Daylesford - The Convent Daylesford
The Convent is Daylesford's most iconic building. Nestled on the crest of Wombat Hill, overlooking Daylesford, this 19th century old building was a convent and boarding school for almost 90 years. Now, under one magnificently restored roof you will discover a rich and beautiful tapestry of experiences. Over four levels, there are seven gallery spaces, a museum, chapel, gift shop, cafe, bar and function rooms, all incorporating art, history and culture. Surrounded by fragrant and beautifully groomed gardens and panoramic views of Victoria's picturesque central highlands, a visit to The Convent Daylesford is truly a divine experience.
Self-guided Tours
Upon arrival to The Convent visitors are given a brief overview of the history and how to get around. There are lots of "nooks & crannies". To ensure you don't miss thing, collect a "How to get around" flyer, Download and print the flyer or use the description below:
Use the self-guide touring notes to ensure you see everything there is to see. You will find art, history and interesting architecture in every room.
- After your meet & greet, begin your tour by exploring the ground floor. Your first stop is Mother Superiors Parlour. Then head left into the Hallway. See & read about the old mine ventilation shaft in the courtyard.
- Walk to the other end of the hallway. Admire the beautiful stained-glass door before using the stairs. Now head down the stairs to the Museum located in the basement. This was one of the many music rooms.
- From the museum, follow the staircase to the very top (three flights up) to the nun's infirmary and bell tower. The Infirmary remains in its unrestored state. Enjoy the views across the Central Highlands from the Bell Tower.
- From the infirmary, head down one flight of stairs. Explore the Gallery spaces - the print gallery, the balcony gallery and main gallery. These rooms were the dormitories for the boarders. In the main gallery you will find four Nun's Cells (the nun's bedrooms). One cell is a mini museum dedicated to the past students and boarders, the other cell has been left in its original state... Simply a bed, wash basin & prayer stand.
- Enter the Chapel. Feel free to light a congregational taper candle. Take time to sit and reflect. Admire the two stunning stained-glass windows & door and the stations of the cross.
- From the chapel, continue to the rear of the chapel where you'll find some of the oldest leadlight windows in the building. These stairs will take you down to the Vestibule (small foyer) and Gift Shop, but don't take the stairs just yet.
- From the rear end of the chapel, continue through to the St. Lawrence Room. Feel free to open the balcony doors and savour the magnificent view over Daylesford. Enjoy the beautiful sunlit atrium.
- Continue through the room, into the foyer. Proceed up the steps, past the elephant and along the hall to the St. Michael's Room. Now a function room, previously classrooms for St. Michael's primary school.
- Head back down the hall to the staircase. As you go down to the ground floor, take time to admire the staircase created by local artisans - made from old roadside grates, cattle grids and pieces of antique glass.
- From the foyer enter the Altar Bar. While in the Altar Bar take note of the elements once housed in the chapel. The old discarded altar and tabernacle have been re-purposed here.
- As you exit the Altar Bar and enter the Gift Shop there is a door to your left which will take you to the Vestibule. Here you will find a marble tablet listing all the nuns that died at the Holy Cross Convent. Head back into the Gift Shop. This room was divided into two areas - one refectory (dining area) for the nuns and one for the boarders.
- The Gift Shop will take you back to the front desk and Cafe.
- Don't forget to explore our Gardens (and the view from the very top) before you leave
Art Gallery
Described as 'the most beautiful gallery in Australia', the Convent Gallery represents local, national and international artists working in a variety of media and styles. With more than seven individual exhibition spaces throughout the building, the gallery offers visitors and collectors a truly diverse range of art to admire... and buy. New artwork is hung every eight weeks offering visitors and collectors a truly diverse range of art upon each visit.
Discover our History
As you walk through the four levels, you will discover the history of the building, the rooms and its past inhabitants. There are four main areas of particular interest to history buffs - the museum, infirmary, nun's cells and chapel.
Bad Habits Cafe
A visit to The Convent Daylesford is not complete without a popping into the Bad Habits Cafe. You can book a table for lunch, High Tea or just coffee and scones.
The Gift Shop
After exploring the museum and galleries, you will end up in the Convent Gift Shop where you will surely find something special to take home.
Gardens
It is well worth taking time to meander through the all-seasons gardens surrounding the building. Eye-catching sculptures and awe-inspiring views contrast with the fragrant and colourful gardens that have blossomed in the rich volcanic soil.
Opening Hours:
Opening Times
Cost:
Admission Prices
Location
7 Daly Street, Daylesford 3460 Map
✆ (03) 5348 3211
Email Enquiry
Web Links
→ conventgallery.com.au
→ The Convent Daylesford on Facebook
