Bunya Mountains Retreats

Slow down, listen deeply and reconnect in the ancient forests of the Bunya Mountains.

Deep Listening to Nature retreats here create space to walk slowly, rest, reflect and experience the living presence of the forest.

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A place Iris returns to again and again

The Bunya Mountains are one of the landscapes at the heart of Deep Listening to Nature.

Iris has been bringing people here for many years — into the forests, walking trails and quiet spaces that support people to become still, notice more and reconnect with themselves and the natural world. Iris describes these early Bunya and Binna Burra experiences as part of the beginning of Deep Listening to Nature itself.

These are not retreats about filling every hour.

There is time to walk.
Time to listen.
Time to rest.
Time to share.
And time simply to be.

A group of people sitting on rocks and ground, watching a sunset over a valley with hills, trees, and fields, surrounded by foliage and some backpacks and hats nearby.
A large, ancient tree with exposed roots in a lush, green rainforest. The tree has vines hanging from it and a small wooden platform at its base. Sunlight filters through the dense canopy above.
Two elderly men sitting around a small campfire outdoors during dusk or night, with a dark sky and silhouettes of trees in the background.
A view of a dense green forest with tall trees under a cloudy sky.
An elderly woman with white curly hair, wearing a colorful dress and dark pants, smiling and holding two parakeets outdoors with a grassy yard and trees in the background. One parakeet is on her head and the other on her hand.
Close-up of a small tree or shrub with orange mushrooms growing on the trunk, in a dense green forest with rocks and ground cover.
Scenic landscape with rolling hills, trees, and a sunset sky with clouds.
A person wearing outdoor hiking gear, including a hat, backpack, and multitool, standing on a rocky trail overlooking a vast landscape of valleys and rolling hills during sunset.
Panoramic view of a dense, lush green forest with various trees under a cloudy sky.
Tall, thick tree with extensive roots and bamboo steps in a dense, green rainforest.
Close-up of lush green fern leaves in a forest.
Upward view of the trunk and branches of a large tree with green leaves, in a dense forest setting.
Tall trees with thick trunks in a dense rainforest, with green foliage and ferns covering the forest floor, and foggy atmosphere.
A person lying on a large rock in front of a waterfall surrounded by lush green plants and rocks.
A person with a backpack walking through a dense green forest with tall trees and lush foliage.
Close-up of a fallen tree trunk in a green forest with orange and yellow fungus growing on its side.
Looking up at a tall moss-covered tree with lush green leaves in a foggy forest.

What a Bunya Mountains retreat may include

Depending on the particular retreat, your experience may include:

  • guided Deep Listening to Nature practices

  • mindful walking through rainforest and mountain landscapes

  • sunrise or sunset experiences

  • quiet personal reflection

  • shared meals and conversation

  • journalling or creative reflection

  • rest and spacious unstructured time

  • opportunities to reconnect with yourself, others and Country.

Exact accommodation, meals, walking requirements, linen and other practical details are shown on the booking page for each retreat.

Who these retreats are for

Bunya Mountains retreats suit people who are ready to slow down and spend meaningful time in nature.

You do not need previous meditation, retreat or bushwalking experience.

A willingness to be present, curious and open to moving at a different pace is enough.

Preparing for your retreat

Each retreat is slightly different.

Please check your retreat booking page carefully for:

  • exact dates and times

  • accommodation

  • meals and lunch arrangements

  • linen or towel requirements

  • walking requirements

  • what to bring

  • inclusions and exclusions.

View Upcoming Retreats

Private groups and retreat partners

The Bunya Mountains can also be considered for private groups and partner retreats.

If you are a facilitator, teacher, coach, organisation or private group interested in creating a Deep Listening to Nature experience here:

Enquire About a Private or Partner Retreat
Two women in rain jackets and hiking boots standing near a waterfall in a lush green forest.
 

  • “My DLTN Retreat with Iris was such a deep and rich experience for the likes of this city woman. I felt cared for both by Iris and the land herself. Physically and spiritually. To be guided & introduced to walking on Country in a sacred way with a group, magnified the grace and love of this experience... To cultivate a true and honest respect for the ancient and ever-present wisdom that the Anangu people have in their relationship to the land that this retreat midwives you into.”

    Kathleen Aguis, Melbourne

  • “Iris is a dynamic woman of deep integrity and seems to draw her strength and direction from a rich and very real connection to land, Spirit and ancestors. I am transformed and deepened by being a part of her women's circle and will always be grateful for that and for her living fully in this world.”

    Bridget Aguis, Melbourne

  • “Mama Iris. This woman inspires me for every piece of my essence to be witnessed in my truest self. Combine that with the stillness of the desert and the energies in place and you have the MAGIC of peace. True peace. True oneness. Opportunity for deep soul healing. Opportunity for opening your heart space so wide open you don't even know if you can handle that type of love - but you say YES!”

    Brie Melene, Warangary

  • “I’m so honoured to have taken this journey with you, Iris. My heart is open to love in a way I’ve never experienced and am forever grateful. I highly recommend your retreats to anyone who’s needing a reconnect to land, culture and ancestral wisdom.”

    Pauline Emmanuel, Melbourne

  • “Magically guided, ground shattering, heart-expanding, prayer-full Women’s business. This was my third event with Iris, and I leave each time hungry for more...The unfolding that occurs when Iris gently guides one through sacred land will literally change one’s internal landscape.“

    Haley Macklin, Murwillumbah

  • “Iris you are a 'warrior' with a big heart, such strength and gentleness. For me such an amazing lifetime experience, which is embodied in every cell of my being. ...opening to the joy of life, to listening to nature, connecting, 'merging in oneness. Words cannot describe how I feel. This has changed my life. Palya!”

    Vicky Johnson, Coffs Harbour