BADENYA Women’s Drumming Retreat

December 4-6th, 2026

Hepburn VIC

BADENYA (can be translated as ‘community, harmony, and solidarity’ in Malinké)

Join us for a weekend of rhythm magic in the delightful spa country of Hepburn Springs - just down the road from Daylesford. The venue is Continental House, a 14 room dedicated retreat centre.

Prepare to go on an immersive rhythmic journey…

The weekend is designed to:

  • Get you more deeply connected with your own sense of rhythm.

  • Enhance your understanding of West African music and culture.

  • Allow you to explore traditional & contemporary West African rhythms and arrangements on djembe and dunun (drums played with sticks).

  • Equip you with more breaks, solos, & songs for rhythms.

  • Give you the opportunity to meet and connect with women who also love to drum.

Simone will ensure that everyone gets what they need - all levels are welcome. If you are new to drumming or haven’t drummed in a while… you will be taken care of - by Simone and the group. This is a safe and non-judgemental space.

Contact Simone to Book

Move, drum, eat, relax, drum… repeat.

MOVE - Each morning we will be guided through a gentle yoga/movement session for all bodies. We will awaken our body and clear our minds - ready for a day of drum fun.

DRUM - All classes are aimed at all levels - Simone specialises in teaching to groups of people with different skill sets. If you are new to drumming or haven’t drummed in a while… you will be taken care of.

EAT - The amazing caterers at Conti House will be wowing us each day with a feast for us to enjoy during our lunch break. This is time to dine, relax, & connect. Dinner will either be organised by us collectively and we will cater as a group, or we can dine out at some of the amazing local restaurants. Or both.

Group of women sitting and standing behind drums, smiling outside a building, with a black dog on the right.
People playing drums together at a social gathering.
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Group of people participating in a drumming circle, with a woman in a white shirt leading or instructing others, all sitting outdoors with drums in front of them.
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Contact Simone to book

  • Friday

    • Check in from 3:30pm

    • 4:30pm - 6pm: Drumming class 

    Saturday

    • 7:30am - 8:30am: Gentle yoga class 

    • 9:30pm - 12:30pm: Drumming class  

    • Lunch (catered) & relax

    • 2pm - 4pm: class

    Sunday

    • 7:30am - 8:30am: Gentle yoga class 

    • 9:30pm - 12:30pm: Drumming class  

    • Lunch (catered) & relax

    • 2pm - 3:30pm: Drumming class 

    • 3:30pm: pack up, wrap up and and check out by 4pm

  • The venue is Continental House in Hepburn (9 Lone Pine Ave, Hepburn Springs). It is a dedicated retreat space with 15 rooms (all with en suite).

    The venue has a large communal kitchen/dining area.

  • The cost for the weekend is $1100 for a single share en-suite room, full weekend of tuition, daily yoga & lunch.

    A deposit of $100 confirms your booking.

    Contact Simone for payment information.