Booked for the weekend: Reading retreats are on the rise
By Illawarra poet Courtney Peppernell, author of The Last Poem
Reading retreats, literary weekends and community-focused book events are appearing across Australia and around the world, offering book lovers the chance to step away from their busy lives and spend a few uninterrupted days immersed in reading.
Their growing popularity reflects something many people are searching for: time to slow down, space away from screens and responsibilities, and genuine human connection. While reading is often thought of as a solitary pastime, retreats bring people together through a shared love of books, creating friendships and building community alongside the simple pleasure of turning a page.
For many readers, finding time to pick up a book can feel almost impossible. Work, commitments, endless notifications and the demands of daily life often mean books are pushed aside, despite reading being one of the ways people most enjoy resting and reconnecting with themselves. After all, reading is one of, if not the oldest forms of escape, entertainment and relaxation.
Bound & Co founder Annabel Walsh has seen firsthand that the appeal extends far beyond simply having more time to read. She founded the business in early 2025 with the aim of creating the kinds of literary experiences she had always wished existed.
“As a lifelong reader, I had always believed books had an incredible ability to bring people together,” Annabel says. “But there weren’t many opportunities for readers to connect beyond a traditional book club or author signing.”
Annabel's vision was to create experiences where people could explore beautiful places, share good food and meaningful conversation, and form genuine friendships through a shared love of books.
Since then, Bound & Co. has grown to include author dinners, book crawls, creative literary events and multi-day reading retreats. Each experience is designed to feel relaxed, welcoming and community-focused, particularly for guests who arrive on their own.
“A lot of people come alone and are understandably a little nervous at first,” Annabel explains. “But by the end of the weekend, they are swapping book recommendations, making plans for future events and leaving with people they can’t wait to see again.”
For Annabel, that sense of belonging is one of the most rewarding parts of each retreat. “For me, that has always been the heart of Bound & Co.,” she adds. “We want to create a genuine sense of community through a shared love of books.”
This September, Bound & Co. will host its next reading retreat in the Southern Highlands at the historic Fitzroy Inn in Mittagong. Across four days, guests will enjoy beautiful accommodation, visits to wineries and independent bookshops, delicious meals and dedicated reading time. The program will also include a poetry and creative writing workshop with international bestselling Australian author Courtney Peppernell.
At a time when so many people are craving rest and connection, reading retreats offer something refreshingly simple: a few days built around books, new friendships and the chance to feel part of something.
The Southern Highlands Reading Retreat will be held from September 3-6. Further information is available through Bound & Co at boundandco.com.au or on Instagram at @bound.and.co
