Helping special needs families form lasting memories.

Caitlin's Retreat is a wellness centre that harnesses the known health benefits of the natural environment to help promote the health and wellbeing of young people with special needs, their parents, carers and siblings.

Most families of special needs children have very limited opportunity for day trips or holidays; often holidays can be too expensive or facilities do not adequately cater for children with disabilities and illness.  Caitlin's Retreat uniquely offers special need families the opportunity to spend relaxation time together as a family within a natural setting.

Caitlin's Retreat is a captivating place, maximising the sights and sounds of its bushland setting, whilst still in close proximity to Melbourne. It is a place where the whole family can get away for a few days, connect with nature, relax and unwind.

Based on the work People & Parks Foundation have been undertaking with the Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Caitlin's Retreat will also allow for further important research relating to the benefits of using nature and environmental activities to enhance health and wellness outcomes for all.

Families eligible to participate in Caitlin's Retreat are referred to us by our project partner – Interchange. We do not take direct calls for consideration.

People & Parks Foundation is proud to recognise Andrew Darbyshire as Patron of Caitlin’s Retreat. We also wish to acknowledge the very generous donation made by the Darbyshire Family, which will assist with the ongoing development of Caitlin's Retreat.

In addition to providing a unique family experience, Caitlin's Retreat offers further opportunities to broader community groups in the realm of volunteering, environmental educational and school programs and venue hire for workshops and conferences.

Please click here to find out about other services available at Caitlin’s Retreat.

For further information regarding Caitlin's Retreat, email caitlinsretreat@peopleandparks.org or phone 03 9695 9017. You can support Caitlin’s Retreat by making a one off donation or by becoming a regular donor.  

Donations of $2 or more to People & Parks Foundation are tax deductible.