AGW – Saltbush, Balnarring Beach (1–3 May 2026) – Participant Seat

Acoustic Guitar Weekend

Saltbush, Balnarring Beach
Friday 1 – Sunday 3 May 2026

Join guitar legends Nick Charles and Geoff Achison for an intimate acoustic guitar weekend at Saltbush, Balnarring Beach, with special guest contributions from master luthier Andy Allen and Australian music industry legend Sam See.

This three-day residential weekend brings together hands-on workshops, live performances, shared meals, and informal music-making in a relaxed, supportive environment. Designed for guitarists who value learning, listening, and connection, the weekend balances structured sessions with time to absorb ideas at your own pace.

Please select your attendance package

Choose your accommodation option using the selector above.

• Single room: One person in a private room, full participation in all sessions
• Twin share: One person sharing a twin room, full participation in all sessions (sold per person)
• Commute: Full participation in workshops and meals, no overnight accommodation

Twin share note: Twin share places are sold per person. Rooms are allocated by the organisers. If you are attending with a friend and wish to share, please note this during checkout.

Inclusions for participating attendees

• Accommodation for two nights (Single or Twin Share options)
• Welcome dinner on Friday evening
• Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday
• Lunch on Saturday and Sunday
• Dinner on Saturday evening
• Continuous tea and coffee throughout Saturday and Sunday
• All workshops and plenary sessions with Nick Charles and Geoff Achison
• Small group workshops and full group sessions
• Live performances by musicians in residence
• After-dinner presentation and performance on Saturday evening featuring Sam See
• Informal open playing and shared music sessions
• Guitar clinic session with master guitar builder Andy Allen
• Access to venue facilities throughout the weekend

(The Commute option includes all workshops and meals listed above but does not include accommodation.)

Our presenters

The weekend is led by experienced musicians and educators, supported by guest contributors who add depth and perspective to the program.

Nick Charles
One of Australia’s most respected acoustic guitarists, Nick brings decades of experience as a performer, composer, and educator. His sessions focus on musical understanding, arrangement, rhythm, and expressive playing.

Geoff Achison
Widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest blues and roots guitarists, Geoff offers deep insight into phrasing, tone, and musical storytelling shaped by a lifetime of performance.

Andy Allen
Visit his Facebook page.
Master guitar builder Andy Allen presents a dedicated guitar clinic session, sharing insights into instrument construction, tone, setup, and what players can listen for in a fine acoustic guitar.

Sam See
Highly regarded Australian musician Sam See contributes an after-dinner presentation and performance on Saturday evening, drawing on decades of experience in the Australian music industry.

The program

The weekend follows a carefully structured but relaxed program, allowing time for focused learning as well as informal interaction.

• Full group sessions and small group workshops
• Hands-on demonstrations and guided discussion
• Opportunities for listening, observation, and shared exploration
• Evening performances and informal music sessions

Weekend outline

• Friday
  Arrival during the afternoon, welcome dinner, orientation session, and opening music.
• Saturday
  Morning and afternoon workshops, free time for practice or rest, dinner, followed by an evening presentation and performance.
• Sunday
  Final workshops, group session, shared lunch, and departure.

The venue: Saltbush, Balnarring Beach

Saltbush Balnarring Beach is a purpose-built retreat centre located among coastal bushland on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

The venue offers comfortable accommodation, communal dining spaces, and dedicated workshop areas in a quiet natural setting well suited to immersive learning and relaxed conversation.

Learn more about Saltbush Balnarring Beach

Refund policy

• Full refund for cancellations made 30 days or more before the event
• 50% refund for cancellations made between 14 and 30 days before the event
• No refund for cancellations made less than 14 days before the event

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing. Full details will be provided in your confirmation email.

(Please note that orders are fulfilled by our event partners, Space Melbourne via PayPal. Your receipts and statement entries will refer to Space Melbourne)