Australia is home to a wide range of religions and cultures, and many of their picturesque, historic buildings offer free accommodation as a reflective retreat for guests.
You don’t have to follow a certain religion, or even any religion at all, to appreciate these places and the unique way of life of those who inhabit them. These places can give a temporary escape from the pressures of daily life, as well as the opportunity to be exposed to different religious practices. If that’s not for you, then they are still the perfect places to just enjoy some peace and quiet.
Jamberoo Abbey, Jamberoo, New South Wales
Accommodation at the Jamberoo Abbey is in small, isolated cottages situated among the sparse NSW countryside. The abbey offers spiritual guidance and prayers daily, but guests aren’t obliged to take part and are just as welcome to explore the nearby rainforest. Silence is strongly encouraged throughout the buildings and all meals are provided. There’s room for around 30 guests at the abbey, and while there is no set charge, donations are requested to cover the costs. This is a spot for those seeking some private time for reflection and discovery in a tranquil, isolated location. For some more exhilarating activities before or afterwards, the Jamberoo Action Park is nearby, featuring water slides and a range of other rides. There’s also a national park to traverse and a trek along the canyon cliff to keep you occupied. Jamberoo is just over 10km inland from the east coast and 120km from Sydney. DS
Amitabha Buddhist Retreat Centre, Nanango, Queensland
Located in south-east Queensland, this Buddhist centre boasts a backdrop of rolling hills and blue skies. Opened in 2007, it’s a relatively new religious getaway. The centre puts on weekend retreats with lectures and discussions on Buddhist practices and training in meditation. The accommodation and activities are free of charge, and meals are available. It’s not the place for those looking for an adventure in solitude, it’s for those wanting a serious insight into the practices behind the religion through more structured activities, in a serene environment. It’s in Nanango, the fourth oldest town in the state, and is the perfect stopover spot for those on their way up to Rockhampton, or heading down the coast to Sydney or Melbourne. DS
The Hermitage, Stroud, New South Wales
Operated by Anglican Franciscan brothers, the Hermitage offers a more relaxed, hands-off retreat of up to a week for guests of all beliefs. It’s only 3km out of Stroud, which is an hour or so from Newcastle. There are daily prayer services where all guests are welcome, but none are compulsory.
There’s also spiritual guidance on offer, but you can just as readily relax by yourself with a good book from the centre’s large library. There are four single rooms with shared facilities and meals are served along with the long-term inhabitants. The Hermitage doesn’t have a set fee for their accommodation, but they do request donations when possible. The historic Stroud monastery nearby also offers accommodation at a cost of $45 per person for groups of 10 or under. DS
New Norcia, Western Australia
Around two hours north of Perth is the unusual township of New Norcia. It’s like stumbling across a little piece of Spain in the farmlands of Western Australia.
Founded in 1847, New Norcia is Australia’s only monastery town. It’s a fascinating place to visit – the monks operate a bakery and chocolate shop, and make olive oil, wine, nutcake and biscotti.
The monastery itself follows St Benedict’s rule of hospitality for guests – which is that you can stay for free (although there is a suggested donation of $80 a night if you are flush, less if you are struggling.)
When I stayed at the monastery a few years back, I had meals in the dining room, but women weren’t allowed to eat with the monks. There were many guests at the time of my visit who were on silent retreat and had stickers on their jumpers advising people that they were being silent, and not to talk to them. (I learned this the hard way – after several excruciating one-sided conversations).
Guests are encouraged to fall in with the monks and attend daily prayer, with eight sessions on per day.
I also took a tour of the town, which ended with sampling some delicious chocolate panforte made by the monks. BD
The Convent, Glen Innes, New South Wales
Though no longer an active convent, this cavernous redbrick complex, located just off the main road into Glen Innes in NSW’s New England region, retains the atmosphere of one. It’s more imposing than welcoming.
However, once you’ve tracked down Ralph, the manager, who gives you the pick of the rooms, it starts to feel a lot cosier. Of course, silence is not enforced or even encouraged, but you might well be the only guests there, so it’s an inherently peaceful place – and cheap too, at $53 a night.
More a hostel than a hotel, there’s a communal kitchen and games room yet none of the dishevelled and dirty downsides of typical backpacker joints. There’s not a lot going on in town either but they’re both charming enough for one night and the convent’s double beds more than comfortable enough for a solid sleep. FM
