Visiting the Monastery

Visitors are welcome to come during visiting hours, to attend activities, or just be here as the monastery goes about its day. For Dharma talks, ceremonies, or retreats, please see the Events page for current offerings.

Garden path and grounds of Gold Coast Dharma Realm

Visiting Hours

Saturday7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday7:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Location

Gold Coast Dharma Realm
106 Bonogin Road
Bonogin, Queensland, 4213

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What to Expect

The Grounds

The monastery includes gardens maintained by volunteers, a Buddha Hall, a stupa, a lotus pond, and a wooded Arahan walking trail. Visitors are welcome to walk or sit quietly throughout the property during visiting hours.

A stream and waterfall among rocks and trees on the monastery grounds

Monastic Life and Practice

Gold Coast Dharma Realm is an active monastery where monastics engage in daily practice and cultivation — meditation, ceremonies, study, and caring for the community and monastery. You may see this life going on around you as you spend time here. Visitors are welcome to observe quietly, and to join any public activities taking place during their visit.

The Buddha Hall

Ceremonies, meditation, and chanting take place in the Buddha Hall as part of the monastery's regular practice. At times there may be periods of silence or bowing. Visitors are welcome to observe quietly or participate as they feel comfortable.

The exterior of the Main Buddha Hall with traditional curved roofline and manicured gardens

Learning and Community

The monastery hosts a regular program of teachings, recitations, and community activities on weekends, many of which are also available online via Zoom. A small library and bookshop are available for those who would like to explore the Buddhist teachings further.

Visitor Guidelines

To help maintain a peaceful and harmonious environment for everyone, we kindly ask visitors to observe the following guidelines.

Dress Comfortably and Modestly

Comfortable, modest clothing is encouraged (shoulders and knees covered). Loose-fitting clothing is recommended, as it can make it easier to bow or sit during meditation. If you arrive dressed differently, you are still very welcome. We simply ask that you keep this in mind for future visits.

What to Leave at Home

In keeping with the monastery's traditions and practices, please do not bring alcohol, meat (including fish & poultry), eggs, illicit drugs, or cigarettes into the monastery.

Families Welcome

Children are welcome at the monastery. Parents and carers are asked to supervise children to help maintain a peaceful environment.

Care for All Living Beings

In keeping with the Buddhist principle of non-harming, we ask visitors not to harm any living beings while on the monastery grounds, including small creatures such as ants or insects.

Shared Spaces and Seating

In some areas of the monastery, such as the Buddha Hall, visitors may notice that seating may be arranged separately for men and women. This follows the monastery's traditional practice and helps support a focused and respectful environment. Visitors are welcome to follow the general arrangement in these spaces.

Respect for Buddhist Texts

Sutras and other Buddhist texts are regarded with care and reverence. Please avoid placing them on the floor or in unsuitable areas, and handle them respectfully.

If you have any questions before your visit, please contact the monastery at +61 (07) 5522-8788 or at gcdr.australia@gmail.com.