into each day. Many guests enjoy sitting quietly with a cup of tea, reading or chatting in the library, relaxing by the pool, creating in the art shed, spending time in the infrared sauna or simply soaking up the peaceful atmosphere.

I'm not very fit. Will I be able to do all the activities?

Yes. Our retreats are designed for all levels of fitness and mobility. Our gentle movement sessions, affectionately called Jenoga, can be adapted to suit all fitness levels, and you're always encouraged to participate at your own pace. If there's anything you can't do, there are always alternatives.

Can I bring alcohol?

We ask that guests don't bring alcohol during our retreats. Heartland Meadows is a place to reconnect with yourself, and we find that guests gain the greatest benefit when they fully immerse themselves in the retreat experience with a clear mind and body.



Accommodation & Facilities


Do I get my own bedroom?

Yes. One of the things guests appreciate most is having their own private bedroom. It gives you a peaceful space to relax, journal, reflect or simply enjoy some quiet time whenever you need it.

Do I have to share a room?

No. All guests have their own private bedroom. The bathrooms are shared within each cabin, but your bedroom is your own private sanctuary throughout your stay.

What should I bring?

Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll send you a detailed information pack with everything you’ll need. Generally, we recommend bringing comfortable clothing, walking shoes, swimmers for the magnesium pool, a hat, a water bottle, a journal if you’d like one, and any personal items or medications you may need during your stay.

We provide all towels, including towels for your bedroom, the swimming pool and the sauna. Shampoo, conditioner and body soap are supplied in the showers, and hand soap is available in each bathroom. There is also a hairdryer in every bathroom, although you are always welcome to bring your own toiletries and personal products if you prefer.

We also have a small on-site shop offering a few basic necessities, along with a beautiful range of gifts, wellness products and mementos to take home.

Is internet available?

Yes. Wi-Fi is available around the main retreat areas, although we encourage guests to use this time as an opportunity to gently disconnect from technology and reconnect with themselves.

Is there mobile phone reception?

Yes, there is mobile phone reception at Heartland Meadows. If you'd like to take the opportunity to switch your phone off during your stay and enjoy a complete break from the outside world, you're very welcome to do so. You can simply give our retreat centre phone number, 0459 995 880, to your family or close friends in case they need to contact you while you're here.



Food


Are dietary requirements catered for?

Absolutely. We happily cater for most dietary requirements, allergies and food intolerances. Please let us know when you book so we can prepare nourishing meals that suit your needs. We take great pride in serving wholesome, delicious vegetarian meals that many guests say are one of the highlights of their retreat.



Getting Here


Can you pick me up from the airport or train station?

Yes. We can usually arrange transfers from Gympie train station, the Sunshine Coast Airport or Brisbane airport for an additional fee. Please contact us before your retreat so we can discuss your travel plans and organise the best option.

Where is Heartland Meadows Retreat?

Heartland Meadows Retreat is located at 44 Meadows Lane, Chatsworth, Queensland, just north of Gympie. We are approximately one hour north of the Sunshine Coast and just over two hours north of Brisbane.



Bookings


How do I book and pay my deposit?

Booking your retreat is easy, and there are several ways to do it.

You can call the retreat centre directly on 0459 995 880, or send an email to jenny@heartlandmeadows.com.au if you have any questions or would like to make a booking.

You can also book online through our website. Simply choose the retreat you'd like to attend, and you'll be directed to our secure online booking system where you can reserve your place and pay by credit card.

If you would prefer not to pay online, we're also happy to provide our bank account details so you can make a direct deposit instead.

What is your cancellation policy?

To secure your place, we require a deposit – usually around $300, but this depends on the retreat. Your deposit is transferable to another retreat if you let us know at least three weeks before your retreat begins. Within three weeks of the retreat, the deposit becomes non-refundable, as it's often difficult to refill places at short notice. If you have any concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. We always do our best to be fair and understanding.



Our Community


Do people come back more than once?

They certainly do. In fact, at most of our retreats, around 50% or more of our guests are returning guests. We lovingly call them our "repeat offenders", and welcoming familiar faces back through our gates is one of the greatest joys of running Heartland Meadows.

Many of our guests return year after year, and many attend several retreats each year. Over time, lasting friendships are formed, confidence grows, and guests often tell us that coming back to Heartland Meadows feels like coming home.

We believe this says more about our retreats than anything we could ever write. There is something very special about a place that people choose to return to, again and again.

Can I stay at Heartland Meadows when there isn't a retreat running?

Absolutely. Subject to availability, you're welcome to stay at Heartland Meadows even when we don't have a retreat running. Many guests enjoy coming simply to relax, unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

You can choose to stay in an Airbnb-style arrangement, where you have your own accommodation and provide your own meals, or we may be able to arrange a fully catered stay with three delicious meals each day.

As availability varies depending on our retreat schedule and other bookings, please contact us directly to discuss your preferred dates. We'd be delighted to let you know what's available and help you plan a relaxing stay.



Other Questions


I have another question that isn't answered here. Can I contact you?

And the answer could simply be:

Absolutely. We know booking a retreat or hosting one is an important decision, and we're always happy to answer any questions you may have. Please don't hesitate to call us on 0459 995 880 or email jenny@heartlandmeadows.com.au. We'd love to hear from you and help you decide whether Heartland Meadows is the right fit for you.



Hosting Retreats at Heartland Meadows


Can I host my own retreat at Heartland Meadows?

Absolutely. We welcome applications from facilitators who would like to host their own retreats at Heartland Meadows. We love supporting people who are passionate about helping others and creating meaningful experiences. Before confirming a booking, we'll have a chat to ensure your retreat aligns with the values and atmosphere we have created here.

Who can host a retreat?

We welcome enquiries from facilitators whose retreats complement the Heartland Meadows philosophy of health, well-being, personal growth, connection and community. We are always happy to have a conversation and explore whether Heartland Meadows is the right fit for your retreat.

How can I hire the retreat centre?

There are two ways to hire Heartland Meadows.

Many retreat facilitators choose to hire the retreat centre as a venue only, organising their own catering and chef.

Alternatively, you can choose to have Heartland Meadows provide all catering during your retreat. We can prepare delicious, nourishing meals for your guests, allowing you to focus entirely on delivering your retreat.

We're happy to discuss both options and help you decide which arrangement best suits your event.

How much does it cost to hire the retreat centre?

As every retreat is different, we provide individual quotations based on your group size, length of stay and catering requirements.

Please contact us directly and we'll happily email you our current venue hire information and pricing guide.

How many guests can the retreat centre accommodate?

Heartland Meadows comfortably accommodates up to 13 individual guests in private bedrooms, making it ideal for intimate retreats where guests can enjoy a peaceful, personalised experience.

How do I enquire about hosting a retreat?

We'd love to hear about your ideas.

Please contact us directly by emailing jenny@heartlandmeadows.com.au or calling 0459 995 880. We'd be delighted to answer your questions and send you our venue hire information, pricing guide and availability.

Can I visit Heartland Meadows before booking my retreat?

Absolutely. If you're considering hosting a retreat with us, we'd be delighted to arrange a time for you to visit the property, explore the facilities, discuss your ideas and see whether Heartland Meadows feels like the right fit for you and your guests.

Can retreat facilitators stay on site?

Yes. We have a dedicated facilitator's room with a double bed available during your retreat.

The lead facilitator is welcome to stay and enjoy all meals at no additional charge throughout the retreat.

If you have additional facilitators or support staff, we'd be happy to discuss accommodation options and associated costs with you when planning your retreat.