The Mt Helena Retreat Centre
of Theosophy

The Theosophical Retreat at Mt. Helena lies in the hills approximately 43 km and 1 hours drive from Perth; it comprises a nine hectare (21.75 acres) property in a quiet rural environment. The retreat includes a study centre building, four residential chalets, two bush chalets and a toilet/shower block. In addition, there are two private dwellings.

The facilities comprise:-

1. Blavatsky Study Centre. This comprises a large carpeted hall seating up to about 50 persons with a wood stove heater and ceiling fans: a meeting room, carpeted and furnished with comfortable lounge chairs and settee; a dining hall with laminex topped tables and ceiling fans: a well-appointed kitchen with a large commercial gas stove/oven and a microwave oven: a pantry with two refrigerators and a deep freezer and crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils to service about 45 persons. Toilets are situated at the back of the building, one is suitable for wheelchair-bound persons. The building is surrounded on all four sides by a deep verandah.
   
2. Leadbeater Chalet. This is a residential building with four single and two double rooms with single beds and incorporating bedside drawers, reading lamps and hanging racks for clothing. There is also a small lounge and kitchenette, a bathroom and two toilets. The bedrooms and lounge are fully carpeted.
   
3. Clara Codd, Hodson and Sinnet Chalets. These three are residential buildings with three single rooms and one twin room in each. The rooms have single beds, bedside drawers, reading lamps and hanging racks for clothing. Each chalet has a bathroom with shower and hand basin and separate W.C. They also have a small entrance lobby with dining table and chairs, a fridge, kettle, sink and cupboards with a small supply of crockery. Concrete pathways give easy access to and from these chalets and the main hall area.
   
4. Olcott and Sri Ram Chalets. These are bush chalets, each comprising two rooms, each room provided with three single beds. All rooms are carpeted and clothing racks are supplied; each chalet has a verandah.
   
5. Toilet Shower facilities. This block contains a total of six toilets and six showers (3M/3F) with gas fired hot water; hand basins and mirrors.
   

General Information

The retreat is designed to accommodate up to 35 persons and is ideally suited for contemplative and educational events such as meditation, yoga, health, healing, personal growth/development and environmental groups, etc. Whilst the retreat has been established for the use of Theosophical Society members, it is also available for hire by other groups, organisations or individuals; the main requirement is that the proposed activities be in harmony with the peaceful atmosphere which has been established. For letting information please contact the retreat on (08) 95721 513.

No phone is provided at the retreat but there is a public phone in the Mt. Helena village about 3 minutes distance by car.

Beds for 35 persons are provided, each with a mattress and pillow, but an additional number may be permitted by arrangement if users wish to provide tents, campervans or caravans etc. A list of caterers accustomed to using the facilities can be provided on request.

The following equipment may be made available on request:-

1. Colour monitor (68 cm.) and video recorder.
2. AM/FM stereo radio/cassette deck, amplifier and speakers.
3. Public address system.
4. Whiteboard and easel (115 x 80 cm.). Please provide your own markers.
5. Extension leads.
   

You will need to bring:-

• A torch, personal toilet articles and towel, sheets, blankets or a sleeping bag and a pillow case.

Charges.

• A scale of charges will be supplied on request.
  

• Kindly refrain from taking food and drink into the carpeted areas of the study centre or the chalets.
• The books in the study centre are available to all, but please do not remove them from the property.
• No alcoholic drinks are allowed at the retreat.
• We are vulnerable to bush fires. Please do not light fires without our permission.
  

The resident caretaker is here to help you and make your stay a pleasant one. Do not hesitate to call if you need help or information. Their home is not, of course, part of the public access facilities and you are asked to respect their privacy.

Recommended route.

From Perth proceed along Great Eastern Highway to Sawyers Valley; from there take Sawyers Road; continue through the Mt.Helena town to junction with Cook Street and turn left along Cook Street; Bunning Road is second on right; proceed 1.5 km along Bunning Road and you will find the Retreat on your right. The property lies at the corner of Bunning and Mildura Roads and is clearly signposted at the entrance, (see Poto Gallery

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Mud Map to Mt Helena