She Shapes History: The Women of the Abbotsford Convent
Sat, 8th Aug 2026 02:00 pm - 04:00 pm
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Tour departs from Clarke Street Gate and ends in the Convent Courtyard. Behind these familiar gates are stories most people never hear. Women and girls whose daily lives were shaped by this place, and whose work, obedience, friendships, and resilience helped keep it running. On this two-hour walk, you’ll move through the grounds where girls woke before dawn to work in the laundries, where silence and routine were used as discipline, and where care often came with control. You’ll learn how young women were separated from their families, how unpaid labour supported the institution, and how faith shaped everyday life inside the Convent. But this is not only a story of harm. You’ll also encounter quieter, human moments. Friendships formed under watchful eyes. Moments of dignity found in difficult conditions. Girls supporting one another within a system far bigger than themselves. This tour is a powerful window into Victoria and Australia’s complex history of social welfare, and how places like the Abbotsford Convent shaped lives, communities, and the country far beyond its gates. Accessibility This tour covers just over 1km in 2 hours, moving at a very relaxed pace. There are a few chances to pause in the shade and sit down along the way. The route includes some uneven footpaths and loose gravel, but no stairs. If you have accessibility requirements, please contact She Shapes History before booking so they can advise whether the route is suitable. The Abbotsford Convent shaped the lives of thousands of women and children, and their experiences were not the same. The tour includes discussion of some difficult topics, including sexism, racism and institutionalisation. For this reason, this tour is recommended for people aged 13+. Keep up to date with all the creative happenings at the Abbotsford Convent precinct. Sign up and be the first to hear about upcoming exhibitions, events, and opportunities to support the Convent. Get in touch 03 9415 3600 info@abbotsfordconvent.com.au 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067 Get in touch 365 days a year 7.30am – 10.30pm daily Office open Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 5.30pm Get in touch 03 9415 3600 info@abbotsfordconvent.com.au 1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford VIC 3067 Grounds open 365 days a year 7.30am – 10.30pm daily Wominjeka! Hello! At the Convent we welcome visitors from across the globe – both in-person and digitally. Please note, we use AI to bridge the language gap, so there may be some translation inconsistencies and missed linguistic nuances.
