Tarrawarra Abbey is a contemplative community of monks of the Cistercian Order, situated outside Melbourne in the Yarra Valley. The primary goal of a monk’s life is to seek God in prayer. Each day is structured around communal prayer: the celebration of a daily Eucharist and the singing of the Liturgy of the Hours. This begins in the early morning and continues until the day’s end. Communal prayer is supported by the practise of personal prayer and meditation and ample daily opportunity for sacred reading (lectio divina).

The Cistercian monks live in a lifelong community so that their spiritual search is supported and guided by brothers animated with the same zeal and pursuing the same ideal. They live a simple and austere life, seeking a balance between prayer, work and study.

Self-support has always been part of monastic life. Since the year 2000, supplying Eucharistic breads to parishes and communities around Australia has become a vital part of the monastic community’s economy.

The monks also operate a beef farm and manage a small guest house on the property. Here, visitors who wish to enjoy the solitude and peace of the monastic environment and the possibility of participating in the Liturgy of the Hours are welcome to stay.
This is by donation and bookings are required.