New Norcia

Located on the Great Northern Highway, just 132 kilometres North of Perth you'll find the serene setting of New Norcia - Australia’s only monastic town.

This Benedictine monk community was established at its current site in 1847 by Don Rosendo Salvado and continues today to exude an overwhelming sense of peace and tranquillity.

In fact the monks' dedication to peace manifests itself in everything throughout the community. It's apparent in the welcoming smile of the New Norcia residents, the beautiful Spanish architecture, in the awe-inspiring cathedrals of its chapels, in the song of birds on the nearby Moore River and on the scent of wildflowers in spring.

You too can soak up New Norcia's glorious atmosphere by taking part on a twice-daily, two-hour guided tour that secures you entry to some of the 65 character buildings, of which 27 are classified by the National Trust. Tours run at 11am, 1.30pm daily.

These guided tours allow visitors to see "behind the closed doors", hear the story of New Norcia, visit the monk's own chapel within the monastery and view the frescoed interiors of both St Ildephonsus' and St Gertrude's Colleges.

The monks also welcome all visitors to join them in their daily prayers (Mass in the Abbey Church 7.30am Monday-Saturday, 9am Sundays and in their own Chapel six times throughout the day). You can also meet a monk in the Monastery Parlour to hear about monastic life and to ask questions on most weekdays at 10.30am.

No visit to New Norcia is complete without a visit to the Museum & Art Gallery where you'll find paintings by Spanish and Italian masters and contemporary Australian artists, gifts from the Queen of Spain and a fascinating array of artifacts which tell the story of New Norcia's time as an Aboriginal mission, a centre of the monk's extensive farming activities and as a place of education and culture.

The Gift Shop offers a delightful range or local produce including New Norcia's renowned Olive Oil, Abbey Wines, Bread, Nut Cake, Biscotti and Pan Chocolatti.

When it comes to refreshments the monks suggest you sample the Mediterranean inspired menu at the New Norcia Hotel. Light meals are also available from the New Norcia Roadhouse. Accommodation is available at the New Norcia Hotel which, while simple, exudes a wonderfully warm character typical of the entire community.