Australia West

Rottnest Retreat 2024

SCBWI Members, Rotto 2024 is here!

Registrations for SCBWI West's popular annual Rottnest Wadjemup Retreat, 2024 will open on Friday 23 February at 7:00 PM.

This year's retreat will take place from Thursday 6 June to Sunday 9 June. The program is packed with portfolio reviews, manuscript critiques, hands-on professional development workshops with industry experts, fun social activities, and plenty of time for relaxing with a notebook and a glass of wine, of course.

Our interstate guests this year are Children's Publisher Sam Forge (Alex & Unwin) and Author/Illustrator Gus Gordon. And from our own backyard, CEO of Fremantle Press, Alex Allan and Author, Julia Lawrinson will join us.

Please Note

The Rottnest Retreat is a SCBWI West professional development event and is open to members only.

In general, we are not able to accept share arrangements involving non-members, even where they are family members or partners of a registered member. Where a member books a single room it is understood that the room will be single occupancy only. Exceptions may be possible where special circumstances apply; to discuss, please contact Regional Advisor Catherine Carvell or Jodie Davidson before registering.

In the first instance, registration will be accepted from SCBWI West members only. Members of other regions may register interest via email. We will contact you if spaces become available.

Cost

Ticket Prices are as follows. See below for inclusions.

• Shared Twin Room (per person): $460.00 + $0.50 booking fee
• Single Room (single occupancy only): $680.00 + $0.50 booking fee

Single Room bookings are for single occupancy only — accompanying non-members are not permitted except by special arrangement.

Inclusions

Included with your ticket:

• Shared Twin Room and Single Room ticket price includes three nights cottage accommodation and admission to all general program activities on Rottnest, including one group dinner.

Not included:

• Manuscript / portfolio one-on-one critiques.
• Other meals on Rottnest.
• Ferry fare.

Please note that you do not need to book for most activities on Rottnest Island. Exceptions are:

• Paid one-on one critiques — Bookings must be made separately, and will open at a later date. You must be attending the full retreat to participate.
• First Page First Look — Free, but limited spaces. Expressions of interest must be made when registering.
• Peer Group WIP rounds — Free, but limited spaces. Select a group when registering.
• Readings by Almost Candlelight — Free. Reserve a reading slot when registering if you would like to read your work.

Room Sharing Requests

If you'd like to share a room with another member, please note your request on the booking form.

While all share requests will be considered, the allocation of rooms and cottages is a complex process and no guarantees can be made. Share requests should be made by mutual agreement with those concerned.

Please note that this year, our cottages are in Thomson.

Volunteer Callout

We're looking for people to be critique timekeepers. This involves lurking in the Dome Cafe and ensuring that critique sessions stay on schedule. You will be asked to take a one-hour shift when critique sessions are running.

To volunteer for this role, please check the relevant box when you register for the Retreat. You'll then be contacted by our delighted team for follow-up.

How to Book

Bookings for the 2024 Rottnest Retreat open on Friday 23 February at 7:00 PM SHARP.

Click the link below to book your ticket through TryBooking.

BOOK NOW

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made up to 28 days prior to the event (on or before May 12) will receive a 75% refund. Cancellations made after this date will not receive a refund.

Anti-Harassment Policy

SCBWI is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience in its events and activities. Please review the official SCBWI Non-Discrimination / Anti-Harassment Policy before booking.

Acknowledgement of Country

SCBWI Australia West recognises the cultural significance and sad history that Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) holds for Aboriginal people and acknowledges the Whadjuk Noongar people as Wadjemup's traditional custodians.

Read more about the history of Wadjemup and steps toward reconciliation.

Questions?

For more information about this event, please email Regional Advisor Jodie Davidson or Catherine Carvell.