• Regenerative land management

• Forest regeneration

• Permaculture, biodynamics, successional agroforestry

• Cultural rite of passage and celebrations

• Appropriate Technologies

• Indigenous studies

• Wisdom Schools

Our facilities

Floating amongst the tall eucalypts on the edge of the rainforest, ‘The Gonpa’, formerly the Vajradhara Gonpa, was built for the purpose of meditation and teachings in the Khyentse Lineage, which is part of the non-sectarian Rimé lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. Translating as ‘temple’ or ‘shrine’, the architecture of this 10 x 20m hall invites the forest in for liminal experiences of nature and the sacred. Some say that the hundreds of thousands of hours of meditation that has occurred here is tangible, and we have been told by a local Gulibul custodian that the land here has always been a ‘spiritual university – a place of wisdom and learning’. The Gonpa is a widely revered temple of historical significance and is dearly treasured.

• 10 x 20m hall with timber floor boards

• Glass windows and fully opening double doors on three sides (east, north and south)

• Small kitchenette and storage room

• Small Library with many books on topics ranging from ecological to esoteric

• West facing wall is clear for projection, decoration or other forms of presentation

• Cushions, chairs and trestle tables available

• Shelves for bags, water bottles etc

• Projector, LED TV and sound system available for hire

• Nearby amenities block with 2 composting toilets and shower

Heart and Home - the fire is in the belly and the belly is fed here, in our warm and friendly kitchen and dining building. Large custom-made timber dining tables bring everyone together to share mindful meals, prepared by a caterer of your choosing, or we can refer you to some of our favourite kitchen witches who specialise in wholesome meals made with locally sourced and seasonal produce.

Kitchen:

• Fully equipped commercial kitchen

• Walk-in pantry

• Walk-in Cool room and large chest freezer

• 6 gas stoves and large oven

• Stainless steel preparation and serving benches

• 3 deep sinks and one hand washing basin

• 2 outdoor sinks for guest dish-washing

• Food processor

• Commercial blender

Dining and Common Area:

• 5 large wooden tables seating up to 60 people

• Wood fire heater

• Couches and bean bags

• Deck with outdoor seating and daybed

• Outdoor fire area with 4 benches and cut log seats

• Outdoor BBQ with gas burner

The dormitory rooms have high ceilings, natural ventilation and sky lights for solar passive design. The 14 rooms provide accommodation for up to 26 guests and will be opened up for up to 36 and a possible 48 guests next season. The large verandah provides shelter in all weather and a place to hang laundry and rest your muddy boots.

Dorms:

• 4 x 4 bed dormitory rooms

• 2 x 2 bed dormitory rooms

• 2 x semi-private rooms with queen bed

• 2 x private rooms with queen bed

• Wool quilt, mattress protectors and pillows provided

• Sheets, quilt covers, pillow cases and towels are available for hire

• Bed map available on request

Bathrooms:

• 1 x standard flush toilet

• 1 x wheelchair accessible flush toilet

• 3 x standard showers

• 1 x wheelchair accessible shower

• 4 x bathroom basins with mirrors

The Top House overlooks the retreat grounds and Gonpa. This spacious and modern house faces west towards spectacular sunsets. Originally built for Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, the former patron and honorary teacher of the Vajradhara Gonpa, today this comfortable and lofty abode is offered as a teacher’s quarters during retreats and can be hired out as a private retreat for writers, artists, spiritual practitioners, and other purposes that align with Arcoora’s vision. The living area and kitchen space is also suitable for small gatherings and meetings for groups of up to 8 people.

• One bedroom house with a queen bed

• Studio Kitchen, dining and lounge

• Bathroom with shower, bath and composting toilet

• Full equiped kitchen with gas stove, fridge, sink

• Spring water throughout

• Single day bed (with option for additional single bed) in lounge

• Spacious front deck with outdoor table and chairs

• High speed internet access
  
  

CLOSE TO NATURE

- Campground Accommodation -

Here is a light-filled clearing in the forest, where the passage of your days will dance with the sun and celestial bodies above. Surrounded by rainforest gullies and framed by our mountain peak home, our camping ground feels like a field at the edge of civilisation, and the edge of the wild.

• Approved for up to 40 campsites

• Amenities block with 2 showers and 2 compost toilets

• Bush access for outdoor activities

Bower House

This recently renovated cottage is usually allocated as the teachers quarters. It is located in close proximity to the Gonpa and kitchen.

• Full kitchen

• Bathroom with bath/shower, toilet and sink

• Small private room

• Medium size room

• Large verandah

Bodhi Hut

The Bodhi Hut was built to accommodate visiting Llamas’ and Buddhist teachers hosting meditation retreats. It is a quaint little hut, small in size but large in character. It is located adjacent to the Gonpa and near to the kitchen, making it a great retreat or sleeping quarters for facilitators or kitchen staff.

• 1 bedroom with two single beds

• Mini bathroom with shower and toilet

• Kitchette with a kettle

• Cosy sitting area that can host another single bed

• Private verandah

Lake Kuti

The kutis are our cuties. Tiny one bedroom cabins with a verandah, this kuti looks west across the dam and towards the sunset. This Kuti receives plenty of natural light and will be an immersive experience of camping in nature, only with solid walls.

Forest Kuti

The Forest Kuti is located close to the Djedi Village and on the northern boundary of the retreat grounds, facing north towards the forest. Similar to the Lake Kuti but with a more introverted ambience, this Kuti is in a shady position and has a fantastic view of the mountain peak behind.

The Octagon

The Octagon offers a private space for writing, meditation, art and reprieve. A humble, self-contained accommodation for one or two people, this cabin is currently being renovated and will be available in 2025.

The Mudbrick Apothecary

Currently in disrepair, we hope to restore this special half-moon mud-brick house to its potential glory. We envision a planty-apocathary where humans and plants weave forest magic for well-being of all beings.

Djedi Village

Djedi village is made up of 2 small cabins with seasonal bell tent camping . This zone caters for the Djedi program participants away from the main retreat grounds. Djedis eat here, sleep here, hold circle space by the campfire and rest and play here.

Djedi HQ

Tucked away on the edge of the rainforest gully is a small two-bedroom cabin currently occupied by our Djedi program facilitator and team members.