Big Ideas & Barefoot Conversations
A Chatters’ Retreat with Annabel Crabb
Gold Coast Hinterland, QLD
September 11-14, 2026
Experience the Retreat
Prepare to step out of the group chat and into the hinterland for a long weekend of sharp thinking, good humour, and the kind of conversations that make you feel slightly more intelligent just by being in the room.
Set high in the lush Gold Coast Hinterland at EcoView Retreat, this is your invitation to gather with fellow Chatters for a few days of words, wit, nature, and deeply enjoyable company.
Join journalist, author, and all-round national treasure Annabel Crabb for a retreat that blends storytelling, conversation, creativity, and just enough indulgence to make it feel like a proper escape.
Think big ideas, unexpected tangents, and behind-the-scenes insights.
Think books, writing, food, and conversations that stretch (in the best way).
Think fresh mountain air, long lunches, and laughter that carries into the evening.
Expect a beautifully curated (but never over-scheduled) itinerary with writing sessions, book conversations, relaxed cooking moments, nature walks, long-table feasts, and plenty of time to do absolutely nothing at all.
Everything is optional. Always.
Thoughtful. Restorative. Slightly irreverent.
Exactly like your favourite Chat 10 episode, just with better views.
Expect to experience:
Hinterland mornings (the gentle kind)
Wake to birdsong and sweeping valley views. Sip your coffee slowly, breathe deeply, and ease into the day without urgency (or emails).
Conversations with Annabel (brace yourself)
From politics and power to writing, culture and life behind the curtain - expect sharp observations, surprising insights, and plenty of laughs. There may be notes. There may be a whiteboard. There may be chaos. It will be excellent.
Writing & storytelling sessions
Whether you love writing or just quietly think you might, these relaxed sessions explore voice, ideas and storytelling in a way that feels inspiring, not intimidating.
A very civilised book club (now with a view)
Bring your opinions, your favourite reads, or your strong feelings about fictional characters behaving badly. Wine encouraged. No literary snobbery allowed.
Food moments (because of course)
Shared meals, possible cooking experiences, and long-table gatherings where conversation flows as easily as the wine.
Time to do absolutely nothing
Read by the pool. Wander through nature. Sit in the sauna. Stare out over the hinterland and contemplate life. Highly encouraged.
Long lunches, great wine & excellent snacks
Fresh, seasonal, generous and delicious - enjoyed slowly, in very good company.
Evenings that unfold naturally
Sunset drinks, relaxed dinners, fireside chats, maybe a debate, maybe a movie. maybe a completely unexpected moment of brilliance (or nonsense).
Connection that just happens
No awkward icebreakers required. Just clever, curious women gathering and letting the rest take care of itself.
Daily Routine:
8:00 Gentle movement / yoga / walk
9:00 Breakfast
10:30 Session with Annabel Crabb
11:30 Morning Tea
12:00 Writing / Book / Conversation Session
13:00 Lunch
14:30 Free Time - pool, sauna, reading, wandering, resting
18:00 Sunset Drinks
19:00 Dinner
20:30 Evening Conversations / Activities
All activities are optional. Do as much or as little as you like.
There is no prize for being the busiest person here.
Location: EcoView Retreat
EcoView is a brand new property in Queensland’s tranquil Tallebudgera Valley which sits upon a 70-acre property in the pristine Gold Coast Hinterland, only 25 minutes from Gold Coast Airport.
Arriving at EcoView is like taking a deep breath and letting your stresses melt away. North facing, the architecturally designed property sit amidst pristine bushland. Every villa is carefully positioned to capture the majestic views and provide a deep connection to the natural surroundings.
EcoView Retreat is designed to immerse you in the wonder of the natural world, with the location carefully selected to offer a harmonious blend of comfort and proximity to nature. Whether relaxing in the room or on the private balcony, you will feel a sense of tranquillity as the sights, sounds, and scents of the surrounding environment invade the senses.
Stop, breathe and open your senses to the healing magic of the natural surroundings within the Tallebudgera Valley.
Expect:
Private villas with sweeping views
Beautifully designed, light-filled spaces that feel calm, warm and completely connected to the landscape. Think soft linens, natural textures, and windows that make the outside feel like part of the room.Three beautiful plunge pools
Choose from three beautiful plunge pools, each with its own mood. A cold plunge for an invigorating reset, a heated pool for long, relaxed soaks (and conversations that go nowhere in the best way), and an ambient pool that sits perfectly in between. Small, intimate, and designed for quiet moments rather than crowds, you can dip, rotate, or settle into your favourite.Sauna + firepit (a very good combination)
Warm up, wind down, and gather in the evenings under the stars. It’s equal parts restorative and quietly social.Outdoor spaces that invite you to stay a while
Decks, lounge areas, and hidden corners perfect for reading, talking, or doing absolutely nothing (a recurring theme, you’ll notice).Nature everywhere you look
Lush greenery, birdsong, fresh mountain air and walking tracks that gently nudge you outside without feeling like “exercise.”Sunrises, sunsets, and everything in between
Early light over the valley. Golden hour drinks. Evenings that roll in slowly. It’s a full-day experience, not just a backdrop.
This is for you if:
You crave meaningful connections and deeper conversations that go beyond the surface.
You’re a lover of stories, words, and wisdom - whether you write them, read them, or just love soaking them up.
You’re longing for space to breathe, to think, to reflect, and just be.
You’re juggling a lot, and need a guilt-free pause to fill your own cup (without explaining why).
You’re inspired by women who lead with heart, intellect, and a touch of wit and you're ready to sit in conversation with one of Australia’s best.
You don’t need everything scheduled, just a beautiful setting, nourishing experiences, and the freedom to follow what feels good.
You know in your bones that rest, connection, and creativity aren’t indulgences, they’re fuel.
You’d happily follow Annabel Crabb into any room where interesting things are being discussed.
What's included…
3 nights of luxury accommodation at the stunning EcoView Retreat, nestled in the Gold Coast Hinterland, Friday 11 September - Monday 14 September, 2026
Sanctuary-style private or twin-share villas, each with their own en-suite bathroom and serene outlooks
All meals and snacks included, lovingly prepared and designed to nourish, plus local wines served each evening.
Daily thought-provoking sessions with Annabel Crabb including fireside chats, storytelling workshops, and bookish conversations
Gentle morning yoga and breathwork to ease you into the day and reconnect mind and body
Unstructured time to read, reflect, walk, nap or simply be, because rest is part of the magic
Unique evening experiences designed to spark connection and wonder
Carefully curated touches to make your stay feel extra special, think local treats, surprise delights, and a little bit of wonder.
What's not included…
Travel to and from the Gold Coast – Guests are responsible for arranging their own transport to and from EcoView Retreat. We’ll send through detailed directions and recommendations for getting there closer to the date.
Travel insurance – While not mandatory, we highly recommend organising your own travel insurance for added peace of mind, because life (and luggage) can be unpredictable.
Spa treatments – These are not included in your retreat package, but you can book them separately during your stay. Treat yourself, you deserve it.
Accommodation
A collection of beautifully designed villas across the EcoView property, each offering a sense of privacy, comfort and connection to the surrounding landscape.
All stunning Eco Villas feature extraordinary uninterrupted views, a private deck, climate control, ensuite with separate toilet, hairdryer, casting to TV, couch, small fridge, iron and board, body wash, shampoo and conditioner.
Shared villa rate $4,995 / Private villa rate $6,995
Rooms are limited and will be allocated on a first-in basis.
What Awaits You
This 4-day retreat offers thought-provoking and inspiring sessions with Annabel Crabb, including storytelling workshops, bookish conversations, and fireside chats that invite reflection, laughter, and real connection.
You’ll also enjoy daily yoga and gentle breathwork to help you unwind, reset, and reconnect with yourself (no yoga experience required).
Expect nourishing, locally-sourced meals and carefully selected wines with every dish a celebration of good food and great company.
Retreat to your own private or shared en-suite accommodation, designed for deep rest, slow mornings, and uninterrupted moments of stillness.
Between sessions, take time to read, journal, explore the peaceful natural surroundings, or simply do nothing at all, because that’s where the magic often happens.
