Crystal Waters Eco Village
Australia’s Premier Permaculture Community
A Pioneering Ecovillage
Crystal Waters is one of the world’s first permaculture villages, designed using permaculture principles in the mid-1980s and officially established in 1988.
Located at the headwaters of the Mary River, just 26km from Maleny in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hinterland, the village demonstrates sustainable living in harmony with nature.
- 85 private residential lots
- 200+ hectares of commonly owned land
- Natural waterways and wildlife habitats
- Organic gardens and food forests
- Renewable energy systems
- Community facilities and businesses
What is Permaculture?
Definition & Core Ethics
Permaculture is an approach to land management and settlement design that adopts arrangements observed in flourishing natural ecosystems. It includes a set of design principles derived using whole-systems thinking to create regenerative systems that are ecologically sound and economically viable.
The Three Ethics of Permaculture
Provision for all life systems to continue and multiply. This is the first ethic because without a healthy planet, humans cannot flourish.
Provision for people to access resources necessary for their existence. By taking care of people, we can work together to heal and regenerate our planet.
Setting limits to consumption and reproduction, and redistributing surplus. By sharing resources fairly, we ensure sustainability for future generations.
The 12 Permaculture Design Principles
Thinking tools for creative redesign of our environment and behavior.
About the Permaculture Design Course
Course Overview
The Permaculture Design Course (PDC) at Crystal Waters is a transformative educational experience that equips you with the knowledge and skills to design sustainable living systems based on permaculture principles.
Internationally Recognised – Upon successful completion, you’ll receive an internationally recognised Permaculture Design Certificate, allowing you to practise permaculture design or apply the principles in multiple ways.
“The PDC at Crystal Waters was a pivotal experience in my life. Learning permaculture from those who live it daily in one of the world’s first permaculture villages was invaluable. I left with practical skills and a supportive community that continues to inspire me.”
Who Can Join?
- Beginners with no prior knowledge
- Experienced gardeners seeking deeper understanding
- Professionals looking to integrate sustainability
- Community leaders and educators
Career Applications
The skills and knowledge acquired can be applied in various professional fields.
Course Format
- 2-week intensive course
- Combines theory and practice in a living permaculture village
- Morning Sessions: Theory, principles, and design concepts
- Afternoon Workshops: Practical applications and hands-on learning
- Site Visits: Exploring functional permaculture systems
- 80 hrs course duration
- 50+ years combined instructor expertise
- 500+ PDC graduates worldwide
Join a global network of permaculture practitioners!
Course Structure & Topics
- Permaculture Ethics & Principles: Foundation concepts of Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share, and the 12 design principles
- Soil & Land Management: Building soil fertility, erosion control, composting, and no-till approaches
- Food Production Systems: Forest gardens, annual and perennial crops, animal systems, and food preservation
- Natural Building: Sustainable construction techniques, natural materials, and ecological design
- Design Methods & Processes: Techniques for site analysis, mapping, zoning, and creating integrated designs
- Water Systems & Management: Water harvesting, conservation strategies, greywater systems, and aquaculture
- Energy Systems: Renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, passive solar design, and appropriate technology
- Social Permaculture: Community building, decision-making, economics, and sustainable social systems
Learning Journey
- Week 1: Foundations – Core concepts, observational skills, and design fundamentals
- Week 2: Application – Practical implementation, real-world design projects, and hands-on skills
- Final Project & Certification – Design presentation and international PDC certification
Teaching Approach
- Daily morning theory sessions followed by afternoon hands-on activities
- Small group design exercises and collaborative problem-solving
- Field trips to local permaculture sites and real-world examples
- Interactive sessions with Crystal Waters residents and permaculture pioneers
- Final design project applying principles to your own property or chosen site
Lead Instructors & Facilitators
Robin Clayfield
Permaculture Pioneer & Social Dynamics Expert
- Living at Crystal Waters for over 34 years
- Specialises in Social Permaculture, creative facilitation, and group leadership
- 38+ years of experience, taught hundreds of courses
- Author of “You Can Have Your Permaculture and Eat It Too”
- Dynamic Groups, Dynamic Learning methodology creator
Max Lindegger
Master Designer & Village Architect
- Designer of ecological communities with 40+ years experience
- Key designer of Crystal Waters Permaculture Village
- Participated in the first Permaculture courses with Bill Mollison
- Consulted in over 60 countries worldwide
- Pioneering permaculture teacher since 1979
Annaliese Hordern
Permaculture Educator & Sustainability Expert
- Dedicated permaculture educator at Crystal Waters
- Brings innovative approaches to sustainable design and regenerative living
- Specialist in regenerative design practices
- Community permaculture project facilitator
Learn from those who don’t just teach permaculture—they live it daily in one of the world’s first permaculture villages.
Practical Learning Experience
Learning Environment
- 15:1 Student–Teacher Ratio
- Peer Learning
Hands-On Activities
- Garden Design: Food forests & gardens
- Water Systems: Swales & irrigation
- Soil Building: Compost & fertility
- Food Preservation
- Natural Building: Sustainable construction
“Learning permaculture at Crystal Waters isn’t just about theory—it’s about experiencing sustainable systems in a living community that has been practising these principles for decades.”
“The best way to learn permaculture is by doing permaculture.”
Registration & Contact Information
Course Fees
- Early-Bird Rate: $2,350 (Includes pre-learning material if you book early)
- Regular Course Fee: $2,450
What’s Included:
- Comprehensive course materials
- All meals during the course
- Site visits and hands-on workshops
- Internationally recognised certificate
Accommodation Options
Accommodation fees are additional to course costs. Please inquire for current rates.
Contact Us
- Email: permaculture@crystalwaters.org.au
- Phone/SMS: 0429 455 200
- Website: crystalwaters.org.au
- Location: Crystal Waters Permaculture Village, 65 Kilcoy Lane, Conondale, Queensland, Australia 4552