Located just 4 kilometers from Melbourne’s bustling CBD, Abbotsford Convent is Australia’s largest arts and cultural precinct. Spanning over 16 acres of lush gardens and heritage buildings, this iconic site offers an inspiring mix of history, art, culture, and community engagement.
Abbotsford Convent Melbourne
A Rich Cultural Heritage
Abbotsford Convent was established in 1863 by the the Sisters of Good Shepherd and operated as a convent until 1974. Preserved by a dedicated community effort, the Convent was added to Australia’s National Heritage List in 2017. Today, it is a vibrant, living arts precinct that brings together over 120 studios, cafes, schools, and more. It’s a place where creativity thrives, and new cultural projects are always underway.
Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of events throughout the year, from art exhibitions and theatre performances to community festivals and markets. The Convent serves as a hub for both established and emerging artists, offering them a space to collaborate and showcase their work. This unique combination of art, history, and community makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in Melbourne’s cultural scene.
Convent Kids
Inspiring the Next Generation of Creators
For families, Abbotsford Convent offers the exciting Convent Kids program, which brings children and their families together to explore and create art. Through a range of interactive workshops, performances, and hands-on activities, children are encouraged to use their imagination, experiment with different art forms, and learn about the creative process.
These programs are designed to engage young minds and foster a lifelong love of the arts.
Convent Kids also offers opportunities for families to connect with other community members, helping to build a supportive, inclusive environment for everyone.
It’s a great way for children to develop their creativity while having fun.
Abbotsford Convent Bakery
A Delicious Treat with a Rich History
No visit to Abbotsford Convent would be complete without stopping by the Abbotsford Convent Bakery. Offering a full breakfast and lunch menu, the bakery features a wide variety of rustic sandwiches, pastries, pies, croissants, quiches, tarts, and cookies.
Located within the historic Kitchen Annexe—where the Sisters of Good Shepherd once prepared food for the Convent—this bakery combines tradition with modern artisanal techniques. Inside the Kitchen Annexe, two magnificent masonry wood-fired ovens, built in 1901, continue to produce unique hand-moulded wood-fired breads baked directly on the oven’s brick floor.
The Convent Bakery also serves certified Fair Trade & Organic single origin coffee, roasted in-house, and offers coffee beans for purchase. With a spacious outdoor seating area, it’s a perfect spot for large gatherings, and parents can relax while their children enjoy a safe space to play.
From Friday to Sunday, the bakery also features traditional pizzas, wines, and award-winning beers from Australian microbreweries at the Bar & Pizzeria. Additionally, the bakery provides catering services for a wide range of events, from conferences and meetings to weddings and private functions.
Abbotsford VIC
A Serene Escape in the Heart of the City
Despite its proximity to Melbourne’s busy city center, Abbotsford Convent provides a peaceful escape surrounded by greenery and historic architecture. The site includes extensive open spaces, making it an ideal location for outdoor relaxation, picnics, or a leisurely stroll through the gardens. Abbotsford VIC, where the Convent is located, is a charming area that offers a delightful balance of nature and urban life. It’s a wonderful spot for families to unwind while enjoying the arts, or for anyone looking to explore Melbourne’s hidden cultural gems.
