Do you long to learn and explore harp in a supportive, inspiring environment with like-minded people?
Have you always wondered how to compose your own music?
Are you at a point where your practice could really flourish with a few new golden threads woven in?
Or maybe you feel drawn to the harp and would love some guidance to begin your harp journey?
… if the answer is yes, then you are in the right place!
Harp Retreat
in the Rainforest
source creativity
composition
nature well-being
authenticity presence
resonance coherence
support collaboration
connecting to
your inner muse.
FNQHC proudly presents…
What happens at a
Creative Harp Retreat?
Gain techniques
for writing your own music
from creative impulse
through improvisation
to structured composition.
Experience the creative process
within a supported space
of connectedness and community
amidst a natural environment.
With all levels from beginner to advanced,
our tutors will gently guide the group
through skills and mindsets
for collective co-creation.
Hosted in Kuranda,
the rainforest country of the Djabugay people,
you will be immersed
in one of the most beautiful
and creative places on Earth.
Retreat
Tutors
Six unique tutors will share their gifts with you over these two days, combining pathways to create a nourishing musical adventure with many harps.
The tutors are Natalia Mann, Loni Fitzpatrick, Merindi Schrieber, Naomi Jean, Kat Pring and Liz Soenario.
FAQs
Time & Date
The event will be held on
Saturday 5 July 2025, 10am - 5pm
Sunday 6 July 2025, 9am - 4pm
at Kuranda Recreation Centre.
What do I need to bring?
We ask that you bring your own harp, tuner, music stool and stand. Bring your version of a notebook, manuscript, pencil & eraser or recording device (eg, your phone).
Bring something warm for the evenings.
Instrument Storage
Instruments will be held securely in the Kuranda Recreation Centre which will be locked overnight. You can access the venue on Saturday at 8:45am, and Sunday at 8:00am.
Catering
Delicious home-cooked healthy Indonesian meals can be pre-ordered at $25 per day. Alternatively, you could pop over to Kuranda town, a 10 min drive away, and choose from one of the many food places there. You are also welcome to bring your own food.
Accessibility
The venue has convenient parking, with car and wheelchair access to both upstairs and downstairs. The workshop will be held upstairs. Toilets are located inside the building and include ambulant/wheelchair facilities.
Location
Winter is the most pleasant time of year in the tropics. The retreat will be held on Djabugay Country, in the charming town of Kuranda, a gem in the rainforest just 35-minutes drive from Cairns Airport. www.kuranda.org
Transport
The venue, Kuranda Recreation Centre is located 10 mins drive from Kuranda town, and 10 mins drive from Speewah. If you are on bus or foot, let us know to organise ride-shares. We have members driving from Cairns, Port Douglas and Atherton.
Accommodation
Visitors are encouraged to find their own accommodation from the fabulous choices locally available on www.kuranda.org, Speewah Tavern or airbnb. Contact us if you’d prefer a low-key camping option.
Kuranda market harpist mural.
I'm interested in the harp but never touched one, and am not sure if I want to commit yet. Is this suitable for me? We'll always be returning to the basics of harping, so you'll get an overview that will help you make a strong start and an educated decision. We also have harps available to borrow if you don't have one.
Can I come but just watch and listen? Yes you may. We will have small harps available to borrow. But if this is your idea of a relaxing weekend - simply being, surrounded by harp music in a beautiful environment with… you’re welcome :)
I have a hobby harp but I don't play much, would it be worth it for me to come? One of the best ways to reignite your passion for the harp is to attend a workshop. We are dedicated to nurturing a healthy and fun harp community and everyone is welcome!
I've only just started taking lessons, is it too early for something like this? We know there are a lot of beginner harpists and we especially design our workshops around boosting your essential foundations.
I'm already a skilled harpist, am I too advanced for this event? We have harpists of all levels in our community, and the sharing is what makes it so much fun. It's always useful to observe and share techniques with other players to inform your own practice.
Our Story
The FNQ Harp Connection is a local community group who come together to nurture the harp community and love of harp playing in Far North Queensland.
We're dabblers and dreamers, students and teachers, amateurs and artists who like to get together with our harps and learn new things.
We’re excited to create
our third retreat for you.
Sharing the journey and inspiring each other is a big part of healthy music making.
Plus, of course, we live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world....! <3
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mailing list.