Stradbroke Island QLD Watercolour Adventure with Chan
Stradbroke Island Watercolour Retreat with Chan
-
- North Stradbroke Island, QLD
- 24 – 30 May 2026
- 6 Nights
- Tutor-Only Package Available
Join celebrated watercolorist Chan Dissanayake for a 7-day painting escape on the sun-drenched shores of North Stradbroke Island. Known for its pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and cultural richness, Straddie provides the perfect plein air setting for artistic exploration.
Open to all levels, this retreat offers expert tuition, a friendly creative environment, and inspiring coastal scenery—all while staying in carefully selected 3–4 star beachfront accommodation at Point Lookout.
- Dunwich Jetty & Mangroves – Coastal light, boats, and tidal reflections (45 min drive)
- North Gorge Lookout – Ocean cliffs, crashing waves, and sweeping views (10 min walk)
- Amity Point – Jetty scenes, pelicans, and sunset colours (25 min drive)
- Frenchman's Beach – Soft dunes, surf, and beach textures (10 min walk)
- Cultural Sketch Walk – Optional tour with Quandamooka guide (location & availability TBC)
- Accommodation – Beachfront apartments or resort stays at Point Lookout (3–4 stars)
💰 Pricing Options
🎨 Stradbroke Island Watercolour Retreat with Chan
North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), QLD | 24–30 May 2026 | 6 Nights
🚨 Limited Spots Available – Book Early to Secure Your Place! 🎨🌊
Escape to the sun-drenched shores of North Stradbroke Island for an inspiring 7-day watercolour retreat with award-winning artist Chan Dissanayake. Discover the raw beauty of Straddie’s beaches, headlands, mangroves and fishing villages as you develop your plein air skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.
This retreat is perfect for watercolour artists of all levels, offering immersive outdoor painting experiences, expert tuition, and a welcoming creative atmosphere.
🖼️ Tour Overview
Join renowned Australian watercolourist Chan Dissanayake for a week-long artistic journey on one of Queensland’s most spectacular islands. From dramatic cliffs and tidal inlets to tranquil jetties and sweeping coastal views, each day offers a new painting adventure.
Chan’s generous teaching style, daily demonstrations, and individualised feedback will guide you to capture the light, colour, and mood of this ever-changing coastal landscape—no matter your skill level.
🌟 Tour Highlights
✔️ Stunning Coastal Locations: Paint at Dunwich, North Gorge, Amity Point, and Frenchman’s Beach
✔️ 5 Full Days of Tuition: Outdoor painting sessions and critiques with Chan
✔️ Comfortable Accommodation: Stay 6 nights in selected 3–4 star beachfront accommodation at Point Lookout
✔️ Transport Included: All local transport and return ferry from Cleveland
✔️ Small Group Experience: Intimate group size for personalised attention and relaxed learning
Whether you’re just starting your watercolour journey or refining your plein air skills, this retreat offers the perfect combination of creativity, relaxation, and island inspiration.
📍 Stradbroke Island is located just 1 hour from Brisbane, with easy access via ferry from Cleveland.
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 & Welcome
- 🏨 Check-in and get settled
🍽️ Evening: Welcome Dinner and workshop introduction
Day 2 – Dunwich Jetty & Mangrove Shoreline
📍 Location: Dunwich Foreshore and Jetty
🚐 Travel: ~45 min drive
🎨 Morning: Jetty scene & ferries
🎨 Afternoon: Mangrove shoreline and boatsheds
Day 3 – North Gorge Walk, Cliffs & Ocean Vista
🖼️ Focus: Expressive edge work, waves, cliffs, and skies
📍 Location: North Gorge Walk, Point Lookout
🚶♂️ Travel: 10 min walk from accommodation
🎨 Morning: Whale Rock outlook and Gorge cliffs
🎨 Afternoon: Ocean swell and distant beach views
Day 4 – Amity Point Fishing Village
📍 Location: Amity Point Jetty
🚐 Travel: ~25 min drive
🎨 Morning: Paint from the jetty with pelicans and reflections
🎨 Afternoon: Driftwood and beach cottages
Day 5 – Brown Lake & Cylinder Beach (Full-Day Painting)
🖼️ Focus: Tranquil water, reflections, and coastal light
📍 Locations:
-
-
Brown Lake (Bummiera) – 20 min drive inland for serene eucalyptus-fringed waters
-
Cylinder Beach – 5 min walk from hotel, perfect for afternoon beach scenes
🚐 Morning: Travel to Brown Lake to capture calm reflections and paperbark textures
🎨 Afternoon: Return to Cylinder Beach for surf studies and warm sunset tones
🖌️ Chan will provide on-location demos and feedback throughout the day
-
Day 6 – Frenchman’s Beach & Gorge Headland (Final Outdoor Session)
📍 Location: Frenchman’s Beach & North Gorge Walk
🚶♂️ Travel: 10–15 min walk from accommodation
🎨 Morning: Paint from the lookout or beach entrance—Chan focuses on expressive skies and edge control
🎨 Afternoon: Continue at North Gorge or refine composition onsite
🎉 Evening: Farewell dinner and participant showcase at local restaurant or venue
Day 7 – Departure
Departure
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
We now offer a Painting Session Package only. You arrange your own accommodation — hotel options with breakfast are limited and most available stays are self-contained apartments. We’re happy to assist with recommendations close to the painting locations.| 🧾 Package | 💵 Price (AUD) | 🧰 What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| 🎨 Painting Session Package (no accommodation) | $1,999 | Daily painting sessions as per itinerary, demonstrations & 1-to-1 guidance, location planning & on-site coordination, group critique/feedback, pre-departure info pack. |
✅ Inclusions
- Daily painting sessions/workshops with the tutor (as per tour schedule)
- Demonstrations and individual guidance
- Location scouting and on-site coordination
- Group critique / Q&A
- Pre-departure information and suggested materials list