Port Douglas Retreat
21-22-23 March 2025
The beach is calling! Escape to sunny Port Douglas in North Queensland for a transformative sewing retreat unlike any other. Immerse yourself for a special time away with us stitching, creating, celebrating, and connecting with fellow artists with the coast as our backdrop. Learn from renowned artists-tutors-designers,
Sue de Vanny, Denise Burkitt, Bree Thomas, Pauline Rogers and your host Caroline Sharkey, nestled in the comfort and beauty of The Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas Resort’s luxurious venue.
Spots are limited, so secure yours now to avoid disappointment.
An immersive sewing experience you’ll never forget.
Calling all textile artists! Are you ready to weave a tapestry of memories unlike any other? Join Caroline Sharkey and a community of passionate creators for the transformative ‘Sewing Up a Tropical Retreat’ in Port Douglas 2025!
The Port Douglas Retreat
Sewing Up a Tropical Retreat
Package $2990.00
3 Days with the Tutor of your choice
3 Days Gourmet lunches and breaks
Luxury conference centre
Meet the tutor poolside soiree/party
Surprise Retreat Prizes
Flames of the Forest dinner dance
Resort Island treat farewell drinks
Hire Machines available to secure on your booking form., sponsored by Bernina Australia.
Please Note that you are responsible to book your own accommodation and travel for this retreat. The Sheraton has kindly offered a discount stay for the delegates of the retreat, also a link on the booking form.
The Port Douglas Retreat Hire Machine
Sponsored by Bernina Australia.
Check out our special BERNINA hire machine, designed just for our retreat! Secure yours for hire during the retreat by including it on your booking form.
Also special offers from BERNINA to purchase a machine.
Innovative textile
art classes
Explore cutting-edge techniques and push your creative boundaries with our curated selection of workshops.
Breath-taking destination to explore
Immerse yourself in the stunning coastal surroundings and relax at our luxurious venue, creating lasting memories with fellow artists.
A place to belong
Feel fully supported and valued throughout the retreat with our dedicated team ensuring your well-being, greet old friends and make new connections to cherish when you return home.
Seamless retreat experience
We aim to host a meticulously planned and flawlessly executed retreat, exceeding your expectations in every detail.
Wherever you are in your textile art journey, we have a place for you.
Textile artists of all skill levels, from beginners seeking inspiration to seasoned stitchers looking to refine their craft.
Anyone who craves a unique and enriching travel experience that combines creativity, connection, and cultural immersion.
Those seeking a chance to escape the everyday and reconnect with their inner artist in a place of profound beauty and serenity.
“A definite bucket list item.”
“ Sewing Up a Tropical Retreat 2024”
“Teaching a three-day workshop at Port Douglas was such a wonderful and enjoyable experience. It was a privilege to teach alongside Caroline and Sophie and to share my love of textiles with such positive and enthusiastic participants.
Caroline and her team go out of their way to make sure the retreat creates wonderful memories for everyone involved. I would definitely recommend Sewing up a Tropical Retreat as a definite bucket list item, 2025 will be awesome!”
Gloria Loughman.
An experience so exquisite, you can feel it already.
Sun-drenched days spent learning new techniques and creating breathtaking textile art inspired by the sparkling, lush tropical coastline, and vibrant marine life of Port Douglas.
Evenings filled with lively conversations, shared laughter, and the comforting clinking of glasses celebrating after stunning sunsets then under star-studded skies.
Intimate workshops led by world-renowned tutors, where you'll gain valuable skills and unlock new creative possibilities.
Immerse yourself in the relaxed coastal lifestyle and explore the beauty of the surrounding friendly township.
Stitch up a storm with talented guest tutors
Sue de Vanny,
Bree Thomas,
Denise Burkitt,
Pauline Rogers and your host Caroline Sharkey.
Luxury Stays
Relax and recharge in beautifully appointed rooms at the sheraton Grand Mirage Resort or surrounding accommodations on the coast or in town.
Delicious Meals and a Tropical Cocktail
Savour the flavours of the coast with a cocktail & gourmet meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Excursions & Local Experiences
Dig your toes into the sand and feel the sun on your face, and enjoy the best the coast has to offer in north queensland.
Meet the Tutors
Sue de Vanny
Transform thread and fabric into this exquisite artwork with Sue de vanny.
Puddles Platypus with Susan de Vanny
Textile art at its best! Work with Sue to create this exquisite piece of textile collage art.
The fabric layers and drawing with the needle are some of the techniques you will experience to make your own platypus picture. Sue has a very sharp eye for details that brings art to life.
Sue is a master artist, winning major awards both internationally and here in Australia. Always extending her art practice to try new things herself, so this brings a wealth of experiences and ability. Sue has agreed to join us for this years teaching facility and has created this rain forest Platypus artwork especially for the Port Douglas Retreat.
Kit TBA
Bree Thomas
Capture the essence of textile art in nature stitching with Bree Thomas.
The Ulysses Butterfly with Bree Thomas
Create a 3D textile sculpture of Queensland’s symbol for tourism, the Ulysses butterfly. Ulysses takes flight from a cluster of 3D eucalyptus leaves- these can be mounted on a quilted panel background as Wall ART. Use texture and stitch on fabric surfaces with Bree, thread painting and blend colour to enhanced your individual artworks.
Bree is a celebrated Gallery Artist in textiles with a strong connection to nature and her surroundings, The world of moths, butterflies and insects are a strong influence to Bree’s designs and her uncanny way to make life-like sculptural creations is a feast for the eyes. Kit TBA
Denise Burkitt
Bring the lush bush to life with
Design-Paint-Create with Colour
guided by talented fabric designer
Designer Denise Burkitt.
The best designs are created when taking the time to play on the surface with colour and design. Learn Denise’s unconventional brush painting methods, ideal for the beginner to advanced. Mix pleasing colour combinations and learn all Denise’s tips for composition and flow, to create beautiful one-off overall designs, using small varieties of shapes and inspiration from nature to design and create your piece of original whole cloth fabric art. You will start your painting process with pieces of fabric to learn several of Denise’s techniques using found objects, household items, then plants and brushes, you will then progress on to a larger piece, using the methods learnt, to create your own individual piece fabric art. Ideas for your piece of wall Art, or embellish further with free motion or hand stitching to create a quilt or larger fabulous cushions. Kit TBA
Denise is a Fabric Designer for FreeSpirit Fabrics in the USA. Her designs, are known for being inspired by nature, colourful and organic her art fabric designs are sold in boutique fabric stores worldwide. Denise exhibits her beautiful fabric ranges at the Houston Quilt Convention each year and very well known in fabric designer circles.
Pauline Rogers &
Caroline Sharkey
Caroline Sharkey and Pauline Rogers combining North meets South in Art and Tradition. Collaborations between artist friends are always a fun way to learn - here you get 2 awesome creators together!
The true magic unfolds when close friends unite to collaborate on a project combining textile art and clever sewing techniques. Caroline and Pauline, each bringing their own unique textile- sewing backgrounds, they have eagerly come together to offer a special class at Port Douglas Retreat. Pauline is known for her innovative stitching techniques that add an element of joy to any project, while Caroline's expertise lies in creating new fabrics and enhancing surfaces with her artistic touch. Combining their skills, they have crafted a mesmerizing piece that beautifully merges textile art while adding a modern twist to traditional techniques. Pauline owns and operates 'Pauline's Quilters World' and has developed techniques and tools of the trade that she demonstrates at trade shows worldwide, this dynamic designer is a wealth of knowledge and spending time with her is gold. Caroline is a textile artist with a passion for changing the surface design and construction of fabrics, thread painting and textural embellishments also feature in Caroline's beautiful creations. Together these 2 power house creators come together to share all their secrets and passion in this class. Kit TBA
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
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Your ticket purchase covers the cost of the retreat sessions, workshops, workshop meals and treats, special outings and dinners to make your experience fulfilling and unforgettable,
from Thur 20 – March Welcome Dinner.
Workshop days Fri -21 Sat-22 Sun-23PLEASE NOTE Your Accommodation and Travel are not included and must be booked by each delegate separately.
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The retreat is located in North Queensland approx 1hr drive from Cairns Australia. The most common way to arrive is by flying into Cairns Airport and then taking a shuttle or rental car to Port Douglas township to check into your accommodation. Book your flights as soon as possible to avoid logistical issues. We encourage you to have your own travel insurance if changes are made to your booking.
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Gourmet lunches and breaks are provided for delegates during retreat session times. The soiree Welcome dinner at the resort and the Flames of the Forest Dinner are both catered as part of the Retreat experiences.
No other meals are included in your ticket, but there are so many delectable restaurants to sample! What better excuse to get to know your newfound friends by dining with other delegates.
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The weather in the Tropics can be unpredictable, mostly humid and warmer weather is experienced so it's best to pack layers especially in air conditioned work rooms. Comfortable clothing suitable for sewing and crafting activities, as well as closed-toe shoes for safety during workshops, are recommended. If you plan to do any additional exploring during your visit, make sure to pack appropriately for your activities.
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You will be required to bring some resources for your classes, and will be provided with a list prior to the event. If your classes require any materials from your tutors, you can purchase these and they will be provided at the event. Remember to check if you need to bring or hire a sewing machine for your class.
Be sure to pack any sewing supplies or tools you may need for the workshops, as well as personal items like sunscreen, a hat and water bottle. A small backpack or tote bag is ideal for carrying your essentials around the retreat.
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The retreat is open to artists of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned stitchers. Inspiration abounds for everyone, and with so many sewists and caring tutors in the room, you will never be without a helping hand.
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The event itinerary is packed with classes, social gatherings and experiences that you’ll not want to miss. While there is ample room for relaxing in between gatherings, we recommend extending your stay if you wish to take in all that Port Douglas an surrounding areas has to offer. You might like to bring your partner or family along to enjoy this special location too.
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Take advantage of the stunning tropical scenery by participating in outdoor activities or simply relaxing and soaking in the unique surroundings. Don't be afraid to ask questions, connect with fellow attendees, and fully immerse yourself in the creative and inspiring atmosphere of the retreat. Maybe hiring a car will give you more freedom before and after class, consider sharing this with other attendees.
Don't Miss Out on This Unforgettable Experience!
Limited spots are available for Sewing Up a Storm in the TROPICS 2025. This is your chance to immerse yourself in creativity, culture, and breathtaking beauty alongside a vibrant community of textile enthusiasts.
Imagine yourself learning from world-renowned tutors, creating exquisite textile art inspired by the coastal setting, and forging lasting friendships sharing the warmth in Australia’s Tropical North. This retreat offers an experience unlike any other.
Secure your place today and embark on a transformative journey.
“It was certainly worth the wait!”
“After rescheduling because of Covid and the uncertainty of closed borders, the 2023 Uluru Retreat finally happened after a 3 year wait. So much hard work was done by Caroline Sharkey, her family and the wonderful, ‘behind the scenes’ team to make this happen.
As a ‘first timer’ to Uluru what impressed me was the level of communication that was sent to delegates. The Delegates Booklet, outlining the classes on offer, the accommodation options, things to do around the resort, included tours and a schedule of events and times made organising the trip very manageable.
The choice of tutors was excellent. Our 2 brilliant Australians, Caroline Sharkey and Gloria Loughman, along with highly acclaimed textile artists Sandra Mollon and Judy Coates Perez from the USA all made for an exciting and fulfilling 4 days of creativity and learning.
Bernina Australia sponsors this event and each delegate got to bring home a new Bernina 325 sewing machine that they used during the workshops. What an amazing feat to organise so many specially skinned machines showing Caroline Sharkey’s award winning quilt, ‘Star Talk’.
Although it was a busy schedule we had time to meet and chat with other delegates, getting to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.”