Real retreat is a bi-annual national conference for women associated with the Christian Reformed Churches of Australia. In 2025, the event will be held in Tasmania at the Tamar Valley resort from October 17-20th. Join us for an incredible weekend focused on God's word, connection with one another and refreshment!
Bible Teaching
At the real retreat we want to ensure that women not only experience nourishment physically, but spiritually too. Wendy Lin will be leading us through a series of talks with the goal to grow our knowledge and love of God, equipping us to press on in His strength through whatever we may face in this life.
Friendship
The real retreat brings women of all ages and walks of life from around Australia together to be encouraged by one another. This is a great opportunity to establish friendships, and strengthen current ones.
Prayer and Worship
God loves to hear from His children. How privileged we are to be able to come before Him, lay down our burdens, and find rest for our souls. We will also have the opportunity to worship God through songs of praise lead by a team of musicians.
Downtime
Staying on site at the resort ensures a full retreat experience where women can leave behind their daily stressors and experience a proper re-set. We have ensured that the retreat schedule will allow for breaks throughout where women can return to their rooms, or explore the resort for some downtime and/or leisure.
What to expect...
Electives
Our daily electives are a fantastic time to unwind, have fun, and maybe even learn a new skill! We will be offering a diverse range of electives, thoughtfully chosen, in order to give everyone the opportunity to participate.
Elective details and sign up below.
Elective Sign Up due September 30th!
Electives
Visit Launceston’s Cataract George - This is true urban wildness – a 5km stretch of forested river reserve wrapped around a dramatic gorge, just a stroll from Launceston’s city centre.
Follow a guided walk, take a wander at your own pace or enjoy the view from above on the chairlift. The café will also be open for those seeking a snack or just feel like taking in the view.
Ask Dr Emily - This is your opportunity to ask all of your questions about women's reproductive health of an experienced, Christian OBGYN. The lovely Emily is a member of our local church in Launceston and a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Dr Emily will be answering your questions in the area of women’s reproductive health on the topics of perimenopause, menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and endometriosis. This is sure to be an interesting and informative education session! (please note, no specific medical advice will be given during this session) (Saturday Only).
‘How does God speak to us in the midst of our suffering’ (Susan Shand) - As women who strive to live for Christ we are no strangers to suffering. If we haven't already, we are bound to come across hardships throughout our life.
This elective, run by experienced counsellor and social worker Susan Shand, will be a helpful opportunity to reflect on 'How does God speak to us in the midst of our suffering'. Susan has a wealth of knowledge and wisdom around this topic which would benefit any listener. From this seminar expect to take away some quality practical advice and life skills to help you navigate life's challenges and bring you closer to God (Saturday Only).
Parenting with Purpose and Grace (Wendy Lin) – How can we thrive (and not just survive) during the busy family years? We’ll explore the big-picture goals of parenting and how to parent with grace through different stages, because parenting is a long-term vocation. This workshop will cover core principles and practical strategies to help you apply them in your unique context. Suitable for parents of children aged 0–18 (Sunday Only).
Paint and Sip – Unwind, sip, and get creative!
Join our artist in residence for a relaxed afternoon where good company, great wine, and a splash of creativity come together. No experience needed — just bring your imagination. We’ll provide the paints and canvas, purchase a drink from the bistro on your way in and let’s have some fun!
Mandala Colouring - Enjoy an hour of relaxing, guided colouring as you create your own mandala masterpiece to gift or keep (Saturday Only).
Pilates - Stretch, strengthen, and breathe easy.
Join us for a gentle Pilates session designed to help you unwind, move mindfully, and reset your body. Perfect for all levels, this easy going class focuses on flexibility, and relaxation — no pressure, come as you are, and leave feeling refreshed and recharged.
Tamar Valley Experience – Enjoy an afternoon of wine and food, we’ll bring you to one of our local cellar doors to experience beautiful scenery as you wine and dine.
Aqua Aerobics – Bring your bathers and let’s get moving! Join us for a mild aquarobics session. Our instructor will get you muscles firing and we’ll have a laugh along the way.
Boutique shopping experience - Launceston has a quaint shopping precinct and if you’re in the know, and have a boutique shopping guide, you can find the cutest little shops filled with all kinds of lovely wares and shopping experiences different to what you’ll find elsewhere.
Join a local shopping afficionado on a tour, either self-guided at your own pace, or together with the crew for a stroll and wander around the local boutique shops (Saturday Only).
In Bloom - an 8 minute walk from the Tamar Valley Resort, enjoy a self-paced walk through a local garden. Take a breath, slow down, and reconnect with nature. Whether you're a plant lover, a curious wanderer, or just in need of a quiet moment, this is a great way to unwind (Sunday Only).
Free Choice – enjoy the afternoon at your own pace. Explore the many activities around the resort or simply unwind and relax — the choice is yours.
Elective places are limited so please click the link below to complete the survey and sign up to the elective of your choice.
Our Accommodation
Located just a 15-minute drive north of Launceston, Tamar Valley Resort Grindelwald offers resort-style accommodation in the Tamar Valley.
The Resort is set on 150 acres (60 hectares) amid spectacular lakes and sweeping mountain views. There are over 45 boutique vineyards within a one-hour drive of the Resort. The Resort has an abundance of activities for couples and families. You can enjoy a round of SPLASH GOLF Tamar Valley Resorts newly opened activity! Or have a putt at the Resort's mini-golf course, play some tennis, rent a paddleboat, utilise the gymnasium, take a relaxing steam sauna, swim in the indoor heated pool, or wander through the boutique Swiss Village shops.
Meet our Speaker
Wendy Lin
Mother, Author, and Speaker
Wendy is a theology graduate, an almost-graduated counsellor, ministry wife, and mother of three young adults. She loves teaching the Bible and leading a marriage ministry with her husband. She reviews books and provides resources for families at musingsinadelaide.blogspot.com. She has written a bible study on Jonah, Salvation Belongs to the Lord (Matthias Media, 2023) and is a contributing author to Parenting in God’s Family (Youthworks Media, 2024).
"God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."
1 Corinthians 1:9