Encounter Living History
Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre, Adelaide
Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre in Adelaide, South Australia is a welcoming place of spirituality, hospitality, education and pilgrimage, where Mary’s legacy lives on.
Overview
Formerly known as Mary MacKillop Precinct, our Centre is located at Kensington on the historical site established by Mary MacKillop in 1872. Here she lived, worked and prayed with her pioneering companions during eleven early years of the fledgling Sisters of Saint Joseph congregation.
Features
Conference Centre
Mary MacKillop Museum
Saint Joseph’s Chapel
Bethany
4 High Street
Kensington SA 5068
Mary MacKillop Museum
19 Phillips Street
Kensington SA 5068
Mailing Address
PO Box 57
Kent Town SA 5071
Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 8am — 4pm
Wednesday: 8am — 4pm
Thursday: 8am — 4pm
Friday: 8am — 4pm
Saturday: 10am — 1pm
Sunday: Closed
Events
Enjoy uplifting, enriching events and activities.
History Festival SA Presentation – Starting Out Young: Mary MacKillop, a Radical Decision Maker
Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre, Adelaide
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Retreats and
Reflection Days
Find your place to retreat, relax and connect.
Nurturing Your Creative Soul Through the Arts
Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre, Adelaide
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Notice God’s Presence Amidst Arrays of Ways to Pray
Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre, Adelaide
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Earthly Life
Across this two-day experience, we will consider our personal relationship with Earth. The layers of our planet and the ongoing…$360 excl. GST | $396 incl. GST
Conference and
Meeting Facilities
Our Adelaide conference centre, Bethany, is a bright, light-filled, flexible space suitable for gatherings of all types. Whether you’re planning a staff reflection day, looking to host training, running a retreat or seeking an additional learning space while visiting Mary MacKillop Museum, we can accommodate groups of up to 120 seated theatre style, or 90-100 seated at round tables. Features include modern audio-visual equipment and a fully equipped commercial kitchen.
It is set in tranquil surrounds on the land where Mary MacKillop lived and worked. Visitors are welcome to use the garden for times of quiet reflection.
Talk to our experienced staff, who can help you plan your next event.
Facilities
- Large, open conference space.
- Up to date audio-visual facilities with hearing loop.
- Modern self-catering facilities.
- Glorious gardens for walks and reflection.
- Access to the historic Saint Joseph’s Chapel for prayer or liturgies.
- Include a visit to the Mary MacKillop Museum located right next door.
- Run your own program or allow us to help with your planning.
Chapel
Saint Joseph’s Chapel
Chapel
Saint Joseph’s Chapel was Mary MacKillop’s much-loved place of prayer. It is now a space of pilgrimage and peace for people of all backgrounds.
You are welcome to visit for prayer or quiet reflection.
Entry is via the back door, along the driveway, near the Mary MacKillop Memorial Rose Garden.
Hours
| Monday | 10am – 4pm |
| Tuesday | 10am – 4pm |
| Wednesday | 10am – 4pm |
| Thursday | 10am – 4pm |
| Friday | 10am – 4pm |
| Saturday | 10am – 4pm |
| Sunday | 10am – 4pm |
Museum
Mary MacKillop Museum Adelaide
Address
19 Phillips Street
Kensington SA 5068
Accessibility
With ramps and fully compliant toilet facilities, we welcome and care for visitors of all abilities.
Opening times
| Monday | Group bookings by negotiation |
| Tuesday | 10:00am – 4:00pm |
| Wednesday | 10:00am – 4:00pm |
| Thursday | 10:00am – 4:00pm |
| Friday | 10:00am – 4:00pm |
| Saturday | 10:00am – 1:00pm |
| Sunday | Group bookings by negotiation |
Museum
This little slice of South Australian history focuses on the story of Mary and her pioneering sisters, offering an interactive, hands-on learning experience that will touch your heart.
This award-winning museum uses audio and visual storytelling to engage and inspire individuals, groups and schools. Our volunteers are always ready to give visitors a warm welcome to this special place of discovery and inspiration.
The museum also includes a gift shop that stocks a range of books, memorabilia, beautiful gifts and unique handcrafted cards that are perfect for special occasions.
For adult or school group bookings, please contact the centre directly at .
Entry Fees
| Adult | $12 |
| Concession | $10 |
| AMaGA member | $10 |
| Friend of Mary MacKillop Museum | Free |
| 5–18 years | $8 |
| Under 5 years | Free |
| Tour group | $10 per visitor |
| School group | $7 per student |
| Family: 2 adults, 3 children | $25 |
| Family: additional children | $3 per additional child |
Education
The Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre in Adelaide is committed to sharing the story and spirituality of Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of Saint Joseph through education.
Create a unique student learning experience with a visit to the Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre. Rich, rewarding and hands-on, students will be engaged as they learn about the life of Mary MacKillop, the work of her pioneering sisters and the legacy they left.
Packages
| Students | $7 per student |
| Teachers | Free |
| Accompanying adults | Free |
The Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre in Adelaide is committed to sharing the story and spirituality of Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of Saint Joseph through education.
Create a unique student learning experience with a visit to the Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre. Rich, rewarding and hands-on, students will be engaged as they learn about the life of Mary MacKillop, the work of her pioneering sisters and the legacy they left.
| Students | $7 per student |
| Teachers | Free |
| Accompanying adults | Free |
Planning Your Visit
We love planning excursions! Our qualified, experienced educators can work with you to support the planning of a rich and relevant learning experience.
Our extensive learning resources, developed by teachers for teachers, are aligned with the Australian Curriculum V9 and designed to ensure student visits are purposeful and authentic.
Enquire today to chat about tailoring a learning experience for your students that is educational and enjoyable, while meeting requirements of the Australian Curriculum and/or Crossways.
To enquire email
FAQs
The Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre is a 10-minute car ride from the Adelaide CBD.
Public transport is also available via bus:
Catch bus H20, H21, H22 or H24 from Grenfell or Currie Streets, Adelaide. Alight at Stop 11, The Parade, Norwood and walk south along Phillips Street.
Or take the Suburban Connector (Circle Line) and catch bus #300. Alight at Stop 146 on Portrush Road (outside or opposite Saint Joseph’s Convent) and walk to High Street or Phillip Street.
There is limited, timed one-hour and three-hour parking available on Phillips Street outside the museum. Other parking is available in the surrounding streets.
Coaches and mini buses can drop off and pick up passengers at the designated area outside Mary MacKillop College in High Street.
Attractions
Discover local treasures.
Gift Shop
The gift shop at Mary MacKillop Museum stocks a range of books, memorabilia, beautiful gifts and unique handcrafted cards that are perfect for special occasions, including Baptism, Communion and Confirmation. Our gift shop is open to the general public during the museum’s opening hours. Come in and browse at your leisure.
High Street Cafe
Dine alfresco under the shady trees of High Street Cafe. Situated next to Mary MacKillop Museum, the cafe overlooks the Mary MacKillop Memorial Rose Garden and Mary MacKillop Park.
Mary MacKillop's Adelaide
Mary MacKillop lived in inner city Adelaide for five years. In that time, she established schools and charitable institutions on well-known streets, leaving a lasting mark on the city.
Mary MacKillop Walk
Walk in the footsteps of Mary MacKillop and her pioneering sisters, as you discover local historical sites connected to the early Josephite story.
The Mary MacKillop Walk begins and ends at the Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre. Free, self-guided booklets are available from the Mary MacKillop Museum, 19 Phillips Street, Kensington and Norwood Town Hall or download the guide to your phone.
Guided Option
A guided option of the Mary MacKillop Walk is available, depending on facilitator availability, on the first Wednesday of the month, except January. Bookings are essential.
To enquire, phone (08) 8130 5910 or email in advance. A donation is appreciated.
