McGregor Retreats are seasonal held in Summer and Winter each year. Details regarding check-in, drop off and official start and finish times are communicated to participants following registration as the event draws closer.
McGregor Retreats FAQ
The McGregor Retreats are held at USQ’s Toowoomba Campus – approximately 8 kms from the Toowoomba city centre and approximately a 30 minute drive from the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport.
Address:
University of Southern Queensland
West St
Darling Heights QLD 4350
Please note the campus and residential college spreads over a vast area. Whilst we are a wheelchair friendly campus, to get the most out of your chosen workshop we encourage participants to be of good physical and able health to independently move around the campus. Many workshops require an element of physical fitness or standing for periods of time. Please contact us to discuss if you have any concerns.
McGregor has taught students from age 12 – 92, there is no reason you can’t join in on one of our fantastic classes!
Having said this, art can sometimes be demanding and while for most classes enthusiasm and creativity are the only requirements, some classes will require a reasonable level of fitness.
For instance painters are typically required to stand at an easel for extended periods, while for most creative arts classes (e.g. woodwork and jewellery making) the ability to bend and lift is often important. We’re always happy to discuss options related to specific circumstance and would encourage anyone not sure to contact us to discuss.
Some classes at McGregor cover adult themes and are not appropriate for those under 18. For this reason we ask that participants under the age of 18 contact the McGregor office before enrolling. Written parental consent will need to be received in instances where nude models or adult themes are covered.
Typically McGregor tutors are happy to accommodate students from mid-high school age onwards, however juniors enrolments are looked at on a case by case basis.
Please email the office on mcgregor@usq.edu.au for more information.
Booking for each school are open as soon as all tutors and requirements are finalised, typically 4-6 months in advance of the school. Bookings can be made:
- Online: Using the Book Now button above (preferred)
- Phone: If you are unable to book online, contact the School of Creative Arts on 07 4631 1111 during business hours. If you are unable to reach someone, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.
When a class becomes full you can sign up to the wait list to attend the class. If a spot becomes available you will be contacted to complete your enrolment. Spots do become available if a participant can no longer attend.
If the workshop you wish to book is full, please register on the wait list as sometimes there can be cancellations leading up to the Retreat. We also recommend as well as wait listing in your preferred workshop, book an alternative workshop to ensure you are not disappointed. We will contact you as positions become available.
Sometimes circumstances can change - here is how we can help:
| Cancel before | Date confirmed each school | receive refund less the $100 non re-fundable deposit |
| Cancel after | Date confirmed each school | no refund received |
| Cancel accommodation after | Date confirmed each school | receive refund less $50 cancellation fee |
The McGregor school may waive or reduce the cancellation penalty (excluding administrative fees - $100 non-refundable deposit) if a participant has cancelled due to a medical condition or bereavement. Please note that medical certificates or equivalent may be requested to support these requested refunds after payment due date has passed.
The McGregor team reserves the right to cancel a class if minimum enrolments are not reached or if any unforeseen circumstances occur relating to that particular course. If your class is cancelled for these reasons, you will receive a full refund or the option to transfer to another class.
Should the event be cancelled, or participants from particular geographical areas not be able to attend due to Queensland public health, State or Commonwealth Government directives associated with COVID-19 or a similar health emergency, we will provide a refund less the $100 non-refundable deposit. The $100 will be used as a contribution towards the refund process to ensure it is affected in line with privacy legislation and university requirements.
The McGregor Schools offer several bursaries throughout the year to attend the McGregor Art and Music Retreats.
To apply for a scholarship, please visit our scholarship page.
When you select the 'accommodation option' through the McGregor booking process you will be provided with an applicable room at one of the USQ Residential Colleges for the length of the school - plus breakfast and dinner. It is a great way to complete your McGregor retreat and fully immerse yourself in creativity!
However if you'd prefer not to stay on campus, Toowoomba does offer a host of other accommodation options bookable through normal channels such as AirBnB, WotIf and Booking.com
On campus rooms
USQ Residential college rooms are fitted with a king single bed and a desk. The rooms are basic student style accommodation, meaning they are clean, tidy and come with linen. Private and shared bathroom options are available, prices are listed in the pricing and payment section accessible from the applicable retreats web page.
McGregor College is the first preference for on campus accommodation, however other on campus colleges including Concannon are used if required. There is no smoking allowed on the university campus including in residential colleges.
The McGregor Office will endeavour to meet special accommodation requests such as staying next to another student, however we do reserve the right to make changes according to room availability.
What about couples? Residential colleges does not offer twin-share or double bed options for couples. Couples can however request a room with a shared bathroom.
Why stay on campus?
Aside from being quite cost effective, staying on campus provides you with a bit of 'old-school camp' fun with activities planned for each night following classes.
Additionally there is a special excitement in the air at the residential college as you join with others from across Australia, all keen to experience the vibrancy of McGregor Arts Retreats. The opportunity to share meals and conversations with like minded people, including your tutors makes for a memorable time.
Wi-Fi is available on the USQ campus.
Please note computers are not supplied to students - you will need to provide you own internet capable device to access the Wi-Fi.
Access to Wi-Fi in the accommodation area is not guaranteed, however there is guest Wi-Fi access in all common rooms and dining rooms.
Yes, there are. All students, regardless of where you are staying, can join in the special activities during McGregor schools.
These activities include;
- Weeknight concerts featuring the talented McGregor music tutors and students (Summer Retreat only).
- Tutor presentations - students can attend visual presentations by the amazing art tutors showcasing their work after class during the week.
- McGregor market night - free to attend.
- Trivia Night - free to attend.
- Life Drawing - if schedules allow, art models provide nightly life drawing sessions (minimal fees apply).
To find out what is on during your retreat speak to your McGregor coordinator.
By Air
Fly direct to Toowoomba
You can fly directly into Toowoomba from Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns and Townsville. The Airport is called Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport (WTB) when making bookings. Wellcamp Airport is located to the west of Toowoomba and is about a 25-30 minute drive from the campus.
There are transfer options, for more information visit Wellcamp.
Flying to Brisbane Airport
Brisbane Airport can sometimes offer a wider range of direct flights and can be more economical. Brisbane Airport is approximately 2 hours from Toowoomba.
Con-X-ions runs a door-to-door service from the airport to anywhere in Toowoomba. For more information visit Con-X-ions or call 07 4630 1444 or 1300 956 203.
By Vehicle
Toowoomba sits atop the Great Dividing Range and connects to the New England Highway running north/south, the Warrego Highway running east/northwest and the Gore Highway from the southwest.
Toowoomba is the heart of the Darling Downs and is approximately a 2 hour drive from Brisbane.
Toowoomba is Australia's second largest inland city, and it is easy to get around with bus, taxi or Uber, all available from the USQ campus.
For Taxi's call Garden City Cabs 133 222.
For buses check out Translink.
Uber can be accessed via the mobile app.
Toowoomba's weather can be varied but generally is it quite cool during the winter months and very warm during the summer months.
It is recommended that you pack appropriate clothing for your attendance at each school.
Please note that residential colleges do not provide heating devices, extra blankets or fans. You may wish to consider packing an extra blanket or electrical heating device for winter or a cooling device for the summer months.
Yes!
There is adequate parking at the residential colleges for those staying on campus. For those not staying on campus there are several car parks around the campus. Most are free of charge, however a couple are metered, while others are reserved for staff.
Please take note of parking instructions around the campus as anyone parking in restricted zones will be fined by campus services.
Catering
Complimentary tea and coffee is provided throughout the workshops. Please BYO cup or buy a keep cup for use when you are with us.
Meals/food throughout the workshops are not included, except for a light lunch on Saturday and Sunday ONLY.
You can purchase food and beverages on campus or BYO and store in the fridge in your allocated tea room.
Continental breakfast and buffet dinner are included with your accommodation.
A short drive from the campus you will find a variety of fast food outlets and restaurants. The McGregor team are always happy to direct you.
Dietary Requirements
If you have dietary needs, please note this when booking your workshop. We will do our best to accommodate your basic dietary needs, however, some may be beyond the usual for this kind of dining and may incur a surcharge.
Talk to the McGregor coordinator for more information in you have any concerns.
Students enrolled in USQ's Creative Arts Bachelor programs who attend and complete three 7-day McGregor School Visual Art programs over the period of their degree receive one exemptions (one elective).
There is a five year cut-off limit to claim exemption and you must present your certificate and seek approval from the Visual Art Faculty Student support staff.
The tuition fee does not include materials.
Please view the material list for each workshop. Once you have booked you will get an itemised material list which will include tutor contact details and places of purchase, with your confirmation email. The material cost noted is indicative only and doesn't take into consideration items you may already own.
The level of investment of art wares and tools is often your choice and we encourage you to liaise with the tutor prior to your workshop.
The University of Southern Queensland supports the principles of procedural fairness and values social justice, equal opportunity and the provision of a safe and supportive working environment, and as such all McGregor Arts Retreat students and tutors are expected to treat others fairly, honestly, responsively and with proper regard for their rights and obligations.
By enrolling in a workshop a student agrees to follow the tutor's instruction and not deviate from the program. If a student fails to follow the tutor's guidelines, they may be asked to leave the class at the tutor's discretion. If this occurs no refund of fees will be made.
As the event draws nearer you will be emailed a newsletter, however, please keep in mind things can change and sometime they are out of our control.
To keep up to date with information, please like our page on facebook McGregor School and join the events you are registering for so that you stay informed.
You can also join our E-News list to be one of the first to know when a new school is available or when new classes have been added. Simply send and email through with your name and email address requesting to be added to the E-News list.
Contact the McGregor team via email, if you require phone assistance, please email and one of our team will call you back
Email: mcgregor@usq.edu.au