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Vijayaloka Buddhist Retreat Centre

The retreat centre of the Sydney Buddhist Centre.

Retreats are an excellent way to develop a meditation practice in supportive surroundings. We offer retreats for complete newcomers and those with more experience. Some of the different styles of retreat held during the year include Introductory, Family and Study Retreats.

Vijayaloka Buddhist Retreat Centre is conveniently located about one hour from the heart of Sydney. It provides simple shared accommodation for approximately 40 people in a beautiful bush setting on the George's River.

Please let us know if you are currently experiencing any kind of ill-health we need to be aware of, to ensure you are appropriately supported in our classes and/or on retreat. It may not be suitable for you to attend in certain circumstances, such as if you require medical or psychiatric supervision.

All retreat bookings can be made through the Sydney Buddhist Centre.

Tel: (02) 9519 0440
Post: PO Box 574 Newtown NSW 2042
Email: info@sydneybuddhistcentre.org.au

What to Bring

Bedding: sheets and pillow case, sleeping bag/blankets.
Toiletries
Clothes: It can be surprisingly cold in the early mornings and evenings, and warm - or even hot - in the middle of the day, so we suggest you bring layers. A warm jumper or jacket, trousers, tee shirt, shorts etc.
Insect repellent: The dorms are netted, but there can occasionally be a mosquito.
Torch: Useful but not essential.
Footwear: If you want to walk in the bush - bring suitable shoes.

How to get to Vijayaloka retreat centre:

The retreat Centre is on the edge of beautiful unspoilt bushland on the bank of the Georges River at Minto Heights. There are some marked tracks and a beach on a quiet stretch of river, lovely for contemplation.

From Sydney Airport: The train from the airport goes to Minto station, which is only 7km away from the retreat centre, so there's no need to change trains. The train service is half-hourly and the trip takes about 55 minutes. From the arrivals hall follow the signs to the train and buy a one-way ticket to Minto. Get the train in the direction of McArthur/Campbelltown. Make sure the indicator board on the platform shows Minto as one of the stops.

If you are coming by Public Transport take a Train to Minto Station.
The quickest route from the city is the 'Airport/East Hills Line' (see airport instructions above), or - if more convenient - use the 'South Line'. For train timetables go to http://www.cityrail.info/timetables/ or telephone 131 500 (6am - 10pm).

Please contact the centre ahead of time and they will tell you if someone will be available to pick people up from the station. If not, you'll need to order a taxi. The trip from Minto station to Vijayaloka is about 7km.

Vijayaloka Retreat Centre
7 Howard Road
Minto Heights

By Car take the south-western freeway (M5) towards Campbelltown. Please be aware that the M5 (and particularly its tunnel) becomes very congested from about 3pm to 7pm on Friday - with a clear run it takes about 50 minutes to drive to Vijayaloka from Newtown.

After the Liverpool and M7 exits, take the 'Brooks Road/ Ingleburn industrial area' exit. Turn right into Williamson Rd drive until you reach the round-about with Campbelltown Road. Turn left (along Campbelltown Road) then drive about two kilometres and turn left again at the traffic lights at Ben Lomond Road. Follow Ben Lomond Road (which has a number of round-abouts) across the railway line, past Minto Fruit Orchard & Caltex servo, up the hill (past a new development), across (yet another round about) until you reach a T-Junction with a prominent Bushfire sign in Minto Heights (Hansons Road).

As you will see on the map (below) turn left at the T-Junction (into Hansons Road), then second right (follow the signs to'Minto Bush Camp') into Moreton Road. Howard Road is the second road on the left. The retreat centre is the first property on the right -hand side along Howard Road with a prominent blue sign.

View Larger Map

Hiring the Retreat Centre

Vijayaloka is available for hire by groups wishing to run activities that are in keeping with a Buddhist retreat atmosphere. It will appeal to those looking for simple, inexpensive accommodation for up to 40 people in a spacious bush setting. Groups can either self-cater or catering can be provided. The facilities include:

A large industrial kitchen catering for 40 people
Two shower/toilet blocks, each with 3 toilets and 3 showers
A large building containing the kitchen, dining area, and sitting room that can be rearranged to suit various purposes
A large room at the end of the western dormitory wing that can be used for activities such as meditation, yoga, and study.
Grassed areas with shady trees.

There is no disabled access at present.

There are a few simple rules that people are required to follow including no meat, no smoking and no alcohol on the premises, as well as respecting the natural environment.

For further details about hiring Vijayaloka contact the Sydney Buddhist Centre on 9519 0440 or email info@sydneybuddhistcentre.org.au.