Wild Marks: Painting the Kimberley
Kimberley Painting Workshop with Debbie Mackinnon, July 18 - 24, 2026
Waitlist only - email to join waitlist
Waitlist only - email to join waitlist
Join us in the Kimberley
Step off the beaten track and into one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. This immersive art retreat takes place on a remote working cattle station in the East Kimberley – a place of ancient escarpments, endless skies, and a deep stillness that invites reflection and creativity. Guided by artist and tutor Debbie Mackinnon, you'll explore the landscape through expressive mark-making, mixed media drawing, and painting – both en plein air and back at the homestead.
It's a 7 day (6 night) itinerary, in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia - one of Australia's last true wildernesses. Explore a remote, authentic corner of Australia and gain a renewed sense of creativity and meaningful connectedness.
What will you learn?
With a focus on playful experimentation rather than polished outcomes, the week is designed to spark new ideas, deepen your creative voice, and connect you to the land in a truly meaningful way. Expect to sketch beneath boab trees, respond to the colours and textures of the bush, and use foraged tools to make surprising, instinctive marks.
Daily sessions include time to explore, reflect, and develop your work using a range of materials and processes, with demonstrations by Debbie. Some painting experience will be useful, but the retreat is open to all who are ready to explore, take creative risks, and be inspired by place. All levels of artist welcome.
About the tutor
Debbie Mackinnon is an Australian landscape painter known for her abstracted style, capturing light, weather, and colour. Her process involves outdoor drawing and sketching before creating layered acrylic works in her Sydney studio. She aims to “bring the ‘outside in’” and challenges realism by blending observed elements and multiple moments.
Previously, Mackinnon trained as a medical illustrator in London, worked as an Art Director and author/designer, selling over two million children’s books. Inspired by Australia’s light and coastlines, she returned to painting. She lectured at Billy Blue College of Design for 15 years and founded ME Artspace in North Sydney. Her work is in private collections globally, with two pieces in North Sydney Council’s public collection. She has been a finalist in art prizes like the Mosman Art Prize and the Moran Portrait Prize.
Included
Excluded
Where is the workshop?
The itinerary starts and finishes in Kununurra, WA. Guests fly to Kununurra, usually connecting via Darwin, Broome or Perth.
Fitness
The Kimberley environment is challenging for many reasons, not least the heat. You'll need to be a devoted hat-wearer and water-drinker and be stable on your feet over rugged, loose terrain.
Escape winter
June and July are peak DRY season in the East Kimberley with maximum temperatures that could reach 36 degrees but usually sit between 28 and 33. Overnight temps average 16 but could dip as low as 10. It is the dry season so rain is possible, but uncommon.
2026 PRICES (Prices include GST) View Accommodation options here
Click "Select a room / Pricing" above.
Discounts*
- Past guest discount - Past guests receive a discount of between 7.5 % and 10% off depending when they travelled with us.
- Non-participating guest discount - Your friend is welcome to join us and receives 5% off when they share a room with you. Non-participating guest is defined as a guest on an art trip not doing art. They can participate in all outings and activities.
*Discounts are not cumulative. We'll apply your best discount at the time of booking.
To Book
1. View the accommodation options and select your preferred accommodation option.
2. Email or phone with your accommodation preference
3. An invoice and booking form will be emailed to you.
Your booking is confirmed when you have:
1. Completed a booking form and waiver
2. Paid a 20% deposit
How to Pay
Pay by card or EFT.
Contact Rachel on 0428254529 or email
Step off the beaten track and into one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. This immersive art retreat takes place on a remote working cattle station in the East Kimberley – a place of ancient escarpments, endless skies, and a deep stillness that invites reflection and creativity. Guided by artist and tutor Debbie Mackinnon, you'll explore the landscape through expressive mark-making, mixed media drawing, and painting – both en plein air and back at the homestead.
It's a 7 day (6 night) itinerary, in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia - one of Australia's last true wildernesses. Explore a remote, authentic corner of Australia and gain a renewed sense of creativity and meaningful connectedness.
What will you learn?
With a focus on playful experimentation rather than polished outcomes, the week is designed to spark new ideas, deepen your creative voice, and connect you to the land in a truly meaningful way. Expect to sketch beneath boab trees, respond to the colours and textures of the bush, and use foraged tools to make surprising, instinctive marks.
Daily sessions include time to explore, reflect, and develop your work using a range of materials and processes, with demonstrations by Debbie. Some painting experience will be useful, but the retreat is open to all who are ready to explore, take creative risks, and be inspired by place. All levels of artist welcome.
About the tutor
Debbie Mackinnon is an Australian landscape painter known for her abstracted style, capturing light, weather, and colour. Her process involves outdoor drawing and sketching before creating layered acrylic works in her Sydney studio. She aims to “bring the ‘outside in’” and challenges realism by blending observed elements and multiple moments.
Previously, Mackinnon trained as a medical illustrator in London, worked as an Art Director and author/designer, selling over two million children’s books. Inspired by Australia’s light and coastlines, she returned to painting. She lectured at Billy Blue College of Design for 15 years and founded ME Artspace in North Sydney. Her work is in private collections globally, with two pieces in North Sydney Council’s public collection. She has been a finalist in art prizes like the Mosman Art Prize and the Moran Portrait Prize.
Included
- 6 nights accommodation in the east Kimberley
- All meals during the workshop, morning and afternoon teas, happy hour snacks (6B/5L/6D)
- Art tuition and one to one guidance
- Land transfers and transport during the workshop
- Proven itinerary and locations to inspire creativity
- Non-touristy, scenic, cultural and historic locations
- Knowledgeable guides
- Air conditioned 4WD vehicles with forward facing seats
- Your own work space under the verandahs (table, chair, stool per guest)
- Early morning billy tea by the fire
- Complimentary glass of bubbles and nibbles with end of week exhibition
- Discounts for couples and returning guests
- Free WiFi
Excluded
- Flights to and from Kununurra
- Stop-over accommodation, if needed
- Alcohol and softdrinks
- Travel insurance (required)
- Art materials
- Some meals are not included: breakfast and lunch on day 1, and lunch and dinner on day 7.
Where is the workshop?
The itinerary starts and finishes in Kununurra, WA. Guests fly to Kununurra, usually connecting via Darwin, Broome or Perth.
Fitness
The Kimberley environment is challenging for many reasons, not least the heat. You'll need to be a devoted hat-wearer and water-drinker and be stable on your feet over rugged, loose terrain.
Escape winter
June and July are peak DRY season in the East Kimberley with maximum temperatures that could reach 36 degrees but usually sit between 28 and 33. Overnight temps average 16 but could dip as low as 10. It is the dry season so rain is possible, but uncommon.
2026 PRICES (Prices include GST) View Accommodation options here
Click "Select a room / Pricing" above.
Discounts*
- Past guest discount - Past guests receive a discount of between 7.5 % and 10% off depending when they travelled with us.
- Non-participating guest discount - Your friend is welcome to join us and receives 5% off when they share a room with you. Non-participating guest is defined as a guest on an art trip not doing art. They can participate in all outings and activities.
*Discounts are not cumulative. We'll apply your best discount at the time of booking.
To Book
1. View the accommodation options and select your preferred accommodation option.
2. Email or phone with your accommodation preference
3. An invoice and booking form will be emailed to you.
Your booking is confirmed when you have:
1. Completed a booking form and waiver
2. Paid a 20% deposit
How to Pay
Pay by card or EFT.
Contact Rachel on 0428254529 or email
