Australian Retreats
New South Wales – Australian Retreats
 Sydney – St Peter Canisius House
Prior to 2012 Peter Canisius House was known as Canisius College and until 2011 it was a centre of formation and training for Jesuit priests and brothers. A small number of older Jesuits still live on the property but a large number of empty guestrooms have now been turned into visitor accommodation. Most guestrooms are ensuite and a small number share a bathroom. The centre is set in spacious gardens and tourists and visitors to Sydney are welcome to stay here. Groups are also catered for and conference facilities are available. The centre is also open for personal and group retreats. Meals are provided by qualified chefs and are all cooked on site. Limited disabled access.
Peter Canisius House, Pymble, is located in extensive grounds on the leafy North Shore of Sydney. The venue is 30 minutes from the CBD by public train transport and 45 minutes by taxi from Sydney Airport.
St Peter Canisius House
102 Mona Vale Road
Pymble NSW 2073
Tel: 02 9488 4525
Mob: 0403 172 337
Email: michele@canisius.edu.au
website: www.petercanisiushouse.com.au
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Sydney - Golden Grove
Golden Grove is tucked away in a quiet tree lined street and is conveniently located in Newtown on a hectare of land, just 10 mins from the CBD and within walking distance of the Royal Prince Alfred hospital. The original house was built in 1870 and in 1906 the accommodation wing was added. The building was used as a convent and as a private school. It is now owned and operated by the Healing Ministry Centre, a non profit organisation.
We provide accommodation to tourists and the general traveller as well as to those looking for peace, quiet and relaxation. We also have conference facilities available for groups. Golden Grove can accommodate 38 people, who can stay for up to two weeks. Accommodation consists of single, double, twin and family rooms, some with ensuites. Guests have access to a shared kitchenette and a laundry. Continental breakfast and free car parking are provided.
The Healing Ministry Centre Golden Grove
5 Forbes Street
Newtown NSW 2042
Tel: 02 9557 1642
Email: centre@sydneyheal.com
Website: www.SydneyHeal.com.au
 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. Wheelchair access and wheelchair accessible bathrooms.
Anderledy Lodge
80 William Street
North Sydney NSW 2060
Tel: (02) 8912 4800
Email: Anderledy.Reservations@sosj.org.au
Website: www.anderledylodge.org.au
Sydney – Mount St Benedict Centre
Mount St Benedict Centre is a ministry of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan who offer an environment of peace and beauty and hospitality in the Benedictine tradition. A full program of day and residentail retreats, some revolving around artistic pursuits can be found in the downloadable brochure. The Centre is located approximately 2 kms from Pennant Hills and Beecroft Stations. Limited disabled access.
Mount St Benedict Centre
449D Pennant hills Road (entrance off Hull Road),
Pennant Hills NSW 2120
Tel: 02 9484 6208
Email: mtstbenedict@bigpond.com
Website: www.goodsams.org.as
 Sydney – Sancta Sophia College
Sancta Sophia College is situated in the grounds of Sydney University and offers accommodation to students during term time. During the university holiday periods (December to early February and in June and July each year) accommodation is available to all members of the public. Accommodation consists of single and twin rooms, some with ensuites. Breakfast is provided. Facilities include communal lounge room, in room Internet connection and telephone, coin operated laundry and car parking on the premises is available at $10.00 per day. One guestroom room has wheelchair access but limited facilities. Please check before booking.
Sancta Sophia College
8 Missenden Road
Camperdown NSW 2050
Tel: (0)2 957 72100
Fax: (0)2 95772388
Email: enquiries@sancta.usyd.edu.au
www.sanctasophiacollege.edu.au
 Sydney – St Joseph’s Spirituality Centre
Throughout the year the Sisters of St Joseph run a diverse program of guided retreats at their spirituality centre in Baulkham Hills. However, those seeking time-out to relax in the peace and calm of a religious environment are also welcome. Groups and conferences are catered for. There are 18 hectares of tranquil gardens to roam, a labyrinth and a chapel. The accommodation has recently been refurbished with ensuite single, double and twin guestrooms, air conditioning and Internet facilities. A lift services all floors, there is a swimming pool, and kitchens and lounges for the use of guests. All meals and snacks are available. Some guestrooms are suitable for the disabled.
St Joseph’s Spirituality Centre
64 MacKillop Drive
Baulkam Hills NSW 2153
Tel: 61 (0)2 9634 2317
Fax + 61 (0)2 9899 4249
Email: reception@stjosephscentre.org.au
www.stjosephscentre.org.au
©St Joseph’s Spirituality Centre
 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. No disabled facilities.
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
 Galong – St Clements Retreat Centre
St Clements Retreat Centre is situated in a peaceful location on the outskirts of a small country town in rural NSW, approximately 4 hours drive south west of Sydney, in an ideal setting for prayer and retreat. Redemptorist priests and Josephite nuns run structured retreats for clergy, religious and lay people. Those wishing to make a private retreat are also welcome here. All guestrooms at St Clements have a view over the gardens or the surrounding farmland. Comfortable single and double rooms are available, many with ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning. A rustic self contained hermitage (air conditioned) accommodates up to three people. All bed linen and towels are provided along with laundry facilities. Disabled access but please check details before making a booking.
St. Clements Retreat Centre
Galong, NSW
Tel: (02) 6380 5222 Fax: (02) 6386 7353
Email: info@stclement.com.au
Website: www.stclement.com.au
 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. No wheelchair access.
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
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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. Limited disabled access. Please check before booking.
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
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. Please remember that the Monastery presents very real challenges to anyone who has a physical disability, as the floors are extremely uneven and the outdoor terrain is rough.
The Monastery
Bucketts Way Stroud NSW 2425
Tel: (02) 4969 0000
Email: stroud@samaritans.org.au
© 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. No disabled access.
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. No disabled facilities.
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
 Yamba – Star of the Sea
Star of the Sea is a unique accommodation and conference centre set opposite Wooli Bay beach in the seaside resort town of Yamba on the north coast of NSW. The centre is the former holiday house of the Sisters of Mercy, and these days ensuite single and double rooms and family suites are available to small or large groups for overnight stays. Celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries are catered for and a professional catering team is based at the centre. Limited disabled facilities.
Star of the Sea
17 Clarence Street
Yamba NSW 2464
Tel: 02 6646 2244
Mob: 0417257678
Email: info@starofthesea.net.au
website: www.starofthesea.net.au
South Australia – Australian Retreats
 Adelaide - The Monastery
The Monastery is a conference and function centre which was once home to Passionist priests. Today the members of the order live in a smaller adjacent building. The monastery caters for group bookings only and the single and twin guestrooms all have ensuite bathrooms. Parking is available.The venue is an ideal setting for small conferences and meetings and provides full onsite catering. The Monastery is located on the edge of the city on the road to the vineyards. The Monastery is fully equipped with disabled and wheelchair facilites.
The Monastery
15 Cross Road
Glen Osmond, Adelaide, SA 5064
Tel: +61 (0) 8 8338 8700
Fax: +61 (0) 8 8379 8751
e-mail: conference@themonastery.net.au
www.themonastery.net.au
 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. Limited access for wheelchairs. Please discuss before booking.
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
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Brisbane – Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane owns and operates a quiet and beautifully located retreat centre at Ormiston, overlooking Moreton Bay with views to nearby North Stradbroke Island. It provides a quiet haven to come away and spend time in prayer and reflection and is only 40 minutes by train from the Brisbane CBD.
In addition to the Retreat opportunities scheduled in our website program, we welcome individuals throughout the year who wish to make a private silent retreat or want simply to spend a few quiet days in personal prayer and reflection. The centre has 30 individual and double ensuite guestrooms and full catering is provided. Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre is fully equipped with disabled and wheelchair facilities and welcomes people with disability to attend either private or group retreats.
Santa Teresa Spirituality Centre
267 Wellington Street,
Ormiston. QLD 4160
Tel: 07 3286 4011
Fax: 07 3821 3788
Email: santateresa@bne.catholic.net.au
Website: www.santateresa.org.au
 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.No disabled access.
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. No disabled access.
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. No disabled access.
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 is situated within 400 hectares of lush farmland amongst the rolling orchards of the Yarra Valley. Monks known as Trappists welcome visitors to the monastic guesthouse to follow a program of prayer and retreat, with the opportunity of joining them for the Liturgy of The Hours. No disabled access.
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
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! The monastery guesthouse has limited disabled facilities. There are no stairs to the rooms so they are accessible for wheelchairs. However, please check before booking.
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
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