Central Australia Watercolour Painting Workshop with Chan
Central Australia Watercolour Workshop with Chan
- Alice Springs, West & East MacDonnell Ranges
- 12 – 18 July 2026
- 6 Nights
Embark on an unforgettable 7-day painting retreat with acclaimed watercolorist Chan Dissanayake in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. Explore the breathtaking outback landscapes of Alice Springs and the surrounding MacDonnell Ranges while learning to capture their unique colours, textures, and vastness with watercolour.
Designed for all skill levels, this immersive tour offers personalised instruction, stunning plein air locations, and a supportive artistic community.
- Alice Springs – The gateway to Central Australia and your creative base.
- Simpsons Gap – Iconic outback gorge with dramatic red cliffs.
- Olive Pink Botanic Garden – Study desert flora in a tranquil setting.
- Ormiston Gorge – Full-day exploration of one of the region’s most spectacular landscapes.
- Jessie Gap or Corroboree Rock – Eastern ranges bursting with colour and contrast.
💰 Pricing Options
🎨 Central Australia Watercolour Painting Workshop with Chan
An immersive 7-day art retreat in the heart of the Red Centre
📍 Alice Springs | 12 – 18 July 2026 | 6 Nights
🚨 Limited spots available – book early!
🖼️ Tour Overview
Join renowned watercolor artist Chan Dissanayake for an unforgettable 7-day painting adventure in the iconic Red Centre of Australia. With its glowing ochres, towering gorges, and tranquil bush landscapes, Central Australia offers a once-in-a-lifetime setting to elevate your painting practice.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artist, Chan’s supportive teaching style will help you capture the magic of this landscape with confidence and creativity.
Choose from:
-
🏨 Full tour package with 4-star accommodation, transport & meals
-
🎨 Painting-only option for locals or self-guided travelers
🌟 Tour Highlights
✔️ Iconic Landscapes: Paint world-renowned sites including Simpsons Gap, Ormiston Gorge, and more
✔️ Expert Guidance: Five days hands-on workshops and critique sessions with Chan
✔️ Quality Accommodation: Relax in premium 4-star lodging in Alice Springs
✔️ Convenient Transport: Daily site transfers included. Optional airport transfers are available at an additional cost for your convenience.
✔️ Small Group Experience: Personalised attention in an intimate learning group
From our gallery
Step into the creative journey of our watercolor workshops with a collection of inspiring moments captured during our painting tours. The gallery showcases breathtaking artworks created by participants, picturesque landscapes from our tour locations, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of our immersive painting sessions led by Chan Dissanayake.
Tour Plan
🛬 Day 1 – Arrival in Alice Springs
- Arrive by early afternoon
- Transfer to hotel and check-in
- Evening 🍽️ Welcome Dinner and introduction session with Chan
🏞️ Day 2 – West MacDonnells: Simpsons Gap & Standley Chasm
- Morning plein air at the majestic Simpsons Gap
- Midday lunch + vibrant color study at Standley Chasm
- Return to Alice Springs by afternoon
🚌 Total travel: Approx. 1.5 hrs
🌿 Day 3 – Botanical Sketching & Urban Painting
- Morning at Olive Pink Botanic Garden or Anzac Hill Lookout
- Afternoon continue painting in Todd Mall and the Railway Precinct
🎨 Focus: Light, texture, flora & figures
🚶 Minimal travel – walkable locations
⛰️ Day 4 – Day Trip to Ormiston Gorge
- Full-day workshop in the heart of the West MacDonnell Ranges
- Paint striking rock formations, waterholes, and vast desert space
- Evening: Casual group dinner
🚌 Total travel: Approx. 3 hrs round trip
🌅 Day 5 – Morning Light & Critique
- Paint morning light by the Todd River or nearby bushland
- Afternoon ✏️ Critique session with Chan – feedback & discussion
🚶 Minimal travel
🌄 Day 6 – East MacDonnells Exploration
- Short drive to either Corroboree Rock or Jessie Gap
- Paint desert grasses, dramatic rock formations, and layered shadows
- Evening 🍷 Farewell Dinner and reflection
🚌 Total travel: Approx. 1.5 hrs round trip
👋 Day 7 – Departure
- Breakfast and transfers to Alice Springs Airport
- Tour concludes — continue your travels or fly home inspired!
Gallery
Step into the creative journey of our watercolor workshops with a collection of inspiring moments captured during our painting tours. The gallery showcases breathtaking artworks created by participants, picturesque landscapes from our tour locations, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of our immersive painting sessions led by Chan Dissanayake.
💰 Pricing Options
We offer flexible packages to suit every need:| 🧾 Package Type | 💵 Price (AUD) | 🧳 Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| 🎨 Full Package – Share | $2,499 pp | Accommodation, painting sessions, daily breakfast, welcome & farewell dinner |
| 🧍 Full Package – Single | $3,149 | As above, with private room |
| 🖌️ Painting & Tutor Only | $1,699 | Daily painting sessions, welcome & farewell dinner (no accommodation/transport) |
| 👫 Non-Painting Partner | –$200 | Discount for partner sharing a room but not painting |
📌 What’s Included
For Full Package Guests:
✅ 6 nights in 4-star accommodation
✅ Daily breakfast, welcome drinks, and farewell dinner
✅ Daily painting sessions with Chan Dissanayake
✅ All local site transport during the tour
🖌️ For Painting-Only Guests:
✅ Daily painting sessions with Chan Dissanayake
✅ Welcome drinks and farewell dinner
❌ Accommodation and local transport not included
❌ Airfare to/from Central Australia
❌ Art materials (please bring your own)
❌ Travel insurance (highly recommended)
❌ Return airport transfers
📅 Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel:
🔹 More than 90 days before – Full refund (minus the holding deposit)
🔹 30–90 days before – 50% refund
🔹 Less than 30 days before – No refund
If we need to cancel (due to low bookings, natural events, or instructor illness):
✅ Full refund or
✅ Option to transfer to a future workshop