Workshops | Astray

We held our first writing workshop in Bali in 2015: a month of Bahasa Indonesia, late-night warung feasts, waterfall swims, fin chops, gamelan lessons, scooter wobbles, canang sari weaving, dog pats, Bintang sips and volcano hikes.

Since then, we’ve run workshops in many special places, including Tokyo, Takigahara, across Spain (a wild time), Gimuy/Cairns, Minjerribah/Stradbroke Island, Arakwal Country/Byron Bay and nipaluna/Hobart.

Upcoming

Freelancing, Indie Publishing + Writing With Care

A writing workshop in Tokyo, Japan

Foraging, Fermenting + Seasonal Cooking
An edible retreat in Takigahara, Japan

Writing, Hiking + Women-led Study

A retreat in Kathmandu, Nepal

Freelancing, Indie Publishing + Writing With Care

A writing workshop in New York City, United States

Upcoming Programs

Freelancing, Indie Publishing + Writing With CareA writing workshop in Tokyo, Japan

Explore the arteries of the world’s most populous city as you attend daily journalism workshops, learn Japanese and put together a portfolio of writing.

Taught by editors, journalists, academics and poets, this course is designed for aspiring and emerging writers with an interest in independent media, sustainable travel and community-building.

May 31 – June 28, 2025

January 11 – February 8, 2026

Foraging, Fermenting + Seasonal Cooking

An edible field trip in Takigahara, Japan

From chopsticks to salt to ingredients to plate, together with local artisans and producers, we will build a meal from our surroundings.

Held in a 130-year-old farmhouse, this program is an insight into the source of our food and an opportunity to learn from the symbiotic relationship that exists between humans, the land and the sea in Takigaraha village.

May 16 – 25, 2025

Oct 31 – Nov 9, 2025

Writing, Hiking + Women-led Study

A retreat in Kathmandu, Nepal

Build community across cultures and travel slowly as you take part in women-led writing workshops, yoga, meditation, pottery classes, hikes, craft and cooking lessons.

Hosted by women writers, guides, teachers and artists, this trip is designed for people looking to travel intentionally and responsibly and connect with others.

Coming soon in November 2025

Freelancing, Indie Publishing + Writing With Care

A writing workshop in New York City, United States

Learn how to write well, ethically and for money from a beautiful space in Manhattan’s Chinatown. Put together and finesse two stories to pitch to the publications of your choice.

Taught by writers, editors, academics and poets, this course is designed for aspiring and emerging writers with an interest in creative non-fiction, independent media and building community.

Coming soon in 2026

Previous Programs

Freelance Travel Writing

A 28-day writing, language and cultural workshop in Bali, Indonesia

Freelance Travel Writing

A 28-day writing, language and cultural field trip across Spain

Freelance Travel Writing

A 28-day writing and cultural workshop in nipaluna/Hobart, Australia

Freelance Travel Writing

A 28-day writing and cultural workshop in Gimuy/Cairns, Australia

Freelance Travel Writing

A 7-day writing intensive on Arakwal Country in Byron Bay, Australia

Freelance Investigative Writing

A 7-day writing intensive on Minjerribah/Stradbroke Island, Australia

FAQ

Who teaches the workshops? Can I get uni credit for participating in a writing workshop? How will you accommodate my disability? You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers.

Reviews

What have people got to say about Astray’s programs? Click here to watch a bunch of videos and read some testimonials.

Terms and Conditions

Refund policy, travel insurance, visas and all that jazz

Partners

With deep respect for the local communities in the places we travel and a desire to tread as lightly as possible, we seek to embody ethical, sustainable practices in all that we do.