Organising accommodation for an entire rowing club involves more than finding enough beds. Rowers, coaches, officials and support crew need somewhere to sleep, share meals, conduct team briefings and recover between training sessions or races.
Berrima Retreat offers private rowing club accommodation in NSW for groups of 22–55 guests. Located in Berrima in the Southern Highlands, approximately 90 minutes from Sydney and Canberra, it provides a convenient base for rowing clubs planning team camps, regatta weekends, committee retreats and end-of-season gatherings.
The property is reserved for one group at a time. Your rowing club can stay together without being distributed across separate hotel rooms, cabins or accommodation providers.
Berrima Retreat is an accommodation and team-retreat base. It does not provide a rowing course, rowing boats or an approved launch area for rowing shells. All water-based rowing activities must be organised separately at an appropriate authorised waterway or rowing facility.
Why Rowing Clubs Benefit From Staying Together
A rowing team relies on timing, communication and trust. These qualities matter both on and off the water.
When a club stays across several hotels or holiday properties, coaches may struggle to communicate schedule changes. Athletes can miss briefings, meal times become complicated and transport arrangements require more coordination.
Staying together makes it easier to:
- Hold pre-race briefings
- Confirm crew selections
- Communicate departure times
- Coordinate transport
- Review weather and water conditions
- Plan meals for athletes
- Conduct video-review sessions
- Manage junior supervision
- Organise officials and volunteers
- Bring different squads together
- Celebrate team achievements
It also creates opportunities for members to connect outside normal training sessions. Conversations over breakfast or dinner can strengthen relationships between rowers, coaches, parents and volunteers.
Private Rowing Club Accommodation in NSW
Berrima Retreat is an exclusive-use property, meaning only one group stays at the venue at a time.
Your rowing club can use the accommodation and main facilities without sharing them with unrelated guests. This creates greater privacy and flexibility than a standard hotel.
Exclusive use can help clubs:
- Conduct private selection and strategy discussions
- Organise athletes into crews
- Hold meetings without outside interruptions
- Coordinate early departures
- Plan meals around racing schedules
- Give athletes space to rest
- Bring junior and senior squads together
- Hold committee or coaching meetings
- Adjust schedules when weather conditions change
The group can establish a clear itinerary while still giving athletes and support crew areas to relax between activities.
Learn more about Berrima Retreat’s exclusive-use group accommodation.
Accommodation for 22–55 Rowers and Support Crew
Rowing clubs often travel with more than athletes. A group may include coaches, boat drivers, managers, officials, volunteers, parents and physiotherapy or support personnel.
Berrima Retreat accommodates groups of 22–55 guests.
The main house contains 11 bedrooms and sleeps up to 43 people. An optional North Wing provides four additional bedrooms and one bathroom when more capacity is required.
Beds can be configured as kings or singles, helping organisers accommodate couples and individual team members. Bed arrangements must be confirmed before the applicable preparation deadline.
The property also has six bathrooms, each with a toilet and shower, plus two bathtubs. Accessible downstairs areas include a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and lounge suitable for guests using walkers.
Before finalising room allocations, collect information about:
- Adult and junior athletes
- Coaches and team managers
- Couples and individual guests
- Accessibility requirements
- Early and late racing schedules
- Child-safety arrangements
- Medical needs
- Preferred bed configurations
Keeping everyone together makes arrivals, room allocations and morning departures easier to coordinate.
A Base for Regatta Weekends
Regatta days frequently involve early starts, equipment checks, crew briefings and strict arrival times. A central accommodation base can help reduce unnecessary complications.
A rowing club could use Berrima Retreat before or after:
- Regional regattas
- Club racing events
- School rowing events
- Masters competitions
- Development camps
- Selection trials
- Interstate travel
- Coaching programs
- Endurance training weekends
- Off-water team camps
Organisers should confirm the travelling time between Berrima Retreat and the relevant rowing venue before booking. Allow additional time for traffic, towing a boat trailer, parking and athlete check-in requirements.
Rowing NSW maintains competition information and regatta resources for clubs. Its club handbook brings together guidance concerning membership, affiliation, regatta entry, safety, governance and club responsibilities.
Always use the official event information supplied for the relevant regatta rather than relying on an estimated timetable.
Plan On-Water Training Separately
Berrima Retreat does not operate a rowing facility. The onsite dam and available kayaks should not be represented as suitable for rowing shells, crew training or formal rowing activities.
Clubs wishing to include on-water training must independently arrange:
- Access to an authorised waterway
- Permission from the relevant operator or land manager
- Suitable launching facilities
- Boat and equipment transport
- Safety boats
- Qualified supervision
- Weather monitoring
- Emergency procedures
- Insurance coverage
- Any required bookings or fees
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Berrima Retreat provides accommodation and onsite recreational facilities. Responsibility for rowing activities, equipment, supervision and water safety remains with the club.
Boat Trailers and Equipment Require Advance Approval
Rowing shells and their trailers require significantly more space than standard vehicles. Clubs must not assume that a boat trailer can be brought onto the property or stored onsite.
Before booking, provide Berrima Retreat with:
- The total length of the towing vehicle and trailer
- Trailer height and width
- Number and type of boats
- Required turning space
- Proposed arrival and departure times
- Security requirements
- Overnight storage requirements
- Number of additional support vehicles
- Any rigging or equipment-assembly plans
Berrima Retreat can then determine whether access and parking are practical.
Do not unload, rig, wash or store rowing equipment in an area that has not been specifically approved. Clubs should also consider whether it is simpler to keep boats at the relevant rowing venue and use Berrima Retreat only for accommodation.
Space for Team Meetings and Race Briefings
Rowing clubs need shared spaces to communicate effectively.
Berrima Retreat has a large events room that seats approximately 65 people. Depending on your proposed setup, the room may be suitable for:
- Crew briefings
- Regatta schedules
- Race-planning sessions
- Coxswain meetings
- Coaching workshops
- Club development sessions
- Safety presentations
- Nutrition discussions
- Committee meetings
- End-of-season awards
- Guest speakers
- Volunteer briefings
Multiple lounges and smaller communal areas may also be useful for separate crew discussions or private meetings between coaches and athletes.
Discuss the intended use of the events room and any presentation requirements before booking.
Use the Cinema for Race Review
Berrima Retreat’s private cinema room features an 85-inch screen, a sound system and blackout walls.
Subject to technical compatibility, rowing clubs could use the cinema to:
- Review race footage
- Analyse technique
- Discuss starts and finishes
- Examine crew timing
- Present course information
- Review previous regattas
- Deliver coaching presentations
- Watch rowing documentaries
- Enjoy a team film evening
The cinema gives the entire group a more comfortable viewing experience than gathering around a laptop.
Clubs should confirm device connections, internet requirements and any other technical needs before arriving.
Prepare Meals for Athletes and Support Crew
Feeding a rowing squad can be one of the most demanding parts of a team weekend.
Athletes may need an early breakfast, portable food for the regatta venue, snacks between races and a substantial evening meal. Coaches, volunteers and parents may also have different schedules.
Berrima Retreat has a commercial kitchen where the club or its chosen caterer can prepare meals. There is also a large dining area and additional group gathering spaces.
Options may include:
- Self-catering
- A roster shared between families
- Delivered catering
- A private chef
- Pre-prepared breakfasts
- Packed lunches
- Post-race recovery meals
- A team BBQ
- A wood-fired pizza evening
- An end-of-season dinner
Shared meals give the entire club time to reconnect after athletes have spent the day separated into crews, age groups or racing divisions.
Organisers should collect dietary requirements and allergy information well before the stay. Visit the Berrima Retreat catering page to explore the available options.
Recovery Between Training and Racing
A rowing weekend should include adequate time for athletes to rest.
Berrima Retreat has several communal and private areas where members can unwind between scheduled activities. Its group-friendly amenities include:
- A swimming pool
- Multiple lounges
- A private cinema
- Spacious lawns
- A firepit
- BBQ facilities
- Pool and table tennis
- Giant chess
- Cornhole
- Volleyball
- A basketball hoop
- Indoor games
- Sheep and alpacas
Kayaks may be available for recreational use under the applicable property rules and booking arrangements. Kayaking is separate from rowing training and should not be included in an athlete’s program without appropriate approval and supervision.
Athletes should follow the recovery, nutrition and activity guidance provided by their qualified coaches and health professionals.
Optional Wellness Activities
Clubs may also be able to arrange optional massage, yoga or Pilates services onsite.
A rowing group could consider:
- A gentle yoga session
- Guided mobility work
- Pilates
- Optional individual massage
- A relaxation session
- A low-intensity recovery activity
These services are separate additions and are not included automatically with accommodation.
Availability, suitability, participant consent, costs and timing must be confirmed directly with the relevant provider. Visit the wellness options page for further information.
Wellness services should not replace appropriate medical attention, physiotherapy or individual recovery plans.
Team Building Away From the Water
Rowers normally work closely within their own boats and squads. A retreat can create opportunities for the wider club to spend time together.
Onsite team-building options may include:
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Table tennis
- Pool
- Giant chess
- Cornhole
- Group cooking
- A film evening
- Committee workshops
- Club awards
- Social time around the firepit
- Relaxed activities on the lawns
These activities can bring together junior and senior rowers, coaches, volunteers and family members who may not normally interact during training.
The organiser remains responsible for supervision and for ensuring that every activity is appropriate for participants’ ages and abilities.
Suitable for Different Rowing Groups
Berrima Retreat may suit a range of rowing-related groups, including:
- Community rowing clubs
- School rowing programs
- University rowing clubs
- Masters rowing groups
- Junior development squads
- Representative crews
- Coastal rowing groups
- Learn-to-row program leaders
- Coaching teams
- Coxswain development groups
- Club committees
- Officials and volunteers
- Parents and supporter groups
The property may be used as an accommodation and meeting base even when rowing itself takes place at another venue.
This distinction should remain clear in all communications with participants.
Easy Access From Sydney and Canberra
Berrima Retreat is located in the Southern Highlands, approximately 90 minutes from Sydney and Canberra.
This makes it a potential meeting point for clubs and members travelling from:
- Sydney
- Canberra
- Wollongong
- The Southern Highlands
- The Illawarra
- Regional NSW
- The Australian Capital Territory
Clubs should calculate travel time to the actual rowing venue separately. Journey times may be considerably longer when towing boats or travelling during busy periods.
Berrima Retreat’s location also allows clubs to combine their sporting itinerary with time in historic Berrima and the surrounding Southern Highlands.
How to Plan a Rowing Club Stay
Prepare the following information before enquiring:
- Confirm the purpose of the stay. Decide whether it is for a regatta, training camp, planning weekend or celebration.
- Estimate guest numbers. Berrima Retreat accommodates 22–55 people.
- Choose preferred dates. Include alternatives where possible.
- Confirm the rowing venue. Do not assume that rowing will take place at Berrima Retreat.
- Calculate travel times. Consider traffic, early starts and boat trailers.
- Describe all vehicles and trailers. Supply accurate dimensions and obtain approval before arrival.
- Plan room allocations. Consider athletes, coaches, families and support personnel.
- Prepare the meal schedule. Account for different race and training times.
- Identify meeting requirements. Explain whether you need the events room or cinema.
- Confirm child-safety arrangements. Establish supervision and room-allocation procedures for junior athletes.
- Review water-safety requirements. Follow the current policies of the relevant governing body and venue.
- Plan for weather changes. Prepare an alternative schedule if water activities are cancelled.
- Discuss the complete itinerary with Berrima Retreat. Confirm which onsite arrangements are suitable before finalising the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rowing club members can stay at Berrima Retreat?
Berrima Retreat accommodates groups of 22–55 guests. The main house sleeps up to 43, while the optional North Wing provides four additional bedrooms and one bathroom.
Can rowing clubs train on the dam at Berrima Retreat?
The dam should not be promoted or treated as a rowing course. Clubs must arrange rowing training at an appropriate authorised waterway or rowing facility.
Can we bring rowing boats and a trailer?
Boat trailers and equipment require prior approval. Provide the complete dimensions, vehicle details and storage requirements before booking.
Is Berrima Retreat suitable for regatta accommodation?
It may provide a private accommodation base for rowing clubs attending events elsewhere. Organisers should calculate the distance to the relevant rowing venue before booking.
Does Berrima Retreat have space for team briefings?
The property has an events room seating approximately 65 people, along with multiple communal areas. Confirm your required setup before the stay.
Can our rowing club prepare its own meals?
Yes. Berrima Retreat has a commercial kitchen, dining areas, BBQ facilities and a wood-fired pizza oven. Clubs can self-cater or investigate external catering.
Is Berrima Retreat suitable for junior rowing squads?
It may suit junior teams when appropriate supervision, safeguarding, transport and room-allocation arrangements are in place. The club remains responsible for these requirements.
What can rowers do between scheduled activities?
Onsite facilities include a pool, cinema, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, pool, lawn games, communal areas and outdoor gathering spaces.
How far is Berrima Retreat from Sydney and Canberra?
Berrima Retreat is approximately 90 minutes from both Sydney and Canberra. Travel time to a specific rowing or regatta venue must be calculated separately.
Bring Your Rowing Club Together
The right accommodation can make a regatta weekend or team camp considerably easier to manage.
Berrima Retreat gives 22–55 rowers, coaches, officials and support crew a private Southern Highlands base where they can sleep, eat, meet and recover together.
If you are searching for rowing club accommodation in NSW, contact Berrima Retreat with your preferred dates, guest numbers, room requirements, proposed itinerary and details of any vehicles, trailers or equipment.