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The Paleo Weekend – New Tickets Released!

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!

With just over three weeks left until Australia’s first Paleo Weekend, I’m delighted to announce two new tickets

Choose to come to Cockatoo Island for either the Saturday sessions for $145, the Sunday sessions for just $95 – or both days for $195!

Buy Tickets

These tickets are for the sessions only – but upgrades are available including all Paleo meals and overnight accommodation on the island!

Cockatoo Island Paleo Weekend

Saturdays Paleo Lectures will include:

  • Jamie Scott,
  • Dr Anastasia Boulais,
  • Julianna Taylor and
  • Dr. Ron Ehrlich
  • Fitness techniques, and
  • Max DeLacy on barefoot running

 

Sundays Paleo Lectures will include:

  • Monica Moore’s early morning yoga,
  • Kevin Bees on peak performance and achieving goals
  • Fitness techniques
  • Paleo Cooking demonstration, and
  • The role & impact of Agriculture and Farming
 
For full details – read the Paleo Weekend FAQs

Numbers are strictly limited, so secure your place today

What Made the Paleo Weekend Australia So Special?

The first ever Paleo Weekend in Australia was more than just a two-day event – it was the start of something much bigger. Hosted on Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour, the event brought together Paleo enthusiasts, practitioners, and curious newcomers for a truly immersive experience into ancestral health, real food, and natural movement.

Unlike typical health expos, the Paleo Weekend focused on depth over hype. With science-backed talks, practical demonstrations, nourishing meals, and a strong sense of community, it set a new standard for what a real food and wellness event could look like in Australia.

The Lead-Up to Paleo Weekend: Anticipation and Momentum

In the weeks leading up to the weekend, interest in the event exploded. With a growing Paleo community across Australia and New Zealand, it was clear that people were ready for something more than just online resources. They wanted to connect in person, ask questions face-to-face, and spend time with others who ‘got it’ when it came to bone broth, barefoot movement, and ditching seed oils.

The release of additional ticket types – offering more flexible access to either Saturday or Sunday sessions – was a game-changer. For many people, this made the event more accessible and gave them a chance to attend even if they couldn’t commit to the full weekend or overnight stays.

A Closer Look at the Saturday Line-Up

Saturday's programme was stacked with leading names in the Paleo and ancestral health world. Attendees enjoyed a full day of high-impact talks and hands-on sessions including:

  • Jamie Scott – Offering insights into nutrition and performance from an evolutionary perspective
  • Dr Anastasia Boulais – Sharing her clinical knowledge of Paleo as applied in healthcare
  • Julianna Taylor – Exploring functional fitness, especially for women
  • Dr Ron Ehrlich – Talking about oral health, stress, and systemic wellbeing through a holistic lens
  • Max DeLacy – Leading a barefoot running session, teaching natural gait and movement restoration

Saturday also included movement techniques, mobility drills, and opportunities for Q&A with the presenters – all designed to equip attendees with tools to implement Paleo living beyond the weekend itself.

Sunday’s Programme: From Cooking to Mindset

Sunday continued the momentum, focusing on integration and sustainability of the Paleo lifestyle. Highlights included:

  • Monica Moore’s early morning yoga session – Setting the tone with mindful movement
  • Kevin Bees – A compelling talk on mindset, goal setting, and how to stay motivated for long-term health success
  • Fitness workshops – Emphasising functional strength, mobility, and play-based exercise
  • Paleo cooking demonstrations – Showing just how delicious and practical Paleo meals can be
  • Agriculture & sustainability discussions – Offering important context on farming, food production, and ethical sourcing

Sunday was designed to tie together the foundational principles of Paleo – food, movement, rest, and community – and show how they work in real life. By the end of the weekend, most attendees had a game plan for applying these concepts in their own kitchens and communities.

Cockatoo Island: The Perfect Setting

The choice of Cockatoo Island was no accident. Set in the middle of Sydney Harbour, this UNESCO World Heritage site offered a unique backdrop – part history, part nature escape. The island’s rugged, industrial charm gave attendees the chance to step out of modern life and into something more primal. The views, fresh air, and sense of separation from the city helped set the tone for two days of reconnection, education, and reflection.

Some participants chose to stay overnight in tents or heritage-listed accommodation, adding a further immersive layer to the experience. Eating Paleo meals under the stars, sharing stories over kombucha, and waking up to the sounds of nature created a truly memorable weekend.

The Paleo Weekend Philosophy

At its core, the Paleo Weekend wasn’t just about food or fitness. It was about rediscovering a way of living that aligns with our biology – something modern life so often pulls us away from. The event championed:

  • Real food – Seasonal, local, ethical, and nutrient-dense
  • Natural movement – Playful, varied, and functional exercise
  • Sleep, sun, and stress reduction – The often-forgotten foundations of good health
  • Community and connection – Because health is about more than just the individual

These pillars were woven into every session, meal, and activity – creating a holistic, practical, and truly supportive environment.

Who Came to the Paleo Weekend?

One of the most exciting parts of the event was the diversity of attendees. People came from all across Australia (and even New Zealand) to take part. There were:

  • Health practitioners wanting a deeper understanding of Paleo principles
  • Fitness professionals exploring natural movement techniques
  • Busy parents looking for real food strategies for their families
  • Beginners curious about ancestral living
  • Long-time Paleo eaters hungry for inspiration and community

Everyone brought something different to the weekend – questions, experiences, ideas – and everyone left feeling enriched, empowered, and connected.

Will There Be Another Paleo Weekend?

If you’re reading this post and wondering if the next Paleo Weekend in Australia is happening soon – you’re not alone. The enthusiasm and feedback from the original event have made it clear that there’s demand for more.

Plans for a future weekend are in the works, though dates have not yet been finalised. It’s likely we’ll return with an updated format, new speakers, and fresh locations – possibly rotating across the country to bring the event to more communities. Locations under consideration include the Central Coast, Melbourne’s Dandenong Ranges, and Byron Bay.

Want to be the first to know? Be sure to sign up to the newsletter and you’ll receive advance notice as soon as future dates are confirmed.

What Past Attendees Are Saying

Here’s just a snippet of the feedback from those who attended the original Paleo Weekend:

“The best event I’ve ever attended – so much real value. I came home energised and ready to take charge of my health.” – Sarah, Brisbane

“Absolutely loved the cooking demos! I’ve already made the liver pate twice!” – James, Melbourne

“Meeting other Paleo people in real life made such a difference. I don’t feel like a weirdo anymore!” – Kristy, Sydney

Can’t Wait? Host a Local Meetup

If you missed the last Paleo Weekend and don’t want to wait for the next one, why not bring the community to you? Organising a local Paleo Meetup is a great way to connect with others, share ideas, and stay motivated. Whether it’s a picnic, walk, or potluck dinner, you’ll be surprised how many people in your area are also on the same journey.

If you’re not sure where to start, feel free to contact me – I’d love to help you get something off the ground in your area.

Final Thoughts on Paleo Weekend Australia

The Paleo Weekend wasn’t just an event – it was the beginning of something bigger. It proved that people are hungry (literally and figuratively) for deeper health, better food, and a return to community. From lectures to movement sessions to shared meals, it was a celebration of everything the Paleo lifestyle represents.

Were you there? I’d love to hear your memories in the comments below. And if you’re keen to attend the next one, make sure you're on the newsletter list – because trust me, the next Paleo Weekend is going to be even better.

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.

The 1st Australian Paleo Weekend!

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!

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!

I’ve got together some of the leading experts from this side of the World (including Jamie ScottDr Anastasia BoulaisJulianne Taylor and Dr Ron Ehrlich), to talk about all aspects of health, nutrition & fitness and to demonstrate and teach techniques to participants.  The Paleo Weekend will be held on 12th & 13th of May 2012, on Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour – an absolutely fantastic venue!  The weekend will be fully catered with an amazing Paleo menu.  There is also the exclusive option for a limited number of attendees to sleep on the island overnight, in pre-erected luxury tents (it doesn’t get much more Primal than that!).

The first Australian Paleo Weekend Event Conference Retreat Primal Sydney Australia Seminar Expo-min

Attendees will: –

·         Learn about Paleo nutrition and health
·         Have the opportunity to quiz the experts,
·         Learn through a demonstration session how to cook quick and healthy Paleo meals,
·         Learn how to get on the fast track to peak sporting performance, by opening the door to their mind
·         Learn barefoot running techniques
·         Enjoy an early morning yoga session on the harbour shore to kick start the day
·         Enjoy a social Paleo feast on the Saturday night with like-minded new friends
·         Have the unique opportunity to sleep on the island
·         Enjoy fantastic Paleo meals prepared for them
·         Enjoy a life changing Paleo Weekend in a unique venue like no other!

Sessions Include: –

Cookery Demonstration; learn how to cook quick and easy Paleo meals at home

Barefoot running technique

Early morning Yoga overlooking the harbour

Fitness techniques – learn how to improve your technique and fitness – details to be announced

Paleo Nutrition lectures – on a variety of topics to be announced soon

Paleo Health lectures – on a variety of topics to be announced soon

Learn how to achieve improved health results & how to get on the fast track to peak sporting performance, by opening the door to your mind

Ticket prices are currently on sale at an early bird discounted rate until 31st March.  

Numbers are strictly limited due to the island licensing – so book yours today to avoid missing out!

Read more about the Paleo Weekend

I can't wait to hear your thoughts about this exciting event!

For full details – read the Paleo Weekend FAQs

Paleo Comes to Australia – Are You In?

Those lucky Americans seem to have some sort of Paleo/ Primal/ Low Carb event in the United States almost every month. The Ancestral Health Symposium, the Paleo FX, PrimalCon and even a Low Carb Cruise. What about us down here in Australia and New Zealand?

If you were feeling left out, you needn't any more – Paleo is coming to Australia, soon!

I can’t wait to let you in on this! I'm going to share the details (and a special discount code) with those who've signed up to my newsletter, before I announce the details here…

I wish I could say more, but all will soon be revealed!

Are you in?

Attendees at a Paleo conference weekend in Sydney, celebrating the rise of Paleo events in Australia

Why Paleo Events Matter (Especially Down Under)

Paleo is so much more than a dietary choice – it’s a lifestyle shift that redefines how we move, rest, eat, and connect. But as exciting as the world of ancestral health is, it can also be incredibly isolating, especially in regions like Australia and New Zealand where in-person communities are few and far between.

That’s one of the reasons events like PrimalCon, Paleo f(x), and the Ancestral Health Symposium have become such huge highlights overseas. These aren’t just expos or lecture series – they’re immersive weekends where like-minded people come together to learn, eat, train, share, and connect in real life. Until now, we’ve largely watched them unfold from afar.

So it’s about time something changed – and it is.


What a Paleo Weekend Should Be

When I first began dreaming up a local Paleo weekend, I thought about what made the US events so powerful. The key, I realised, was the feeling of belonging. To sit down at a meal where you don’t have to explain why you’re avoiding grains. To do a barefoot sprint session without weird looks. To geek out about cold plunges or offal without anyone batting an eye.

My vision was clear: it had to be a weekend that welcomed everyone from the curious beginner to the full-blown barefoot liver-loving enthusiast. A weekend of hands-on learning, deep discussions, delicious Paleo-friendly food, and movement sessions that actually felt natural.


The Core Pillars of Our Aussie Paleo Event

So without giving too much away (yet!), here’s a peek into the kind of experience I’ve been curating behind the scenes – and why this event is designed to be so much more than just another health conference.

1. Nutrition Without Dogma

Whether you're into nose-to-tail eating, wild fermentation, or just trying to understand the basics of going grain-free, the food element of the weekend is going to be front and centre. But instead of rigid rules or one-size-fits-all advice, expect real talk from people who’ve lived and breathed Paleo for years.

Think live cooking demos, foraging tips, and panels on everything from dealing with unsupportive family to balancing modern work life with ancestral eating patterns. We’ll talk about food as nourishment, not fear – and celebrate the joy of eating in community.

2. Move Like a Human

One of the most exciting aspects will be the focus on movement – not gym workouts, but truly functional human movement. Inspired by modalities like MovNat and barefoot training, sessions will include things like:

  • Play-based mobility and animal flow
  • Natural movement hikes
  • Posture and barefoot running technique
  • Workshops on how to integrate movement into your work day

Because movement shouldn’t be punishment – it should feel like coming home to your body.

3. Connection and Community

Let’s face it – being the “weird one” who brings bone broth to work or skips birthday cake can get a little lonely. That’s why creating space for genuine connection is so crucial.

Expect group meals, fireside chats, breakout groups, and Q&A panels where you can share your wins and struggles – and hear how others are navigating the same path. This is the chance to build your tribe.


What to Expect (Without Spoiling the Surprise!)

Still can’t share everything (trust me, I want to!), but I can tell you this: the weekend is designed to be immersive. You’ll come away feeling informed, inspired, nourished, and more connected – not just to the community, but to your own health journey.

The event is not just for the ultra-disciplined or those with six-pack abs. It’s for real people – parents, professionals, students, athletes, and anyone who’s ever wondered if there’s a more natural, sustainable way to live.

There will be:

  • Guest speakers from across Australia’s Paleo and ancestral health scene
  • Delicious, fully Paleo meals and snacks catered for all attendees
  • Sunrise movement sessions, barefoot beach walks, and evening bonfires
  • Workshops on everything from gut health to stress regulation to biohacking on a budget
  • A few secret surprises I promise you’ll love

Why Now Is the Perfect Time

After the last few years, I think we’re all more aware than ever of the importance of community and health. Many of us have realised just how fragile our wellbeing can be when modern life keeps us chronically stressed, under-nourished, and disconnected.

This event is my way of pushing back against that – of saying it’s time to reclaim our health, on our terms. It’s time to get off the screens and back into nature. Time to eat together, laugh together, and learn from one another.

Whether you’re brand new to Paleo or have been on this path for a decade, there will be something here for you.


A Taste of What People Are Saying

Here’s what others have said when asked what they’d love to see at a Paleo weekend event:

“I’d love a chance to learn to cook Paleo meals that don’t take an hour of prep and cost $50 in ingredients.”
– Rachel, Sydney

“I’ve been Paleo for years but my partner isn’t. I'd love a session on how to live with someone who eats totally differently!”
– Mike, Brisbane

“Please include tips for busy people – like how to pack Paleo lunches or travel without falling off the wagon.”
– Lara, Melbourne

“I’m hoping for some real community. Online groups are great, but I want to meet people in person who ‘get it’.”
– Sam, Perth

Sound like something you’d love too?


Sign Up to Be First in the Know

I’ll be sharing all the juicy details – the dates, the location, the speakers, the ticket info – with my newsletter subscribers first. There’ll even be a cheeky early bird discount, but it’ll be limited to those on the email list.

So if you're even thinking about coming, sign up now. This is going to be the kind of weekend you remember years later – not because of a lecture or a PowerPoint, but because of the people you met, the food you ate, and the way you felt when it was all over.


Join the Movement

Australia has a passionate, growing Paleo community – and now’s the time for us to gather, celebrate, learn, and evolve together. No matter where you are on your health journey, I hope you’ll consider joining me for this very special weekend.

So…

Are you in?

👉 Sign up to the newsletter now to be the first to know when we drop the details.