Clunes Booktown Festival Reading Retreat
March 20-22, 2026
Every March, the historic gold-rush town of Clunes transforms into a book-lover’s dream. Thousands of readers wander the streets, meet authors, and explore one of Australia’s most beloved regional book festivals.
This retreat is your chance to experience Clunes Booktown in comfort — with accommodation sorted, good company to share it with, and plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere.
The Retreat Experience
This isn’t about schedules or structure. It’s about being part of something bigger — a weekend where the whole town revolves around books.
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Browse stalls stacked high with rare and second-hand finds.
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Hear authors speak in intimate venues.
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Wander the markets and bookshops at your own pace.
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Return to our retreat house in the evenings to rest, read, and chat with fellow book lovers.
We’ll provide a welcoming home base and the company of other readers — you bring your curiosity, your appetite for stories, and maybe a tote bag (or three).
What’s Included
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Your retreat package includes:
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2 nights’ accommodation close to the Clunes Festival
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A warm, bookish community to experience the festival with.
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Evening wind-downs together — space to swap finds, share highlights, and relax.
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A small retreat gift to make the weekend sweeter.
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Please note: this retreat is self-catered. Meals are not included so you can enjoy the many cafés, pubs, and food stalls that make Booktown such a rich experience.
Why Join Us
Clunes Booktown can be overwhelming on your own — this retreat gives you a ready-made group of fellow readers to explore with (or retreat from, when you need quiet time).