Breathe: A Songwriting Retreat

Facilitated by award-winning singer/songwriters Rose Parker and Delilah Rose, this weekend retreat offers a nurturing space for intentional songwriting, collaborative reflection, and judgement-free creativity.

Parker and Rose founded Australian Songwriting Retreats in 2020 with the express aim of giving busy creatives a chance to take some time out and focus on songwriting away from the hustle of everyday life. Focused on creating space for exploration and growth and including practical workshops on the songwriting process (inspiration–construction–performance) as well as daily meditation and opportunities for collaboration and feedback.

Set in the heritage village of York (100 kms from Perth), Breathe: A Songwriting Retreat takes place from May 23–26 and is open to women, men and gender non-conforming songwriters, writers, poets, wanna-bes, should’ve-dones and wished-I-hads — from beginners through to the more experienced.

The Facilitators

Rose Parker
Rose Parker is a nationally and internationally recognised songwriter, recently winning the Rock/Indie category at the 2024 Australian Songwriting Association Awards for her song Blood On The Water. Formerly one half of The Velvet Janes, she’s toured globally, played major festivals, and supported artists like Ani DiFranco and Paul Kelly. Rose has released multiple EPs and albums, with a new release due in 2025. Based in Fremantle, WA, she also teaches songwriting at WAAPA.

Delilah Rose
Delilah Rose is a born storyteller and award-winning songwriter who brings sparkle and warmth to every event. She’s won Best Group at the WA Country Music Awards and been twice nominated for Best Country Act at the WAM Awards. With performances across Australia and overseas, including supporting Troy Cassar-Daley and playing festivals like Wave Rock and Nannup, Delilah lives in Brisbane with her family and a strong love for tea.

The Location
Set in the rolling hills at the entry to York, Hillside Country Retreat is an historic country estate rich in history and natural beauty. Designed in 1911 by renowned architect and WWI general Sir Talbot Hobbs, the grand homestead has watched over the landscape for more than a century. Surrounded by rambling gardens, seasonal wildflowers, and sweeping farmland views, Hillside offers a peaceful and inspiring setting for creative exploration. With cosy accommodation, crackling fires, starlit skies, and a warm, down-to-earth welcome, it’s the perfect place to pause, breathe, and reconnect — with your creativity, and with yourself.

Tickets & Accommodation Options

Option 1 – Solo, not lonely
Sole occupancy – 1 person 1 room 1 bed in shared cottage $920 pp+b/f
Option 2 – Solo sanctuary
Sole occupancy – 1 person 1 bed in private cottage $1160 pp+b/f
Option 3 – Pillow Talk
Double occupancy – 2 people 1 room 1 bed in shared cottage $710 pp+b/f​​​​​​​
Option 4 – Mates Escape
Double occupancy – 2 people 1 room 2 beds in shared cottage $710 pp+b/f​​​​​​​
Option 5 – Love Nest
Double occupancy – 2 people 1 bed in private cottage $830 pp+b/f​​​​​​​

Limited places available! Tickets on sale soon!

Program (subject to minor changes)
Friday: 5pm – Meet, greet and settle into your rooms
7 pm -Dinner& a show
9.30pm -Free time
Saturday: 8 am-Morning meditation
Breakfast available until 9.30 am
9.30–12 pm–Morning Session
12.15 pm-Lunch
2 pm–3 pm – Afternoon session OR alone time
3 pm-6.45 pm-Walk, nap, write songs or spend some time alone
7 pm – Dinner: in York or BYO
8 pm–Free time
Sunday: 8 am – Morning meditation
Breakfast available until 930am
9.30-12 pm – Morning sessions
12.15 pm – Lunch together
3 pm-6.45 pm -Time for one-on-one sessions
7 pm – Dinner in York or BYO
8 pm – Discussion and feedback. Prepare one piece for retreat performance and feedback(optional). Positive feedback only.
Monday: 7.30 am – Morning meditation
Breakfast available until 9.30 am
Closing ceremony together

What is included?
– accommodation, linen and towels
– groceries for self catering (breakfasts, morning/arvo teas and lunches)
– Friday night entry to event at The Rookery
– weekend retreat program with Rose and Delilah
– pad/pen/bag/retreat program/writers w’end program
– entry to the events at York Writer’s Weekend (excluding 21 Hearts, separate ticket required)
– peace and quiet in a heritage village in the West Australian Wheatbelt

What do I bring?
– Your instrument
– Your poetry, words and songs
– Dinner for 3 nights (or purchase in town)
– Your big girl pants!