cupcake retreat at cabarita beach, northern nsw, 10-13 september 2026

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?

Woman in denim jacket holds flower bouquet created at a cupcake retreat

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 four days than you might expect

10 - 13 September 2026 at Cabarita Beach, Northern NSW

Exterior of white building with palm trees where the retreat is held

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 quietly come over a welcome drink, a grazing platter and conversations with people who are wondering many of the same things.

Hands place a flower cupcake into a cupcake bouquet arrangement

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.

Some piped details won't quite work and some 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.

Iced vanilla cupcakes on a table with gold sprinkles and utensils.

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.

Phone screen shows camera app taking photo of a chocolate iced cupcake

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.

it’s one thing to know how to decorate beautiful cupcakes

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 icing a flower cupcake

it’s another to know how to teach well…

simone

Learn how to pipe beautiful cupcake florals with Simone from The Cupcake Floristry.

Anna decorating cupcakes in a green dress

anna

Anna will take us through a creative process from inspiration to creation.

Mel in a black short smiling in the kitchen

mel

Mel will teach us her tips for finding the light as you capture your creations.

Simone piping a buttercream flower on a round tool

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 so mindful in who we have teach 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.

Two single beds in the Cabarita accommodation

what's included?

what's included?

retreat ticket

  • 3 nights’ accommodation at Cababreak Apartments, CabaritaBeach, Northern NSW

  • Thursday evening’s welcome gathering with cocktail or mocktail and grazing platter

  • All creative sessions at Somerleys Ocean, also in Cabarita

  • Saturday charity dinner & celebration

  • Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea on Friday and Saturday

  • Cupcake Retreat Welcome Tote

workshop ticket

Local? A workshop ticket will get you everything in the standard ticket except accommodation.

Headland and beach at Cabarita with people swimming

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

workshop ticket

Up front: $1095

On a payment plan: $200 today with $930 remaining balance payable before the retreat.

standard ticket

Sold out!

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 baking passion, learn new skills or grow in confidence, the September Cupcake Retreat is the place for you.

friends of cupcake retreats