Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of our frequently asked questions and answers.

If your questions hasn’t already been asked, please use the Search field above to find what you’re looking for.

Planning Your Visit

Where is the Convent Gallery?

The Convent Gallery is located on the corner of Hill and Daly Street in Daylesford.

As you approach the township of Daylesford, there are signs to direct you here.

What days are you open?

The Convent Daylesford is currently open 5 days a week, Thursday to Monday.

Opening hours are 10am to 4pm.

If in Daylesford on Tuesday & Wednesday, you are most welcome to wander our gardens & take photos of our beautiful building.

Also see our “Things to do in Daylesford” blog.

Is there an entrance fee for the Convent Gallery?

There is an admission fee to The Convent Daylesford –  $10 for adults, $5 for children and $25 for families.

The admission fee is gives you entry into the galleries, museum, chapel and gardens over 3 consecutive days.

The fee goes towards the maintenance of the building and gardens, keeping it alive for generations to come.

Do I have to pay entry fee to visit café / gardens?

An admission fee is not required to dine at Bad Habits café or to wonder the Convent gardens.

How far is Daylesford from Melbourne?

Daylesford is 111 km’s –  approx an 80 minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD

How far is the Convent Gallery from the main street of Daylesford?

The Convent is 650 metres from centre of the Daylesford village.  An easy 10-minute walk!

What is the parking like?

The Convent has a few car parking options:

  1. Off-street parking – entry via Hill St.
  2. There are parking bays along both Hill St and Daly St.
  3. There is Accessibility Parking – entry via Daly St .(in Altar Bar/Function Centre car park). Follow signs directing you up Daly St and then it’s a left-hand turn into car parking area.
Do I need to book to visit the Convent?

If travelling with family or friends, it is not necessary to book to visit The Convent’s galleries, museum & chapel. It is, however, recommended that you book a table if you would like to be seated in the Cafe. The cafe can get quite busy, especially on weekends & school holidays.  

How long do I spend at The Convent?

Some visitors stay for 30 minutes… others stay for over 3 hours! The Convent Daylesford has many experiences all at one location! Over 4 floors you will discover:

  • A Gallery with 7 individual exhibition spaces dedicated to different artists plus Artwork by over 100 artists exhibited around the building.
  • A museum where you learn about the past occupants – the Presentation Sisters and the Holy Cross Boarders.
  • A beautifully restored Chapel with many of its original features.
  • A cafe opens for breakfast, lunch, High Tea… or just coffee & cake.
  • 6 acres of gardens

Lots of history, art & architecture. A surprise at every turn!!

Is Convent Gallery and The Convent Daylesford the same place?

The Convent Gallery opened in 1991 primarily as an art gallery.  Over the 30+ years of operation, it has evolved.  Now known as The Convent Daylesford, the business is an art gallery, historic precinct and function venue.

Can I take photos in the gallery?

Photos of your visit to The Convent can be taken. There are many locations around the building that are photo friendly and Instagram worthy. 

Direct photos of individual pieces of art (with the intention of recreating) is strictly prohibited.

Are you open on Good Friday?

The Convent is closed on Good Friday.
Typically, The Convent is closed over Easter inc Good Friday,  Easter Saturday & Easter Sunday and the Monday after.  

Is the Convent Gallery open on Public Holidays?

Typically, The Convent is closed on Public Holidays.  However, sometimes, the gallery/museum/chapel are open.  On days we open on a Public Holiday we will announce it on our socials and website.

Accessibility

Can I visit with my elderly parents?

Yes, they will love the art and history (and scones).

We would recommend you park in the Altar Bar carpark and walk across to the accessible entry door, to the left of the chapel.

Can someone in a wheel chair visit?

Yes, they can. 
You will need to follow the wheelchair signs that direct you to park in the Altar Bar carpark. From the carpark, you can enter via the function centre door, which leads you to the lift. The lift allows access to the main gallery space, chapel & function centre.  This door is typically locked; a phone call is required for staff to open it for you.

The Café is on the ground floor.  From the carpark, you will need to head to the accessible entry door, to the left of the chapel. This door is usually unlocked. If it is locked, please ring the doorbell for staff to open the door for you.

Call us if you require further assistance.

My mum cannot climb stairs. Is there a lift?

There is an admission fee to The Convent Daylesford –  $10 for adults, $5 for children and $25 for families.

The admission fee is gives you entry into the galleries, museum, chapel and gardens over 3 consecutive days.

The fee goes towards the maintenance of the building and gardens, keeping it alive for generations to come.

Art at The Convent

Is all the art for sale?

Most of the art on display at The Convent is for sale. There are some pieces that are part of The Convent collection. The paintings with a red dot have already been sold (and are waiting for its new owner to collect). The art typically changes every 8 weeks – so there is always fresh new art to admire and buy!!

Do you allow layby for art purchases?

The Convent allows Layby for art that is over $1,000.  Please speak with a staff member to discuss.

Do you ship art to Melbourne? Interstate?

The Convent can organise freight to your home or business.  The cost of the freight is payable by the customer BEFORE the art is delivered.

I am an artist. How do I exhibit my work at the Convent Gallery?

The Convent is committed to supporting artists, both established & emerging. We change the art every 8 weeks, thus love to hear from new artists.

Submit an expression of interest here.

How often does the art change?

​The art at The Convent Daylesford changes every 8 weeks. The seven individual gallery spaces have a different artist exhibiting and the different spaces change at different times. This way, there is always new art to see at every visit.

I saw a painting that I loved last year… do you still have it?

If the painting was not sold, we can typically get hold of it for you.

The art at The Convent Daylesford changes every 8 weeks.  Many of our artists exhibit new work year after year.  Email The Convent a photo of the piece or provide as much details about the piece and we’ll do our best to connect you with it.

How can I be informed of new exhibitions?

We advertise new exhibitions on the Convent Gallery website, via social media and direct mail outs.

 Join our mailing list

Bad Habits Cafe

What time do you open for Breakfast?

Bad habits Café typically opens at 10am for breakfast. 

If you have a large group (of 12+), we are happy to open earlier for you. 

Bookings essential.

Do I need to book a table?

It is advisable to book a table for breakfast or lunch. Groups of more than 4 are strongly advised to reserve a table, particularly on the weekend when Daylesford is at its busiest! 
We do keep a few tables available for walk ins.

Do you have outdoor seating?

Yes, we do have outdoor seating.  If you prefer to sit outside, especially in the warmer months, please request an outside table when booking.

What brand of coffee do you use?

Bad Habits Café serve the finest coffee from Genovese Coffee House.

https://genovese.com.au/coffee/

Do you do Gluten-free scones?

Gluten-free scones are available most days at Bad Habits café.

Do I need to book for coffee & scones?

Bookings are always recommended, to avoid missing out! 

Where can I find a copy of your menu?

The Bad Habits Cafe menu can be found on our website

Does the Café have free Wi-Fi?

The café has limited Wi-Fi facilities.

Does the café take large bookings?

Bad Habits café has 3 tables for 6 guests… you can reserve all 3 tables if you have a group of 18 -20.  Large group bookings of this size are preferred at 9.30am or 12pm.  Two hours is allocated to these larger bookings; thus we do ask that your group arrive on time.

Do you do a special Mother’s Day lunch?

The Convent Daylesford hosts a Mother’s Day High Tea each year. The High Teas are held in the café and the St Lawrence room.  Bookings for Mother’s Day can be made from March each year. We recommend to book early, as we sell out before May!!

Do you do a special Christmas lunch?

Bad Habits Cafe (and The Convent) are closed on Christmas Day.  The Daylesford Information Centre typically have a list of restaurants offering Christmas lunch.

Does the café have time limits for seating?

Bad Habit’s café does its best to accommodate all customers. Although we do not have strict time limits, we do ask customers to be mindful of others. After finishing all meals & drinks, we appreciate customers moving on so that we can seat others.

The Altar Bar is also available for those who would like to continue chatting/drinking.

Can we just have coffee and cake in the café?

Absolutely!  Once seated at Bad Habits café, you can order whatever you like off the menu.  All our cakes & scones are made here… served fresh daily.

What if I need to cancel lunch booking?

If you have made a booking in advance, but plans have changed, as much notice as possible would be appreciated.  This way we can allocate the table to others on the waiting list.

Do you split bills?

Bad habits café does split bills on quieter days (typically during the week).

However, we do not split bills on the weekend.

The maitre ’de greets & seats customers coming through the front door; the cash register is located also at the front door… thus having a large group splitting the bill causes a lot of congestion. 

We are happy to present the bill at the table for you to work out who owes what.

We thank our customers for their understanding.

Do you cater for special diets?

Our cafe has a good selection of vegetarian and gluten free items on the menu. The chefs are happy to mix and match to create a dish to cater for your special diet.

Please see our menu for further details.

Are you open for dinner?

Bad Habits Café is not open for dinner.  Our opening hours are 10am to 4pm.

If you are looking to have dinner in Daylesford, try one of these restaurants:

  • Farmers Arms – great pub
  • Beppe – Italian
  • Kadota – Japanese
  • Bistro Terroir – French
  • Jackie’s on Vincent – Asian Fusion
  • Winespeake –Wine & cheese!
  • Lakehouse – Fine dining
  • Surly Goat – If in Hepburn Springs
  • La Luna – Pizza if staying in!
Is the café licensed?

Bad Habits Café is licenced.  Unfortunately, we do not allow BYO.

Do you have private rooms for hire?

We love hosting parties!  The Convent has a number of options for private hire. 
The parlour seats up to 10 guests, the Bar seats up to 20 guests and the St Lawrence Room seats up to 60 guests.

Enquire here.

High Tea

What days do you do High Teas?

Convent High Teas are hosted daily, Thursday to Monday, at 11.30am. Bookings are essential.

Book a High Tea

What is included in your High Tea?

The Convent High tea includes a welcome cocktail, a 3-tiered stand of savoury & sweet delights as well as our famous scones with barista coffee or organic loose leaf tea.  All High tea guests are also entitled to visit the Convent Gallery.

See sample menu

What times do you do High Tea?

Convent High Teas are served at 11.30am.

 

Do I need to make a deposit when booking a High Tea?

To secure a High Tea booking at The Convent Daylesford, payment in full is required.

Do you cater for special diets?

Currently the special dietary requirements we can cater for are vegetarian, gluten free & nut free. Guests with other special diets are welcome to join their High Tea group and order from our regular lunch menu. Please alert staff of any requirements when booking.

Can I book a High Tea for 1?

You can book a High Tea for 1… or 2… or 15!

Book a High Tea

What is your High Tea cancellation policy?

The chefs start to prepare the sweet & savoury items on the High teas stand from 9am to ensure they are ready to go out from 11.30am. 

If you know that you will not be able to attend, as much notice as possible is appreciated. We are happy to re-schedule your High Tea to another suitable date.

If notice is not given, there will be no refunds or re-scheduling.

If a group booking is made and one person is absent on the day, no refund will be given. The group can take the additional food prepared with them when they leave.

Weddings

Do you host weddings?

Yes, we certainly do host weddings at The Convent Daylesford. You can have your ceremony, your photos, your reception here and even stay the night in our beautiful Penthouse. The Convent has it all “under the one roof”.

Request Wedding package.

What is your maximum number of guests for a wedding?

The Convent Daylesford has TWO stunning function rooms.  The St Lawrence Room seats up to 60 guests and the St Michaels room seats up to 120 guests.

Do you have a minimum spend?

The Convent Daylesford has a minimum spend – 90 guests on a Saturday and 30 guests on Monday to Friday.  We are flexible with our minimum spend policy, typically during winter and if the wedding is less than 6 months away.

Can I just have my wedding ceremony there, without having a reception?

You can have a ceremony-only at The Convent Daylesford. There are 3 locations on-site to choose from.

Request Wedding package.

Can I just have my reception there?

You can have a reception-only at The Convent Daylesford. Typically, guests will arrive for pre-dinner drinks from 5pm.

Request Wedding package.

Can I just have my wedding photos there?

You can have a wedding photo shoot only at The Convent Daylesford. We have many beautiful locations.  There is a $250 location fee… Bookings are essential to ensure there are not 2 brides in our gardens!!

Do you do site visits?

Marija is our experienced Function Manager. If you would like to view our Wedding Venue, please let her know when requesting a wedding package. 
Site visits are typically available most days at 10.30am or 3.30pm. An appointment is essential.

Request Wedding package

Accommodation

Do you have accommodation on-site?

The Convent has a NY-style Penthouse on-site. It is perfect for a couples’ getaway.

More about the Penthouse 

How do I book The Penthouse?

You can book The Convent Penthouse on-line or by calling our friendly staff.

Book here

Is breakfast included when you stay in the Penthouse?

The Penthouse does have coffee/tea & toast facilities available.

If you would like to have breakfast in the café, you will be entitled to a 30% discount. 

Where do we check into the accommodation?

To check in for the Penthouse, please park your car in the Altar Bar carpark and walk across to the main reception desk at The Convent. 

Staff will check you in to the Penthouse and show you how to get in and out after hours.  You can then bring in your overnight bags.

What time do we check-in? Check-out?

Check in time is 2pm.   Check out time is 10am.

Earlier or later times can be arranged upon request and availability.

Does the Penthouse have free Wi-Fi?

The Penthouse does have free Wi-Fi.  You will find the Wi-Fi password on the coffee table in the Penthouse.

Can children stay in the Penthouse?

The Penthouse has a large King-sized bed, typically for a couple.

There is a day-lounge in the living area which can be been used for a child (or two).   We are happy for your children to join your getaway… if you can’t find a babysitter.  Please let staff know if children are joining you when booking is made.

History

How old is the convent building?

The building now known as The Convent Daylesford (aka Convent Gallery) was originally built in 1862 as a private residence for the Gold Warden James Daly. Many renovations/extensions have been made to the building over the years.

Where can I find more about the history of The Convent?

The Convent Daylesford has an amazing history – you will find information in most rooms as you wander through the 4 levels. 

You will find a brief history of The Convent on our website.
Read here. 

History sheets are given to all visitors upon arrival, giving an overview of The Convent’s 160 years of being.

A History book is available to purchase from our Gift Shop.

 

Do you do History Tours?

Currently a visit to The Convent Daylesford includes a self-guided history tour.

Due to popular demand, Guided History Tours will commence in 2023.

Do you sell a Convent History book?

Our History Books ( editions 1 to 3 ) have all sold out.
An updated History Book (edition 4) will be available to purchase in 2023.
If you are interested in our History Book, email us to ensure you get a copy when they are available for purchase.

What order were the nuns?

The nuns at the Holy Cross Convent were the Presentation Sisters. A Catholic teaching order, originating from Ireland. They lived here for almost 90 years.

When did it stop being a convent?

The Holy Cross Convent closed its doors in 1974. 
The last four nuns left in 1981, moving to a much smaller convent beside St Peter’s Church (Daylesford).

Who owns the Convent?

The Convent Daylesford is privately owned. The building was purchased by artist Tina Banitska in 1988 when it was in severe disrepair. She had it restored to its former beauty and opened it as an art gallery in 1991. For over 30 years Tina continues to look after this amazing building, welcoming visitors each day. Meeting Tina when at The Convent is an experience in itself… her love of art and people is evident, her passion continues to inspire.

Ghost Tours

Is the Convent haunted?

The nuns lived at the Convent for almost 90 years (from 1891 to 1981). Many visitors and staff have seen/felt their presence.   If you have an “encounter” whilst here, please tell us. We love hearing & linking the stories.

The Convent also hosts Ghost Tours… dates are advertised 3 months before each tour.

Do you do Ghost Tours?

Yes, The Convent Daylesford hosts Ghost Tours. 
They are led by Spookspotters Paranormal Research Team of Australia.

When is the next Ghost Tour?

All Convent Ghost Tours are advertised on-line.
When dates are released, we typically advertise on our website and our socials – Facebook & Instagram and also via Convent newsletters.

Join our Mailing List

Is my child allowed to attend a Ghost Tours?

To attend a Convent Ghost Tour, you must be over the age of 16 years. 

How can I book a ghost tour?

Call us on (03)53483211 or send an on-line enquiry to book a Ghost Tour at The Convent Daylesford.

 

Do you do private Ghost Tours?

We can do private Ghost Tours for larger groups – Minimum number is 12.

Please contact us to express interest.

How long are the Ghost Tours?

The Ghost Tours go for 2 hours.  We do ask you to arrive ½ before start to collect a welcome drink (you may need it!!).  There is also an opportunity to join in on the conversations in the Altar Bar after the 2-hour tour.

Altar Bar

When is the Altar Bar open?

The Altar Bar is typically “not open” during the week… however, staff are happy to serve meals or drinks to those who request to be seated in the bar.

The Altar Bar is usually open on weekends for lunch or a cheeky cocktail.

The Altar Bar is available for private hire; day or night.

 

Can I hire the Altar Bar for my 21st?

At The Convent Daylesford there are 2 options for private hire for a 21st.

The Altar Bar is perfect for a group of 30 to 60 guests.  If your group is much larger, you may consider the St Lawrence room. It is perfect for groups larger than 60.

Enquire here.

Can I book a table in the Altar Bar for lunch?

Yes, you can request to be seated in the Altar Bar when making a lunch booking.

Do you have live music at the Altar Bar?

No, but if you are looking at some live music whilst in town, check out the Palais in Hepburn Springs.  It is a beautifully renovated and well-loved entertainment venue and bar.

https://www.palais-hepburn.com/events

 

The Daylesford Hotel also has regular live entertainment.

https://daylesfordhotel.com.au/whatson

 

 

Gift Vouchers

Do you sell Gift Vouchers? Can I buy a Gift Voucher?

Yes, we sell Gift Vouchers. 

You can purchase a gift voucher whilst here, over the phone or via a link on our website.

Purchase a Gift Voucher here.

 

Can a Convent Gift Voucher be used in the Café?

Yes, a Convent Gift Voucher can be used in the café… or the gift shop or the gallery.

Do your Gift Vouchers expire?

Typically, a Convent Gift Voucher expires after 3 years.
We are however happy to make extensions upon request.

Can I purchase a Gift Voucher for Mother’s Day?

Yes, you certainly can purchase a Gift Voucher for mum.

A High Tea for 2 is our most popular Gift Voucher purchased for mums.

Purchase a Gift Voucher here.

 

Bus Groups

Do you have bus group packages?

The Convent has special packages for senior citizen bus groups. There are morning tea and lunch packages as well as a Visit-only option.  Bookings are essential.

Request a Bus Package here.

Dogs

Is the Convent dog-friendly?

Your dog is welcome to visit our grounds and/or sit with you while you have coffee or lunch at one of our outdoor tables.  To avoid disappointment, please request one of these tables when booking.

Small dogs that can be carried are allowed to visit the gallery.
Assistance/therapy dogs are always welcome within the gallery

Can our dog attend our wedding?

Absolutely!  The Convent allows your dog/s to be a guest at your wedding.  Please discuss details with our wedding planner.

Can our dog visit the gallery?

Yes, we allow small dogs on leads and assistance dogs.

Can our dog come into the café?

Assistance dogs are allowed in the cafe.
We do have outside seating for warmer weather where dogs are allowed. Small dogs can SOMETIMES be brought into the Altar Bar in colder months if it is not booked/too busy.

 

Join our team

How can I get a job at The Convent?

The Convent is a multi-faceted business, thus there are positions available in different areas at different times.  If you are interested in joining our team, please send your resume to info@theconvent.com.au

 

Can I volunteer at The Convent on weekends?

Yes, The Convent accepts volunteers.  Training will be provided.

Enquire here.

 

Can my daughter do Work Experience at The Convent?

Yes, The Convent accepts work experience students every year. The Convent has always been a place of learning… we love to nurture young people and expose them to the wonderful world of art.

Phone +613 5348 3211

info@theconvent.com.au

7 Daly Street Daylesford 3460
Victoria Australia

Thursday to Monday 10am-4pm
(Closed Tuesday & Wednesday)

Gallery admission:
Adult: $10, Concession: $8,
Kids U12: $5,  Kids U5: free.

 

The Convent acknowledges the traditional owners, the Dja Dja Wurrung people, on whose land we meet, share & work.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present & emerging.