The Abbey is a Christian Centre for Spirituality and the Environment; and a place of hospitality, pilgrimage, reflection, healing, learning and recreation.
Our focus is spiritual renewal, development and healing through both individual and group retreats and pilgrimages.
The Abbey is a bush haven both for those on a spiritual journey as well as people simply seeking an opportunity to rest, recharge or relax on holiday.
This is your Abbey; come find a home here.
We invite you to explore The Abbey, to stay in The Units or The Cottage, book the Conference and Accommodation Centre for your planning day or wedding reception, participate in The Abbey Program, become a Friend of the Abbey or join us as a Volunteer.
Who we are
The Abbey community is not defined by geographical or faith-based borders; we welcome anyone who would like to see The Abbey realise the vision of being a Centre for Hospitality, Spirituality and the Environment.
Director: Dr Cath Connelly
Cath Connelly is Abbey Director and co-director of the Living Well Centre for Christian Spirituality. She is a spiritual director, retreat facilitator and pilgrimage leader. Cath travels the globe performing on the Celtic harp and leading pilgrimages and retreats.
Contact Cath at abbey@gippsanglican.org.au or 0402 331 906
Administration Officer: Anna Esdaile
Anna Esdaile has been the backbone of the day to day running of The Abbey for the past ten years. She has a wealth of experience and is available to assist you with all enquires and bookings.
Contact Anna at info@theabbey.org.au or (03) 5156 6580
Our Facilities
- A commercial kitchen and large A-frame dining / meeting place.
- Our Chapel. The Chapel is open daily for private prayer and reflection. Everyone is welcome to enjoy this beautiful space.
- Illawarra – a conference / gathering space with its own kitchenette and bathroom facilities.
- Small rooms for break-out sessions or small gatherings.
- Accommodation in eight motel units and a three-bedroom cottage.
- Five hectares of bushland and parkland on the edge of Lake Victoria.
Conscious spiritual leadership
The Abbey is an initiative of The Anglican Diocese of Gippsland – an expression of its commitment to care for the environment and recognition of the important connection between environment, spirituality and personal wellbeing.
Make a donation
Make a tax-deductible donation and work with us to build the vision for The Abbey.
All donations are humbly received and will go directly towards preserving The Abbey, so that future generations can enjoy the hospitality of The Abbey and the gift of sacred space.
All tax deductible donations:
Cheques payable to: Anglican Earthcare Gippsland
Mail to: The Abbey PO BOX 77 Paynesville VIC 3880. Please include your name and address for a tax receipt.
Direct Deposit: Anglican Earthcare Gippsland, ANZ Bank, BSB 013795, Account Number 2060 78399. Please use surname and AVF reference.
Tax Receipts can be requested by emailing: info@theabbey.org.au