Port Douglas Retreat
15-16-17 May 2026
The beach is calling! Escape to sunny Port Douglas in North Queensland for a transformative sewing retreat. Immerse yourself for a special time away with us stitching, creating, celebrating, and connecting with fellow artists with the coast as our backdrop.
Learn from award winning
artist-tutor-event owner, Caroline Sharkey,
Caroline is hosting this very exclusive boutique event and teaching her signature techniques over the 3 days to share this beautiful coastal paradise idea in Textile Art.
We will again be in the comfort and beauty of The Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas Resort’s luxurious venue, so secure your spot now to avoid disappointment, as always we offer a payment plan to help with your attendance.
An immersive sewing experience you’ll never forget.
Calling all textile artists! Are you ready to weave a tapestry of memories unlike any other? Join Caroline Sharkey for the transformative ‘Sewing Up a Tropical Retreat’ in Port Douglas 2026!
Innovative textile
art classes
Explore cutting-edge techniques and push your creative boundaries with our curated selection of workshops.
Breath-taking destination to explore
Immerse yourself in the stunning coastal surroundings and relax at our luxurious venue, creating lasting memories with fellow artists.
A place to belong
Feel fully supported and valued throughout the retreat with our dedicated team ensuring your well-being, greet old friends and make new connections to cherish when you return home.
Seamless retreat experience
We aim to host a meticulously planned and flawlessly executed retreat, exceeding your expectations in every detail.
Wherever you are in your textile art journey, we have a place for you.
Textile artists of all skill levels, from beginners seeking inspiration to seasoned stitchers looking to refine their craft.
Anyone who craves a unique and enriching travel experience that combines creativity, connection, and cultural immersion.
Those seeking a chance to escape the everyday and reconnect with their inner artist in a place of profound beauty and serenity.
“A definite bucket list item.”
“ Sewing Up a Tropical Retreat 2024”
“Teaching a three-day workshop at Port Douglas was such a wonderful and enjoyable experience. It was a privilege to teach alongside Caroline and Sophie and to share my love of textiles with such positive and enthusiastic participants.
Caroline and her team go out of their way to make sure the retreat creates wonderful memories for everyone involved. I would definitely recommend Sewing up a Tropical Retreat as a definite bucket list item, 2025 will be awesome!”
Gloria Loughman.
An experience so exquisite, you can feel it already.
Sun-drenched days spent learning new techniques and creating breathtaking textile art inspired by the sparkling, lush tropical coastline, and vibrant marine life of Port Douglas.
Evenings filled with lively conversations, shared laughter, and the comforting clinking of glasses celebrating after stunning sunsets then under star-studded skies.
Intimate workshop led by Caroline, where you'll gain valuable skills and unlock new creative possibilities.
Immerse yourself in the relaxed coastal lifestyle and explore the beauty of the surrounding friendly township.
Stitch up a
‘Tropical Paradise’
with Textile Artist
Caroline Sharkey.
Meet the Tutor
Caroline Sharkey
Join Caroline Sharkey for an Exclusive Boutique Workshop at the Port Douglas Sewing Up a Tropical Retreat 2026!
Experience the coastal vibe intertwined with innovative textile art techniques in this exclusive boutique workshop led by Caroline Sharkey.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Port Douglas, this workshop invites you to create a unique piece that captures the essence of your tropical paradise memories and your connection to this beautiful locale.
Throughout the workshop, Caroline will guide you through a variety of techniques that come together to enhance your creative journey.
You can choose and it all techniques to craft a painted surface, add your personal design markings, and create the exquisite textural fabric for which Caroline is renowned.
As you decorate and embellish your project, you'll discover the joy of bringing your tropical theme to life. The pièce de résistance will be the stunning 3-D flowers, beautifully painted and stitched, adding a vibrant touch to your tropical paradise creation.
Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in art, inspiration, and the natural beauty of Port Douglas.
Join us for a memorable experience filled with creativity and connection! We look forward to seeing you there!Workshop Kit Fee that includes most fabrics, paints, and products $60each.
The Port Douglas Retreat
Sewing Up a Tropical Retreat
Package $2495.00
3 Days with the Tutor Caroline Sharkey
3 Days Gourmet lunches and breaks
Luxury conference centre
Retreat Dinner party
Surprise Retreat Prizes
To make a booking at The Sheraton Mirage Resort at this special rate, please call the reservations team on
07 40 995 888 and quote that you are participating in the 2026 Caroline Sharkey Textile Retreat.
Hire Machines will be generously available again to secure a hire machine on your booking form, sponsored by Bernina Australia.
Please Note that you are responsible to book your own accommodation and travel for this retreat. And we always advise that you take out your own travel insurances.
The Port Douglas Retreat Hire Machine
isnt it a beautiful machine….
Sponsored by Bernina Australia.
Check out our special BERNINA hire machine, designed just for our retreat! Secure yours for hire during the retreat by including it on your booking form.
Also special offers from BERNINA to purchase a machine.
Luxury Stays
Relax and recharge in beautifully appointed rooms at the sheraton Grand Mirage Resort or surrounding accommodations on the coast or in town.
Delicious Meals and a Tropical Cocktail
Savour the flavours of the coast with a cocktail & gourmet meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Excursions & Local Experiences
Dig your toes into the sand and feel the sun on your face, and enjoy the best the coast has to offer in north queensland.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
-
Your ticket purchase covers the cost of the retreat sessions, workshops, workshop meals and treats, special outings and dinners to make your experience fulfilling and unforgettable,
from Thur 20 – March Welcome Dinner.
Workshop days Fri -21 Sat-22 Sun-23PLEASE NOTE Your Accommodation and Travel are not included and must be booked by each delegate separately.
-
The retreat is located in North Queensland approx 1hr drive from Cairns Australia. The most common way to arrive is by flying into Cairns Airport and then taking a shuttle or rental car to Port Douglas township to check into your accommodation. Book your flights as soon as possible to avoid logistical issues. We encourage you to have your own travel insurance if changes are made to your booking.
-
Gourmet lunches and breaks are provided for delegates during retreat session times. The soiree Welcome dinner at the resort and the Flames of the Forest Dinner are both catered as part of the Retreat experiences.
No other meals are included in your ticket, but there are so many delectable restaurants to sample! What better excuse to get to know your newfound friends by dining with other delegates.
-
The weather in the Tropics can be unpredictable, mostly humid and warmer weather is experienced so it's best to pack layers especially in air conditioned work rooms. Comfortable clothing suitable for sewing and crafting activities, as well as closed-toe shoes for safety during workshops, are recommended. If you plan to do any additional exploring during your visit, make sure to pack appropriately for your activities.
-
You will be required to bring some resources for your classes, and will be provided with a list prior to the event. If your classes require any materials from your tutors, you can purchase these and they will be provided at the event. Remember to check if you need to bring or hire a sewing machine for your class.
Be sure to pack any sewing supplies or tools you may need for the workshops, as well as personal items like sunscreen, a hat and water bottle. A small backpack or tote bag is ideal for carrying your essentials around the retreat.
-
The retreat is open to artists of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned stitchers. Inspiration abounds for everyone, and with so many sewists and caring tutors in the room, you will never be without a helping hand.
-
The event itinerary is packed with classes, social gatherings and experiences that you’ll not want to miss. While there is ample room for relaxing in between gatherings, we recommend extending your stay if you wish to take in all that Port Douglas an surrounding areas has to offer. You might like to bring your partner or family along to enjoy this special location too.
-
Take advantage of the stunning tropical scenery by participating in outdoor activities or simply relaxing and soaking in the unique surroundings. Don't be afraid to ask questions, connect with fellow attendees, and fully immerse yourself in the creative and inspiring atmosphere of the retreat. Maybe hiring a car will give you more freedom before and after class, consider sharing this with other attendees.
Don't Miss Out on This Unforgettable Experience!
Limited spots are available for Sewing Up a Storm in the TROPICS 2026. This is your chance to immerse yourself in creativity, culture, and breathtaking beauty alongside a vibrant community of textile enthusiasts.
Imagine yourself learning from award winning textile artist Caroline, creating exquisite textile art inspired by her Tropical Paradise Vibe, and forging lasting friendships sharing the warmth in Australia’s Tropical North. This retreat offers an experience unlike any other.
Secure your place today and embark on a transformative journey.
“It was certainly worth the wait!”
“After rescheduling because of Covid and the uncertainty of closed borders, the 2023 Uluru Retreat finally happened after a 3 year wait. So much hard work was done by Caroline Sharkey, her family and the wonderful, ‘behind the scenes’ team to make this happen.
As a ‘first timer’ to Uluru what impressed me was the level of communication that was sent to delegates. The Delegates Booklet, outlining the classes on offer, the accommodation options, things to do around the resort, included tours and a schedule of events and times made organising the trip very manageable.
The choice of tutors was excellent. Our 2 brilliant Australians, Caroline Sharkey and Gloria Loughman, along with highly acclaimed textile artists Sandra Mollon and Judy Coates Perez from the USA all made for an exciting and fulfilling 4 days of creativity and learning.
Bernina Australia sponsors this event and each delegate got to bring home a new Bernina 325 sewing machine that they used during the workshops. What an amazing feat to organise so many specially skinned machines showing Caroline Sharkey’s award winning quilt, ‘Star Talk’.
Although it was a busy schedule we had time to meet and chat with other delegates, getting to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.”