Events
Discover the joy of seeking God together through events
Throughout the year, Sydney Centre hosts special events that nurture spiritual growth and deepen meditation practice. From silent retreats to monastic visits, each gathering offers an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with your soul’s infinite peace.
For our regular program, Sunday school, study groups and commemorative services, see our Services page.
"You may be surprised at what seclusion with God will do for your mind, body, and soul….
Through the portals of silence the healing sun of wisdom and peace will shine upon you."
—Paramahansa Yogananda
Upcoming events at Sydney Centre
Monastic-Led National Silent Retreat
6 – 8 February 2026 · Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre, Baulkham Hills
We are pleased to announce a Monastic-led 2-day National Silent Retreat. Brother Bhimananda and Brother Devananda are expected to lead the retreat. Devotees from all SRF groups around Australia and New Zealand are warmly invited to attend.
Dates: Friday 6 February 2 pm – Sunday 8 February 2 pm
Checkin is from 2 pm. We recommend you arrive by 4 pm to experience some Fellowship before the SILENT retreat begins. The last service on Sunday will finish at 12 noon, followed by lunch at 12:15 pm.
We expect strong interest so it could be sold out before any closing date that we may set. Hence we recommend that you book early in order to not miss out.
The Monastics are planning to make brief visits to other groups around Australia after the retreat.
This is a residential retreat.
Venue: Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre, Baulkham Hills
Nearest Train Station: Norwest Metro train station (10 minutes’ walk from the venue)
Accommodation: Most devotees will be in dual occupancy shared rooms with ensuite. All meals (vegetarian/vegan) are provided.
Capacity: 110 people
Costs for the whole retreat:
• Twin share with ensuite – $650 per person SOLD OUT!
• Double rooms for married couples – $1,300 SOLD OUT!
• Single rooms with ensuite – $700 SOLD OUT!
• Single/dual occupancy with shared facilities – $500 SOLD OUT!
Events with the visiting Monks
Picnic with the Monks
Thursday 5th February, 11am to 2pm · Venue TBA
At our Centre, led by the Monks
• 6:30 – 7:30 pm: Meditation
• 7:30 – 8:30 pm: Satsang
• 8:30 – 9 pm: Light refreshments provided.
Sydney Centre Silent Retreat
Since 1998, Sydney Centre has been hosting two silent weekend retreats each year in autumn and spring at Harzter Park, 25 Eridge Park Road, Burradoo.
The retreat includes single accommodation (shared bathroom) and all meals.
Please note: Hartzer Park is no longer offering the Self-catering option.
2026 Retreat Dates
Monastic-led National Retreat:
Friday, 6 February to Sunday, 8 February to be held at Mary Mackillop Spirituality Centre, Baulkham Hills, NSW
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Spring Retreat:
16 – 19 October 2026 (a 5-day option will be confirmed later this year)
"Come into the silence of solitude, and the vibration there will talk to you through the voice of God."
—Paramahansa Yogananda
Previous Monastic visits
A profound sense of renewal comes through SRF Monastics visiting Sydney over the decades to conduct Public Lectures; Kriya ceremonies: Weddings; Christenings; give Spiritual Counselling and hold Fellowship with devotees.
The 1st Monastic visit to Sydney was in 1958; since then, we have had 26 visits in total, including 15 with Kriya ceremonies.
Highlights have been the visit of SRF Vice-President Mrinalini Mata in 1966, and the visit of our beloved President, Brother Chidananda in January 2025. This momentous event marked the first visit to Australia by an SRF President.
We have also had 7 visits from Center Department monastics since the first one in 2007, specifically to run workshops and conferences for devotees.
The Center Department visit to Australia in 2012 included a National Conference held in Sydney.
