As always, it was an absolute pleaseure spending a wonderful weekend with some fabulous AW ladies. The ladies were extremely impressed, and very much enjoyed meeting each other and having a lot of fun. Tam and Rob from Dirty Detours were fabulous as always. Even with one of our riders who had a bit of a wake-up call on how unfit she was, thus walking rather than riding over a few stretches, Rob was wonderfully encouraging and put her very much at ease. Josh was as enthusiastic as ever, and very disappoionted and apologetic about the hazardour surf conditions. He definitely made the correct decision in deciding it was unsafe, and thus not feasible. He also offered the alternative of paddling on the river, but the windy cold conditions would have also made that unpleasant. The ladies all definitely agrreed... so we went to plan B. That being some fabulous coffees at the Blue Ginger Cafe (highly recomended by Rob and Tammy and they were right!) followed by the cheese factory, chocolate factory, Provadores and the Nut & Cereal factory! The accomodation at Surfpoint was not as favorable as it has been in the past. The kitchen facilities were very lacking - all the cutlery was plastic, as were the dozen or so plates and there were only perhaps 6 mugs and no glasses at all. Unfortunately we also experience the "quiet after 10pm" rule was completely ignored and unenforced. A very rowdy group of rugby players and ladies returned sometime around 3am and we all knew about it. It was a shame as it put a bit of a damper on things.
24/02/2012 Sue O
Wow! What a trip! This was my first overseas adventure tour and I can't wait to book on for another trip soon. Our host, Sue, was everything a host should be; a leader, fun to be with; organised and most of all passionate about our experiences. From Ronnie the orangutan, the sombreness and tranquility of the Sandakan war memorial to the trekking and the sounds of the jungle at night, this was an adventure I will remember forever. The only thing I found disappointing was the bats not making an appearance. However, I was assured that this was unfortunately not under the control of our tour guide, Duke, nor Adventurous Women.....maybe next time!! Thanks Adventurous Women for a fabulous and memorable trip through the heart and soul of Borneo.
05/03/2012 Kirsten G
CONGRATULATIONS & a humongous THANK YOU for one of the most SENSATIONAL things I have ever done in my life !!! This trip had a special agenda for me.....and all and anything beyong expections. The mountain trek and trip taught me many things about myself. What an awesome job putting this trip together, you are amazing !!!!!!Considering the amount of travel methods used throughout the trip, it was organised extremely well with all required info. Cheers for now ") I look forward to our next adventure
05/03/2012 Natasha T
A wonderful afternoon with some wonderful ladies. Thoroughly enjoyed myself, and the sweet treats weren't half bad either.
11/03/2012 Susan B
It was a thoroughly enjoyable event and great introduction to the group. Setting and food /service was excellent....company was great. I found the other ladies easy to chat to and was made to feel welcome. Thanks Lorelle for a lovely event.
11/03/2012 Ro G
The trip was interesting, exciting, challenging and occasionally relaxing. I loved every minute, I can't think of anything that could improve the trip. As with all of my AW trips so far, the atmosphere is relaxed and fun. No expectations placed upon us, just be ourselves and enjoy.
04/03/2012 Jenny M
Great to catch up with friends again - this time I knew everyone! Not sure the venue was right - service wasn't very good - meals came out in dribs and drabs! I'm happy to do lunch again but think some of the others prefer the afternoon tean scenario. Missed you Lorelle:)
04/03/2012 Liz M
Very Good 4 Star!
24/02/2012 gemma
Arriving at night made waking up in the morning such an overwelming experience. The view from my level of the bungalow was totally mesmerising that I'd even grabbed the camera before opening the doors to the balcony.
The food every day was unbelievalbly refreshing (no can or packet items) that I purchased a mortar & pestel which will definitely be used in my unfrequently used kitchen. Karen puts her recipies up on the Sharing Bali FB page which I know some of us have already investigated and I'm sure have enjoyed the rewards of such meals.
The pampering of a few massages was definitely what the doctor ordered. Even after the traditional balinese massage, a couple of days later during my full body massage I'm sure some knots & issues were found. I was very excited to know I was going to enjoy a bike ride since I haven't been riding for some time here but to know I was in a different country and roaming around on 2 wheels cycle style I was in heaven. Even the extra 10kms were thoroughly enjoyed and glad Maryanne joined me and was a legand on her own bike!! The yoga made me realise I need to get my pilates DVD back into play and start toning up....hell worth it even if it got the better of me. Also the tips Gabbi gave some of my fellow AWs was absolutely encouraging and felt so postitive for them....even for me in my own way. As for the meditation.....WOW......it just blew me away considering I hadn't done it before. Whether it was the fact i was in a totally different place but was well & truly overwelmbed by the whole experience. The emotions were definitely brought ot the surface but all good though. But it will depend on where you are in your life and what experiences/challenges your going through. It was such an awesome experience.
On a personal note I'd like to thank Sue from the bottom of my heart for hosting such a wondering trip. As previous mentioned anyone leading a group of known & unknown travellers would have been worrying but as always things turned out just as planned. New friends, new adventures & in some cases the start of new travel experiences was well worth the week spent in Ubud and the extra night in Legian. Oh and I never suffered Bali belly or was asked if my hair could be plaited!!
THANKS MISS SUE.....YOU'RE AN AWESOME LEADER & YOU'RE ALL THAT AW STANDS FOR!!
07/06/2011 Vanessa A
10 out of 10 I so enjoyed this trip even more than I expected. From the unbelievable accommodation with there mind blowing views, to the sensational food we got to eat, and all activities.
I would also like to thank you Sue for all the help and support you gave me. Being an in-experienced traveller I received and needed a great deal of help and support in all my queries prior to leaving Perth and also while travelling at the airports, retreat and hotel transfers ECT. All in all a wonderful experience that I will never forget and hope to repeat.
07/06/2012 Maryanne F
We had a wonderful time on the All About You Retreat. My daughter and I spent 4 fabulous days being massaged and pampered within an inch of our lives and it was great. We had private yoga lessons on the beach every morning at 6.30am and a blessing by a balinese priest, lots of tlc throught the course of the long weekend, and our hair was washed and blow dried every evening after the day of treatments had ended, so we could go out straight away, although we were too exhausted by the day of total relaxation to be bothered to do anything but eat and sleep. Delma and her staff are lovely and discussed any issues we had prior to treatment every day, so they could be solved before we began. I started the retreat with a headache which I had had for 3 days prior to leaving for Bali but under their care and a lot of massaging of my shoulders and neck it was gone by the next day. It is a bit more expensive than some other day spas in Bali, but I believe the girls have pride in their work and care about treating us respectfully.
01/02/2012 Jenny B
The Outback Adventure was perfect in so many ways. From the generosity and tolerance of 16 adventurous women who were relative strangers at the start, to Sue's expediant organisational skills, and to the ever-changing beauty of the outback scenery, made this an exceptional journey - physically and spiritually. There was just enough daily travelling, plenty of 'own space' if needed and always someone to have an adventure with. Every day was filled with laughter, as we reaped the benefits of fresh air, unwinding and being at ease with each other and of course being more than suitably fed and watered. Some of us more 'watered' than others. If you hadn't caught a dose of Sue's enthusiasm and drive during this adventure then you must have been asleep at the back of the bus for 9 days. With Sue doing all the co-ordinating I felt safe and assured that all I needed to do was enjoy myself. Camping out under the stars was a dream come true for a city-girl and I came away with hundreds of great memories, and new friends. 'Once in a lifetime' is a cliche I know, but it suitably describes this trip. Brilliant!
07/10/2011 Cathie L
Well theres not much to say apart from what an amazing weekend it was :) I had a great time and it was nice to get out with some very amazing ladies, the accomodation was great for a youth hostel and the weekend seemed to run very smoothly. (apart from the wind on sunday but hey, we cant control everything) :) Well done Sue on a great job organising this trip, Ive offically been sold on Adventurous Women, your stuck with me now :)
03/02/2012 Bree M
Awesome - had a great time and met some fun women. Thanks
03/02/2012 Sheree M
I throughly enjoyed my first expereience with Adventurous Women. Thanks Sue for organising such an awesome weekend and being a laid back but organised host. I'm now on the look out for my next adventure :)
03/02/2012 Susan B
Super FAB trip - great organization, great activities, great transportation, great fun! Can't beat that - would definitely do it again. Cannot recommend this trip highly enough --
03/02/2012 Elizabeth Bowen
AWesome weekend, can't believe how much fun I had with such a great group of like minded girls/ladies. Everyone was enthusiastic and even though it didn't go exactly as planned (due to Mother Nature) I was not dissappointed in the slightest, with that being the general vibe of all those attending.
01/02/2012 Danae R
I really enjoyed this event. The conversation was scintillating and the venue very pleasant. Everyone joined in the discussion of the book and we all wanted to do it again. Thanks Lorelle
21/01/2012 Dale S
Really enjoyed it , The Tour Guide / Driver was a very important factor in the enjoyment of the trip, for us all . Small group size was for me , also a major factor in persuading me to sign up for the trip. I thought that there was a great balance of free time versus / tour time .
I LOVED the fact that there were no long boring spiels..... re housekeeping.....rules....etc. Loved Sue's easy going efficiency. A well rounded touring experience.... with a great mixture of activities.
Cheers Sandy.
07/10/2011 Sandra T
Hi Sue I had a lovely time on Friday evening. It was my first event and I found everyone to be so welcoming and friendly. I loved chatting with everyone and felt very comfortable. I found Sue Oldham to be both interesting and inspiring. Julie
13/01/2012 Julie J
It was amazing!!! It was fantastic!!! It was hilarious!!! Best holiday ever!! The friendships made, the comraderie experienced is something I will never forget. It was definitely "a new beginning" for my life.
07/10/2011 Kay B
Very Good
13/01/2012 Jane G
Fantastic event - motivational speaker!!
13/01/2012 Linda
13/01/2012 Judy B
Listening to Sue talk was so inspirig especially as I am looking at going from a non runner to someone who wants to do a marathon before the end of the year.
Sue showed that age is no barrier to taking on new skills and achieving dreams.Having listened to Renae and Sam and now Sue I am looking forward to the next Champagne and sparkling conversation.
13/01/2012 Diane S
A huge thankyou, Sue for making this trip what it was - an absolutely fantastic experience, and the best of my life so far! From my first meeting of Velta at the backpacker hostel in Adelaide to the final tearful farewell to Disha, Cathie, Parul and Trish at the Adelaide Hilton - it was all just fantastic!
It was a privilege to travel with this group of wonderful women and be a witness to changes, (for the better), in each as our trip progressed. Topping it off was of course the amazing outback scenery, and Uluru, which is a must for every Australian to see sometime during their life.
In the words of our fab bus-driver/cook/guide/and everything in between - this trip was "brilliant, ladies, brilliant"!
07/10/2011 Kim M
This was a great intro to AW. I met several other first timers and enjoyed sharing why we have joined the group. It was a small enough event not to feel overwhelmed and large enough to meet a range of people. Looking forward to the bookclub next weekend which is my next AW event.
13/01/2012 Val Gandossini
"Womens Outback Trip" What can I say! Brilliant! Lifechanging! Friendships made that will last a last time! This trip was so well organized from start to finish. Our leader Sue ensured that this experience had everything in it to really see & enjoy the many & some of the best parts of Australia! I would not have ventured to a lot of the spots that we were taken too by myself, so that is why this group was so good. All the women on this trip had their own life story to bring (including mine & Steve the bus driver) & I personally learned so many more wonderful life's stories! I have many wonderful memories in photos as well in my mind & can't thank Sue enough for this 'Life Changing Experience" experience! Thank you !!!
07/10/2011 Trish H
Hi Sue, Thanks for a great night. It was nice to meet lots of new ladies from all different walks of life.
We shared different travelling experiences and adventures. The food and champagne was good also.
Sue Oldham was very interesting and such an inspiration.
Thanks for organising a great event.
I look forward to the next one
Debbie13/01/2012 Deb W
An escape from the routine of city life was what I needed. Five glorious days of sunshine, kayaking the crystal waters of Ningaloo Exmouth and connecting with an amazing group of Adventurous Women. My perfect 'back to nature' experience.' The dugongs, turtles and snorking - an added bonus
09/06/2011 Natarla B
What an incredible experience!Had never rowed in my life - met some amazing women, worked my arms off and laughed along the way. Can't ask for more than that! GO for it - you will have some SERIOUS fun!
09/06/2011 ELizabeth B
In 2010, I joined Adventurous Women on its first ‘Sea Kayaking at Ninagloo Reef’ Event even though I had never tried sea kayaking before. I was amazed at how peaceful it was whilst kayaking out on the reef and saw lots of turtles. Drift snorkelling over the reef at Turquoise Bay was incredible and since we wore life jackets, even the inexperienced snorkeller felt completely at ease. I count myself lucky to have shared in this awesome camping trip with so many friendly fun loving ladies from which I have forged some wonderful friendships.
09/06/2011 Glennie M
Fun, challenging, AWESOME! I am amazed at the activities I took part in, despite the fear, on this weekend away with Adventurous Women. Surrounded by a wonderfully supportive bunch of ladies, I abseiled down cliffs, climbed rockfaces and crawled through caves! My expectations were greatly exceeded and I am looking forward to my next adventure
Thank you AW!
01/06/2011 Kim R
What a great weekend we had at the surf and cycle weekend.
We laughed, had fun, enjoyed meeting new ladies, and gave suport to each other in only the caring ways we ladies do.the mountain biking was so much fun. the guides had a great sence of humour and were realy informative.
Come on ladies, you know you want to do it, just go for it.
jen
09/06/2011 Jennifer W
My weekend experience in Mansfield was excellent. Our guide Shanee was an amazing lady who really did know her horses, people from beginners to advanced never missed any opportunity to ride to their level.
Shanee had so much knowledge to share and arranged nourishing meals on the weekend, I was really surprised of the cost for the weekend, the accommodation, food and horse riding was very cheap considering how much horse riding by itself is pretty expensive.
If people would love a bit of adventure and connect with the horses and land, I say do it!!
08/06/2011 Robyn W
Deb was a great leader taking care of everyone.
17/11/2018 Jane M
Beautiful walk, lovely host and group of ladies to walk with
17/11/2018 Annette W
What ended up starting out with an accidental sleep in followed by a rush to make sure I had everything I needed was only the start of a great week and road trip ahead. Arriving at the Rivergods depot as planned, all the gear was packed into the kayak trailor and our luggage and us ladies into the 11 seater bus we then headed towards Exmouth.
Along the way I could feel it getting warmer so the cold of Perth became a distant memory. Having to make the usual pit stops along the way it was decided to camp overnight just outside of Canarvon to rejuvenate and obviously avoid running into any of the local wildlife along the way. Another early morning upon us and we were back on the road only to arrive in Exmouth just in time for lunch. After replenishing supplies we made our way out to the beach where we would spend the next week in the outdoors.
The week was filled with kayaking around Yardie Creek and beaches stopping to check out the sites as well as well earned morning snacks and lunches (I'm sorry Fee for polishing off half a can of baked beans). For some that preferred to take a break from the kayaking mid week a hiking trip was on the agenda. Even though there were surprises along the way 1 member in particular overcame some difficult terraine & obstacles only to come out the other end knowing she had accomplished something she never thought she'd make through with her fellow AWs there to share in such a feat and who were extremely proud of her.
I would have to say snorkeling the coral reef was the highlight of the trip for me. Apart from surfacing every now and again to check I was still within the safety zone I could have stayed down there swimming with the ocean life for hours. Turquoise Bay was as blues and the pictures showed and the sun as warm as a awesome summers day. To know such a place existed in our backyard and I was there enjoying every minute was such a fantastic feeling. The nights around the campsite were filled with fun, laughter, stories, games and of course a late night walk to see what we could find or what wildlife was watching us with much interets. All of us lent a hand to Jorien and Shaun preparing the meals and general campsite chores which really didn't feel like work at all.
Most ladies on the trip I knew but got to know more outside of our normal day to day lives and of course as always got to meet some newbies! Even though only a week and a great week at that you definitely felt like you had a holiday and of course an adventure. After dropping off the trailor in storage for the next group we started our almost non-stop journey back to Perth (arriving ahead of schedule) and boy I was glad to be back home. Camping is an absolute hoot no matter where you are but you can't beat the enjoyment of that first shower when home. I definitely slept well that night!!
01/06/2010 Ness A
What an awesome day! Our guides, Kellie and Dru were great. Very enthusiastic and professional and made sure everyone was safe, confident and enjoying ourselves. We even got a free drink after. Leonie was great as always and treated us with her delicious home made scones and a great bunch of girls to share it all with. I would thoroughly recommend trying quad biking....soooo much fun and never felt unsafe for a second. :)01/10/2023 Kerrie S
