Have You Booked The Paleo Weekend Yet?

Note: This is an old post – the next weekend has not yet been finalised, but please sign up to my newsletter if you are interested in the next event!

JUST ANNOUNCED! Limited number of seminar only tickets for the Paleo Weekend; $145 for Saturday/ $95 Sunday or $195 both days!

I'm very excited to announce the first Paleo weekend in the Southern Hemisphere will be held on 12th & 13th May, 2012 on the beautiful Cockatoo Island, in Sydney Harbour.

Whether you've been living a Paleo lifestyle for a while, have been interested but are yet to dip your toes in – or are looking for a way to finally improve your health and fitness – this is the weekend for you! To secure your place, buy your ticket today!

For full details – read the Paleo Weekend FAQs

What Was the Paleo Weekend All About?

The first ever Paleo Weekend in the Southern Hemisphere, held on 12th & 13th May 2012, was truly a milestone moment for the ancestral health community in Australia. Hosted on the iconic Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour, this immersive event brought together like-minded people from across the country who shared one common goal: to live better, healthier lives using the principles of the Paleo lifestyle.

Whether you were already living Paleo, just starting out, or simply curious about what it all involved, this weekend offered a chance to learn, share, and connect. It was more than just a seminar – it was a full experience in living, moving, and eating the ancestral way.

The Unique Setting: Cockatoo Island

There couldn’t have been a more fitting location for this event than Cockatoo Island. With its rich industrial history, panoramic harbour views, and the distinct sense of stepping away from the hustle of modern life, the island gave attendees the perfect space to unplug and fully immerse themselves in the Paleo lifestyle – even if only for the weekend.

Some chose to ferry in for the day, while others camped overnight or stayed in the island’s heritage accommodation. Meals, talks, workshops, and movement sessions all took place with the backdrop of the Sydney skyline and the gentle lapping of the harbour – a true blend of nature, nourishment, and knowledge.

Who Attended the Paleo Weekend?

The Paleo Weekend attracted a broad mix of people – from health practitioners and personal trainers, to busy parents, students, and even complete newcomers who had never heard of bone broth or fermented veg. It was this diversity that made the weekend so special. Everyone brought their own stories, questions, and energy to the event, making it a shared learning experience for all involved.

Many attendees came alone but left with new friends, accountability partners, or even future collaborators. The sense of community was tangible. It reminded everyone that while Paleo may go against mainstream nutrition advice, none of us are truly doing this alone.

Highlights From the Event

Although the original Paleo Weekend ran over a decade ago, the energy and insights shared at the event remain as relevant as ever. Here are some of the standout features from that weekend:

Expert Talks: Presentations from well-known figures in the Paleo world, sharing cutting-edge research on nutrition, movement, and ancestral health.
Cooking Demonstrations: Live demos on how to make staples like bone broth, liver pâté, cauliflower rice, and fermented vegetables – the kind of practical tips that make a real difference.
Fitness Workshops: Natural movement sessions, mobility drills, and barefoot running basics offered participants a chance to move in ways our ancestors would recognise.
Community Meals: Sitting down to nutrient-dense, lovingly prepared Paleo meals together made it easier to ask questions, share ideas, and build relationships.
Sunshine, Sleep, and Simplicity: Being outdoors, moving regularly, and focusing on real food created the perfect environment to reconnect – not just with nature, but with ourselves.

Common Questions About the Paleo Weekend

If you missed the original event, or are considering attending a future one, here are some frequently asked questions:

Was the event suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. Many attendees were at the very beginning of their Paleo journey. The event was designed to be inclusive, informative, and non-judgemental – perfect for anyone ready to make a positive change in their life.

What topics were covered?

The weekend covered a broad range of topics, including:

The science behind Paleo nutrition
Meal planning and prepping Paleo on a budget
Gut health, fermentation, and immunity
The psychology of lifestyle change and habit formation

Were kids and families welcome?

Yes! One of the great things about the Paleo Weekend was its family-friendly atmosphere. Children were welcome, and many parents appreciated the chance to learn how to nourish the whole family through real food.

What Makes a Paleo Weekend So Special?

While there are plenty of health expos and wellness festivals out there, what sets the Paleo Weekend apart is its focus on a holistic, ancestral approach to wellbeing. It's not about gimmicks or trendy products. It’s about getting back to basics – sleep, movement, connection, sun, and real, nutrient-dense food.

It’s also about stepping away from screens and distractions. By spending a full weekend immersed in this lifestyle, many attendees found clarity, renewed energy, and inspiration to make sustainable changes at home.

Looking Ahead: Will There Be Another Paleo Weekend?

While the next Paleo Weekend hasn’t yet been announced, there is a strong possibility it will return – especially with the resurgence of interest in ancestral health, gut-friendly eating, and natural living across Australia and New Zealand.

If you’re keen to be among the first to hear about future dates, sign up for the newsletter. That way, you’ll get advance notice when tickets go on sale – and, potentially, access to early bird pricing and special offers.

Future events are likely to include more hands-on workshops, speaker panels, and optional wellness experiences like cold exposure, breathwork, or guided forest walks. We’re also exploring locations beyond Sydney – perhaps the Central Coast, Byron Bay, or even regional Victoria.

How to Create Your Own Paleo Weekend at Home

While there’s nothing quite like the real event, you can recreate some of the magic of the Paleo Weekend in your own home. Here’s how:

Switch off your devices and spend the weekend screen-free.
Plan your meals ahead – make a batch of bone broth, grill grass-fed meat, prep a salad, and roast some sweet potato.
Get outside – walk barefoot, hike a trail, or just lie in the sun for a while.
Do a natural movement session – crawl, squat, jump, hang from a tree branch. Reconnect with your body.
Read or listen – choose a book or podcast from the Paleo world and spend time learning something new.
Connect – invite a friend over for a slow-cooked Paleo dinner or host a potluck with other real food enthusiasts.

Want to Host a Paleo Event in Your Area?

If you're passionate about ancestral health and love the idea of bringing people together, why not consider hosting a small local event? It could be as simple as a Sunday picnic, a fermented foods workshop, or a morning walk and coffee meetup with like-minded locals.

Reach out via the contact page or drop a comment below if you're interested in tips or co-hosting opportunities. Let’s grow this movement from the ground up – one local event at a time.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, the 2012 Paleo Weekend marked a turning point for many of us in the Australian ancestral health community. It brought together a diverse group of people united by a desire to live better – not through restriction or fads, but through real food, mindful movement, and a return to what makes us human.

If you were there, I’d love to hear your memories! And if you missed it, don’t worry – this is just the beginning. With your support and enthusiasm, the Paleo Weekend will rise again, stronger than ever.

Make sure you’re on the mailing list, stay tuned, and get ready to be part of something amazing.