JackALL Retreat — Berrima | 22–24 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 big feeds, good yarns, and the company of good men.

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 eat like kings, talk properly, stay up later than we should, and 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. There’s plenty of room to kick back and do absolutely nothing, too.

 

There’s free time to roam as well. Head out and explore Berrima and the surrounding Highlands, or join the crew for an optional long lunch at the local pub.

 

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 build the kind of mateship that sticks around long after Sunday. The jackal doesn’t run alone, and neither should you.

 

What’s included:

  • Two nights’ exclusive-use accommodation at a private Highlands estate
  • All food across the weekend — we eat together, as a pack
  • Pool, kayaks, pool table, table tennis, volleyball and more
  • Open grounds, free time to explore the Highlands, and time that belongs to you
  • The company of good men and the start of friendships that outlast the weekend

 

The details:
    When: Friday 22 October – Sunday 24 October 2027
    Where: Berrima, Southern Highlands NSW (roughly 90 minutes from Sydney)
    Cost: $400 per man — two nights, all food included (the optional pub lunch is on your own tab)
    Who: Any man ready to show up, muck in, and come together

 

Spots are limited. When the pack’s full, it’s full. Grab yours and 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, shared meals, free time to explore Berrima and the Highlands, an optional long lunch at the local pub, 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 22 October to Sunday 24 October 2027 at Berrima in the Southern Highlands. Check-in is from 4:30pm to 5:30pm on Friday (let us know if you’re going to be later than this) and check-out is by 9:30am on Sunday. There’s no ticket to print or show at the door. Your name is on the list. 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 $400 ticket covers two nights’ exclusive-use accommodation and all food across the weekend: 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, personal alcoholic drinks and the optional pub lunch 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 estate includes a swimming pool, kayaks, a 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. There’s also free time to get out and explore Berrima and the surrounding Highlands.

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 Friday 1 October 2027, three weeks before the retreat. After that we’re locked in with the venue and catering, so no refund will be available unless we are able to find a willing replacement.