cupcake retreat at cabarita beach, northern nsw, 26 – 29 august 2027
every beautiful cupcake starts the same way:
a blank canvas and an empty piping bag
It turns out, when you have the right tools, teaching, and time to practice, anything is possible.
those cupcakes you thought were impossible for someone like you to decorate?
confidence doesn’t arrive before you begin
A new piping tip.
A petal, a leaf.
A colour combo you wouldn’t have thought to try and a cupcake that turns out better than the last one.
That’s how your confidence grows.
it grows while you’re trying new things
more happens over three nights than you might expect
26 – 29 August 2027 at Cabarita Beach, Northern NSW · 3 nights, 2½ days
thursday
You’ll arrive with your bags from 3pm with a head buzzing with questions. But the answers won't arrive all at once.
They come over cupcakes & cocktails from 6.30pm, and conversations with people who are wondering many of the same things.
friday
Today is about learning, not perfection.
You'll spend the day discovering techniques from artists who genuinely love sharing what they know, practising at your own pace and watching those blank cupcakes slowly become something beautiful.
Not every piped detail will work, and a few will surprise you – letting go of perfection and embracing progress is the key.
Friday evening is yours to enjoy however you choose.
Dinner at a local restaurant, a walk along the beach, or an early night before another creative day. There's no schedule to keep, just space to enjoy the weekend your way.
saturday
By now, you'll notice something has shifted. You're no longer wondering if you can do it. You're asking yourself what you'd like to create next.
Anna will help us explore the creative process from beginning to end, so you’ll know how to take that spark of inspiration and turn it into a delicious creation.
The day finishes with our charity dinner & celebration, bringing everyone together for good food, laughter, the Bravery Box Charity Auction and a few surprises that have become part of the cupcake retreat tradition.
sunday
The weekend comes to a gentle close, but before we wrap things up Mel will lead us in styling and photographing your work, capturing not only what you've made, but how far you've come in just a couple of days.
Phones are filled with photos you'll be proud to look back on.
Hugs are exchanged before everyone heads home, taking new skills, fresh inspiration and the confidence to keep creating long after the buttercream is gone.
We finish at 12.30pm.
it’s one thing to know how to decorate beautiful cupcakes
it’s another to know how to teach well…
Our artists are skilled decorators and teachers who have a heart for sharing what they know.
They’re patient, generous and care about helping you grow your skills and confidence.
simone
Learn how to pipe beautiful cupcake florals with Simone from The Cupcake Floristry.
anna
Anna will take us through a creative process from inspiration to creation.
mel
Mel will teach us her tips for finding the light as you capture your creations.
rachel
Rachel from Cake Heart joins us for 2027. Rachel's class will be confirmed soon.
growing your skills
regardless of where you’re starting from…
Every retreat has a mix of abilities – from people who’ve never picked up a piping bag to bakers wanting to develop and refine new skills.
That’s why we’re careful about who teaches at our retreats. Our decorators can confidently teach beginners and experienced bakers, so they’re totally capable of meeting you where you’re at.
Our retreat crew and host Mel will also be around to help in every session, meaning there’s plenty of help at hand.
what's included?
what's included?
every ticket includes
Thursday night cupcakes & cocktails (or mocktails) from 6.30pm
All creative sessions at Somerleys Ocean, Cabarita
Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea on Friday and Saturday
Saturday dinner and the Bravery Box charity auction
With a stay ticket: 3 nights’ accommodation
retreat only
Local? A retreat-only ticket gets you everything except accommodation.
Joined us in 2025 or 2026? You get 5% off each 2027 retreat on a payment plan, or 10% if you pay in full (15% with the early bird until 31 October). Your codes are in the meloo Retreat Alumni group.
a little flexibility
Enjoy the freedom to make your own breakfast or explore one of Cabarita’s great local cafés.
Friday night is an opportunity to relax with a pizza on the beach or enjoy a local restaurant with new cupcake friends.
These moments of freedom allow you to choose options that feel right for you in the moment.
how to book
how to book
retreat only
$1,300 – no accommodation
$200 deposit today, then pay the rest up front or on a payment plan ($35 admin fee) before the retreat.
stay with us
Cababreak: twin share $1,395 · single $1,695 · queen $1,795
Somerleys Ocean: $1,895
3 nights. $200 deposit today, then pay the rest up front or on a payment plan ($35 admin fee) before the retreat.
save your seat
Cupcake Retreats are kept small so that everyone has the space to learn, ask questions, and grow in confidence, while enjoying their retreat experience.
If you’ve been looking for a way to reignite your love of decorating, learn new skills or grow in confidence, the August Cupcake Retreat is the place for you.
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