Discover premium women's travel in Australia with Once Were Wild. Curated, slow-paced small group tours across WA, TAS, QLD & creative Maleny retreats for women 45+.
A creative immersion for beginners in Maleny, nestled in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland just 90 km's north of Brisbane. Designed for women seeking hands-on curiosity and beautiful connections with zero pressure to be an expert, this all-inclusive experience will unlock your inner artist. Every detail is meticulously handled, from boutique accommodation and chef-prepared gourmet meals paired with fine wine, to seamless workshop transfers, guided walks, and local sightseeing. We also offer a local resident option, as detailed in the section below.
A creative escape for beginners in Maleny, nestled in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, just 90 km's North of Brisbane. Designed for women seeking a refreshing blend of hands-on curiosity and beautiful connections, this all-inclusive 2-night retreat features two half-day sessions and one full day of creative play. A dedicated women's retreats blending structured artistic sessions and shared laughter with total rejuvenation. We also offer a local resident option, details in the section below.
A premier women’s group travel experience, this ultimate 5-night 4WD odyssey journeys from the Sunshine Coast to the untouched paradise of North Stradbroke Island (Straddie). Travelling in high-clearance 4WDs, you will witness the breathtaking transition from coastal sand highways and ancient tea-tree lakes to pristine marine gorge walks and rich First Nations heritage.
Crisp morning air, award-winning wines, and zero rush. Join us for a 4-night women-only retreat in Stanthorpe where the itinerary is beautifully balanced. Wake up to scenic morning walks through spectacular granite landscapes, followed by leisurely wine-tastings, and unhurried afternoons. It’s the ultimate slow-travel escape designed to fill your cup and soothe your soul.
Step away from the everyday and into the vast beauty of the Australian outback. This 14-night women-only slow-travel tour from Maleny to Cairns is an invitation to reconnect with your wild side at your own pace. Together, we’ll conquer premium trails in Carnarvon Gorge, explore the subterranean mysteries of the Undara lava tubes, and marvel at Porcupine Gorge National Park, all woven together by effortless, relaxed road trips designed for comfort and shared laughter.
A premier women’s group travel experience, this ultimate 13-night odyssey journeys from the lush tropics of Townsville back to the iconic, rolling green ridges of the Maleny hinterland. This spectacular expedition captures the breathtaking transition from ancient rainforests and the sun-drenched Whitsundays down to hidden sub-tropical beaches and pristine mountain ranges.
Ready to discover the island at the edge of the world? Join us for an unforgettable 14-night East Coast Tasmanian adventure designed exclusively for women. We’ve woven together a slow-paced itinerary that seamlessly balances invigorating coastal wilderness walks with long, lazy lunches. From wandering through charming heritage towns to tasting exceptional local produce right from the source, it is a sensory journey through Tasmania’s unique beauty and wild heart.
Step into a world of ancient rainforests, misty mountain peaks, and timeless heritage. This curated 2-week women-only tour invites you to experience the dramatic soul of North and West Tasmania. Walk beneath the jagged peaks of Cradle Mountain, stand at the edge of the world in Strahan, and wander the storied streets of Stanley and Richmond. Beginning in Launceston, this slow-travel journey seamlessly blends breath-taking wilderness exploration with cozy, boutique stays and the region's finest seasonal produce.
Ready to explore the spectacular edge of WA? Join our 14-night women’s slow-travel tour from Fremantle to Albany. This incredible itinerary traces the very best of the South West, blending the premium wine culture of the Margaret River with the deep green magic of the Pemberton and Walpole karri forests. With stunning coastal stops in Denmark and a grand finale in historic Albany, you'll experience a perfect mix of wilderness walks, culinary indulgences, and boutique comfort.
Ready for the ultimate frontier escape? Join our exclusive 14-night women’s tour exploring the spectacular Southern Edge and Golden Outback. Journeying from Albany to the pristine shores of Bremer Bay and the wild expanses of Fitzgerald River National Park, this itinerary showcases WA's rawest beauty. From the blindingly white sands of Esperance to the ancient wonder of Wave Rock in Hyden and the otherworldly Pinnacles near Lancelin, this slow-travel loop concludes in vibrant Perth, offering an unforgettable mix of coastal wonders, outback magic, and boutique comfort.
Step out of the noise and into the rainforest, or beyond.
Tell us about your guest profile and dream holiday.
Questions gently answered
How do I book or enquire?
Get in Touch We reply personally within 24 hours and will gladly walk you through every step of your journey. You can reach us using any of the options below: Email Us: Send a message directly to info@oncewerewild.com at any time. Live Chat: Click the Chat feature at the bottom of your screen for a quick response. Contact Form: Fill out the Get In Touch form located right on our contact page. Call Us: Speak with us directly by phone to chat about your next adventure.
Can I join as a solo traveller?
Yes, most of our travelers come solo. It is a great way to join. Twin-Share Roommates: Accommodation is twin-share. We carefully pair you with another member of the tour, or you can choose your own roommate through our group chat. Single Room Upgrade: If you prefer your own space, you can choose to upgrade to a private single room for an additional fee. Get to Know Each Other: We open a group chat one month before the tour starts. You can talk with the rest of the touring party and get to know each other before you arrive. Feel at Home: By night two, you will feel completely comfortable and glad you came.
Do you have women-only tours?
Yes, every scheduled departure is designed specifically for women. Most of our travellers are aged 45 and beyond. We focus on depth and connection rather than crowds and rushed itineraries. Designed for women: Every trip creates a supportive space for women to travel together. Aged 45 and beyond: Our tours attract like-minded travellers, who value small group travel, safety, and versatility. Depth over crowds: We choose full and meaningful experiences over standard sightseeing checklists.
What is the group size on your tours?
Our groups are intentionally small, usually six to eight guests , so the pace stays gentle and conversation has room to breathe. Intimate Groups: With only 6 to 8 travelers, you will never feel lost in a crowd. Gentle Pace: A small group means less time waiting around and more time to truly enjoy each destination. Space to Connect: The small setting allows for meaningful, deep conversations and genuine friendships to form naturally.
What types of tours do you offer?
We offer a range of travel and connection experiences, from intimate creative retreats in our home base of Maleny to fully hosted journeys across Australia and beyond, as well as local single-day events . Hosted Journeys: Curated, all-inclusive small-group adventures exploring iconic destinations throughout Australia and international locations . Hinterland Retreats: Peaceful, multi-day creative escapes hosted in the beautiful Maleny hinterland on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. Days Out & Get-Togethers: Half-day and full-day local gatherings perfect for catching up, connecting with other women, and enjoying a short break. Designed for Women: Every experience features a gentle pace, boutique styling, and a supportive environment tailored for solo female travelers.
What fitness level is required?
Because the two of us personally guide every tour together, you get the ultimate peace of mind. Two guides mean total flexibility. You never have to worry about "keeping up" or missing out. If half the group wants to tackle a long, challenging hike, one of us will lead the way. If the other half prefers a gentle beach walk and a swim, the other guide is right there with them. We divide our team, but we never conquer your autonomy. You get to choose your own pace, every single day.
What is included in the tour price?
At Once Were Wild Travel , we believe all-inclusive means never having to reach for your wallet, for anything other than items of a personal nature, and alcoholic beverages . From the moment you arrive, to your final departure, every single detail, meal, and boutique experience is completely taken care of. Zero hassle: Leave your wallet packed away. We manage the details from start to finish. Boutique experiences: Every activity and all meals are fully covered. Transportation; fuel; park fees: Your entire itinerary is seamless, with no unexpected out-of-pocket costs.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Cancellation and Payment Policy A 20% deposit secures your place on a tour, and the final balance is due 60 days prior to departure . Cancellations from booking date up to 60 days prior to departure: Incurs a fee of 20% of the booking value (to compensate us for work performed and overheads incurred) plus a $250 administrative fee . The remainder of your deposit will be refunded. Cancellations within 60 days of departure: Your booking is non-refundable . The Silver Lining: If you cancel within 60 days and we are able to re-book your place with another traveler, we will refund your payments less 20% of the booking value (for work performed and overheads) plus a $500 administration and refund processing fee .
Do you have insurance, and do I need travel insurance?
Yes, we hold comprehensive public liability insurance to cover our operations. However, you are still required to purchase your own personal travel insurance to join us. Our Coverage: Our public liability insurance covers the tour operations, but it does not cover personal trip disruptions, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. Your Requirement: You must secure personal travel insurance prior to departure. Participating in certain tour activities is conditional upon you being personally insured. Why It Matters: Personal travel insurance protects your investment against unexpected medical expenses, flight cancellations, or needing to cancel your trip within our non-refundable 45-day window.
Where are you based on the Sunshine Coast?
Our Location & Local Connection We are proudly based in Maleny , nestled in the beautiful Sunshine Coast hinterland of Queensland. This tranquil region serves as the home base for our signature creative retreats and is the official starting point for many of our women-only tours across Queensland. We firmly believe in supporting our community. In addition to partnering with talented local artisans, we own and operate two premier boutique accommodation properties right here in the hinterland: Lillypilly’s Country Cottages and Cottage in the Woods . Tour Departures: Many of our curated Queensland journeys begin right here in the hinterland before exploring further afield. Fine Dining: Our retreat and tour ladies staying with us will enjoy exclusive access to our qualified executive chef, who prepares exquisite, tailored meals. Artisan Partnerships: We collaborate closely with local creatives to bring unique, hands-on workshops and regional flavours straight to your retreat experience.
Do you run women only retreats near Maleny and Montville?
Yes, we do. Our signature Maleny Creative Immersion Retreat is held in the heart of the hinterland, just a short drive from the historic villages of Maleny and Montville . The Best of Both Worlds: You will stay in the peaceful Maleny hinterland while remaining close to the hinterlands vibrant arts scene and boutique shops. Nature & Inspiration: The retreat is surrounded by lush rainforest walks, breathtaking lookouts, and inspiring local makers. Intentionally Small: Like all our experiences, this is a women-only retreat kept to a small group so the pace stays gentle and never feels rushed.
Are you private group tours strictly for women?
No, absolutely not. While our scheduled public departures are created exclusively for women, our private tours are open to everyone. Alongside our scheduled women's journey, we design and host custom private tours for friendship circles, families, milestone birthdays, elopements, and special gatherings. These boutique itineraries welcome mixed-gender groups and are build completely around your chosen dates, your preferred pace, and the specific places you want to see, whether in Australia or beyond. Best of all, we travel right alongside you to handle every single logistical details from start to finish. Our private itineraries are perfect for: Milestone & Celebrations: Birthdays, anniversaries, and intimate elopements styled to perfection. Family & Friendship Circles: Reconnect with loved ones in private, high-end comfort without anyone having to play tour guide. Special Gatherings & Workplaces: Unique corporate retreats or interest-based groups looking for a seamless, hosted experience.
When is the best time of the year for a women only trip in Australia?
Australia is incredibly diverse, meaning the perfect time to visit depends entirely on the region. We carefully time every one of our published departures to align with the absolute best seasonal window for that specific destination. Here is what makes each state and territory special throughout the year: Queensland (Autumn to Spring): The milder months from April to October offer perfect, warm sunny days and low rainfall, ideal for outback exploration, or coastal trips to Northern Queensland. Tasmania (Summer): The warmer months from December to February bring long, gorgeous daylight hours and highly stable weather, making it the absolute best window for taking in our scenic coastal and wilderness walks. Western Australia (Autumn & Spring): March & April (The Golden Window): The fierce summer heat softens into warm, perfect shoulder-season days and cooler nights. The ocean remains balmy, the winds die down, and it is the peak harvest season for regional food and wine touring across the South West. August to October (Wildflower Season): We time our spring West Coast trips perfectly to catch the world-renowned wildflower blooms, when the untamed landscape completely transforms into
Do you offer custom or private group tours for women?
Yes, absolutely. Alongside our scheduled departures, we design bespoke private women-only tours and ladies-only holidays tailored entirely to your group. Whether you are celebrating a milestone, planning a family getaway, or organizing a unique workplace retreat, we build the experience around your chosen dates, your preferred pace, and the specific places you want to see. We craft custom itineraries for all types of special gatherings, including: Friendship Groups: Reconnect and share meaningful, unhurried experiences with your closest friends. Family Getaways: Celebrate generational bonds with a seamlessly organized, multi-day trip. Milestone Birthdays: Mark special years with intimate luxury accommodation, exceptional dining, and creative activities. Workplace Retreads: Recharge and foster genuine connection in an inspiring, supportive environment.
Can you arrange a private women only tour for my own group?
Yes. Alongside our scheduled departures we design private women only tours and ladies only holidays for friendship groups, families, milestone birthdays and workplaces, built around your dates, your pace and the places you want to see.
When is the best time of year for a women only trip in Australia?
Tasmania and the Sunshine Coast hinterland are at their loveliest in the warmer months, and Western Australia is glorious in wildflower season. Every published departure is already timed to the best window for its region, so you can simply pick the journey that calls you.