Dear Wise Woman,

Read this first

This letter is designed to hold everything you need to know before arriving at Wise Women Gathering. Many women return to it while packing or travelling, so please take a few minutes to read it fully.

Wise Women Gathering is a fully catered, partially outdoor, all-weather event held on bushland. You will be walking between spaces, sharing facilities and participating in a collective environment that includes women, children and elders.

There are a few non-negotiables that help us care for the land and for one another:

  • This is a strictly nut-free site

  • Arrival times must be observed

  • Cars cannot be moved onsite once parked

  • Children must be supervised at all times outside of Kids Camp sessions

  • Only those registered for the conference may be on site

These agreements are in place for safety, accessibility and the wellbeing of the whole community. We ask that you honour them fully.

If you have questions, please contact us before 10 May at connect@wisegatherings.com or sms hollie on 0482 955 340. Mobile reception at the venue is limited and support during the weekend is prioritised for on-site needs.

Arrival and check-in times

Please arrive only on the day and within the time window your registration allows. These times are when our team is available to greet you, check you in and direct parking safely.

Early Arrival (Thursday)

For women who have purchased an Early Arrival upgrade only.

  • Check-in: Thursday 2.00pm–7.00pm

  • Dinner: 5.30pm (held until 7.30pm for later arrivals)

  • Preconference Intensive: 4.00pm–7.00pm (if purchased)

  • Evening event: 7.30pm

We cannot accommodate arrivals outside this window. Late-night arrivals are not possible.

Full Conference Registration (Friday)

For all other attendees.

  • Check-in: Friday 7.00am–9.00am

  • Opening Ceremony: 8.30am

  • First education session: 10.15am

If you wish to attend the Opening Ceremony, please arrive with enough time to check in and set up before 8.30am. We will be unable to let anyone enter between 8.30am and 9.30am.

Lunch is served from 12.00pm and is included with your registration.

What to bring

Please read this section carefully and pack accordingly. The site is bushland, partially outdoor and weather can change quickly.

Accommodation essentials

If you are camping

  • tent

  • groundsheet if you use one

  • bedding or sleeping bag

  • pillow

If you are in a cabin

  • sheets or sleeping bag

  • blanket or doona

  • pillow

Mattresses are provided in cabins. No bedding is supplied.

Clothing

  • comfortable daytime clothing

  • warm layers for evenings and early mornings

  • jacket or coat

  • sturdy walking shoes

  • swimmers and towel (for creek swimming)

  • one set of clothes that can get dirty (mud activities, especially for children)

  • celebratory or festive clothing for evening events

  • sun hat

  • rain jacket or umbrella

Evenings and mornings can be cold. Bring more warmth than you think you’ll need.

Personal items

  • reusable water bottle

  • torch or headlamp

  • insect protection

  • sun protection

  • toiletries

  • towel for showers (we recommend two if possible)

  • any required medications

  • small day bag for moving between sessions

Optional but loved

  • journal or notebook

  • pen

  • musical instruments for ceremony or open mic (drums, rattles, etc.)

  • cash for the marketplace and raffles

    There is no ATM onsite. Some vendors may have EFTPOS depending on reception.

Please do not bring

  • nuts of any kind (this is a nut-free venue)

  • cooking equipment

  • alcohol or drugs

  • pets (service dogs excepted)

Accommodation notes

Your Conference registration includes accommodation in bring-your-own tent or campervan camping, unless you have purchased an upgrade.

Camping (included)

  • Bring your own tent, bedding and lighting

  • Campervans and caravans are welcome

  • Toilet blocks with warm showers and flushing toilets are nearby

  • Vehicles may remain next to tents where directed

  • Once parked and set up, vehicles cannot be moved until departure unless arranged with staff

Cabins (optional upgrade)

  • Cabins are shared spaces with five people per cabin

  • Each bed has a single mattress

  • You must bring your own linens, pillow and blankets

  • Cabins have air conditioning and power

  • Bathrooms are located nearby but not inside the cabins

Cabin allocations are final and cannot be changed during the conference.

Glamping (optional upgrade)

  • Glamping is booked directly through our external provider

  • Beds, linens, blankets and pillows are fully provided

  • Glamping bookings are managed separately from WWG tickets

Thursday and Sunday nights

  • Thursday night accommodation requires an Early Arrival upgrade

  • Sunday night accommodation requires a Late Stay upgrade

  • We are unable to accommodate extra nights without pre-purchase

  • Accommodation changes cannot be made after registration closes

Please ensure your accommodation selection matches your ticket before arrival.

Meals and catering

Wise Women Gathering is a fully catered event.

All meals, snacks, herbal teas and morning coffee are included with your registration, beginning with Friday lunch and ending with Sunday lunch, unless you have purchased Early Arrival or Late Stay.

Meal schedule

  • Early Arrivals Thursday : Dinner (and breakfast on Friday)

  • Friday: Lunch, afternoon tea, dinner

  • Saturday: Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner

  • Sunday: Breakfast, morning tea, lunch

  • Early Arrival: Thursday dinner and Friday breakfast included

  • Late Stay: Sunday dinner and Monday breakfast included

Important food notes

  • This is a nut-free venue

  • Do not bring nuts onto the campground

  • Seeds are permitted

  • If you have nuts with you, they must remain sealed in your vehicle

There are no cooking facilities or refrigeration available for personal use.

Please do not bring open food into cabins.

Drinks

  • Organic coffee is available in the mornings

  • Herbal teas are available throughout the day

  • Drinking water is available at the Dining Hall

Please bring your own reusable water bottle.

Children

Wise Women Gathering is an intergenerational event and welcomes women attending with children, with clear structures in place to support safety, care and flow.

Registration requirements

  • All children aged 3–17 must be registered with their own ticket

  • Children aged 3–10 must be enrolled in Kids Camp

  • Young people aged 11–15 must be enrolled in the Maidens Circle

  • Children may not attend the conference without registration

  • Ticket numbers for Kids Camp and Maidens Circle are limited and may sell out

Supervision and responsibility

Children must be under the care of a responsible adult at all times except during Kids Camp sessions.

Children are not permitted in the following spaces without supervision:

  • Auditorium

  • Red Tent

  • Toilets and amenities

  • Roads and parking areas

  • Water and creek areas

  • Upstairs

The upstairs session room is a child-free space when workshops are in session (except for Friday 3pm). This boundary must be respected.

Meals

Meals and snacks are included for all registered children.

Families enrolled in Kids Camp or Maidens Circle will receive additional information directly from coordinators closer to the conference.

Kids Camp

Kids Camp runs during selected Educator Sessions so carers can attend sessions uninterrupted.

  • Kids Camp opens 15 minutes before sessions

  • Children must be collected within 15 minutes of session ending

  • When Kids Camp is not running, children must remain with their carer

A mandatory Kids Camp orientation takes place on Friday morning for all children and carers enrolled.

Maidens Circle

The Maidens Circle has its own timetable and dedicated facilitators.

Maidens may move between selected conference activities and Maiden sessions, while being held in a clear, age-appropriate container designed for connection, reflection and belonging.

Babes in arms

Babes-in-arms are welcome in most Educator Sessions, except where silence and containment are required.

Babes and toddlers may not be left at Kids Camp under any circumstances.

Attending with a Babe-in-Arms

We love welcoming mothers and their little ones to the Conference. Over the years, many women have brought babies and had a deeply connected time; but it’s important to be well prepared for the nature of the site and the rhythm of the weekend.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • The site is rustic and the terrain is uneven. A 4WD-style pram, trolley or beach cart can help you move across the site more easily.

  • The indoor floors (including in the dining hall and cabins) are hard timber. If your bub is learning to crawl or stand, bring a padded mat or blanket so they have a soft place to play or rest.

  • Cabins have raised beds with timber guard rails, but are not suitable for babies to sleep alone. If you’re staying in a cabin, please bring a travel cot or an appropriate alternative for safe co-sleeping.

  • Toilets and showers are a short walk from the green cabins. These cabins are popular with families, but do factor in the walk — especially at night or in cold weather.

  • We don’t provide high chairs. The ‘babe-in-arms’ ticket assumes your child will be in your arms, lap or carrier during meals and sessions. You’re welcome to bring a clip-on or portable highchair if it will support you.

  • Babes in arms means babes in arms. Babies will be seated with you during sessions and meals — not crawling through spaces, wandering around, or interacting with ritual or educational materials unless the facilitator has explicitly invited it.

  • A ‘mums and babes’ space will be available in the auditorium, with a roped-off area for resting, feeding and cuddling that allows you to remain part of the main program while tending to your baby.

  • We’re here to support you, but we can’t know what you need unless you ask. If something becomes difficult, please speak with our support team or onsite counsellors. We’ll meet you where you are, without assuming you need help.

The Conference is a wild and wonderful weekend, and it’s also physically demanding. If you’re looking for a higher level of comfort, we recommend booking one of our glamping options.

Bring what you need, advocate for what supports you, and trust yourself. We’re so looking forward to sharing this space with you.

Community agreements and boundaries

Wise Women Gathering is a shared space. These agreements exist to support safety, respect and ease for everyone present.

By attending, you agree to uphold the following boundaries.

Substance-free space

  • This is a drug- and alcohol-free event

  • Please respect the integrity of the space and those around you

  • medicinal, prescription cannabis is allowed - please observe the smoking guidelines

Women-only container

Wise Women Gathering is a women-only space.

  • Only registered attendees are permitted on site

  • Men are not permitted on the campground during the conference

  • Male partners or carers may meet families in the parking area only

A small number of male venue staff will be present behind the scenes to support infrastructure. They will remain in the background.

Nut-free venue

The entire venue is strictly nut-free.

  • Do not bring nuts onto the campground

  • If you arrive with nuts, they must remain sealed in your vehicle

  • Seeds are permitted

This boundary exists to protect women and children with severe allergies and must be respected.

Respectful participation

  • Please arrive on time to sessions and honour session start and end times

  • Do not audio or video record Educator Sessions without permission from WWG staff

  • Photography and short personal clips are welcome #wisewomengathering - do not photograph other people’s children without permission

  • An opt-out form for professional photography is available at check-in

Marketplace and offerings

Selling, promoting or soliciting services is only permitted within the Marketplace or with explicit approval from organisers.

This ensures everyone can relax and participate without pressure.

Smoking

The venue is smoke-free except for one designated smoking area near the dam and parking zone.

  • Do not smoke near workshops, food areas or shared spaces

  • Please dispose of cigarette butts responsibly

Fragrance-free request

Many attendees are sensitive to perfumes and essential oils.

  • Please avoid wearing strong scents

  • Use unscented personal care products where possible

  • Do not apply scented products in shared or indoor spaces

This makes a meaningful difference to accessibility and comfort.

If you have concerns or questions at any point, please speak with a team member or contact connect@wisegatherings.com.

Outdoor Adventure Camp

256 Webbs Creek Road, Wisemans Ferry NSW 2775

Access includes a short vehicular ferry crossing across the Hawkesbury River. The ferry ride takes approximately 5–10 minutes, operates frequently and is free of charge.

There is no public transport to the venue.

Important: If using navigation software, ensure ferry crossings are enabled. Do not follow directions that take you via Bicentennial Road.All ferries are operated by the State Government and ferry trips are free! There is no public transportation to the venue.

 

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)

Program access

  • A printed program will be provided at check-in

  • Session locations and any booking requirements will be clearly marked

  • Mobile reception is limited, so please rely on the paper program

Some sessions require sign-up due to capacity limits. These will be noted in the program and on noticeboards onsite.

General daily rhythm

Each day includes:

  • Morning announcements and panels

  • Two to four Educator Sessions across the day

  • Shared meals and breaks

  • Evening gatherings or events

There is generous time built in for rest, conversation, walking, swimming, visits to the Healing Space or Marketplace, or simply being on the land.

Daily flow and program overview

Wise Women Gathering follows a steady, spacious rhythm across the weekend. While there is a full program of panels, sessions and gatherings, nothing is compulsory. You are invited to listen to your body, your energy and your needs, and choose how you participate.

Children and program flow

The schedule is designed to support carers.

  • Kids Camp runs during selected morning and post-lunch sessions

  • Afternoon sessions are structured to allow children to rejoin carers

  • Maidens follow their own dedicated program alongside the main timetable

Details for Kids Camp and Maidens are outlined in their respective sections.

Evenings

  • Friday evening includes a special event

  • Saturday evening hosts Open Mic Night

  • Sunday evening has no scheduled activities unless for those who have purchased a Late Stay package

Community spaces, activities and shared life

The Red Tent

A Nurturing Space, the Red Tent, is available throughout the weekend as a place to rest, soften and regroup. You are welcome to sit quietly, meditate, nap, visit or simply be. This space is held for care and gentleness.

Evening gatherings

Friday Night Special Event

  • A shared evening celebration. Bring your dancing gear.

Saturday Night Open Mic

  • Open to anyone who would like to share a song, story, skit, joke or dance. Wear something festive as we celebrate the talents of our community. A sign-up sheet will be available at the conference. You are welcome to bring frame drums or simple instruments.

Swimming in Webbs Creek

Swimming is permitted in Webbs Creek.

  • Adults are responsible for supervising any children or teens at all times

  • Please remain clothed while swimming, out of respect for the range of cultural backgrounds and beliefs held in this women’s space

  • In previous years, a stinging fish has been present in the sand. It delivers a very painful sting

  • Water shoes are strongly recommended

The Marketplace

Our Marketplace is a dedicated space for registered vendors and partners to share handmade goods, products, resources and services.

Please note:

  • Bring sufficient cash for shopping

  • Some vendors may have EFTPOS depending on service coverage

  • Marketplace activity is limited to this space only

We ask that women refrain from marketing, selling or soliciting outside of the Marketplace. This includes during sessions, performances or casual conversations around camp. This boundary helps everyone feel relaxed and unpressured throughout the weekend.

Clothes Swap Table

We also host a Clothes Swap Table.

You are welcome to:

  • Leave unwanted, good-quality items

  • Swap for something else

  • Or leave a donation equivalent to an op-shop price

All donations go directly to the WWG Scholarship Fund.

The Healing Space

The Healing Space is a cooperative space where practitioners offer sessions throughout the weekend.

  • Bookings are made before hand and onsite

  • Check the notice board in the Auditorium for availability

  • Offerings and schedules vary across the weekend

Being on the land, safety and shared responsibility

Be aware

This is a bushland venue. Please arrive prepared.

  • Expect insects and wildlife

  • Check for ticks each evening and bring what you need for tick removal

  • If you develop a rash, fever or feel unwell, visit First Aid

  • The First Aid and Wellness Centre is staffed and stocked with herbal and medical supplies

Snakes are part of Australian natural environments. For your safety:

  • The venue advises wearing shoes at all times when walking around camp

Electronics and phone use

From arrival to departure, you are invited into a slower, more present rhythm.

  • Please silence your phone and turn off vibration on arrival

  • Use your phone as a clock if needed

This supports the depth and quality of the shared space for everyone. There is a charging station in the Auditorium if you need.

Emergencies from home

Mobile phone reception at the venue is very limited and cannot be relied upon. Please let your loved ones know this before you arrive.

If there is an urgent or genuine emergency at home and someone needs to contact you, they can do so via the conference emergency contact below:

Emergency contact: hollie wildëthorn 0483 955 340

It is best to sms rather than call. Hollie will receive the message and ensure it is passed on to you as quickly and discreetly as possible through the onsite team.

Please note:

  • This number is for urgent matters only

  • It is not monitored for general enquiries

  • Messages will be relayed in person, as phone contact onsite is unreliable

This system allows you to fully arrive into the Gathering, knowing that you can still be reached if it truly matters. We appreciate your care in sharing this information with those at home before you travel.

Sharing the Conference - Invite a friend

Conference Registration remains open until mid-May.

Our strongest form of sharing is grassroots, word-of-mouth connection. If you feel called:

  • Tell a friend

  • Share a post

  • Speak from your own experience

Departures and Late Stay

Standard departure

The conference officially closes with the Closing Ceremony at 3.00pm on Sunday.

  • Standard departure is between 4.00pm and 5.30pm on Sunday

  • Please begin packing earlier in the day where possible, so departure flows smoothly for everyone

  • If your vehicle is parked in the camping area, it must not be moved before the end of the Closing Ceremony.

Cars may not be moved in the campground area prior to the Closing Ceremony unless arranged with a manager.

If your car is moved before 4pm you will be asked to take it back to the campground. No exceptions.

Late Stay package

If you have pre-purchased a Late Stay package, you will remain onsite Sunday night.

Late Stay includes:

  • Sunday dinner

  • Overnight stay on Sunday

  • Breakfast on Monday morning

There are no scheduled conference activities on Sunday evening. This time is for rest, integration and a gentle transition home.

  • All Late Stay guests must depart by 10.00am Monday

  • Late Stay must be purchased before May 10

  • We cannot accommodate Late Stay requests onsite or after ticket sales close

Early departures

If you need to leave before the Closing Ceremony:

  • Please inform an organiser

  • An organiser will assist you with vehicle movement for safety reasons

Who to contact if you need help

If you have questions before the conference, or need clarification about your registration, please contact us before May 10.

📧 connect@wisegatherings.com

This allows hollie to support you properly while we are still in admin mode. After this date, our team is fully focused on onsite delivery and response times may be slower.

During arrival

If you are lost, delayed, or need urgent assistance during arrival times, you may sms hollie on:

0482 955 340

  • This number is monitored during scheduled arrival windows only

  • Mobile service is limited at the venue - don’t call

  • hollie will respond when signal and time allows

For non-urgent matters, please wait until check-in and speak directly with a manager or vollie. (they wear green and yellow necklaces)

While onsite

During the conference:

  • Please bring questions or concerns directly to a WWG Manager (green necklaces) or Check-in Desk (yellow necklaces)

  • For wellbeing or safety concerns, visit First Aid or the Counselling team (red necklaces)

  • For Kids Camp or Maidens matters, speak directly with Aswini and Belinda (pink necklaces)

We ask that issues are raised early, kindly and directly so they can be resolved with care.

A final note

This gathering is held by a small team, supported by volunteers and community goodwill. Clear communication, shared responsibility and respectful boundaries help everything run smoothly.

Thank you for meeting us in that spirit.

We look forward to celebrating with you on the land, in the circle and through the weekend ahead.

with love,

hollie wildëthorn and the wise women gathering team