Katoomba in the Blue Mountains experiences the four seasons and is famous for the mountain mists at any time of the year. Varuna, with its spacious grounds, is a moving feast of colour and splendour throughout the year and constantly surprises even regular visitors. The two-storey house is solidly built and with central heating is cosy in winter with the option of an open fire in the evenings. Gathering in the living room after a day’s work, writers have dinner and converse - each week of five writers is different but there’s always something of value that comes out of the interchange as well as the dedicated time to write.
The residency offers peaceful writing accommodation with independent writing time and the opportunity to work within a community of writers. As with all our writing residencies, paying guests are expected to work in a self-directed manner on a project. There is no pre-selection criteria. There is no mentorship or creative support offered other than that of informal contact with other resident writers.
Residencies run from Monday, after 1pm, to the following Monday morning, leaving by 9:30am.
For information about the Varuna, the Writers' House itself click here, or for practical details about staying at Varuna, click here.
It is possible to take a Paying Residency in any week when there is a vacancy at Varuna.
CURRENT VACANCIES for either Paying Residencies or Individual Professional Development Residencies
Sep 20-27 Oct 4-11 Oct 18-25 Nov 1-8 Nov 15-22 Nov 22-29 Nov 29-Dec 5
We find those wishing to take a paying residency are often interested in the Varuna Professional Development Writing Residencies (Group or Individual) or the Writing Development Program. Please note that there are two kinds of Professional Development Residencies – as well as the group format, it is possible to take a Professional Development Individual Residency with a tutor - individuals can receive mentoring from a tutor simultaneously with other writers staying at Varuna who are working on their own projects. It is possible to take an Individual Varuna Professional Development Residency in any week when there is a vacancy at Varuna - a Professional Development Individual Residency could be taken in any of the weeks above.
CURRENT VACANCIES for Alumni Writing Week
Oct 25-Nov 1
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Our writing accommodation offers full bed and board and private working space in the special environment of Varuna for $825 per week.
HOW DO I BOOK FOR A PAYING RESIDENCY?
To find out if there is a vacancy when you would like to come, simply email:
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. If you are offered a date, you will be emailed a residency form to complete and return with payment of either a 50% deposit or the full amount. When your forms and payment are received, your booking is officially confirmed.
