Australian Retreats

New South Wales – Australian Retreats

Sydney - Anderledy Lodge
The Sisters of St Joseph offer accommodation to tourists and pilgrims at their conveniently situated guesthouse in North Sydney, not far from the Sydney Harbour Bridge and with easy transport connections to the city. Accommodation packages are available and bookings are essential. Continental breakfast and free car parking are provided. Mary Mackillop Place is nearby where guests can visit the tomb of Mary Mackillop, as well as the museum and bookshop and enjoy a cappuccino in the Sister's café.

Anderledy Lodge
80 William Street
North Sydney NSW 2060
Tel: (02) 8912 4800
Email: Anderledy.Reservations@sosj.org.au
Website: www.anderledylodge.org.au

Borenore - The Borenore Convent
The Old Borenore Convent was established by the Josehphite nuns, well known as the order founded by Australia’s first saint, Mary MacKillop. The original 1870s convent building is now self contained accommodation. As well there is a small flat which would suit 2 people. The Old Convent has an enviable reputation for serving fine Aussie food. Rack of lamb and salmon and Potato Pie are usually on the (small) menu along with a selection of home baked cakes and desserts. The old 1890's convent church is used for functions. Last year the local Catholic church organised a Mass in the church to which over 200 people turned up.

The Old Convent
Convent Lane
Borenore NSW 2080
Tel: + 61 (0)2 6365 2420
Email: oldconvent@bigpond.com
Website: www.oldconvent.com.au

The Old Convent, Borenore © www.nigella.com

Cobargo - Old Cobargo Convent
The Old Convent B&B is within walking distance of the historic village of Cobargo. Built in 1917 the Old Cobargo Convent is furnished with antiques with French doors leading onto the verandahs. All 3 guestrooms have private facilities. Separate to the convent is the Old School House which is fully self-contained with 3 guestrooms, open fireplace and an old fashioned clawfoot bath. The Old Schoolhouse is dog friendly and has a large fully fenced yard. A hearty breakfast of freshly baked bread, homemade jam, yoghurt and fresh fruit salad is served on the verandah – mountain views are also included.

The Old Cobargo Convent
Wandella Road
Cobargo NSW 2550 Australia
Tel/Fax: + 61 (0)2 6493 6419
Email: oldconvent@asitis.net.au
Website: www.cobargoconvent.com.au

Old Cobargo Convent © Diane & Bob Saunders

Jamberoo - Jamberoo Benedictine Abbey
The Benedictine sisters of Jamberoo Abbey were the subject of the ABC television series The Abbey, in which cameras documented the experiences of five women living the life of a Benedictine nun for five weeks. The Abbey is situated in beautiful mountainous bushland in the Southern Highlands, 110 kilometres south of Sydney. Comfortable, self-contained cottages are available for those who wish to make a retreat or spend some quiet days.

Jamberoo Benedictine Abbey
Cottage Bookings
695 Jamberoo Mountain Road
Jamberoo NSW 2533
Tel: (02) 4236 0533
Fax: (02) 4236 0533
Email: cottageretreats@bigpond.com
Website: www.jamberooabbey.org.au

Narooma - La Salle Motel & Conference Centre
The La Salle Motel and Conference Centre is run by the De La Salle brothers who offer motel style accommodation to tourists and the general traveller as well as to those looking for peace, quiet and relaxation. Twin, double and family rooms are available with en suites, tea and coffee making facilities, television, air conditioning and a hair dryer. Beautifully located near white sandy beaches and within walking distance of the seaside town of Narooma, there is much to do in the surrounding area. Activities include whale watching excursions, fishing, wine tasting, golfing and bush walking. The historic town of Tilba and the famous Bega cheese factory are nearby. Pack the swimming gear! And pets are welcome.

La Salle Motel & Conference Centre
153 Princes Hwy Narooma NSW 2546
Tel: (02) 4476 0000
Fax: (02) 4476 0011
Email: sales@lasallemotel.com.au
Website: www.lasallemotel.com

Stroud – The Monastery Stroud
The sisters of the Anglican Community of St Clare came to live and work at The Monastery in Stroud in the mid 1970s. After some years and with the assistance of the local parishioners a new monastery, meeting centre and a guesthouse were erected. However, in March 2000 the Sisters of St Clare decided they could no longer maintain community life in Stroud and moved to another location. The Monastery, meeting centre and guesthouse are now available for rent, for short-term stays, either in connection with The Monastery or for short breaks and holidays. The Monastery is in a quiet, peaceful location and has 24 individual guestrooms and a large kitchen. The Guest house sleeps 9 to 10 and a large hall has a commercial kitchen. The complex is run by the Friends of The Monastery for use as a gathering place for workshops, retreats and functions. The adjacent Stroud County Club is open for meals.

The Monastery
Bucketts Way Stroud NSW 2425
Tel: (02) 4969 0000
Email: stroud@samaritans.org.au
http://www.angdon.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Stroud%20Monastery.pdf

© Stroud Monastery

Stroud – The Hermitage of St Bernadine of Sienna
The Hermitage is occupied by Anglican Franciscan Brothers who are members of the Society of St Francis. The Hermitage is a haven of peace, set in 20 acres of bushland, just 3 kilometres outside of Stroud, 80 km north of Newcastle, NSW. The Brothers invite guests for prayer, study, reflection and retreat for up to one week. Guests may join in religious services with the Brothers, though there is no obligation to do so. The Hermitage guest house has 4 single rooms with shared bathroom facilities. Overnight guests take meals with the Brothers. The Brothers have no set charge for accommodation but suggest an average of $50.00 per person per night would allow them to cover costs.

The Hermitage of St Bernadine of Sienna
Buckett’s Way Stroud, NSW 2425
Tel: (02) 4994 5372
Fax: (02) 4994 5572
www.franciscan.org.au/the-hermitage-stroud

© Society of St Francis

Wangi Wangi – Anawim Retreat Centre
Anawim Prayer and Retreat Centre, a ministry of the Sisters of St Joseph, Lochinvar, is situated on the Wangi Wangi peninsula on the western shores of Lake Macquarie, near Newcastle and the New South Wales Central Coast.  The natural beauty and quiet of the surroundings encourage relaxation and reflection, while the lakeshore and nearby bushland reserve provide opportunities for easy walking.  A ten metre swimming pool is available for exercise and relaxation.  Anawim provides single accommodation for 6, shared accommodation for 8, and a self-contained hermitage.

Anawim Prayer and Retreat Centre
16 Wangi Point Road
Wangi Wangi N.S.W. 2267.
Tel: (02) 4975 1436
Fax: (02) 4975 3831            
e-mail: jflynn@hunterlink.net.au
Website: www.ssjl.org.au          

Western Australia – Australian Retreats

New Norcia
New Norcia is Australia's only monastic town, and is situated 130 kilometres north of Perth. The town was established by monks of the Benedictine Order, who offer hospitality to those wishing to make a retreat, by way of their monastery guesthouse. Guests can celebrate Mass with the monks and join in prayers in their private chapel. Meals and car parking are available. Separate visitor accommodation is available in the New Norcia Hotel, St Ildephonsus' Cottage, St Gertrude’s Cottage and the Old Convent for families and small groups of up to 30 people. Take home some delicious New Norcia Nutcake from the New Norcia bakehouse!

New Norcia Benedictine Guesthouse and Hotel
New Norcia WA 6509
Tel: (08) 9654 8002
Fax: (08) 9654 8097
Email: guesthouse@newnorcia.wa.edu.au
Website: www.newnorcia.wa.edu.au

South Australia – Australian Retreats

Sevenhill - Sevenhill Retreat Centre
The Sevenhill Retreat Centre is part of an extensive rural estate burrowed into the rolling green hills of the Clare Valley. The Jesuit owned Sevenhill Vineyard and Cellars, the oldest winery in South Australia, forms part of the complex. This peaceful place is open to those of all faiths (and none) for days of silent meditation and live-in retreats of up to 30 days. All meals are served and car parking is available.

Sevenhill Retreat Centre
Sevenhill SA 5453
Tel: (08) 8843 4062
Fax: (08) 8843 4235
Email: sevenhill@cis.jesuit.org.au
Website: www.cis.jesuit.org.au

Queensland – Australian Retreats

Canungra - St Joseph's Hermitage
Nestled in a national park amongst vineyards, dairy farms and banana plantations, the Shrine of Our Lady Help of Christians is a hidden treasure. The Pauline Fathers welcome pilgrims for retreats, daily Mass (sometimes celebrated outdoors) and days of reflection. Pilgrims can follow a magnificent Calvary of fourteen life size Stations of the Cross and pray before dedicated shrines. Accommodation is available in simple, rustic cabins which are scattered throughout the property.

St Joseph's Hermitage
Beechmont Road
Canungra Qld 4275
Tel: (07) 5533 3378
Email: marianvalley@bigpond.com
Website: www.marianvalley.org

Warwick – Abbey of the Roses
The gloriously named Abbey of the Roses was up until recently a convent of the local Sisters of Mercy. Today it is a guesthouse, wedding and function centre which caters for up to 26 guests at any one time. The abbey is quite stunning, with scenic views over Warwick and the Darling Downs. The building is listed by the National Trust and as such recent renovations were required to fit in with the former convent and the historical ‘ambience’. Guests stay in the former nun’s cells which these days are furnished with comfy beds and antiques and fitted with ensuite bathrooms. The Bridal Suite boasts a magnificent 4-poster, canopied bed. Old world charm, country hospitality and a unique experience are guaranteed. Groups are welcome as are all travellers looking for an unconventional sleep in the charming country town of Warwick.

Abbey of the Roses
8 Locke Street Warwick Qld 4370
Tel: (07) 4661 9777
www.abbeyoftheroses.com
Office Hours Wednesday – Friday 9am to 5pm

© Abbey of the Roses

Victoria – Australian Retreats

Abbotsford Melbourne - The Abbotsford Convent
The Abbotsford Convent is an extraordinary place and is fast becoming an important arts, educational and cultural precinct in Melbourne. Just 4 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, its 11 historic buildings and gardens are spread over 6.8 hectares on a sweeping bend in the Yarra River and are surrounded by the Collingwood Children’s Farm and Yarra Bend Park. The centre is an invaluable resource for the arts community, for training and education, employment, an incubator for creativity and the sharing of ideas, a place for community participation and enjoyment. There are artist studios and creative spaces for writers and designers, spaces for arts organisations, spaces for rehearsal and development, indoor and outdoor function spaces, cafes, restaurants, bars and there’s more to come. Please note that the Abbotsford Convent does not offer accommodation.

The Abbotsford Convent
1 St Heliers St
Abbotsford Vic 3067
Tel: 03 9415 3600
Email: info@abbotsfordconvent.com.au
Website: www.abbotsfordconvent.com.au

Abbotsford Convent Courtyard © Abbotsford Convent

Geelong - Panagia Gorgoepikoos Monastery
In May 1992 the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia established the Panagia Gorgoepikoos Monastery for women in Geelong. This is a small institution with only a few nuns and a couple of novices. However, the sisters run a popular guesthouse and invite women of all faiths to spend some time in a monastic environment and join with them in their spiritual acitivities. Pilgrims and day visitors can visit the monastery at any time except Monday, Wednesday and Friday and may attend the religious services chanted by the sisters. The sisters operate a monastery shop and sell books, religious items and a large selection of unusual bonbonnieres for weddings, Christenings and First Communion.

Panagia Gorgoepikoos Monastery
Cnr of Monastery Court and Bluestone Bridge Road
Lovely Banks Geelong Vic 3221
Tel: (03) 5276 1221
Fax: (03) 5276 1074
www.gorgoepikoos.org.au

© Panagia Gorgoepikoos Monastery

Kew - Campion Retreat Centre
Campion Retreat Centre is often described as a “city centre in a rural setting”. Just 10 minutes drive from Melbourne CBD our gardens and the surrounding Yarra Bend Park give space for quiet contemplation and gentle walking tracks. Campion is a Jesuit retreat house where we offer silent directed retreats and an extensive spirituality program all year round. This peaceful place is open to those of all faiths (and none) for days of silent meditation and live-in retreats of up to 30 days. All meals are served, linen provided and car parking is available.

Campion Retreat Centre
Kew VIC 3101
Tel: (03) 9854 8110
Fax: (03) 9854 8100
Email: campion@cis.jesuit.org.au
Website: www.cis.jesuit.org.au

Yarra Glen - Tarrawarra Abbey

Tarrawarra Abbey
659 Healesville Road
Yarra Glen Vic 3775
Tel: (03) 9730 1306 (between 0900 and 1700)
Fax: (03) 9730 1749
Email: abbey.guests@bigpond.com
Website: www.cistercian.org.au

The Books•• The Author•• Excerpts•• Reviews • Where to Buy•• Australian Retreats•• Monastery Accommodation•• Monastery Stays•• Convent Hotels • Guesthouses • Photos•• Blog•• Links • Press•• Contact • Home