Plein Air Art Hike & Day Retreat

Woppa · Great Keppel Island

Saturday, October 31 · 8:30am–2:30pm

Step away from the everyday and into island time with Artist and Park Ranger Julianne Holland.

Join us for an intimate day of art, nature and creative exploration as we gently hike through the beautiful coastal landscape of Woppa (Great Keppel Island), making our way to some of the island’s most breathtaking vistas.

With the fresh coastal air around you, the landscape unfolding around you and the contrasting turquoise waters of the southern Great Barrier Reef cooling your toes, we’ll slow down, ground, observe, and experience the deeply rewarding practice of plein air painting—painting directly from life, outdoors and in full view of our subject.

All painting materials are provided, including your own Plein Air painting kit to take home, so you can continue your practice long after the day is over.

A Day of Looking, Learning & Creating

Your guide for the day is artist, educator and former Park Ranger Julianne Holland. With years of experience in field guiding, conservation, tourism and art education, Julianne brings a unique understanding of both the natural environment and the creative process.

Our gentle guided walk will take us through the stunning coastal scrub landscape before we settle into a few carefully selected lookout points. In a shady, beautiful setting, we’ll get comfortable, share a bite to eat and begin painting.

This is not about producing a “perfect” painting. It’s an opportunity to slow down and learn to really look—to notice light, colour, atmosphere, shape and movement, and to translate your experience of the landscape onto paper.

Whether you are completely new to painting outdoors or already have some experience, you’ll be thoughtfully guided through the process in a relaxed and supportive environment. You’ll have space to discover your own visual language while learning practical plein air techniques along the way.

And, of course, there will be plenty of conversation, laughter and the opportunity to meet some wonderful, like-minded people.

The Art of Plein Air

En plein air is a French expression meaning “in the open air.”

Painting en plein air allows us to work directly from the world around us, responding to natural light, shifting colour, atmosphere and the movement of the landscape… perfect for an island escape.

Rather than working from a photograph or imagined scene, we’ll explore what it means to paint from observation and experience. You’ll be gently introduced to ways of seeing and working that help you capture not simply what a landscape looks like, but something of how it feels to be there.

Our approach is educational, relaxed and inclusive—with encouragement to experiment, make discoveries and develop your own unique approach to painting.

Nourishment for the Day

A nourishing picnic-style lunch is included, with sandwiches, healthy trail bars and fresh fruit. You will not go hungry!

Please let us know about any food intolerances or dietary requirements when booking your ticket.

What to Bring

Please come prepared for a half-day coastal adventure:

* 2 litres of water

* quality hiking shoes

* Backpack — essential for carrying your water, lunch and art supplies

* Sunscreen

* Insect repellent

* Hat

* Long-sleeved shirt

* Poncho or rain protection

* bathers and a small towel if you wish to swim (there will be plenty of time for a dip)

Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for a gentle coastal hike.

Getting to Great Keppel Island

Ferry tickets are booked separately.

Keppel Konnections

Depart Keppel Bay Marina: 7:30am

Depart Great Keppel Island: 4:00pm

Freedom Fast Cats

Depart Pier One: 7:30am

Depart Great Keppel Island: 3:45pm

Please allow enough time to arrive at the mainland departure point and check in before your ferry departure. Or alternatively book a glamping tent and make a full weekend of it.

A day to breathe deeply, walk gently, look closely and create something of your own.