Encounter Nature's Beauty
Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre, Central Coast
Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre on the Central Coast, New South Wales is a perfect place to relax and recharge through spiritual enrichment, development, reflection and connection.
Overview
Formerly known as St Joseph’s Spirituality and Education Centre in Kincumber, the spacious grounds and natural bushland setting create an atmosphere of tranquillity and peace that enhance the reflective nature of the Centre. Mary and the Sisters of Saint Joseph first established the site as a home for boys in 1887 and Mary would often return to visit in her lifetime. The Centre now offers opportunities for everyone to have their own spiritual encounters, in a quiet, beautiful, historic setting.
Features
Museum
Outdoor pool
Chapel
Prayer room
Library
Conference rooms
Meeting rooms
Lounge rooms
Dining rooms
Garden meditation areas
Walking tracks
Labyrinth
Address
8 Humphreys Road
Kincumber South NSW 2251
Entry fee
Free
Monday to Friday:
8:30am—4:30pm
Saturday to Sunday:
Open for check in on request
On request, reception is open until 6:00pm on check-in days.
Events
Enjoy uplifting, enriching events and activities.
Beethoven: A Journey of Struggle. Faith and Timeless Music
Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre, Central Coast
View event
Retreats and
Reflection Days
Find your place to retreat, relax and connect.
Directed Retreat
This silent, directed retreat is an opportunity to be more present and listen to yourself and the ever-present God who…$2,150 excl. GST | $2,365 incl. GST
God, I Want You to Be
During this silent retreat, there will be the opportunity to reflect on who God is for you and your response…$1,550 excl. GST | $1,705 incl. GST
Directed Retreat
This is a time of silent contemplation, listening to God through the Scriptures of your life, with daily opportunity of…$2,150 excl. GST | $2,365 incl. GST
Accommodation
Surrounded by water in a bushland setting across 50 acres of land, this quiet Centre on the Central Coast is a beautiful place to come, stay and get away. Our hospitality and services are open to a broad range of guests, including organisations and educational, spiritual and community groups, seeking a venue for accommodation, conferences and seminars.
We can accommodate up to 84 guests in shared bedrooms and up to four groups simultaneously across our four conference rooms. The centre has 38 bedrooms (all with an ensuite), as well as a three-bedroom cottage that sleeps up to six guests, with a shared bathroom.
Features
- 38 guest rooms.
- Wi-Fi access in communal areas and most rooms.
- Air conditioning and heating in all rooms.
- Coin operated laundry for guests.
- Iron and ironing board available in our laundry.
- Ensuite bathrooms.
- Wheelchair accessibility for some rooms and most common areas.
- Smoke-free environment.
- Dining and tea room facilities.
- On site parking.
- Fully catered stays for groups of 10 and above. (Options available for smaller groups.)
- Lounge with fireplace.
- In-ground outdoor swimming pool.
- Walking tracks.
- Conference hall for up to 100 people.
- Chapel for up to 120 people.
- Conference rooms.
- Breakout rooms.
Terms and Conditions
Private Bookings
Group Bookings
Rooms
2 Beds
3 People
Conference and
Meeting Facilities
The spirit of Mary MacKillop has special significance to the Centre and the whole peninsula, which was designated Mary MacKillop Peninsula in 1996 by Council.
We offer venues and facilities for retreats, conferences, group seminars, planning, workshops, special focus groups, school staff meetings, board meetings and private prayer days. Our Centre is a welcoming place, respecting cultural and religious differences, open to people of all faiths.
Facilities
- Conference hall for up to 100 people.
- One chapel for up to 120 people.
- Audio-visual facilities.
- Two conference rooms for up to 40 people each.
- Breakout rooms.
- Air conditioning.
- Garden meditation areas.
- Lounge with fireplace.
- In-ground swimming pool.
- Walking tracks.
Chapel
Central Coast Chapel
Chapel
The chapel is used for personal and community prayer, celebrations of Eucharist and as a flexible space for groups to gather.
Groups can book the chapel either by the hour or by the day.
Hours
The chapel is open for private reflection by appointment during the following hours.
| Monday | 8:40am – 4:30pm |
| Tuesday | 8:40am – 4:30pm |
| Wednesday | 8:40am – 4:30pm |
| Thursday | 8:40am – 4:30pm |
| Friday | 8:40am – 4:30pm |
| Saturday | Contact the Centre directly |
| Sunday | Contact the Centre directly |
Museum
St Joseph’s Boys’ Home Museum
Address
8 Humphreys Road
Kincumber South NSW 2251
Accessibility
With well-planned access to all areas, a lift between floors and bedrooms with ensuites for people with disability, we welcome and care for visitors of all abilities.
Opening times
| Monday | 9am – 4pm |
| Tuesday | 9am – 4pm |
| Wednesday | 9am – 4pm |
| Thursday | 9am – 4pm |
| Friday | 9am – 4pm |
| Saturday | Contact the Centre directly |
| Sunday | Contact the Centre directly |
Museum
The St Joseph’s Boys’ Home Museum holds a collection of artefacts representing many stories throughout 1887 – 1966. These include Mary MacKillop’s Reflection Room, a large range of historical photos and books, and photos and stories of boys who lived in the home.
History of the Home
In 1887, the presbytery and grounds at Kincumber were placed by Cardinal Moran at the disposal of the Institute of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Dean Sheridan made the necessary arrangements for three sisters and 22 boys to take up residence at Kincumber from the Providence in Cumberland Street.
In 1889, an adjoining block of 30 acres was purchased for £300, on the financial advice of Dean Sheridan. Later, Dean Sheridan assisted the sisters to acquire a further 100 acres — land that was known as Killarney and Tara. Gradually more land came under cultivation.
In the 1880s the area was still quite isolated and most goods were transported by water. The boys had to learn the skills of living and working for a country life. The work of farming, dairying, gardening, baking and carpentry was some of the early work they were trained in. With unemployment high in the cities by the 1890s, the intention was also for them to grow up skilled and be able to find work in the country.
From 1887 until 1966, the site of the St Joseph’s at Kincumber continued as the Home for Boys established by Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of Saint Joseph. In the early sixties the site was used solely for retreats.
Entry Fees
| Visitor | $8 |
| Overnight guest | Free (donation appreciated) |
FAQs
Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre Central Coast is located in Kincumber South. Leaving the M1, exit at Gosford. Follow the signs towards East Gosford, then on to Kincumber. Follow the signs on Empire Bay Drive from Kincumber towards Woy Woy, then turn right onto MacKillop Road. At the T-intersection, turn right onto Humphreys Road and follow the road until you see a sandstone church. The entry to 8 Humphreys Road will be on your right, behind the historic sandstone Holy Cross Church.
Attractions
Discover local treasures.
St Joseph’s Labyrinth
Built in 2009 and replanted in 2018, St Joseph’s Labyrinth was planned and inspired by Ray Elton and Sr Ellen Daniel, modelled on the Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth in France. More than 2,400 Mondo Grasses were planted to mark out the labyrinth, with a 4.6-metre rosette in the centre laid with stones around the Liquidambar tree. Take a seat around the tree to pause, reflect and rest upon reaching the centre.
Stations of the Cross Walk
Starting in the middle of our beautiful gardens, the Stations of the Cross follow the boardwalk beside the dam, which follows the water’s edge and passes the concrete remains of the old dairy. The timber used for the crosses was taken from the dairy, reflecting the historical and religious significance of the site. From the end of the walk, you come up the zig-zag trail next to the labyrinth, with spectacular views of our heritage listed buildings.