A sense of tranquility washes over you as you stand before Tarrawarra Abbey. Nestled among the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley, this peaceful retreat exudes an aura of serenity and spirituality. Founded in 1954, this abbey is home to a community of Cistercian monks, also known as Trappists, who follow a strict lifestyle centered around prayer and contemplation. It was established by monks from Mount St Joseph Abbey in Roscrea, Ireland, who sought a new home in the heart of Australia. The abbey’s original homestead, built in 1901, stands as the nucleus of the complex, surrounded by newer buildings, including a large library constructed in 2006. The monks have made the abbey self-sufficient, operating a beef farm and providing Eucharistic bread to parishes across Victoria. Today, Tarrawarra Abbey stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith, a place where those seeking solace and inner peace can find sanctuary amidst the rugged beauty of the Australian landscape.
Kororoit Creek
Is this where the river meets the sea? This is Kororoit Creek. It flows right here through Melbourne’s western suburbs