travel

12 comments

1. 12 Martyna Radford
   Aug 4th, 2008 at 11:15 am

   I have been to the convent many times. Each season captures different aspects of this inner city meeting place. I enjoy that it is an old building with history,it has been tastefully developed so all melbourians can enjoy the cooking talks, eating areas, just the opportunity to explore the old & new is exciting. The childrens farm together with the convent has given me many hours of enjoyment & will continue to do so.

2. 11 Sarah Gason
   Jul 27th, 2008 at 5:39 pm

   A visit to Dayslesford isn’t complete without lunch or a snack at the convent. A piece of history and glamour…all in one.

3. 10 Anne Quirk
   Jul 26th, 2008 at 6:24 pm

   Where does one begin when writing about the Abotsford Convent? It has so much going for it and to think it could have so easily been swept away in the name of development. The Convent is so full of history and history is what makes a great community. I remember as a teenager visiting the convent with my mother who had befriended some women who for many different reasons had made the Convent their home, their refuge. It was a haven, a safe place and it still is today. I often visit the Convent after being at the Farmers Market at the neighbouring Collingwood Childrens Farm. I may just wander around and soak up the atmosphere or I may pop in to Lenitl As Anything for a delicious meal. On walking through the gates, I feel such a sense of light, peace and serenity and I like to think that spirits of those women who were cared for by the Sisters of Good Sheppard and the Sisters themselves, have contributed to this. Visit - it is an illuminating experience.

4. 9 marion matthews
   Jul 24th, 2008 at 8:03 pm

   I love going to “the convent” because theres always something interesting to see and do like the art markets, visiting old buildings, attending events like the slow food festival or going to the bakery or lentil as anything to fill my tummy!

5. 8 sandy Cowley
   Jul 20th, 2008 at 2:56 pm

   Fabulous mixed use of a cluster of historic buildings, (Thank god they were saved), coffee at the Convent bakery, lunch at Lentils, a beer at steves house of refreshment, a walk in the gardens, alook in the art gallery space, or take a tour and listen to the wonderful history that these buildings have had. A very special and artistic community, with no entry fee.

6. 7 Angela Collie
   Jun 26th, 2008 at 2:56 pm

   The Abbotsford Convent is a buzzing hub of arts culture and education.
   You can explore the rich cultural heritage and learn about the life of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd and the community of wormen and girls that the Sisters cared for by taking a guided tour. Visit the many unique arts and cultural businesses that are scattered around the site or just indulge in eating local produce at one of the3 cafes.

7. 6 Anne Williams
   Jun 26th, 2008 at 1:19 pm

   Beautiful heritage buildings in an idyllic riverside setting close to the heart of Melbourne. The unique history of the site is available through guided tours and there are places to eat, drink and enjoy as well as signficant events which are based at the Convent.

8. 5 Anna Lindstad
   Jun 12th, 2008 at 1:23 pm

   The Abbotsford Convent is an unusual and soulful retreat in close proximity to the bustle of Melbourne’s centre . As an intact monastic complex, located in the bend of the river and a bushland context it is of great historic interest. With the range of current uses and activities by artists, writers, a range of alternative therapies it is a great example of a heritage complex being given a new lease of life. There are cafes to suit all tastes and the fact that Handsome Steve’s bar is located in the former Nuns infirmary has lovely irony to it. For locals it is a place to buy bread, have a coffee or something stronger, dance to Cuban salsa band on Fridays, shop at the organic market once a month and enjoy the regular arts and crafts markets. For visitors there are also guided tours, the glass blowing workshop and beautiful gardens to enjoy and picnic in.

9. 4 claire jones-patton
   Jun 4th, 2008 at 2:40 pm

   If you find a gem, share it!

10. 3 Ann
    Jun 2nd, 2008 at 1:09 pm

    The Abbotsford Convent is a place of peace and tranquility - beautiful gardens and great Artisans markets. Thank goodness it was preserved. The Children’s Farm is fabulous.

11. 2 Lynne
    May 14th, 2008 at 9:53 am

    Yum yum yum, very pretty surrounding, fabulous food, straight from the wood fired ovens at the Convent Bakery, Boiler Room Bar and the Cuban Band that plays on Fridays from 6pm, wood fired pizzas and meet the bakers who so lovingly knead the fabulous bread and cakes, for you to enjoy.

12. 1 Glen Clark
    May 1st, 2008 at 3:41 pm

    It feels like being on a country estate, but it’s right in the city. With a little imagination it may even feel like you’ve teleported to another era on the other side of the world!