Abbotsford Convent

Abbotsford Convent

The Abbotsford Convent is a community of multi-disciplined artists from writers to puppetmakers, animators to illustrators and painters.

Just four kilometres from the City centre, it creates a tranquil island surrounded by the Yarra River, Yarra Bend Park and the Collingwood Children's Farm.

Artist studios, creative spaces for writers and designers, galleries, workshops, well-being practitioners, primary school, theatre, indoor and outdoor function spaces, bakery, cafes, restaurants, bars and much more.

Abbotsford Convent recognised on National Heritage List

On Thursday 31 August 2017, the Abbotsford Convent joined iconic landmarks including the Royal Exhibition Building, Sydney Opera House and the Melbourne Cricket Ground in achieving the country's highest level of heritage recognition.

Becoming the 111th site added to the National Heritage List, the Abbotsford Convent has been recognised for demonstrating Australia's social and welfare history through the lens of a religious and charitable institution.

The Convent's place on the National Heritage List will help protect the site's future for generations to come, while honouring those who were affected by its past.

Our Venues


for Hire

Five unique buildings that date from the 1900's-1950's are filled with diverse rooms that are available for a variety of small, medium and large meeting spaces. There are indoor and outdoor spaces available for functions, meetings, conferences, performing arts research and development, music & dance workshops, visual arts & crafts as well as filming & photography.

From the decorative and intimate interior of the Bishop's Parlour to the grand gothic proportions of the Convent Community Room, the Abbotsford Convent has the space to hold meetings for a handful of people or conferences catering for up to 300. With three convenient onsite caterers and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere you can enjoy a retreat like setting really close to the CBD.

Bishop's Parlour
Suitable for: Meetings and talks
Capacity: 50

Breakfast Parlour
Suitable for: Meetings of up to ten people
Capacity: < 12

Community Room and Linen Room
Suitable for: Seminars, conferences, markets
Capacity: < 140

Provincial Superior's Office
Suitable for: Small workshops, rehearsals
Capacity: < 40

Rosina Auditorium
Suitable for: Classes, rehearsals and performances
Capacity: < 300

Rosina R&D Spaces - Dorm One
Suitable for: Performing arts rehearsals and workshops
Capacity: < 40

The Antique Bookstore
Suitable for: Arts & crafts workshops, classes
Capacity: < 12

The Salon | More..
Suitable for: seminars, conferences, small markets
Capacity: < 150

The Yellow Room
Suitable for:
Capacity: < 30

Self-guided walking tours


Wurundjeri Elders, musicians and artists have created an Indigenous Sound Trail to capture the story of the Convent's Traditional Owner history and heritage.

Ngulu-nganjin (Our Voice) features original soundscapes by Wurundjeri artist Mandy Nicholson, acclaimed Yorta Yorta Dja Dja Wurrung musician Dr. Lou Bennett AM, and Wurundjeri community. This project was developed by the Wurundjeri Tribe Land and Compensation Cultural Heritage Council Inc (the Council) in partnership with the Abbotsford Convent Foundation and was made possible with from the Victorian Government's Rockin' the Laneways program.

Discover the diverse social history of the Convent with our self-guided Social History Tour. Based on our regular in-person Social History Tours, this walk includes audio memories collected from former residents and caretakers of the land.

Explore the Indigenous Sound Trail or take the self-guided Social History Tour below. These tours are accessible on both iOS and Android devices. Both tours feature audio tracks, so headphones are recommended.

❊ What's On ❊

The Store: Contemporary Art Space

Abbotsford Convent Social History Tours

Abbotsford Convent | Heritage Garden and Grounds

Regional Farmers Market at Abbotsford Convent

Julie Restaurant @ Abbotsford Convent


Fringe 2024: Headwater - Thursday 17 October 2024

Group Candlelit Sound Healing Meditation - Monday 18 November 2024


❊ Address ❊


 ⊜  1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford 3067 View Map
 ✆ Telephone: +61 3 9415 3600
1 St Heliers St,AbbotsfordVictoria+61 3 9415 3600




❊ Web Links ❊


Abbotsford Convent 

www.abbotsfordconvent.com.au

❊ Also See... ❊


3MBS | 103.5FM Radio

St Heliers Street Gallery

The Shadow Electric Bar

The Store: Contemporary Art Space


Disclaimer: Check with the venue (web links) before making plans, travelling or buying tickets.

Accessibility: Contact the venue for accessibility information.





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Abbotsford Convent