About Us

At Gembrook Retreat, we invite people on to the land to encounter God in creation, and to equip each other to live a soulful life.

Gembrook Retreat is a 22 acre property on the border of Wurundjeri Woiwurrung and Boonwurrung/Bunurong Country. It is a religious trust set up by Margret Dunkle, a Quaker woman, in 2000. Maggie believed that the property should be made available for all to experience spiritual renewal through connection with the land.

Jane, Steve and Samara are members of the Christian/Quaker residential community who live onsite or nearby in Gembrook. We take care of the day to day running of Gembrook Retreat, welcoming individuals, couples and small groups to use our retreat spaces and looking after the land. Jane also offers spiritual direction to retreat guests.

In this time of climate crisis, we believe that by practising simplicity, community, land-based contemplation and engaging in the work of decolonisation, we can equip and encourage each other to live a soulful life.

All are welcome.

We warmly welcome Queer people, and all who seek to retreat on the land - Country holds us all.

People

“Attend to what love requires of you, which may not be great busyness.”

— Quaker Advice and Query no. 28