Frequently Asked Questions

We have compiled a list of commonly asked questions to assist you. Should you require more information, our Progam Advisor will be able to assist you on 1300 941 488. 

• Are the buildings centrally heated?

  All Quest’s buildings are centrally heated, so it’s always comfortable indoors.

• Can my partner come with me but not do the program?

  Yes, your partner or friend can enjoy a stay here at Quest as a casual guest while you are doing the program. There is a lesser fee which includes all meals and accommodation but not the program.

• Do I have to share a room with someone? How many people?

  A small number of single rooms are available for each program upon request. Generally participants share a room with one or two other people, i.e. all female or all male. The maximum in a share room is 3 people.

• Do rooms have private bathrooms?

  All rooms have an ensuite with toilet and shower. Some rooms also have baths.

• Do we dress up for dinner?

  No, casual comfortable clothing is suitable.

• Do you do things like role play?

  No.

• Do you have coffee?

  Yes…instant and plunger coffee is available as well as a wide range of tea, herbal teas, decaf coffee, filtered water and a wide range of milks.

• Do your programs interfere/conflict with my religious beliefs?

  Quest for Life is non denominational.

• How do I get to the Quest for Life Centre? How far is it from town?

  For directions to Quest for Life follow this link to Google Maps The Quest for Life Centre is situated approximately 500 metres from the village main street. From the railway station it is a pleasant 5 - 10 min walk up a moderate hill.

• How many people in a group?

  This depends on the program, however we generally have 10 - 25 people in a group.

• I don't have a life-threatening illness. Do you have anything for someone like me?

  Yes, at the Quest for Life Centre we have a range of programs for people facing all kinds of challenges, as well as some programs simply for relaxation and learning. Some deal with issues such as grief and loss, and some are applicable to people facing a crossroads in life, or who are perhaps stuck in some way. There are programs designed specifically for men and others for specifically for women. We regularly hold Meditation, Yoga and Creativity weekends, as well as Time Out weekends with no organised program. For further information please see our Programs page or phone to talk to our Program Advisor.

• If I have a special diet do I need to bring my own food?

  All special dietary needs can be discussed with the Program Advisor at the time of booking. Occasionally, where specialty items are not readily available you may like to bring these with you.

• Is alcohol served on the programs?

  For the safety of all participants, the Quest for Life Centre maintains an environment that is alcohol and illicit drug free. By signing the waiver, you agree to abstain from using these substances during the course of your program.
  

• Is it possible to check email?

  Yes, internet access is available. We can provide you with wifi user access on request.

• Is there a counsellor I can see during my stay?

  The majority of programs run at Quest have a counsellor on the premises and we encourage you to have a counselling session whilst you are here. 

• Is there a doctor or nurse or hospital close by if I or my partner need one?

  Quest is not a medical facility and no doctors or nurses work on the premises. If medical treatment is required during your stay, arrangements need to be made prior to your attendance. The nearest hospital is in Bowral, with another one to the south in Goulburn. There are two medical centres in Bundanoon with GPs and a chiropractor and phone numbers for these services are available from the Quest for Life Centre.

• Is there a refund if I need to cancel?

  A $100 administration fee is non-refundable unless your retreat is cancelled by Quest. If for any reason you have doubts about being able to attend or are too unwell to attend, you can transfer to another retreat within a 6 month period from the time of payment of the deposit.

• Is there mobile phone accessibility?

  Mobile phone coverage in Bundanoon is not good, however limited coverage can be found in some areas on the property and CDMA is covered quite well. 

• Is there much meditation? (Because I can't meditate)

  The programs contain basic meditation or relaxation and are aimed at the beginner meditator. We also have available in our shop many CD's of guided meditation and relaxation to help if you are having difficulty.

• Is there wheelchair access/disabled room?

  Yes, there is one room which has wheelchair access and this needs to be requested at the time of making your booking to make sure the room is available.

• Is your food all vegetarian?

  No. However the menu includes a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as fish, organic chicken and happy eggs as the main sources of protein. We also cater for vegetarians on request and any special dietary needs can be discussed during the booking process.

• What format do the workshops take?

  Each program has its own format depending on the program. This can be discussed with the Program Advisor at the time of booking.

• What is the temperature? What clothes do I bring?

  Generally the temperatures in the Southern Highlands are moderate, often cooling down at night. It is advisable to bring a jacket or a warm change in case temperatures do decrease. March to October are the cooler months and Winter can be very cold. We suggest layers of clothing and a warm jacket during the cooler months, and a jacket or other warm clothing even in Summer, as the weather can be changeable any time of year. We recommend bringing walking shoes, as there are lovely walks in the area. It is also advisable to bring an umbrella.
  

• What time do programs start / finish?

  This depends on the program. Most of the five day programs start at 4.00 pm on the Monday afternoon and finish at lunchtime on Friday, with a leisurely departure from about 2.00 pm. Weekend programs usually commence on Friday evening around dinner time and finish mid Sunday afternoon. Activities generally start after breakfast each day (though in most cases there's an optional meditation before breakfast) and finish by dinner time, and the five day programs have a long lunch break.

  For a basic 5 day program schedule click here.

• What time is breakfast? (Do I have to get up early?)

  Generally breakfast is between 8 - 9.30 am, however this can vary between programs. On many residential programs a session is held before breakfast on stretching and relaxation, this is optional.

• Will I have to speak in front of a group?

  In some of our programs there are designated times for participants to share their stories. However you will not be asked to do anything you are not comfortable doing and are encouraged to participate only to a level you feel comfortable with. The story sharing and discussions take place in a completely non judgemental, non critical environment and anything said in the room is treated with the utmost confidentiality and respect. Please feel free to phone our Program Advisor if you have any concerns about this matter or if you have any other questions about the content of the programs.