JackALL Retreat — Berrima | 9–11 October

The Pack Heads to the Highlands

 

There's a kind of bond that only forms away from the noise. No screens demanding your attention, no clock running your day, no reason to be anywhere but here. Just a fire, good food, and the men who have your back.

 

This October, the pack leaves the city behind for two nights in the Southern Highlands. We've taken a private estate near Berrima for our own — exclusive use, the whole place ours. Room to spread out, room to come together. We'll cook, we'll talk, we'll sit around the fire long after we should've gone to bed, and we'll head home knowing each other better than when we arrived.

 

And there's plenty to get stuck into. The grounds come with a pool, kayaks, a pool table, table tennis, volleyball and more — whether you fancy a contest, a paddle, or just a quiet beer on the deck while the others sort out who's actually any good at ping pong. Bring your competitive streak or leave it at the door. Either way, you'll find your place in the pack.

 

The jackal runs in a pack for a reason. Alone, you're exposed. Together, you're something else entirely — sharper, steadier, harder to knock down. That's what this weekend is about. Not a getaway. A gathering. A chance to step out of your everyday and into the company of like-minded men who get it.

 

What's included:

 

  • Two nights' exclusive-use accommodation at a private Highlands estate

  • All meals across the weekend — we eat together, as a pack

  • Pool, kayaks, pool table, table tennis, volleyball and more

  • Firepit, open grounds, and time that belongs to you

  • The company of good men and the start of friendships that outlast the weekend

 

The details:

 

    When: Friday 9 October – Sunday 11 October

    Where: Berrima, Southern Highlands NSW (roughly 90 minutes from Sydney)

    Cost: $350 per man — two nights, all food included

    Who: Any man ready to show up, muck in, and come together

 

Spots are limited. When the pack's full, it's full.

 

Come Together.

The retreat is a two-night JackALL gathering created for men who want both connection and a sex-positive experience in a welcoming, respectful and judgement-free environment. It is open to adult men, regardless of how they identify (gay, bi, straight), first-timers are welcome — you do not need to know anyone before you arrive.

There will be two JackALL-style sessions across the weekend, along with optional organised activities on Saturday, shared meals and plenty of unstructured time to relax, talk and enjoy the property. Participation is your choice: apart from coming together for the main shared meals, you can join in as much or as little as you like.

The usual JackALL code of conduct applies throughout the retreat. It is a strict bate only event: no sucking and no fucking. Consent, respect and personal boundaries are non-negotiable. Harassment, bullying, threatening behaviour or unwanted sexual attention will not be tolerated. Anyone on the JackALL committee can be approached if you feel uncomfortable or need support.

The retreat runs from Friday 9 October to Sunday 11 October 2026 at Berrima in the Southern Highlands. The Friday check-in is from 4:30 pm – 5:50pm on Friday (lets us know if you are going to be later then this time) and check-out is by 09:30 am on Sunday. Final arrival instructions and the weekend schedule will be sent before the retreat.

The easiest way is to drive. If you do not have a car we have set up a retreat WhatsApp group for carpooling and transport coordination and is open to ticketholders only. There will not be an organised coach, but participants can arrange lifts from Sydney or collection from a nearby station such as Bowral or Mittagong. 

Yes. This is shared accommodation, generally by two to four men. You can nominate friends you would like to room with; couples can request to share, although couple-only rooms are limited. Final room allocations will be confirmed at check-in. Bed linen, pillows and one bath towel per guest are supplied.

The $350 ticket covers two nights’ accommodation, dinner on Friday and Saturday, breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, snacks, tea and coffee, soft drinks and a welcome drink. The full amount is payable when you book and there is no instalment plan. Transport and personal alcoholic drinks are not included. 

Vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements will be accommodated where possible. Before the retreat, you will receive a participant form asking about food preferences, allergies and other practical needs. Please complete it promptly so the catering team can plan safely. 

The retreat includes a swimming pool, covered games area, full-size pool table, table tennis, volleyball, bikes and sporting equipment, open grounds, BBQ and pizza oven. Indoor lounge and games spaces provide wet-weather alternatives.

Bring your own personal toiletries, suitable casual clothes, warm layers for cool Southern Highlands evenings and swimwear if you want to use the pool. One bath towel is supplied, but a separate pool towel is sensible. Bring any personal medication you need; refrigeration is available if required. A full suggested packing list will be included in the pre-retreat briefing.

Privacy is paramount and follows the same expectations as a JackALL club meeting, including not sharing any details about attendees without their explicit agreement. Do not photograph or post images of other participants without their permission. Nudity is permitted only in designated indoor areas. 

The JackALL committee will be onsite, supported by additional volunteers, and any committee member can be approached for wellbeing or conduct concerns. There will be designated chill-out spaces, and bedrooms are prioritised for rest and sleep. The participant form will also collect an emergency contact so we can contact them in an emergency (this is optional).

A full refund is available for cancellations made up to and including 21 September 2026. For cancellations made after 21 September 2026, no refund will be available, unless we are able to find a willing replacement.