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Home » Tours & Retreats » Victoria: Spring Retreat

Victoria: Spring Retreat

The Spring Drum & Dance Retreat offers a great line up of teachers in a pristine location.

Enjoy workshops for all levels, communal bonfire jams, and great vibes.

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Spring African Drumming Retreat: 13th-15th November 2026
The Briars, Mount Martha

Our Spring Drum Retreat returns in 2026 for its 25th year, set in a peaceful 15-acre bushland retreat just one hour from Melbourne.

Across the weekend you’ll take part in djembe and dun workshops for all levels, led by a world-class teaching line-up: Boubacar Gaye, Bassidi Kone, Mohamed Camara, Seth Quaye, Appiah Annan, Abli, Odai Nmai, Magic Mike, Simon Fraser, Odai Affotey and David Hickey.

There’s live drumming, dance workshops for all levels, a Saturday night performance, and our legendary bonfire jams.

Weekend Highlights

Learn from Australia's best teachers

With djembe and dun classes for all levels, you’ll be pushed to learn and grow your playing. Learning in this environment will do wonders to your drumming.
You’ll notice the difference most after the event – Your technique will improve significantly, and your ear will pick up polyrhythms more easily.

Dance Workshops

The dance workshops cover serious ground – African-inspired contemporary styles through to traditional forms from across the world.

Open to all ages and experience levels.

Awesome teachers including Appiah Annan and Odai Affotey. 

Saturday Dinner Performance & Bonfire Jam

Saturday night slows the pace with a relaxed dinner performance. The sweet sounds of the kora and balafon from Appiah, Bassidi and Moh fill the room while you share a meal with fellow drummers.

The night continues with an all-in jam around the bonfire led by Magic Mike.

Location

Nestled within the beautiful The Briars Conservation Park, our drumming retreat takes place on a peaceful 15-acre property surrounded by native bushland. Just over an hour from Melbourne, it’s an easy drive that still feels like a true escape into nature. 

  • Comfortable bunk-style cabins
  • Camp sites or campervan parking available if preferred (same rate as normal accommodation)
  • Communal kitchen with utensils and cutlery
  • Bonfire area

The Briars, Belgravia Outdoor Education – 60 minutes from Melbourne
450 Nepean Highway, Mount Martha, Victoria 3934
Google Map

Take M11 (Mornington Peninsula Fwy) heading south
Take Exit 19 from M11 for C784 towards Balnarring
Turn right (3rd exit at roundabout) onto Moorooduc Hwy C784
Turn left onto Craigie Road 
Turn left onto Nepean Hwy (B110)
After 1km turn left again towards The Briars
Follow the road left again, the Briars will be on your right.

A group photo of students and teachers at the Spring Drum and Dance Retreat
Get Your Ticket
Rates
Full Retreat

The Whole Experience – arrive Friday, two full days of tuition,  all the jams, and two nights with the community. 

Rates: $360 Concession / $390 Standard

Saturday & Sunday

The Weekend – arrive Saturday, two full days of tuition, with Saturday night accommodation plus evening concert and jam included.

Rates: $310 Concession / $340 Standard

Day Pass

One Day – a full day of Saturday tuition plus the evening concert and jam. No accommodation, just a great day of drumming and fun.

Rates: $170 Concession / $190 Standard

Kids Day

Saturday 14th November – a fun day designed just for kids. Opening jam, drumming with Odai, then an afternoon of outdoor adventures including scavenger hunt, archery, giant swing and bushwalking.
$90 per child | $30 for each additional sibling.

Get tickets here.

Good to Know

Camping & Van Options Available
Prefer to stay in your own van or camping setup? All facilities are available to you, just choose your ticket option above and the same pricing applies. Powered sites aren’t available, but everything you need is just a short walk away.

Don’t have a drum? We’ve got you covered – you can add drum hire for $20 when you purchase your ticket.

Bringing the family? We’d love to have you – family discounts, non-drummer options, and offsite stays are all available. Get in touch.

three drummers in an outdoor setting in a djembe workshop at the spring retreat

View the retreat schedule

Arrival: Anytime after 4pm.

Casual dinner, followed by an informal bonfire Jam with Magic Mike.

Be warned, this Jam normally goes for hours and hours – such a great warm up to the camp!

9.00am 
Registration

10.00am – 10.50am
Opening Ceremony with Simon and WALA

11.00am – 12.30pm
Beginners Djembe Technique – Bouba
Intermediate Djembe – Mohamed
Advanced Djembe – Bassidi Kone

12.30pm – 1.45pm
Lunch

1.45pm – 3.15pm
Beginners Djembe – Bouba
Intermediate Dun & Djembe – Mohamed
Advanced Djembe – Bassidi

3.30pm – 5.00pm
Beginners Djembe – Davey
Intermediate Djembe – Mohamed
Advanced Djembe / Dun – Bassidi

5.00pm – 5.30pm
Tea Break

5.30pm – 6.30pm
Dance Class with Appiah and live drumming (take your pick!)
Bouba leading the drumming

6.30pm – 7.45pm
Dinner with the sweet Sounds of the Kora & Balafon (Appiah, Bassidi & Moh)

8pm
Bonfire Jam with Magic Mike

8.15am – 8.45am
Yoga with Katrina

9.30am – 10.30am
Dance Class with Odai Affotey and live drumming (take your pick)

10.45am – 12.15pm
Beginners Djembe – Bouba
Intermediate Djembe – Bassidi
Advanced Djembe – Mohamed

12.15pm – 1.30pm
Lunch
A great time to pack up your room!

1.30pm – 3.00pm
Beginners Djembe – Bouba
Intermediate Djembe – Bassidi
Advanced Djembe/ Dun – Mohamed

3.00pm
Put your belongings on the verandah or in your car – rooms need to be vacated by 3.15pm for housekeeping

3.15pm – 4.00pm
Final Group Jam
Final tidy of common areas – if everyone can chip in that would be AWESOME!
Farewells, until next time!

Saturday 14th November 2026

10.00am – 11.00am
Opening Ceremony & Jam

11.00am – 12.00pm
Kids Djembe Drumming with Odai

12.00pm – 1.00pm
Lunch Break (BYO)

1.00pm – 4.00pm
Supervised Outdoor Activities with Briars Staff: giant swing, archery, gaga ball, scavenger hunt and bushwalking.

2.30pm
Afternoon Tea (BYO)

Purchase tickets here.

your teachers

Mohamed Camara, African drumming teacher, playing djembe during a workshop

Mohamed Camara

Djembe & Dun

Originally from Guinea, his warm personality and talent as a performer have made him a local favourite. A wonderful drummer and kora player, he performs regularly across Melbourne.

Simon dancing and leading a lively session at the Spring Drum and Dance Retreat, engaging participants in rhythm and movement.

Simon Fraser

Djembe & Director

Founder of Melbourne-based African Drumming, Simon has been studying, performing, recording and teaching throughout West Africa, Europe and Australia
since the 90s.

Boubacar Gaye leading a dance session at the Bali Drum Camp, wearing a traditional headdress

Boubacar Gaye

Djembe & Dun

Bouba first laid his hands on a drum in Senegal at the budding age of 14. With an energy and peace of mind resonating from deep within – Bouba speaks a thousand words with his djembe.

Odai Nmai

Kids Drumming

Hailing from the rhythm-rich township of Nungua on the edge of Accra, Odai Nmai is a powerhouse of musical talent. He teaches with his heart and soul, grounded in the rich traditions of his heritage.

Appiah Annan

Dance

Originally from Cape Coast, Ghana, Appiah is a master dancer and hand drummer. He began dancing on the streets of Ghana and now shares Afro-contemporary dance across stages worldwide.

Street festival with African dun duns

Odai Affotey

Dance

Odai Affotey, a custodian of Southern Ghanaian drum and dance, began training in Nungua at seven. He has performed and choreographed internationally, carrying forward his ancestral rhythm and cultural legacy.

Book your spot

FAQs

Absolutely!
We welcome beginners, and our sessions are designed to suit all levels. It’s a great opportunity to connect with more experienced drummers and learn new tips and tricks from your peers.

  • Your own drum if you have one (if not, you can hire one for $20).

  • A comfy drum stool if you prefer one, though there will be plenty of chairs available.

  • All food and drinks (The Briars has a large kitchen with ovens, microwaves, glasses, and cutlery).

  • Shoes suitable for dancing.

  • Sleeping bag, sheets, or a blanket, pillow & case.

  • Warm clothes for cooler weather.

  • A sun hat for sunny days.

All rooms are equipped with bunk beds. 
We have 10 rooms, each with 4 bunks (8 beds total).We can arrange private rooms for groups of 6 or more, and occasionally for family groups, depending on camp numbers.Generally, we’ll allocate rooms and make sure men, women, and of course families are grouped together.
The rooms have heating and large fans to ensure comfort regardless of the season. 

Yes! There are several great spots for tents and campervans at The Briars, with a nearby amenity block offering showers and toilets just a short walk away. Note that powered sites aren’t available, but everything you need is close by. Camping is priced the same as indoor accommodation

You’ll find us at:
The Briars, Belgravia Outdoor Education
450 Nepean Highway, Mount Martha, Victoria 3934

Ticket transfers

If you can no longer attend, you’re very welcome to transfer your ticket to another person. All transfer details must be emailed to [email protected] by 12:00pm on Friday 13 November 2026.

Cancellation Policy

We understand that plans can change. If you’d like to cancel please email [email protected]. Our policy is below:

  • Cancel by 30 September 2026: Receive a refund, less a $30 admin fee.
  • Cancel from 1 October 2026 up to 12.00pm on Friday 13 November 2026: Receive African Drumming event or product credit, less a $50 admin fee.
  • Late cancellations and no-shows: Cancellations received after 12.00pm on Friday 13 November 2026, or non-attendance, are not eligible for a refund or credit.

Ready to join us? Complete your ticket purchase and fill in your registration form to secure your spot. Once you’re booked in, we’ll send you everything you need to know ahead of the retreat.

Have More Questions?

Get in touch with our team for personalised advice. We’re known for our quick replies!

Call or email us on:

(03) 9525 3073

[email protected]

Mohamed Camara, African drumming instructor at the Spring Drum and Dance Retreat, teaching with energy and passion
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