Sunnataram Forest Monastery

Sunnataram Forest Monastery is a Buddhist facility located in Bundanoon in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. The property includes meditation halls, gardens with plants connected to Buddhist traditions, and spaces for various practices.

The monastery was established in 1990 following a land donation by Elizabeth Gorski and received official recognition as a place of worship in 1992. Its creation reflected growing interest in Buddhist practice in the Australian region.

The community gathers regularly for meditation sessions and teachings where Buddhist concepts are explained in contemporary language adapted to Western practitioners. You can observe an active spiritual life where tradition and local understanding come together naturally.

You should book in advance for Sunday sessions, which include guided meditation, teachings, and a vegetarian lunch provided by volunteers. Sessions last about 3 hours, so plan to arrive early for parking and settling in.

The monastery created specialized teaching methods to explain Buddhist ideas in language that Western visitors can grasp immediately. The gardens feature plants that hold symbolic meaning in Buddhist texts and practice.