One of the major contributing factors to the foundation in distant Australia was the strong missionary spirit of France in the last century. This missionary flame fired the Carmel of Argoulerne and in particular it would be exemplified in Mother Mary of the Cross (born Julie Portet) who in her youth desired to join a missionary congregation in 1885 became the leader of the Carmelites to Australia.

The motto of the Order is the cry of Elijah on Sinai, "With zeal, I am zealous for the Lord God of Hosts" (1 Kings 19.24). The Nuns are strictly enclosed so as to live a life contemplative prayer interceding for the People of God.

The Nuns arrived in Sydney on the S.S. Oceanien on 30 July 1885. Little did they know what trials lay ahead. Eventually the Nuns settled at Dulwich Hill in Sydney.