Yarra Valley, Victoria · 30–200 Guests · 1hr from Melbourne
The peaceful space your
church retreat needs
The Ideal Space for Christian & Catholic Retreats, Ministry Camps and Spiritual Renewal
Foothills Conference Centre — Mooroolbark, Victoria
Mooroolbark, Yarra Valley
30-200 guests
Large Group Accommodation
Multi Day Retreats
All Faiths & Formats Welcome
A peaceful space for reflection, connection, and spiritual growth
Looking for a Christian or Catholic church retreat venue that supports your group’s spiritual journey — without the distractions of everyday life? Just over an hour from Melbourne, Foothills Conference Centre offers a serene natural setting, comfortable onsite accommodation, and welcoming spaces designed to help your church group, parish, ministry team, or faith-based community connect with each other and with God.
Whether you're planning a quiet weekend of prayer, a youth ministry camp, a church leadership retreat or a time of renewal for your parish, our venue provides everything you need — with the warmth and respect you deserve.
Our Role
You Lead.
We hold the space.
Your retreat facilitator, priest, pastor, or program director has a vision. Foothills exists to make that vision possible — providing a venue and hospitality so thoughtfully arranged that your group can arrive, settle in, and go deep.
We don't run programs. We don't impose agendas. We create the conditions for transformation — quiet bushland, comfortable rooms, nourishing food, and spaces that breathe.
Surrounded by quiet bushland, near the gateway to the Yarra Valley
Private and flexible retreat spaces for worship, teaching or group reflection
Comfortable onsite accommodation for overnight and weekend stays
Fresh, nourishing meals with group-friendly catering options
Warm, respectful, and experienced staff who understand the needs of spiritual groups
Venue hire available for all Christian denominations and Catholic parishes
From small prayer groups to larger weekend events, Foothills is designed to offer you the space, stillness and support to focus on what matters.
Everyone's Welcomed
Built for groups
with purpose
Catholic Parishes & Diocesan Groups
Space for Eucharistic Adoration, prayer, scripture study, and parish renewal. Quiet rooms and flexible halls to support your clergy-led or lay-led program.
Christian Churches & Ministries
From youth ministry camps to leadership weekends and praise & worship gatherings — bring your team and your facilitator. We'll have everything ready.
Interdenominational & Ecumenical Groups
We welcome all Christian traditions without preference. Foothills is a neutral, respectful space where diverse communities can gather with shared purpose.
Schools & Religious Educators
Day programs and overnight retreats for student groups, faith formation programs, and teachers seeking a purposeful off-campus environment.
Respectful & Welcoming
A Welcoming Venue for All Faith Traditions
At Foothills, we respectfully welcome both Christian and Catholic groups. We understand that different faith communities have different traditions — and we’re here to support yours.
Whether your retreat is clergy-led, pastor-led, or lay-led, we’ll ensure the venue is set up to meet your group’s unique needs. You’re welcome to bring your own facilitator, priest, pastor or spiritual director.
We can accommodate:
Catholic parishes and diocesan groups
Christian churches, youth ministries, and community faith groups
Schools and religious educators
Interdenominational or ecumenical groups
Spiritual development programs
Need a quiet room for prayer? A space for Eucharistic Adoration? A large hall for praise and worship? Let us know — we’ll help you make it happen.
What Foothills Provides
We provide the space & support
You focus on your program
Your facilitator arrives to a fully prepared venue. Rooms set to your layout, meals ready, spaces arranged. All they need to do is begin.
Flexible Gathering Spaces
Large halls, AV-equipped conference rooms, small breakout rooms for prayer circles or discussion. Configured to your retreat structure.
Flexible Gathering Spaces
Large halls, AV-equipped conference rooms, small breakout rooms for prayer circles or discussion. Configured to your retreat structure.
Onsite Accommodation
Clean, comfortable twin-share and single rooms with private bathrooms. Linen, towels, and toiletries included. No offsite travel, no disruption.
Nourishing Group Catering
Fresh, seasonal meals prepared onsite. Catering for vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-specific needs. Tea and coffee available throughout.
Natural Surroundings
Quiet garden areas, walking trails, and outdoor gathering spaces in the Yarra Valley bushland — designed for personal reflection and unhurried conversation.
Testimonials
What Our Customers Say
We have had a wonderful stay at the Foothills Conference Centre for three days and two nights. We attended a Retreat with about 100 guests. The venue is very nice, quiet, clean and close to the nature. The room, bed, toilet are spacious and large, very comfortable. The Air Conditioning in the room is good warming up the room in Melbourne winter days. The conference facilities are good, well maintained. We had our dinner at the restaurant and were very nice. The cuisine prepared by the Chefs were amazing. All in all, the Centre offers us a good relaxing experience meeting our needs. We hope we will come back one day. Thank you.
beautiful place for any occasion…our church had a conference here for a week…highly recommended
Loved it! Stayed here for a church camp and the service and their facilities cannot be faulted. It was above excellent. Standard room was lovely and I would definitely return. They're very attentive to customer satisfaction.
Our first church conference in 3 years (due to COVID lockdowns) - Foothills was the perfect place! Rooms are first-rate, food is gourmet and the staff are all very friendly and helpful. We will be back!
Our Capacity
The right size for
meaningful church retreats
30
Min. Group Size
to
200
Max. Group Size
Foothills is purpose-built for large groups. Whether you're gathering a parish of 60 or a regional youth ministry of 180, our spaces and catering scale to serve your entire group without compromise.
Getting Here
Close enough to gather.
Far enough to breathe.
- Mooroolbark, Victoria — just over an hour from Melbourne CBD, via EastLink.
- Accessible by public transport and coach. Free onsite parking for those driving.
- Nestled near the gateway to the Yarra Valley — natural bushland surrounds without being remote.
- Safe, secure, and self-contained — everything your group needs is onsite.
Take The Next Step
Secure Your Church Retreat Venue,
Book a Tour with us today!
Start with a conversation. Tell us about your group — we'll take care of the rest.