Australia Chant Retreat
7-Day Sound Rejuvenation Retreat w/Anandra
November 30 - December 6, 2025
in Bellingen, NSW on Gumbaynggirr land
Anchor spots open!
This sound yoga retreat in Australia is for you if:
🌟 you want to remember what it feels like to be perfectly tuned and in a good rhythmic flow
🌟 you want to reconnect with your love of sound, music, mantra and singing for your pleasure (not for anyone else)
🌟 you want to lean into play, spaciousness, rest, and drink in the healing power of nature in her glorious abundance
🌟 sound and mantra is your happy place, and you want to saturate in it with kindred spirits
🌟 you crave a space and time for yourself to listen deeply to your heart, to hear clearly what Life wants to live through you
🌟 you love chanting but get cringy around cultish dogma, dull unskillful mantra... you're ready for the FULL TRANSFORMATIVE POWER of sound 🔥
🌟 you feel the pull towards sharpening your vocal healing and mantra toolkit so you can affect transformation in your life & for others
🌟 you yearn for a community where you can be all of you, feel the full spectrum of being alive, and be embraced
🌟 you're a kīrtan leader (or aspiring one!) and want to train on the leading edge of transformative sound yoga experiences (200/500HR Heart of Sound training)
Non-musicians and musicians, introverts and extroverts, and bodies of all shapes, abilities, genders, ages, religious backgrounds, nationalities and walks of life are welcome.
This retreat counts as attendance hours for our 200-300-500 hour Yoga Alliance teacher trainings online. Package deals are available to buy both the retreat & the teacher training together, saving you $$$!
"Chanting on retreat with Anandra was truly a high point of my life. I've done a LOT of spiritual retreats and sound experiences, but hers - and the community of chant lovers in the Heart of Sound - really blew me away!"
Siddhi Śakti
Sound Yoga Teacher & Energy Healer, NSW
Led by Anandra George
Anandra (Heart of Sound Founder) is the primary leader for our chant experiences and discussion groups.
Learn more about Anandra on About Us, or watch interviews on YouTube, and follow us on Instagram!
We'll have a rich circle of 200/500HR teacher training students coming for this retreat (as always), and they'll lead practices too!
Why Sound Yoga?
The eternal thread that connects creation with the creator is sacred sound. All mystic traditions concur, and the direct, tangible, blissful path of pure vibration is accessible to all!
No dogma promised, and no experience required; this retreat is simply an invitation into the heart-opening, timeless practices of mantra and music.
SIGN ME UP
Communion
Find your heart's voice and sing in our daily devotional mantra and music sessions!
You'll experience sound as a vibrant connection to Self, and understand how it transforms all aspects of your being.
Empowerment
Learn sound-based yoga skills to begin, refine, or enrich your home chanting practice!
Our practices support you to develop voice culture, Sanskrit mantra pronunciation, and a musical response to life.
Rejuvenation
Listen to what's deeply alive in you as you tune your precious body instrument.
You'll practice tools for self-regulating your nervous system for physical, emotional, and mental health.
Chant Retreat Typical Outcomes
What to Expect Day 1-7 (and beyond) on a Heart of Sound Chant Retreat!
Day 1
Settle in, calm your nervous system, begin to feel safe in the heart of the sound and listen in to what is truly alive in you.
Day 2
Deep digestion of the accumulation in your mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies especially. A sense of relief at what feels like a purge, a lightening of the load in a profound way.
Day 3
Joy and lightness, luminosity, as your true being begins to shine through your voice with less hindrance than ever before. Radiant smiles blooming across your face unconsciously.
Day 4
Lots of laughter as the connections with kindred spirits ripen. A deeper sense of settling into empowerment as direct personal insights into the power of sound yoga prove to be consistent.
Day 5
Wonderment and gratitude at the ease of profoundly whole sense of Self + Spirit + Life. Unraveling and unburdening from perfectionism.
Day 6
Notes of longing as you realize it's almost over. Deep savoring of the preciousness of the practice and the community. Anchor the concepts and skills for ongoing personal empowerment.
Day 7
Celebration of integrity between heart, mind, word, and embodiment. Confident return to "normal" life, equipped with a strong internal pathway of connection to the unbroken songline of your deepest, truest self: the living pulse of the heart of sound itself.
Post-retreat [for 200/500HR teacher trainees]
A sense of relief as you dig deeper into the treasure chest of online practices, transformation topics, skill refinements, etc. (it's not over, it's just the beginning!)
Renewed inspiration and motivation to refine your own practice (and chant leadership, so those in your sphere of influence can benefit also)
Bellingen NSW Mantra & Nāda Yoga Retreat
This retreat is a delight-filled offering by internationally respected sacred musician and teacher Anandra George and the Australia/Global Heart of Sound community.
Join our Heart of Sound community for 7 days of intimate communion through sound, Sanskrit mantra, Indian classical vocal meditation, devotional kīrtan, and sweet soft yogāsana developed especially for sound-based practices.
The retreat takes place on Gumbaynggirr land near the Gondwana World Heritage forest, the Promised Land on Never Never river, and the picturesque town of Bellingen.
Australia Mantra & Nāda Yoga Retreat features:
- daily deep chant sessions for personal breakthroughs in our private riverside retreat
- farm-to-table organic gentle healing Indian food
- yogāsana and self-massage for sound-based practices
- laid-back summer living: water frolicking on the river, birdwatching, stargazing
- 7 national parks for hiking & epic beaches nearby
- optional massages, āyurvedic treatments & other treatments provided by community members
*Pic of our 2017 Torquay VIC Heart of Sound teacher training retreat participants!
Limited Space Available
Nov 30 - Dec 6, 2025 near Bellingen NSW. Only 4 Anchor spots left - will SELL OUT FAST! Anchor spots offer the best price all year for the retreat + training packages :)
RETREAT ONLY - ANCHOR PRICE
Price goes up $400 AUD after the few remaining anchor spots sell out! Retreat + 200/500HR training package deals below (in USD). NOTE: Submitting payment indicates you agree to our cancellation and group health policies (in FAQ below).
AUD 1990
ONE-TIME PAYMENT
7 days of retreat tuition for November 30-December 6 chant retreat
Sanskrit Mantra 101 online course ($199 value)
8 shared local, organic, āyurvedic meals (as described in FAQ)
Extensive course materials (print, web, audio & video) for your ongoing home practice.
Yoga Alliance teachers are eligible for 40 continuing education credits.
(Does not include accommodation, see FAQ below for more info)
TEACHER TRAINING PACKAGE DEALS
Buy the Online Teacher Training along with the Australia Retreat and save BIG! Start working on the teacher training now to get the most out of our time together on retreat. Nov 30 - Dec 6 2025, sign up NOW to secure your spot at the best price! Submitting payment indicates you agree to our cancellation and group health policies (in FAQ below).
Need a Payment Plan?
Package deal payment plans are available. 6/12/24 month payment plans range from 300 to 700 USD per month. Book a call to find one that suits you!
Current & Aspiring Teachers
Continuing Education: If you're a Yoga Alliance registered teacher, this retreat fulfills your annual requirement of 40 hours of continuing education.
Teacher Training: If you're enrolled in the Heart of Sound 200/300/500 hour online teacher training, this retreat fulfills some of your contact hours for group practices. You may also team up with other trainees for optional, self-guided buddy practices and fulfill additional requirements.
Package deals are available to buy both the retreat & the teacher training together, saving you $$$!
MORE ABOUT TEACHER TRAINING
Frequently Asked Retreat Questions
There is a non-refundable $250 administrative fee. Participants will receive a 50% refund of remaining tuition if requested 30 days or more before the course. No refunds will be issued less than 30 days in advance. Submission of your payment indicates your acceptance of the cancellation policy.
The retreat begins on Sunday November 30th.
For those staying onsite at the retreat house check-in is from 2PM (there are two cabins available for rent on-site, plus camping options and several airbnb's at various budgets nearby - see Lodging FAQ.)
For those staying offsite, please arrive to the retreat house between 16:00 - 16:15 to get settled before our 16:30 chant practice! :)
16:30 - 18:00 November 30th We will enjoy an opening circle, short chant practice, and a shared meal together this evening.
18:00 - Everyone please attend the Welcome dinner. :)
Starting Monday December 1st through 5th our daily schedule will be:
11:00 - 12:00 Circle w/Anandra for Q&A, sharing experiences, skills questions
12:00 Shared Lunch (Provided)
- Yin yoga & self-massage yogāsana for sound-based practices
On Saturday December 6th, checkout from the retreat house will be by 10:00, after a slightly shorter morning practice
Schedule Notes:
Each participant is assigned 30 minutes of kitchen or common space duties per day.
We reserve the right to adjust the schedule and substitute chant leaders to best serve everyone’s needs and capacities.
Yes and no.
Our primary purpose of gathering is to enjoy our practices together.
There is a training element, as multiple levels of teacher trainees will be present and growing their skills.
However, no foundational lectures or basic skills classes will be offered during this retreat. The core curriculum for the Heart of Sound training is much more effectively offered online, where trainees can absorb at their own pace.
If you review the schedule above, you'll find several opportunities to nerd out with fellow trainees.
If you're currently enrolled in the (online) teacher training, this will be an extraordinary delight!
If you wish to get teacher training level content and count attendance hours towards your certification, please enroll in the Online Teacher Training now and get a head start before arriving on retreat.
Package deals are available to buy both the retreat & the teacher training together, saving you $$$!
We'd recommend getting to at least Phase 8 of the Self-Study Map for the 200hr program before arriving. At a minimum, please get through Module 4 of the Sacred Sanskrit Sounds course.
Yes, absolutely! We would love to have you attend the retreat only. You will have lots of free time in the schedule to enjoy the beautiful surrounds.
Included with your retreat purchase is our Sanskrit Mantra 101 online course ($199 value).
When you purchase the retreat you'll automatically be granted access to the course. After your purchase, look out for an email with your login link or login to your Heart of Sound account to access it.
Please complete this course before our time together to get the most out of our practices.
November 30
From 14:00 arrival for those staying onsite
16:00 - 16:15 arrival for those staying offsite
16:30 Opening circle and chant practice
18:00 Dinner together
December 1 - 5
5 full days of retreat schedule :)
December 6
10:00 Morning checkout / departure after a morning practice together
The retreat venue is the beautiful Bellingen River Cottages https://bellingenriversidecottages.com.au/ which is less than a 10 minute drive from Bellingen town, on the river.
There are 2 cabins available for sharing onsite, camping is permitted on the property also, and there are PLENTY of AirBnB and other types of accommodation in the area.
Sharing a cabin onsite with other participants will cost between 315 - 630 AUD per person for the retreat duration, depending on sharing arrangements.
Camping is 20 AUD per person per night, so 120 AUD per person for the retreat duration.
After you have signed up for the retreat we can give you more information on the accommodation options and connect you with others to organise sharing.
Connect with others for sharing
After you register, you'll get access to a shared document where you can connect with other guests to share lodging and/or rental cars. Beyond providing this connection space, HOS staff will not facilitate sharing.
Getting to/from Bellingen by air
The nearest airport to Bellingen is in Coffs Harbour.
Here is a link to the flight schedules and airlines that fly to Coffs Harbour: https://www.coffsharbourairport.com.au/schedules/
*please note (for those travelling by air to/from Brisbane) there may not be a flight to Brisbane on the day the retreat ends and you may need to stay an extra night - best to plan early as flight costs rise closer to the time of travel and accommodation in the area can fill up. Currently LINK airline is the only carrier that flies from Brisbane to Coffs Harbour. Driving may be the most dependable option for those coming from Brisbane.
*Also please note Rex Airlines is currently in trouble and may not exist by the end of the year - we suggest you use another airline like Qantas.
Getting from Coffs Harbour to Bellingen
Bellingen is less than 30 min inland from the coast. You can hire cars at the airport - here is the link for more information and to book: https://www.coffsharbourairport.com.au/car-rentals/
You will probably need to hire or share a rental car for the duration of the retreat. The retreat venue is about 10 min out of Bellingen town on a curvy narrow road that is not that safe to walk or bicycle on, and the weather will be very hot in December anyways.
Sharing a hire car is a great way to minimise costs, reduce emissions and it makes parking easier as Bellingen is a very popular and busy little town! You’ll be able to use the car to get back and forth to town as well as excursions to nearby local rivers or beaches for a swim or to the National Park and waterfalls in Dorrigo.
Connect with others for sharing
After you register, you'll get access to a shared document where you can connect with other guests to share lodging and/or rental cars. Beyond providing this connection space, HOS staff will not facilitate sharing.
8 shared local, organic, āyurvedic meals are provided in the retreat price (and leftovers are welcome to be shared).
Menu:
Shared meals provided are based on Indian family recipes to support a gentle cleanse. Ingredients are gluten free, vegan, as local as possible, and designed for enjoyment and digestibility. (Ghee will be provided as an optional addition for non-vegans.)
Sample menu items (subject to change depending on local seasonal availability):
Anandra's famous kitchari with garden veggies
Dipika's magic mung bean soup with pureed greens
South Indian sambar and coconut rice
South Indian spiced greens, baked sweet potatoes
Thai green curry soup with Purple rice
Bring your own breakfast and morning beverages.
Breakfast is not provided, and is entirely your choice; continue with the gentle cleanse theme or eat whatever you want.
Dinner is provided 2 nights, and you are on your own for 3 nights.
There are a small variety of eateries in Bellingen town, a very well stocked grocery with lots of alternative options, and a wonderful wholefoods shop called Kombu that is open 6 days a week. You will have no trouble finding good eating options in town, or if you have food allergies/intolerances you can easily shop and cook for yourself in the kitchen on site or in your cabin / AirBnB.
We acknowledge that we are gathering on Gumbaynggirr land (that was never ceded) and we pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.
Follow these links to find out more about the area:
https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/coffs-harbour-area/bellingen
https://www.visitbellingenshire.com.au/Plan/Visitor-Information
Health Consideration Agreement:
We hope that respiratory illnesses will be low at the time of the retreat and we can enjoy singing freely together! (without covering our mouths and noses)
In order to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, we'll consistently err on the side of caution.
We will consistently err on the side of caution, meeting or exceeding current official government guidelines and recommendations from leading epidemiologists to protect the vulnerable among us.
The retreat can only meet its potential if everyone remains healthy! If serious illness is spreading, it puts a huge damper on our time together.
HOS Community Health Agreements
- We have no interest in debating the efficacy of standard public health measures such as vaccinations or masks.
- We also have no wish to police your personal health choices.
- Please respect others’ choices to wear a mask at any time they wish.
- Whether or not you're vaccinated against COVID, RSV, FLU etc., by registering for the Retreat you confirm you are willing to employ any and all of the safety measures we deem necessary at the time, including:
-Wear a mask in the retreat house if community spread is high
-Wear a mask around other retreat participants, in your room with your roommate, and in the retreat house at all times, if you feel the slightest bit sick.
-Stay in our retreat bubble and mask up when in close contact with people outside our bubble
-Take meals “to go” and eat outdoors or in your room if risk is high
-Remove yourself from the practices altogether if you are feeling ill or have virus symptoms (fever, cough, sneezing, etc.) - Please bring your own supply of remedies for covid/flu as recommended by your doctors and wellness practitioners.
Australia Mantra & Nāda Yoga Training Tour
In addition to the 7-day Retreat, join Anandra for shorter events, workshops, and kīrtans throughout Australia in November!
NSW
Sydney area kīrtan and day workshop
WA
Perth Hills Sound Temple
Deep Chant Session Kīrtan
3-day Retreat
Sound Healing at Sound Temple
Possible public kīrtan with Christina Sangita in Margaret River
VIC
Melbourne
Sound Bath & Kīrtan
Surf Coast Torquay
Deep chant evening and Day Retreat
NSW
Belllingen 7-Day Retreat registration open now!
Mullimbimby Kīrtan and Chant Leader Workshop
SIGN UP FOR AUSTRALIA HEART OF SOUND EVENTS
Heart of Sound Australia Team
Looking to do your 200/500HR training in person and online? Our HOS grads' offerings count towards your contact hours! Sign up for OZ HOS events and you'll get informed when they're offering a juicy retreat or workshop in your area!
Natalie Bondine
@natalie_bondine
QUESTIONS?
Let us know if you need any other assistance.
