Sakya International Buddhist Academy (SIBA) Retreat Centre
SIBA Retreat Centre is a peaceful Buddhist retreat centre in East Gippsland, Victoria, offering a welcoming place for quiet reflection, meditation, and rest in a natural setting. Founded by Lama Choedak Rinpoche and formally opened and consecrated by His Eminence Chogye Trichen Rinpoche, SIBA is the perfect place for personal retreats and group retreats, as well as participation in guided retreat programs throughout the year.
Surrounded by bushland, gardens, orchards, and open space, SIBA provides the conditions for a restorative stay with comfortable accommodation, meditation facilities, vegetarian meals, and a calm, supportive atmosphere.
Personal retreats
SIBA offers the perfect environment for a personal retreat. Whether you are seeking silence, meditation, rest, or time away from everyday busyness, the natural setting, quiet accommodation, and contemplative atmosphere support individual practice and renewal. Personal retreat guests are welcome to contact SIBA to discuss suitable accommodation options and the best time to stay.
Group retreats
SIBA is also an ideal venue for group retreats. With large meditation halls, a dining room, a commercial kitchen, on-site accommodation, bush cabins, and camping space, the centre can support a range of retreat formats led by teachers, community groups, and visiting facilitators.
Organised retreats
Throughout the year, SIBA hosts a varied retreat program led mostly by Lama Choedak Rinpoche, together with residents and visiting teachers.
Annual retreats include:
- Calm Abiding Meditation (check dates here)
- White Tara in conjunction with the family retreat. This five-day retreat offers families the chance to enjoy a summer holiday with a difference in SIBA’s peaceful retreat environment (check dates here)
- Medicine Buddha (check dates here)
- Hevajra retreat (check dates here)
Residents and volunteers
SIBA is cared for by residents and dedicated volunteers who uphold the principles of peacefulness, service, and kindness, grounded in the Four Immeasurable qualities of Buddhist practice: loving-kindness (Mettā), compassion (Karuṇā), joy (Muditā), and equanimity (Upekkhā).
Facilities
SIBA is set on 108 acres of beautiful countryside, with an orchard, pastureland for rescued animals, and plenty of bushland and wildlife. The property includes three large meditation halls, the largest of which seats over 300 people, a spacious geodesic-domed dining room, and a commercial kitchen.
Accommodation
Ensuite rooms
Comfortable on-site ensuite accommodation is available in shared, single, double, twin and family configurations, with limited availability for some room types. During retreats, shared spaces are motel-style rooms with bunk beds, generally accommodating 2–4 people per room, with two rooms able to accommodate up to eight people. Please book early as availability is limited.
Wilderness cabins
Cabins provide a simple, quiet option that is especially suitable for solitary retreat, with kitchenette facilities and access to shared amenities.
Camping
Unpowered camping sites are available for tents and campervans, with access to toilets and hot showers.
Food
During retreats, vegetarian meals are served daily, with special dietary requirements catered for by prior arrangement.
Visitors often remark on the calm and restful atmosphere of the centre, and we welcome you for a retreat or short stay to experience SIBA’s peaceful surroundings and range of accommodation options.
What to bring and how to get here
For advice on what to take with you and how to get to SIBA, please visit this page for further information >>
Keep in Touch
If you would like to keep informed events at SIBA and in the East Gippsland area subscribe to our email updates.
Want to visit us at SIBA?
Please call us in advance to ensure that someone is available to welcome you – phone 03 5155 0329
Contact us:
SIBA Retreat Centre
2592 Gelantipy Rd
W Tree, Victoria, Australia 3885