Abbotsford Social History Tour

Join a passionate guide from the Abbotsford Convent Foundation to discover the diverse history of the Abbotsford Convent and explore hidden pockets of the historic precinct.

In 2017, Abbotsford Convent became the 111th site added to the National Heritage List, being recognised for demonstrating Australia’s social and welfare history through the lens of a religious and charitable institution.

On this Auslan interpreted walking tour, you will discover the diverse history of the Convent; from its use as a meeting point for the Kulin Nation, to its days as a convent when the Good Shepherd Sisters ran a closed monastic site for over a century, and how it came to be the leading arts and culture precinct it is today. Living memories have been collected from former residents and caretakers of the land, which our volunteer tour guides will share as you wander the buildings and grounds of the site.