Day Trip to New Norcia – Australia’s Monastic Town
📍 Location: New Norcia, Western Australia
📅 Date Visited: November 2016
⏱️ Time Spent: Full day
🚗 Getting There
New Norcia is located approximately 132 kilometers north of Perth, nestled in the rolling hills of the Moore River region. The scenic drive takes about 1 hour 45 minutes via the Brand Highway, passing through picturesque countryside with farms and wildflower fields.
💭 Our Trip: First Impressions
[Magda’s reflections on the New Norcia visit will go here…]
📜 A Brief History
New Norcia is Australia’s only monastic town, founded in 1846 by Spanish Benedictine monks led by Bishop Rosendo Salvado. The town takes its name from Norcia in Italy, the birthplace of Saint Benedict. Over the years, the monks established a mission for the local Yuat people, built magnificent Gothic Revival architecture, and created a thriving agricultural community.
Today, the town remains home to a small community of Benedictine monks and features heritage-listed buildings including the magnificent Abbey Church, St Gertrude’s College, and the old Flour Mill. Visitors can explore the museum, stay in the guesthouse, attend prayer services, and experience the unique spiritual atmosphere of this remarkable place.
📸 Photo Gallery
Highlights from our day exploring New Norcia:
The historic Abbey Church at New Norcia
🎠 Trip Photo Carousel
🗺️ Things to See and Do
- Visit the Abbey Church – Marvel at the stunning Gothic Revival architecture and ornate interior
- Explore the Museum and Art Gallery – Discover the rich history of the monastery and its founder
- Stay at the New Norcia Hotel – Originally built in 1927 as a boarding school, now a charming country hotel
- Walk the Monastery Trail – A peaceful 1.5km walk through native bushland
- Attend Prayer Services – Experience the Gregorian chants during daily prayers (times vary)
- Taste the Bread – The monks’ famous bread and olive oil products available at the Gift Shop
💡 Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: Spring (September-November) for wildflowers or autumn (March-May) for mild weather
- Entry fees: Museum entry is around $10 for adults
- Accommodation: The New Norcia Hotel offers unique monastery accommodation
- Dining: The hotel restaurant serves excellent meals – try the bread!
- Quiet zones: Remember this is a working monastery – please be respectful and keep noise to a minimum
- Cell coverage: Limited mobile reception in some areas