Spring Eleventh Step & Recovery Retreat
Recovery

Spring Eleventh Step & Recovery Retreat

Friday 21 November 2025 – Sunday 23 November 2025 at Vijayaloka Retreat Centre in Minto Heights

Meditation and mindfulness practice is conducive to our recovery from the addictions that hold us back from a life of freedom. Set amidst a tranquil bushland and supportive conditions, this retreat is ideal for learning and practising meditation with others in recovery - a great opportunity to start a practice or take it deeper in supportive conditions with likeminded people and allow some kindness and mindfulness into your life.

All welcome, no experience necessary.

Shuddha   Led by Shuddha
Book Now: $265 / $200

We want everyone to have the opportunity to come on retreat. If you cannot afford the cost even with concessions, we may be able to help. Please contact us to discuss.

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Typical Programme

Time Activity
Friday
7pm Dinner
8pm Welcome & Meditation
Saturday
7am Meditation
9am Breakfast
10:30am Teaching & Discussion
1pm Lunch
4pm Meditation
6pm Dinner
8pm Meditation
Sunday
7am Meditation
9am Breakfast
10:30am Teaching & Discussion
1pm Lunch
1:2pm Clear up and depart
More questions? Get in touch

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a Buddhist or have any meditation experience?

No, the retreat is suitable for everyone, and makes an excellent first retreat for people who are new to meditation.

What does the cost include?

The retreat cost covers the full cost of the retreat, including all food.

When does the retreat start and end?

The retreat will begin with dinner on the Friday evening at 6:30pm. You are welcome to arrive any time from 5pm. It is normally not advisable to plan to arrive later than this. If you think you might need to, please contact us before booking.

We will finish on the Sunday afternoon, around 3pm.

I can't make the whole retreat - can I come for just some of it?

Yes - come for whatever time you can, but please let us know beforehand so we know when to expect you.

What will the accommodation be like?

Vijayaloka provides simple, but comfortable accommodation. Living communally is an important and enjoyable part of the retreat.

Living communally means caring for each other. The team leading the retreat are volunteers who are on retreat as well and we will ask you to help out with simple chores. Working together is a good way of getting to know each other, and it also helps us keep the cost of the retreat to a minimum.

Can I have a single room?

Due to COVID restrictions, all rooms will be single. In order for the most people to be able to come as possible, if you are able to bring a tent and stay in it, please choose that option when booking.

What will the food be like?

Many Buddhists eat a vegan diet as an expression of non-violence. As such, all food will be vegan.

If you have any allergies that aren't listed on the booking form, please contact us before booking to ensure we can cater for you.

What do I need to bring?

Unless you are coming a long distance we ask that you bring your own sheets and blankets or a sleeping bag (we have plenty of pillows).

It can be surprisingly cold in the early mornings and evenings, and quite hot in the middle of the day, so bring clothes suitable for all weather: we suggest you bring layers as well as a warm jumper or jacket. You'll also need a good sun hat and suitable shoes, especially if you want to bushwalk. There is a river that you can swim in, so you may also want to bring swimwear.

In addition you'll need to bring any toiletries you need including a towel, insect repellent, and sun block. It is also a good idea to bring a torch if you have one and you may also want to bring a notebook and pen.

About Vijayaloka

Our retreats are held at Vijayaloka Retreat Centre which provides simple shared accommodation for approximately 40 people in a beautiful bush setting on the George's River.

Where to Find Us

The retreat is at Vijayaloka Retreat Centre in Minto Heights.

Driving

Vijayaloka's address for use in sat-navs is 36 Howard Road, Minto Heights NSW 2566. Travel time from central Sydney is about one hour.

There is a blue sign at Vijayaloka's entrance. Enter there and then park the car park immediately on your right.

If you are able to offer a lift to others travelling from Sydney, please let us know.

Train

Vijayaloka is very easy to access by train. The closest train station is Minto which is on the T8 Airport Line towards MacArthur and Campbelltown. Travel time is about 50 minutes from Central.

We can normally arrange for those travelling by train to be picked up from the train station. Please indicate when booking if you need to be picked up and aim to be at Minto around 5:30-6pm. We will contact you shortly before the start of the retreat to confirm. Alternatively you can take a taxi or an Uber from the station.

If you are travelling from outside Sydney see Visiting Vijayaloka from Out-of-State for more information.