On February 27, the revamped facility was officially blessed and opened by St Agnes Parish priest Father Leo Donnelly and his assistant Father Peter Wood.

The site covers 11 acres of naturally beautiful parkland and is operated under the auspices of the parish.

The venue will service school and group retreats, business conferences, functions and holiday accommodation.

The conference facilities boast WiFi, modern audio and sound system, data projector, acoustic ceiling, heating and cooling, breakout room, kitchen and bathrooms.

The retreat sleeps 88 in dormitory style bunk beds and each of the 11 rooms has its own en suite, and there are separate leader/supervisor rooms.

Bonny Cottage has three bedrooms, sleeps 10 and has a double garage.

The four self contained coastal cabins sleep six and have a carport, while the garden bungalow sleeps four.

Rainbow Beach is a 500 metre walk away and there is a saltwater pool on site.

There are also full size tennis, basketball and volleyball courts and the location is 24 kilometres from Port Macquarie.

The commercial kitchen can service 120 people as can the dining hall and there are disabled facilities.

The Romero Chapel is available for weddings and worship during retreats.

"[It is] a place to take time, to reassess, to redirect our lives if necessary and to be the still in our turning world," Father Donnelly said.

"We personally ensure that all accommodation is meticulously presented and ready for your arrival," said retreat managers Joady and Peter Castles.

"It is a joy for us to welcome people to The Francis Retreat as we believe that helping people retreat and connect to the beauty of nature, gives the retreat its story, something people can connect to."