Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Convent Gallery, Daylesford

Sitting high on Wombat Hill, looking down on the township, the imposing grey building of the Convent is a stark contrast to the colourful gardens and sculptures in the gardens surrounding it.
Convent Gallery, Daylesford
We spent ages wandering around the grounds, admiring the setting and the views.Convent Gallery, Daylesford

Convent Gallery, Daylesford
Inside, the former Convent and Boarding School for Girls has been wonderfully restored and maintained. 
Our first stop was the basement.  The lower floor houses a music room/museum  filled with memorabilia from the buiding's former life. School uniforms, rosary beads and bibles were displayed on tables, and icons adorned the walls. It took me back to my Catholic School upbringing in Warburton, where the nuns at my tiny school lived in the convent next door. We hardly ever got to venture inside, but I remember rooms looking similar to this - dimly lit and kinda spooky.
 Convent Gallery, Daylesford
Next, we climbed the steep stairs to the narrow top floor, once the site of the convent's infirmary. This level has been left in its original, derelict condition. The bell tower (sans bell) offers views across Daylesford.
Convent Gallery, Daylesford Convent Gallery, Daylesford




Convent Gallery, Daylesford  

Down to the middle floor, where several galleries and function rooms are situated. The Convent is popular for weddings, with a beautiful chapel on site.
I remember coming here for dinner about 9 years ago on a work conference and it was a really enjoyable evening.
The Convent Gallery is a great way to spend a relaxing few hours in Daylesford.
Convent Gallery, Daylesford
Convent Gallery, Daylesford Convent Gallery, Daylesford

Convent Gallery, Daylesford

Where:7 Daly St, Daylesford
When: Daily 10:00am-4:00pm
Why:art, history
How Much: $5
Nearby:  Wombat Hill

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