Barbara Lutze hosts every Once Were Wild Travel journey together with Adele Gruber. Spontaneous, generous and full of life, based in Maleny in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
We are Adele and Barbara - friends, collaborators, travel buddies, and hosts. Barbara brings the spark - spontaneous, generous, and full of life. Based in the stunning hills of Maleny where we also welcome guests to our bespoke cottage accommodation, we bring decades of experience to every journey we design.
The Creative Tasting Menu | Dates:: November 22 - 27, 2026
A creative immersion for beginners in Maleny, nestled in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland just 90 km's north of Brisbane. Designed for women seeking hands-on curiosity and beautiful connections with zero pressure to be an expert, this all-inclusive experience will unlock your inner artist. Every detail is meticulously handled, from boutique accommodation and chef-prepared gourmet meals paired with fine wine, to seamless workshop transfers, guided walks, and local sightseeing. We also offer a local resident option, as detailed in the section below.
The Artisan Taster | Dates:: November 29 - December 1, 2026
A creative escape for beginners in Maleny, nestled in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, just 90 km's North of Brisbane. Designed for women seeking a refreshing blend of hands-on curiosity and beautiful connections, this all-inclusive 2-night retreat features two half-day sessions and one full day of creative play. A dedicated women's retreats blending structured artistic sessions and shared laughter with total rejuvenation. We also offer a local resident option, details in the section below.
A premier women’s group travel experience, this ultimate 5-night 4WD odyssey journeys from the Sunshine Coast to the untouched paradise of North Stradbroke Island (Straddie). Travelling in high-clearance 4WDs, you will witness the breathtaking transition from coastal sand highways and ancient tea-tree lakes to pristine marine gorge walks and rich First Nations heritage.
Crisp morning air, award-winning wines, and zero rush. Join us for a 4-night women-only retreat in Stanthorpe where the itinerary is beautifully balanced. Wake up to scenic morning walks through spectacular granite landscapes, followed by leisurely wine-tastings, and unhurried afternoons. It’s the ultimate slow-travel escape designed to fill your cup and soothe your soul.
Step away from the everyday and into the vast beauty of the Australian outback. This 14-night women-only slow-travel tour from Maleny to Cairns is an invitation to reconnect with your wild side at your own pace. Together, we’ll conquer premium trails in Carnarvon Gorge, explore the subterranean mysteries of the Undara lava tubes, and marvel at Porcupine Gorge National Park, all woven together by effortless, relaxed road trips designed for comfort and shared laughter.
A premier women’s group travel experience, this ultimate 13-night odyssey journeys from the lush tropics of Townsville back to the iconic, rolling green ridges of the Maleny hinterland. This spectacular expedition captures the breathtaking transition from ancient rainforests and the sun-drenched Whitsundays down to hidden sub-tropical beaches and pristine mountain ranges.
Ready to discover the island at the edge of the world? Join us for an unforgettable 14-night East Coast Tasmanian adventure designed exclusively for women. We’ve woven together a slow-paced itinerary that seamlessly balances invigorating coastal wilderness walks with long, lazy lunches. From wandering through charming heritage towns to tasting exceptional local produce right from the source, it is a sensory journey through Tasmania’s unique beauty and wild heart.
Step into a world of ancient rainforests, misty mountain peaks, and timeless heritage. This curated 2-week women-only tour invites you to experience the dramatic soul of North and West Tasmania. Walk beneath the jagged peaks of Cradle Mountain, stand at the edge of the world in Strahan, and wander the storied streets of Stanley and Richmond. Beginning in Launceston, this slow-travel journey seamlessly blends breath-taking wilderness exploration with cozy, boutique stays and the region's finest seasonal produce.
Ready to explore the spectacular edge of WA? Join our 14-night women’s slow-travel tour from Fremantle to Albany. This incredible itinerary traces the very best of the South West, blending the premium wine culture of the Margaret River with the deep green magic of the Pemberton and Walpole karri forests. With stunning coastal stops in Denmark and a grand finale in historic Albany, you'll experience a perfect mix of wilderness walks, culinary indulgences, and boutique comfort.
Ready for the ultimate frontier escape? Join our exclusive 14-night women’s tour exploring the spectacular Southern Edge and Golden Outback. Journeying from Albany to the pristine shores of Bremer Bay and the wild expanses of Fitzgerald River National Park, this itinerary showcases WA's rawest beauty. From the blindingly white sands of Esperance to the ancient wonder of Wave Rock in Hyden and the otherworldly Pinnacles near Lancelin, this slow-travel loop concludes in vibrant Perth, offering an unforgettable mix of coastal wonders, outback magic, and boutique comfort.
Step out of the noise and into the rainforest, or beyond.
Tell us about your guest profile and dream holiday.
Common questions
What fitness level is required?
Because the two of us personally guide every tour together, you get the ultimate peace of mind. Two guides mean total flexibility. You never have to worry about "keeping up" or missing out. If half the group wants to tackle a long, challenging hike, one of us will lead the way. If the other half prefers a gentle beach walk and a swim, the other guide is right there with them. We divide our team, but we never conquer your autonomy. You get to choose your own pace, every single day.
Where are you based on the Sunshine Coast?
Our Location & Local Connection We are proudly based in Maleny , nestled in the beautiful Sunshine Coast hinterland of Queensland. This tranquil region serves as the home base for our signature creative retreats and is the official starting point for many of our women-only tours across Queensland. We firmly believe in supporting our community. In addition to partnering with talented local artisans, we own and operate two premier boutique accommodation properties right here in the hinterland: Lillypilly’s Country Cottages and Cottage in the Woods . Tour Departures: Many of our curated Queensland journeys begin right here in the hinterland before exploring further afield. Fine Dining: Our retreat and tour ladies staying with us will enjoy exclusive access to our qualified executive chef, who prepares exquisite, tailored meals. Artisan Partnerships: We collaborate closely with local creatives to bring unique, hands-on workshops and regional flavours straight to your retreat experience.
What our travellers say
We travelled with Adele and Barbara on an amazing trip through South America, taking us through Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador to the magnificent Galápagos Islands. Adele put months of detailed planning into the trip and had thought of everything — accommodation, transport, flights, wonderful places to eat and experiences along the way. Everything was so well organised that once we were there, there was very little to worry about. We could simply enjoy the adventure, with the freedom to join in with experiences or do our own thing. Two absolute highlights were the unforgettable horse trek through t
Have been on many adventures with Barbara and Adele which are always fun and fascinating. Have spent time being escorted around Straddie, have stayed in luxury in Switzerland and have enjoyed being wined, dined and driven. So easy and relaxing with just the right amount of excitement and adventure. Always come back happy and fulfilled having really ‘seen’ these wonderful locations. Spending time making real connections with like minded women is something I forgot how important it is for the soul. I wait to join them on more of these amazing tailored and unique journeys.
ADELE TOOK ME TO MEXICO!!! I trusted her completely …airfares, accommodation, tours, and restaurants. What a wonderful experience. We went to Chapultepec Castle overlooking the city, that was a highlight for me to feel such history, then onto the markets. In the evening we had a tour of the city, we entered buildings and cathedrals that were built hundreds of years ago, looking at the architecture and gold fittings with the most exquisite tiles. So, so special. One of the most incredible experiences was hearing the drums in the distance as we approached one of the many squares, every Saturday