Dear Wise Woman,

We are honoured to be gathering with you at the annual Wise Women Gathering. 

This letter contains information you will need to ensure a smooth and serene arrival and departure. 

You’re invited to make this Conference your own. There are no compulsory activities, however some sessions to take bookings. Choose whichever sessions meet your fancy. ​As there is minimal cell reception at the venue, a paper program will be provided when you check-in. 

This is a NUT-FREE venue.

The facility is a kids camp and is nut-free to ensure all children can attend camp. There are women and children joining us with severe nut allergies. Please, do not bring nuts. If you do have nuts, please leave them in your vehicle and do not touch them until you are off of the campground. Seeds are ok. We thank you dearly for your cooperation.

We request your help to keep the flow during arrival and departure steady to facilitate an easy, pleasant, experience for all.

Thank you in advance for your attention to the details. If you have questions or need more information, please make contact before May 10 at connect@wisegatherings.com

With deep respect,

Hollie Wildëthorn and the Wise Women Team

Connect Online before and after the Conference *

Connect Online before and after the Conference *

This is a fully catered Conference.

You are not required to bring any food or snacks, unless you choose to.

At the venue you will find :

  • established toilet blocks with

    • warm showers

    • flushing toilets

  • drinking water in the Dining Hall

  • lost property on the stage

  • 24-hour first aid services

  • Healing Space - a co-creative space of healers offering nourishing options

  • Marketplace - various vendors selling beautiful and inspiring products

  • support, information and counselling services at the Red Tent

  • all cabins have air conditioning and power (cabin accomodation available as optional upgrade purchased with Conference Registration )

What we can not provide :

  • we cannot provide cooking or fridge facilities - please bring an esky if you have snacks

  • we cannot provide phone charging outlets - cell reception is minimal (Cabins do have power points

  • we cannot provide ATM or wifi for banking

Important Rules

  • No dogs or pets (service dogs are an exception)

  • No drugs or alcohol

  • No smoking near the workshop or food areas. Please pick up & bin your cigarette butts. (see note further down about smoking area)

  • Observe the specified check-in and closing times

  • Cars cannot be moved onsite between 11am on Friday and 4pm on Sunday

What to bring

  • tent and bedding if you have a tent camping registration 

  • linens, blanket and pillow if you have a cabin registration

    • Note : the evenings and early morning do get a little chilly ​- bring an extra blanket

​

  • yoga mat (for attending movement sessions)

  • drums, rattles and/or other instruments (for ceremonial times and Open Mic night)

  • flashlight or headtorch

  • insect and sun protection

  • cash for the marketplace and raffles - THERE IS NO ATM ACCESS ON SITE (some vendors will have eftpos dependant on their service carriers)

  • pen & notepad

  • water bottle

    Clothes & Packing

  • warm weather attire for daytime

  • jacket extra layer for cool nights

  • comfortable walking shoes for wandering workshops (or taking a walk to the Castle)

  • one set of clothes / swimmers that can get dirty (if you're intending to go on the Mud Run - particularly for children in Kids Camp)

  • celebratory dress for evening festivities

  • swimsuit and towel if you’d like to go for a swim

  • sun hat / shawl / rain jacket / umbrella 

  • towel for shower use (we recommend bringing two to ensure drying time and extra comfort)


Food

Meals, Snacks and herbal teas are provided during the Conference.

Read more here >>> 

  • Meals start at Lunch on Friday, and end with Lunch on Sunday. 

  • Women with Early Arrival Upgrade have dinner on Thursday and breakfast provided on Friday morning.

  • Women with Late stay will receive Sunday dinner and Monday breakfast. 

We cannot provide refrigeration for food storage. No open food is to be stored in cabins.

There are no cooking facilities or refrigeration available. 

Getting to the Venue

Take your time to enjoy the natural beauty while you slip quietly across the Hawkesbury River on one of the four ferry services. It is a brief 10 minute ferry ride, free of charge . There are four vehicular ferries running on a daily basis, so you won't wait long.

256 Webbs Creek Road,
Wisemans Ferry NSW 2775

All ferries are operated by the State Government and ferry trips are free! There is no public transportation to the venue.

Be sure to follow the detailed directions below - Don't follow your Maps App - it will take you on a crazy windy road! 

 

From Sydney

IMPORTANT: IF USING NAVIGATION SOFTWARE, MAKE SURE YOUR SETTINGS INCLUDE FERRY CROSSINGS, OTHERWISE YOU WILL BE DIRECTED TO 20 KM OF ROUGH DIRT ROAD, CALLED THE BICENTENNIAL ROAD.

Once your reach Wisemans Ferry you need to cross Webbs Creek car ferry, not the main Wisemans Ferry

  • Take the Old Northern Road to Wisemans Ferry. From Dural you will pass through Glenorie and Maroota. From Windsor you will travel through Pitt Town, Maroota and Wisemans Ferry Road.

  • When you reach the base of the hill that descends into the township of Wiseman’s Ferry immediately turn left – do this before the hotel.

  • The turn is signposted for . You will pass the police station on the left hand side. The ferry waiting bay is 300m downhill. (Sign says Wait Here for Ferry). 

  • Cross the Hawkesbury River on this ferry. (Ferry crossing takes about 5 minutes, is free and runs 24 hours per day)

  • After disembarking from the ferry on the other side, drive about 100m. Take the first road on the left. This is signposted for The Outdoor Adventure Company

  • After 200m there is an intersection with the bitumen continuing left and a dirt road to the right. Take the dirt road (this is Webbs Creek Road, and is signposted for Castle Mountain & The Outdoor Adventure Co.

  • Follow this road for 3km until you reach the Outdoor Adventure Camps sign and Castle Mountain entrance (large logs flanking the road with Castle Mountain carved into them).

  • 400m past the entrance you will pass the manager’s house (on right), and 50m after this the dirt road bends left to the suspension bridge.

  • Cross the suspension bridge and follow the dirt road into the Castle Mountain campsite (400m)

From Newcastle + Central Coast

IMPORTANT: IF USING NAVIGATION SOFTWARE, MAKE SURE YOUR SETTINGS INCLUDE FERRY CROSSINGS, OTHERWISE YOU WILL BE DIRECTED TO 20 KM OF ROUGH DIRT ROAD, CALLED THE BICENTENNIAL ROAD.

  • From Newcastle and north of Gosford, take the freeway south. Take the Peats Ridge turn off (onto Peats Ridge Road), then 2nd exit to Mangrove Mountain and Wisemans Ferry (onto Wisemans Ferry Road).

  • From Central Coast, head south toward Sydney. At Kariong, drive past Mount Penang and the BMW dealership (both on the right) and turn right at the next set of lights (onto Wisemans Ferry Road).

  • Continue on Wisemans Ferry Road through the localities of Mangrove Mountain, Spencer and Gunderman until you reach the Gosford approach to the car ferry at Wisemans. Cross on the ferry. (Ferry crossing takes about 5 minutes, is free and runs 24 hours per day)

  • Drive through the township of Wisemans Ferry. You will pass a Shell Service station on your right. Take the next turn right, at the school, onto River Road. If you start climbing the hill and reach a hairpin bend, you have gone too far.

  • The turn is signposted for . You will pass the police station on the left hand side. The ferry waiting bay is 300m downhill. (Sign says Wait Here for Ferry).  Cross the river again.

  • After disembarking from the ferry, drive about 100 metres to the toilet block and fire shed. Turn left. This is signposted for Del Rio.

  • Drive 200 metres on the tar road and turn right onto the dirt road. (Webbs Creek Road)

  • Follow this road for 3km until you reach the Outdoor Adventure Camps sign and Castle Mountain entrance (large logs flanking the road with Castle Mountain carved into them).

  • 400m past the entrance you will pass the manager’s house (on right), and 50m after this the dirt road bends left to the suspension bridge.

  • Cross the suspension bridge and follow the dirt road into the Castle Mountain campsite (400m)

Arrivals

The conference check-in starts on Thursday 2pm for women registered for Early Arrival, and Friday 7am for everyone else. 

Opening Ceremony is Friday 8:30am and Education Sessions begin at 10:15am.

You may only arrive on the day your registration is for.

Upon arrival, please stop at the check-in desk.

You will need to allow time to check-in and then set up your accommodation.

The allotted times are when we will have women available to greet you. Please honour this time frame unless you have communicated and made other arrangements.

Early Arrival Registration

If you have purchased a Thursday Early Arrival add-on, you are permitted to arrive on Thursday (2pm-7pm). Dinner will be served at 5.30pm (and left out for later arrivals until 7.30pm). There will be a 7:00pm activity on Thursday evening. If you would like to participate in this, please arrive with ample time to get settled. Friday breakfast is served at 7.30am.

Pre-Conference Intensive Sessions begin at 4.00pm on Thursday and end at 7.00pm.

We cannot accommodate late night arrivals.

Full Conference Registration

Full Conference Registration participants arrive Friday between 7am and 9am. If you'd like to attend the Opening Circle, please be sure to arrive in time to get settled before 8:30am. Lunch is served at 12noon and is included with your registration. The first Education Session begins at 10:15am.

Parking

Please follow directional signs as you approach the campgrounds.   

  • Vendors, RVs/campers and women with tents will be directed accordingly.

  • If you would like to have your vehicle next to your tent, you will be directed by parking coordinators to the tent camping area. You will not be permitted to move your vehicle until the close of the conference. Children will be attending the conference and for their safety, and the safety of others, we ask that you please respect this request.

For assistance on the way If you get lost and need help finding the camp, or if you are going to miss the slated registration window, please call 0482955340.

There will be someone on-call at this number during arrival times only. Mobile service is spotty at the venue, we cannot guarantee we will be able to answer, but will get back to you when possible.

Accommodations


Full Conference Registration includes lodging on Friday and Saturday nights.  If you need lodging Thursday night you must register and pay ahead of time for that option in addition to the Full Conference registration. We cannot change your ticket after registration closes and we may not be able to accommodate your request for a change if there is no availability left. 

Camping is bring-your-own tent and bedding.

Cabins For those who upgraded to a shared cabin - all cabin beds have a twin-sized mattress. There are enough bunk beds for 10 however, we only book 5 women per cabin. We suggest doubling up on the spare mattresses to make your bed cosy. Please bring your own pillow, linens and blankets.

Bath houses and toilet blocks are close but not within the cabins themselves. We cannot change your accommodation at the conference.

Glamping is available through our selected provider, You can book here>>> 

Meals and Beverages


All meals are included with Conference Registration.

Meals are made from local, natural, ethical and organic ingredients. There will be many options and most dietary preferences (gluten free, vegetarian, vegan etc.) will be accommodated.

If you have identified food allergies on your registration, please visit the kitchen before getting in line to see if you need to pick up a special meal direct from the kitchen.

There are no facilities for you to prepare or store your own food.

Organic coffee in the morning and nourishing herbal teas are available throughout the days.

Please bring your own reusable water bottle to refill.

Thursday Schedule 

2pm-7pm Early Arrival Check-in for Vollies, Educators & people who have purchased early arrival.

3pm Vollie Meeting (Checkin Tent)

4pm Pre-conference Intensive for those who have pre-purchased a pre-conference registration

5pm Healing Practitioner Meeting (Healing Space)

5.30pm Dinner

7.30pm Special Event (Auditorium)

​

Friday Schedule 

7am-9am Check-in between these times

7.30-8.30am Breakfast for those who have pre-purchased an early arrival package

8.30am Opening Circle

10am Morning Tea

10.15am-11.45am Session 1 

12noon-1pm Lunch

1.15pm-2.45pm Session 2 

2.45pm Afternoon tea 

3pm-4pm Session 3

4pm-5.30pm Session 4 - Panel

5.30pm-6.30pm Dinner

7.30pm-9pm Evening Event

 

Saturday Schedule 

7.30-8.30am Breakfast 

8.30-8.45am Morning Announcements

9am-10am Panel

10am Morning Tea

10.15am-11.45am Session 5 

12noon-1pm Lunch

1.15pm-2.45pm Session 6

2.45pm Afternoon tea 

3pm-4pm Session 7 

4pm-5.30pm Session 8 - Panel

5.30pm-6.30pm Dinner

7pm-9pm Open Mic Night

 

Sunday Schedule 

7.30-8.30 am Breakfast 

8.30-8.45am Morning Announcements

9am-10am Panel 

10am Morning Tea

10.15am-11.45am Session 9 

12noon-1pm Lunch

1.15pm-2.45pm Session 10

3pm Closing Ceremony

4pm-5.30pm Departure for those who have not pre-purchased a late stay package

5.30pm Dinner for those who have pre-purchased a late stay package

Monday Schedule

7.30-8.30am Breakfast for those who have pre-purchased a late stay package

9am-10am Departures

Children

Specific programming is available for children ages 3-15, through our Kids Day Camp and Maiden Circle. All children aged 3-17 must be registered with their own ticket to attend the conference.

Kids Camp have a special Orientation at 8am on Friday. This is compulsory for all parents and children who are enrolled in Kids Camp (even if you've been before).

The Kids Camp will be open during the morning and after-lunch workshop sessions, so carers can attend Educator Sessions. In the afternoon (3pm and 4pm sessions) our timetable is designed so carers can bring their children to chosen activities. 

If your child is registered for Kids Camp you will receive an additional confirmation letter directly from the Kids Camp Coordinators at a later date.

When Kids Camp is not running, your child must be under your care at all times. This is a large venue and there will be many activities around, please take care to watch your child at all times and/or ask for help if you need it. All children must be supervised by an adult at all times when entering the Dining Hall, Red Tent and Marketplace.


Babes 

We are committed to holding an intergenerational conference and supporting mothers who would like to attend. Babes-in-arms are welcome in all Educator Sessions, except the upstairs room which has been set as a containment space for sessions requiring privacy, silence or non-interruption. Babes and toddlers must not be left at Kids Camp under any circumstances. Remember, this is a community so do not be afraid to ask for help. Likewise, please offer assistance if you are able and see a mum in need.

Additional Activities

A Nurturing Space, the Red Tent, is available as a comforting resting place. This is a place to relax, meditate, visit and/or just be.

A Special Event will be given Friday night. Bring your dancing gear! 

Open Mic Night on Saturday is open to anyone who’d like to share a song, story, skit, joke or dance. Wear something festive as we celebrate ourselves and enjoy the talents of our community. A sign-up sheet will be available at the conference if you wish to take to the stage. You are invited to bring frame drums if you have them.

Swimming in Webbs Creek is permitted. Adults will be responsible for monitoring any accompanying children and teens at all times. Please remain clothed at all times. We acknowledge the variety of cultural backgrounds and beliefs of women attending and wish to respect them all. In previous years we have been visited by a stinging fish who lives in the sand. This fish, recognisable to all Eastern coastlines and inlets is very painful if it stings you. Water shoes are recommended.  
 

Our Marketplace is specifically set up for registered vendors or sponsors to share resources, services and products, providing handmade and specialty items. Be sure to bring enough funds for shopping. Support your local herbalists and natural health communities.

We love the marketplace and are so happy to have a place for women to share their wares, services and resources!

Since we have this space, we ask that women refrain from solicitations outside of the Marketplace. When teaching, performing and/or simply walking around camp, our goal is that everyone feels comfortable and is not concerned that someone is going to market a service and/or ask for contributions for a cause, product or event. These things should only happen in the Marketplace and/or by the conference organisers for informational/conference related activities.

If you have questions or concerns prior to or during the conference about this, please contact us at connect@wisegatherings.com or onsite please bring your concerns directly to a Manager.

The Healing Space is a co-operative space for practitioners to offer treatments. We send out an email prior to the Conference, offering pre-bookings for Healing Sessions. Bookings are also taken over the weekend. 

Other info

Be Aware

Please be aware that like any outdoor location there will be insects and creepy crawlies at the camp. Please be prepared to check for ticks each night and to bring the things you will need if you get a tick bite.

If you develop any symptoms such as a rash or fever please visit the wellness centre (first aid) for support. The wellness centre will be staffed and have many of the herbal/first aid supplies that you might need.

Snakes are a reality of Australian natural environments. The venue advises that all attendees wear shoes for your own safety. 

Electronics use

From the moment you arrive until the moment you leave, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in herbal Wise Woman traditions. So that all of us can enjoy this experience free from the interruptions of phone calls and distraction from texts, tweets, and emails, we ask that the use of mobile devices be limited throughout the conference. You will be asked to silence and turn off the vibration on your device (e.g. airplane mode) when you arrive.  Of course you can use your phone as a clock.

Educator Sessions 

Please be punctual to workshops to help keep the flow of things and to respect the educator who has carefully planned her workshop for you in time available.

We record our Educators and events.

Please do not voice record or video sessions without seeking permission from the educator and WWG staff.

We encourage you to record snippets and take photos of yourself to share on socials and with friends. Our photographer and videographer will also be moving through the Conference throughout the weekend. There is an opt out form at checkin if you do not want your image published. 

Smoking

Normally the venue is a smoke free event BUT there will be an allocated smoking area the near dam and parking area, away from the event, for you to duck away.

Fragrance-free Request

Many attending the conference are sensitive to perfume, bug sprays and other personal care products with fragrances and/or made using essential oils. Please leave heavily scented products at home and bring/use unscented products at the conference.

If you must use such products, please do not apply indoors or in shared spaces. Thank you dearly for your cooperation, it makes a huge difference.

Women-Only Space

While we absolutely love and cherish the men in our lives, we are creating a space just for women at this conference. Women have historically spent time together creating a nurturing space to heal, share and learn. We trust that well-nourished women contribute to well-nourished communities.

If any child needs to be exchanged with a male parent or other care giver not registered at the conference we ask this to take place in the parking lot. Only those registered for the conference are permitted on the camp grounds. Men are asked to meet-up with their families outside of the campground area.

There will be some male staff from the venue providing support behind the scenes. They will remain in the background and minimise interactions with us. They are the only males allowed at the camp during the conference. Please be kind to them and know they are there supporting this women’s space.

Departures

Departure is on Sunday, unless you’ve pre-purchased a Late Stay Package.

It is wise to pack your belongings early in the day and if time permits to take them to your vehicle for ease of departure.

If you need physical assistance transporting your belongings please let us know.

The closing ceremony begins at 3pm, and official departure time is 4pm.

You may choose to leave at any time if you have a long journey before you. If you choose to leave early and your vehicle is in the campground area, please ask an organiser for assistance directing your vehicle out for the safety of all, especially children.

​For the safety of all, we ask those who choose to park in the camping area to not move your vehicle until after the closing ceremony.

If you need to leave early, please check-in with an organiser to make arrangements.

If you’ve pre-purchased a Late Stay Package, you will be able to stay on Sunday night.

There are no scheduled activities after Closing Ceremony, except for dinner in Sunday and breakfast on Monday morning.

We expect everyone to have left the site by 10am Monday.

We cannot accommodate Late Stays if you haven’t pre-purchased before May 10.

Share the experience and grow the

Wise Women Community

​Invite a Friend!

Conference Registration is open until mid May. 

Our best form of promotion is grass roots, from the heart sharing that occurs between friends.

If you’d like to help share WWG, feel free to put a post on social media or tell your friends.

If you need more information please contact us at connect@wisegatherings.com

​We look forward to gathering with you and spending the weekend immersed in the Wise Woman Tradition

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