LIMITED SPACES! BOOK NOW!

“The hardest thing of all to see is what is really there” - JA Baker (The Peregrine)

What will this workshop do for me?  (Good question!)

Well, in a nutshell this workshop introduces you to a practical understanding and direct experience of bird language to develop and expand your personal nature-observation skills.  The experiences and teachings offered in the workshop will enable you to more fully appreciate what birds have to say and through listening to their many voices how we can deeply connect with the natural world around us.  This is a workshop about dramatically expanding the scope and detail of what you are capable of noticing, so we might truly see what is really there.

Presented by environmental educator and wildlife naturalist Andrew Turbill, this unique workshop is where the pedal hits the metal for those of us who love the outdoors and spending time in the bush, but who desire greater levels of personal meaning and genuine connection to the natural world.  After decades of doing his “dirt time” of patient watching, listening and learning,  Andrew has developed a deep understanding of how birds offer us a special opportunity for really paying attention and developing a ‘curious mind’.  These are critical skills on the path to moving from “nature tourist” to “nature sentinel”.

By learning to pay attention and de-code bird language you will be drawn into the interconnectedness and wonder of nature. Gradually our sensory world opens up; birds aren’t just random background noise anymore but instead reveal the movement of predators in the landscape, the whereabouts of flowering and fruiting trees, approaching weather systems and delineation of seasonal changes.

Initially you will learn to identify surrounding birdlife by their calls, a rewarding skill in itself. More powerfully though, through deep listening and practicing enhanced field observation skills, you will learn to interpret their meaning providing a fascinating window into the life of birds and their greater environment. An urgent chirrup might lead your eye to a stalking python or (as Wangat’s very own Dan experienced just the other day) a sudden squawk and unwieldy cartwheeling from a tree give cause to look for danger and find a wedge-tailed eagle cruising overhead. 

Using bird language as a foundation and core, the workshop will include activities that will further expand your knowledge of the natural world. These include discovering and interpreting animal tracks and other signs, night-time observation, and the simple yet profound meditative practice of nature sit-spots.

The retreat has the potential to inspire not just a deeper understanding of the natural world but also a deeper connection and understanding of yourself. For hundreds of millennia before agriculture, humanity lived a truly wild existence; this deeply immersive experience of nature is what we were made for, it is literally hardwired into our brains. Abundant research in the fields of psychology, physiology and neuroscience confirms that we are at our best when we connect to the natural world. But many of us have forgotten how to connect, or yearn for deeper pathways of connection. This workshop will show you how. It will be a circuit breaker from our routine hustle and bustle and reaffirm what it is to be human.

Likewise, it is a wonderful way to connect and have fun with others who value this kind of activity and learning. We will spend the time together in a village atmosphere sharing adventures, meals, stories, and curiosity at the secluded Wangat Lodge surrounded by trees, river, campfire, starry skies and wildlife.

The skills and insights acquired in this workshop will fundamentally change the way you interact with birds and the natural world and can be readily applied in an urban-based natural setting as effectively as in wilderness. Every birdsong will become an invitation to listen, look around and learn. Every squawk will remind you we’re not alone in this world and of all the wonder to discover. Your friends will be amazed as you suddenly break off mid-sentence at work, dash outside and seemingly by magic “discover” a python resting in a nearby tree...the magic of bird language.

About Andrew Turbill
Andrew Turbill is a wildlife naturalist and professional environmental educator with more than two decades of practical experience developing innovative nature connection programs for youth, businesses and community along the East Coast of Australia. Plus he’s an all-round fascinating guy! It’s safe to say we’re very excited here at Wangat HQ to be welcoming Andrew for this workshop and to be able to offer this unique experience. In the brief time we’ve known him he’s already shared so much incredible knowledge with us in a truly engaging and memorable way. We’re looking forward to learning more!

For more info about Andrew’s extensive experience please visit www.cel.org.au/andrew-turbill/

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Cost
- $430. Includes facilitation, teaching and mentorship by Andrew Turbill, 3 nights accommodation at Wangat Lodge, and all meals.
- Limited to 40 participants to create a more intimate course and learning environment.

Accommodation
- Wangat Lodge has 9 bunk rooms with 4 or 6 beds. Participants will have the option for a female only, male only, or mixed-gender shared rooms. Friends / families will be placed together, availability allowing.
- Our 2 self-contained cottages, Melia and Clancy can be booked for an additional charge (subject to availability).

Requirements
- No previous birding experience required but a curious mind is essential!
- There is no minimum age however all attendees must be willing to participate fully in the workshop. The retreat is therefore not suitable for young children.

Covid 19 Information
Wangat Lodge has prepared a Covid-safe plan and will adhere to all government regulations. Full details will be issued in the course information provided to participants. If the workshop cannot take place or if numbers are restricted, full refunds will be issued.

To book your spot or if you have any questions please contact us.

We're thrilled to be welcoming Roy Davi, aka The Leurabodger, to Wangat this September to host 3 wonderful wood-working courses!

Roy has been using traditional hand tools and techniques to craft furniture since the late 1990's. His home workshop is located in Leura, NSW.

Roy teaches the skills needed to use a side axe, drawknife and pole-lathe to craft sturdy, bespoke stools, bench seats and chairs. During the last 6 years he has experimented with hand carving spoons and bowls and has been teaching spoon carving for 3 years.

At the end of your course you will go home equipped with new knowledge and skills, plus you will take away your own hand crafted spoon, bowl or stool!

There are 3 workshops to choose from offered separately or in combination (subject to availability).

Email Dan info@wangat.com.au to book your spot.
Booking deadline is August 31st - spaces are very limited so don't delay!

Find out more about Roy and his wonderful woodwork…
www.instagram.com/theleurabodger
www.facebook.com/theleurabodger

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COURSE OPTIONS

2 day Stool course - Thursday and Friday
Using traditional hand tools, a pole-lathe and shave horse, participants will craft a mallet and a 3 or 4 legged stool. Greenwood from Wangat lodge and a seasoned timbers from the Blue Mountains will be used to construct the legs and stool top.
- Adults only.
- $400pp

1 Day Spoon course - Saturday
Axe, adze, sloyd and hook knives will be used to carve a unique spoon from Wangat lodge trees and some selected timbers from the Blue Mountains.
- Adults and children (supervised).
- Adult $180pp / Child $100pp

2 day spoon and branch bowl course - Saturday and Sunday
Axe, adze, sloyd and hook knives will be used to craft a unique spoon and branch bowl from Wangat lodge trees. Spoon carving on Saturday and branch bowl on Sunday.
- Adults only.
- $300pp


**Combined 2 day stool and 1 day spoon course**
- Adults only. Thurs, Fri, and Saturday
- $550pp

**Combined 2 day stool and 2 day spoon and bowl course**
- Adults only. Thurs. - Sunday
- $650pp

BOOK NOW!

January’s camp run with Wildcraft Australia was so much fun we’re already looking forwarding to next time! It was great to have families staying in the lodge over the course of the week, all getting in on the action, making new friends and enjoying all the wonders Wangat has to offer.

Full details of our April camp can be found on our Family Camp page.

Chris will be back once again this March with his drums and seemingly unstoppable energy!

Join him for a fun-filled weekend of drumming, dancing and connecting rhythm with nature in the beautiful Wangat surrounds. 

Chris’s program includes a series of facilitated drumming playshops learning African drum rhythms on the djembe plus a powerful session learning bass rhythms on the dun duns!

For both beginners and intermediate drummers.

There will be guided bushwalks with our very own Dan, time for personal meditation, opportunity to swim in the beautiful Chichester River as well as the fantastic Fire Circle on Saturday night! 

Earlybird rate $250 - book now!

For more info and to book please visit:
circleofdrums.com.au

Bring your kids to Wangat this October for a wild day of nature-based activity and fun! Facilitated by experienced guides, activities will explore the beautiful rainforest, rivers and creeks of Wangat and its surrounds and teach children about the natural environment and bush crafts. Activities will include finding fungi, discovering birds and other wildlife, cooking damper on the fire, navigating a treasure hunt, building a forest adventure playground and more! 

Participants can come just for the day or stay at Wangat with their family and friends in our affordable accommodation; the lodge can be booked ‘hostel-style’ during the holiday weekdays or stay in one of our self-contained bush cottages (availability permitting). 

Activity days will be held on the 3rd + 4th October only this holiday. 9.30am - 3.30pm.
For children aged 7+ (younger children may be permitted on discussion with parents).

Cost
$75 per child / per day (incl. healthy lunch and snacks)
LIMITED SPACES so book now!
Please contact us with any questions or to book

Self-catered lodge accommodation offered at $35 per adult, $20 per child /night with shared use of lodge facilities. Alternatively you may wish to book one of our 2 self-contained cottages (limited availability). 

***LIMITED SPACES! Please contact us to book your spot.***

Do you want to learn more about your own voice and understand it’s strengths? Have you ever wanted to sing in public but haven’t had the opportunity or confidence? Have you had some experience singing and would like to hone your skills further? 

Join reknowned Sydney singer Alexi Kaye in a singing workshop this September in the remote and tranquil forest at Wangat Lodge. Get to know more about the strengths of your voice, learn what your voice is capable of and practice performing in front of your peers in a supportive, relaxed environment whilst having the experience of truly 'getting away from it all' in Wangat's unique environment.

Each participant will have individual singing sessions as well as partake in group singing sessions with dedicated time for improvisation. Interest in singing as well as some minimal singing experience is required. 

About Alexi
Alexi Kaye has done all the bits and pieces you’d expect of a singer whose career has spanned more than 25 years. From touring extensively across Australia with two different original bands, performing live on TV with her vocal group KAYA and on ABC radio in many Australian towns including Richard Glovers drive show in Sydney to winning best Blues Artist Award with her band EXTENDED FAMILY. She has played at weddings, funerals, concert halls, music festivals, pubs and private shows. She’s recorded albums (2 of her own, 5 with bands) and also appeared as a special guest on many others. Over the past 11 years she has taught singing one-on-one and with groups both privately as well as in schools. She has a music degree (honors) and a DipEd majoring in both instrumental (voice) and classroom music and is currently taking a community choir in Melbourne.

alexikaye.org
alexikaye.bandcamp.com
facebook.com/alexikaye.org

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• Food, by Verity – the Wangat Way! Home-made, wholesome, ethical, mostly vegetarian, plentiful and DELICIOUS!
   
• Accommodation
  10 bunk style rooms with 2, 4 or 6 beds in each and two self-contained cottages.
  Families/friend groups can book a room or individuals can book a bed.
  Families/friends can also book the cottages (extra charge applies)
   
• Cost
  $350* (includes professional tuition / all meals / lodge accommodation / guided walks)
  *extra charge for cottage booking

Please contact us to book your spot! 

CircleofDrums returns this September for another weekend of drumming, dancing, singing and community spirit!

For more info and to book please visit:
circleofdrums.com.au

***LIMITED SPACES! To book click here and contact the 8IATC team.***

Wild Village Experience is a post-conference event following the 8th International Adventure Conference in Sydney. For more info about the 8IATC - internationaladventuretherapy.org/8iatc

Through learning and practicing ancient wild crafts (making fire from friction, animal mimicry, interpreting bird calls, navigation by natural elements, rope making and weaving from natural grasses, barefoot walking by day and night, etc.) and the incorporation of traditional village practices (group processes, storytelling, camp fire cooking, sharing, singing, dancing etc.) there is a tangible surge in connection to nature, self and others. The aim is that the experiences enrich you and will subsequently inspire your own private and professional practices. Developing your own connection to nature improves you own ability to connect others to the healing power of nature. Let’s face it – in adventure therapy, it is the wildness of nature that helps bring the healing.

The camp will be held in the simple and comfortable accommodation of Wangat Lodge, nestled in the sub-tropical foothills of the Barrington Tops within pristine forests and on the stunning Chichester River with its deep swimming holes and rapids to explore. Wangat Lodge is managed as a wildlife sanctuary and conservation area and is rich in wildlife and incredible bio-diversity. It has a large indoor community space and outdoor communal fire pit. All food for meals is provided.
 

About Nikki
Nikki has spent much of the last 10 years learning traditional bush skills from Indigenous people all around the world. This included spending a year living in the bush, learning and practicing these skills including building her own shelter using hand tools, traditional methods and natural materials. This, on top of working in the outdoors as an outdoors guide, bush regenerator, youth team leader and also following the work of nature connection facilitators, has left her with a passion for sharing the skills as she sees that when we rely on nature to provide our needs, we naturally become connected to it, we naturally want to look after it and we naturally find our place in the world.

About Dan
Dan is a NSW representative for AABAT. For the past 20 years he has worked with youth-at-risk in wilderness settings, running programmes of Bush Adventure Therapy. He has also taught Outdoor Education at Western Sydney University and at various schools. At present, he is co-owner with his wife Verity of Wangat Lodge where they offer accommodation, outdoor education and BAT programmes. He is a passionate adventurer, often putting himself at his edge in nature for personal growth and awareness. He really looks forward to hosting participants at the “Wild Village Experience”. Dan is an historian, youth worker, adventure guide, bird watcher and loves living in the little shire of Dungog.

About Mahli
Mahli grew up in the urban wild of Sydney's Eastern Suburbs staying connected to the natural world through surf and travel, and returned to the 'woods' later in life. After becoming a primary school teacher he discovered the world of nature connection and spent a year with WildWise and Schumacher College in the UK, fostering the arts of connection facilitation through many means including earth skills, play, story and imagination. Returning home he has spent the last 3 years roaming from course to course and place to place to deepen his learning and skills. He spent time with Nature Philosophy, Bluegum Bushcraft, Claire Dunne and Wildcraft Australia (with Nikki), as well as making an annual immersion trip to Arnhem Land to better understand village culture and earth connection. He has been supporting and facilitating camps with these groups for the last three years and began his own business Wild by Nature Australia which focuses on co-creating wild village culture for kids, families and adults with an emphasis on wild adventure, play, story and skills.

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• Cost
  
  Early Bird Rates (Booked before 3 August 2018):
  - Adults: $660
  - Family of 4: $2000
  - Children 5 and up: $395
  - Children 4 years: $195
  - Children 1-3 years: $95
  - Children: 0-1 year free of charge
  
  After Early Bird:
  - Adults: $690
  - Children 5 and up: $400
  - Children 4 years: $200
  - Children 1-3 years: $100
  - Children: 0-1 year free of charge
  
  *We are planning to make an direct donation to AABAT from any profits made (will depend on number of bookings – above our minimum of 14 we will make profit)
  
   
• Equipment Required
  - Sleeping Bag and pillow case (available if required – please let us know before arrival)
  - Clothes to suit conditions – comfortable outdoor clothing
  - Towel
  - Comfortable walking shoes
  - Rain jacket
  - Snacks
  - Optional
  - Compass, Camera, Fixed blade bush knife
  - Any materials or equipment for an adventure, activity, workshop that you would like to run
  
   
• Meals - Monday nights meal will be ready on arrival. All other meals will be prepared by the village using the food provided. Cooking together brings a village together.
   
• Daily activities - Nature connection, bush skills and child friendly activities will be on offer in the mornings. After lunch there is an opportunity to explore, rest, play volleyball, climb on the jungle gym, run your own activity or workshop or whatever else you feel to do. The evenings will involve a shared meal and storytelling, music and a night challenge on one or two nights.
   
• Accommodation - The Lodge, built by hand of mud bricks, has 10 bunk style rooms with 2, 4 or 6 beds in each and one cottage. Families can book a room or individuals can book a bed. There is also the option to set up a tent.
   
• Transport - There is excellent public train transport from Sydney (Central Station) via Newcastle to Dungog. Cityrail and Trainlink. We can pick you up from Dungog Station, and bring you to Wangat Lodge (20 minutes). Otherwise it is a 3.5 hour drive north from Sydney – or 4.5 hours from the conference.

A wild day for kids at Wangat Lodge to coincide with the Dungog Ultra Trail. Kids will be collected pre-race (7.30am) and will stay to cheer the runners on their way before heading to Wangat Lodge for a fun-packed, nature activity day! Kids return to Dungog at 4pm.

Focus on your race and enjoy the day knowing your kids are having a great day too! Facilitated by experienced guides, activities will explore the beautiful rainforest, rivers and creeks of Wangat and its surrounds and teach children about the natural environment and bush crafts whilst having a lot of fun!

For kids aged 7+ (younger kids may be accepted on discussion with parents)

Cost
$80/$65* per child (incl. lunch, healthy snacks and transport)
*Discounted price available to siblings and those staying at Wangat and/or joining us for dinner.

ULTRA affordable communal accommodation also available in our forest lodge incl. a Sunday morning guided rainforest walk (if you aren't too worn out!)
– $35 per adult / $20 per child per night

PLUS! Pizza and pasta and a yummy dessert available at Wangat on Saturday evening. Vegetarian and sustainable meat options. Other dietary requirements accommodated with prior notice.
– $25 per adult / $15 per child

Please contact us with any questions or to book