There are writing retreats. There are business retreats. There are wellness weekends. But something’s always been missing — a proper weekend away just for book lovers.
Not aspiring authors. Not self-development junkies. Just people who love to read, talk about stories, and spend time with others who feel the same way. That’s why we’re hosting this retreat.
This August, we’re heading to Stanthorpe in Queensland’s Granite Belt wine region for a very special weekend with best-selling author Emma Grey, hosted at the gorgeous Ridgemill Estate Winery from Friday 29 August to Sunday 31 August.
Why We Created This
At Book World Club, we’ve spent the past year building a space for book people. We’ve published six issues of Book World Magazine, run online and in-person book clubs, featured incredible authors and narrators, and hosted sold-out events. But this retreat is something different.
It’s about creating the kind of weekend we’d want to go on ourselves — one where the only requirement is that you love books, good food, and real conversations.
There are retreats out there for writers, for business owners, for people looking to hustle. But what about the people who just want to talk about a great novel over a cheese board and a glass of wine?
That’s what this is for.
Why Stanthorpe?
We chose Stanthorpe because you can’t help but slow down here.
It’s one of the most beautiful regions in Queensland. It’s where you go to eat well, drink great local wine, sleep in, and have long, uninterrupted conversations. It’s the kind of place that makes everything feel a little more relaxed — and a little more real.
Why Emma Grey?
We’ve been lucky enough to feature Emma Grey in Book World Magazine, and she joined our in-person book club (via Zoom) not long ago. Every conversation with her has been easy, generous, and full of insight and her novels The Last Love Note and Pictures of You have struck a chord with so many readers.
Emma isn’t just a brilliant writer. She’s the kind of person you want to sit next to at lunch. She listens. She laughs. She brings warmth to every space she enters.
And we don’t just get her for an hour. We get her for the entire weekend.
How Storyfest Came On Board
After our first retreat (Onyx Storm at Sanctuary Cove), one of the attendees mentioned it to Andrea Lewis from Storyfest. Andrea called us directly and asked what we were working on next.
She’s run countless festivals and events for writers. But when we told her this one was for readers — for the people who buy, love, and live through books — it clicked.
Now, Storyfest is officially sponsoring Emma Grey’s appearance, and Andrea will be joining us in person too. We’re so grateful for their support, and for their belief in what we’re building.
Who This Weekend Is For
This retreat is for book lovers. Full stop.
It’s for people who love a smart, funny, heart-wrenching novel. Who have opinions about fictional characters. Who need a weekend away, but don’t want to do yoga at sunrise or spend 8 hours on a vision board.
You can come alone or with a friend. You might be overdue for a good laugh and a good nap. Either way, you’ll be welcome here.
What the Weekend Looks Like
🗓 Friday 29 August – Sunday 31 August
📍 Ridgemill Estate Winery, Stanthorpe
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Two nights’ accommodation (only two chalets remain, single or twin share)
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Wine tasting and cheese board on arrival
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Casual dinner and book club night
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Optional winery tour
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Group transport to the Long Lunch
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Signed copy of one of Emma’s novels
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Sunday breakfast picnic (weather permitting)
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Beautiful gift pack and a chance to win prizes
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Time to read, relax, and enjoy meaningful time with others
Reserve Your Chalet or See the Full Itinerary
The Long Lunch: The Heart of the Retreat is Now Also Open to Locals
The Long Lunch at Balancing Heart Winery’s Sunset Pavilion is the pivotal part of the retreat — the moment when everyone comes together for an afternoon of great food, flowing wine, and real conversation.
We’re opening this highlight of the weekend to locals in Stanthorpe and the wider Granite Belt region, giving you the chance to enjoy this special event alongside our retreat guests. It’s also a rare opportunity to spend quality time with best-selling author Emma Grey, who will be there throughout the lunch to chat, sign books, and share stories in a relaxed setting.
Join us on Saturday 30 August at Balancing Heart Winery for an afternoon of great food, wine, and even better company. You’ll enjoy:
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A beautiful winery setting
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Three hours of conversation with Emma Grey
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A signed book
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A generous long-table lunch
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Fun prizes and thoughtful gifts
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And a warm, welcoming group of readers who just get it
Even better — every Long Lunch ticket supports the Australian Bibliotherapy Foundation, a charity that delivers carefully chosen books to people in need. That includes those in frontline and emergency services, veterans’ groups, domestic violence recovery spaces, and more. Books are more than a luxury — for many, they’re a lifeline.
Long Lunch Bookings and Enquiries
We’re also taking part in the Australian Bibliotherapy Foundation Read-a-thon this September. It’s a fun, nationwide event that raises funds to help the ABF place carefully chosen books into the hands of people who need them most — from those in frontline roles to veterans’ services and domestic violence recovery programs.
You can support the cause by donating to our team or even joining in the Read-a-thon yourself. Every contribution helps the ABF continue their incredible work.
Support or join our Read-a-thon team here
Want to win your ticket?
We’re giving one lucky person the chance to win a free Long Lunch ticket (valued at $250) — or get the cost of your ticket refunded if you’ve already booked.
To enter:
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Comment “yes please” on our competition post to go in the draw
Something You’ll Carry With You
Our last retreat created friendships that are still going strong. Book club meetups, road trips to bookstores, and catch-ups that never would’ve happened without that weekend.
We already know this one will be the same.
You’ll leave with a few new friends, a book you’ll want to reread, a full belly, a few new stories, and one weekend that you’ll talk about long after it’s over.
Want to See More?
We recently went live on Instagram with Emma Grey and Andrea Lewis from Storyfest to chat all about the retreat, the long lunch, and how it came together. You’ll also meet Alana and Lauren, the founders of Book World Club and Book World Magazine.
👉 Watch the Instagram Live here
We’d love to see you in Stanthorpe.
Alana and Lauren – Founders of Book World Club and Magazine
