New Norcia, Australia’s only monastic town, is a fascinating day trip, just 130 kms north of Perth, it’s unique history, architecture and beautiful scenery make for the perfect weekend road trip. I set off early up the Great Northern Highway from Perth, to make sure I arrived in time for the 11am guided town tour. The tour is the best way to see inside the stunning buildings and hear the stories of the past from the very experienced and entertaining guides..

History

The town was built in 1847 by Spanish Benedictine monks, creating a piece of Europe in the Australian bush and home to only a few monks today. New Norcia started as an Aboriginal mission, then a school for both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous children, girls and boys, but separate colleges, of course. The monks lived a simple live of farm work and prayer. They were mostly self sufficient by growing vegetables, raising livestock and producing olive oil, wine, honey and bread. There is an old mill, bakery and blacksmith shop to explore.

 

New Norcia still produces award winning olive oil from the olive trees planted in the 1850, as well as wine and honey. The bread is baked daily in the 140 year old oven. These products can be purchased at the Visitors Centre. I can highly recommend the nut cake it was delicious!

 

 

 

 

The Museum and Art Gallery

The Museum and Art Gallery is in the Visitors Centre building and a great place to start your New Norcia fascinating day trip from Perth. The Museum shows the history of the early years, when it was a mission. An interesting read of the unique history of New Norcia. I have heard about the convicts coming to Western Australia but not Spanish monks. The Art Gallery has one of the largest collections of religious art in Australia.

The Museum and Art Gallery is open daily from 9.30am to 4.30pm, except Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

The cost for an Adult is $12.50, concession holder is $10.00 and children 12 to 5 years are $7.50.

You can purchase a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) for $30.00.

A brochure can be downloaded at http://newnorcia.com.au

The Town Tour

The Town Tour is a guided tour visiting the Abbey Church, the Old Mill, the Prindiville Room and the two Colleges. On the Saturday morning tour, I was lucky to see a resident monk playing the organ in the Abbey Church. This is the only time he plays the organ and it is well worth hearing.

You can do a self-guided tour of New Norcia, if you’re not into group tours. The tour will be cancelled if only one person is going. The maps are available at the Visitors Centre.

The Town Tour leaves from the Visitors Centre at 11am and 1.30pm daily, except Good Friday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

You can book the tour at the Musuem and Art Gallery.

The cost for an Adult is $15.00, concession holder is $13.00 and children 12  to 5 years old are $10.

You can purchase a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) for $37.50.

You can also purchase a combination ticket for the tour and entry to the Museum and Art Gallery.

The cost for an adult is $25.00, concession holder is $22.50 and children 12 to 5 years $15.00 with a family pass being $60.00.

If the daytime temperature is above 38 degrees the afternoon tour will be cancelled.

For more information go to info@newnorcia.com.au

Feeling Hungry

The Salvado Roadhouse Cafe is open daily from 7.30am to 5pm, except Christmas Day. The cafe is located near the road on the southside of New Norcia settlement, not in the town centre.

The restaurant uses the products from New Norcia Bakery and is lovely inside, not your usual roadhouse.

Travel Tips for your day in New Norcia.

1. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
2. Go on a Saturday morning, if you want to do the guided Town Tour and hear the organ.
3. Take a hat, drink and sunscreen during the summer months, though it can be hot in Autumn and Spring too.
4. Be respectful, as this is a place of worship and someone’s home.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in New Norcia, it certainly was a fascinating day trip from Perth.

Travelling around South West Australia. 

If you are planning a trip down the south west of Western Australia, these articles will tell you everything you need to know about Busselton and day trips from Busselton in the Margaret River Region, just click on the link.

Things to do and see in Busselton.

Awesome day trips from Busselton.