New Norcia

St Benedicts, Ken Stepnell / Explore Australia Publishing

In 1846 Spanish Benedictine monks established a mission 132 kilometres north of Perth in the secluded Moore Valley in an attempt to help the local Aboriginal population. They named their mission after the Italian town of Norcia, the birthplace of the order's founder, St Benedict. The imposing Spanish-inspired buildings of New Norcia, surrounded by the gum trees and dry grasses of the wheat belt, provide a most unexpected vista. The town still operates as a monastery and is Australia's only monastic town. Visitors may join the monks at daily prayers.

Visitor Information

Museum and art gallery, Great Northern Hwy; (08) 9654 8056

www.newnorcia.wa.edu.au

Nearby national parks

  • Avon Valley National Park

    The Avon River runs through the centre of this national park, not far from Perth and once occupied by the Nyoongar people of the Darling...more

  • Yanchep National Park

    Just a 45-minute drive from Perth, Yanchep is one of Western Australia’s oldest national parks. Lying on a belt of coastal limestone,...more

  • Walyunga National Park

    Set on the edge of the Darling Scarp just north of Perth, Walyunga National Park encompasses a section of the Swan River valley. It is here...more

Nearby towns

  • Moora

    On the banks of the Moore River, Moora is the largest town between Perth and Geraldton. The area in its virgin state was a large salmon...more

  • Gingin

    Gingin is one of the oldest towns in Western Australia, having been settled in 1832, only 2 years after the establishment of the Swan...more

  • Toodyay

    This National Trust–classified town is nestled in the Avon Valley surrounded by picturesque farming country and bushland. The name...more

In Town

Abbey Church This fine example of bush architecture was built using a combination of stones, mud plaster, rough-hewn trees and wooden shingles. It is the oldest Catholic church still in use in WA and contains the tomb of Dom Rosendo Salvado, the founder of New Norcia and its first Abbot. Hanging on a wall is the painting of Our Lady of Good Counsel, given to Salvado before he left for Australia in 1845 by Bishop (later Saint) Vincent Palotti. One of New Norcia's most famous stories relates how, in 1847, Salvado placed this revered painting in the path of a bushfire threatening the mission's crops. The wind suddenly changed direction and drove the flames back to the part already burnt, and the danger was averted.Museum and art gallery: the museum tells the story of New Norcia's history as an Aboriginal mission, while the art gallery houses priceless religious art from Australia and Europe as well as Spanish artefacts, many of which were gifts from Queen Isabella of Spain. The Museum Gift Shop features New Norcia's own produce including bread, nutcake, pan chocolatti, biscotti, wine, honey and olive oil. Monastery: daily tours of the interior. A guesthouse allows visitors to experience the monastic life for a few days. New Norcia Hotel: this magnificent building, featuring a massive divided central staircase and high, moulded pressed-metal ceilings, was opened in 1927 as a hostel to accommodate parents of the children who were boarding at the town's colleges. Old Flour Mill: the oldest surviving building in New Norcia dates from the 1850s. Heritage trail: 2 km self-guide walk highlights New Norcia's historic and cultural significance and the role of the Benedictine monks in colonial history; contact visitor centre for map. Guided tour: 2 hr tour of the town with an experienced guide takes you inside buildings not otherwise open to the public; 11am and 1.30pm daily from museum.

Nearby

Mogumber: town with one of the state's highest timber-and-concrete bridges; 24 km SW. Piawaning: magnificent stand of eucalypts north of town; 31 km NE. Bolgart: site of historic hotel; 49 km SE. Wyening Mission: former mission, now a historic site; open by appt; 50 km SE.

Fishing spots near town

Perth 120 km

The Swan River produces many species, including bream, mulloway, herring, tailor, tarwhine, silver trevally, Samson fish and flathead. This is a year- round fishery for the much sought bream. In summer the bream run... Find out more


Eco-friendly activities around town

Hiking the Bibbulmun Track 112 km

You do not need to dedicate six to eight weeks to walk the superb 965-kilometre Bibbulmun Track in order to enjoy it. There are plenty of places to get on and off the track, so you can stretch the legs for a few hours,... Find out more


Kings Park and Botanic Garden 117 km

Arguably the most scenic botanic gardens in the country, Kings Park and Botanic Garden, with its hilltop location, offers great views over the city and beyond, and has plenty of space for picnicking, cycling and walking.... Find out more


Perth Zoo 117 km

You can certainly while away a few hours at this excellent zoo, which is involved in conservation and has a breeding program for native endangered species, including the western swamp tortoise, Shark Bay mouse and... Find out more


Diving around Perth 128 km

There are some shore dives in and around Fremantle and Perth, and plenty of great boat dives to Rottnest Island and further afield. Dolphin Dive Fremantle is an eco-accredited dive shop with a large boat, and will rent... Find out more


Cycling on Rottnest Island 131 km

You can hire a bike before you get to Rottnest, and take it on the ferry, or hire on the island at Rottnest Island Bike Hire (located behind the Quokka Arms Hotel). The company has tandems, child seats, trailers and... Find out more


Snorkelling and diving around Jurien Bay and Geraldton 135 km

You can snorkel face-to-face with sea-lions in Jurien Bay Marine Park, or join a boat tour to see them up close. Jurien Charters in Jurien Bay also offers diving on rock walls with lionfish, butterflyfish and wrasse.... Find out more


Sea-kayaking around Rockingham 152 km

Along the coast at Rockingham, less than 45 minutes drive south from Perth, you can kayak to the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park just offshore, which harbours a host of wildlife. There are Australian sea-lions on Seal... Find out more


Whitewater rafting – Dwellingup 194 km

Dwellingup Adventures has a one-day rafting trip on the Murray River suitable for novices and children from ten years and upwards. This operator also hire canoes, kayaks, rafts and mountain bikes and, for self-guided... Find out more


Golf courses around town

The Vines Resort & Country Club (Lakes course) 90 km

Few courses in Australia let you walk in the footsteps of the game’s best players simply by booking a tee time and paying your green fee. The Vines, as the stage for such events as the Heineken Classic, Johnnie... Find out more


Joondalup Country Club & Resort 97 km

Few inland courses in Australia boast such visually sensational holes as you will encounter at Joondalup. This 27-hole layout, a 25-minute drive north of Perth’s CBD, is a unique golfing experience and the... Find out more


Lake Karrinyup Country Club 107 km

For more than five decades Lake Karrinyup was widely considered one of Australia’s classic courses. It first won national acclaim when it hosted the 1952 Australian Open, won by Norman von Nida. The Open... Find out more


The Western Australian Golf Club 108 km

The Western Australian Golf Club is a hidden gem, particularly to visitors from interstate or overseas. Set amid the rolling hills of suburban Yokine, and covering some of the highest points to be found north of... Find out more


Mt Lawley Golf Club 110 km

Perth was a booming town in the late 1920s, and as more and more people headed west from the eastern states, the demand for golf courses grew. Four of Perth’s finest layouts – Lake Karrinyup, Cottesloe,... Find out more


Cottesloe Golf Club 119 km

Cottesloe is internationally renowned for its superb beach, backing on to rows of towering Norfolk Island pines and wonderful terraced lawns, an idyllic spot to soak up views of the Indian Ocean. If you were expecting... Find out more


Araluen Golf Resort 131 km

Steep forest-covered hills above deep valleys are not the ideal landscape on which to create a golf course. But that did not stop the developers of Araluen Golf Resort – in the Roleystone Hills, 45 minutes... Find out more


The Links Kennedy Bay 162 km

Kennedy Bay has a brief and chequered history. Since opening for play in 1998 this acclaimed links course has been forced to close twice because of financial circumstances involving different owners. The most recent... Find out more


Secret Harbour Golf Links 166 km

Towering sand dunes covered with thick coastal scrub were the sight that greeted Graham Marsh, former player turned course designer, when he took his first look at the proposed Secret Harbour Golf Links in the early... Find out more


Meadow Springs Golf & Country Club 175 km

Nearly eight years after American designer Robert Trent Jones Jnr oversaw the final stages of construction on his acclaimed Joondalup layout, he found himself back on the WA coast. This time it was to sign off on... Find out more


Cafes & restaurants around town

New Norcia Hotel

Patrons lounge on the impressive verandah for lunch, dinner or drinks at the historic New Norcia Hotel. The atmosphere is informal and the Sunday-night roast is popular, as are the barbecues in summer. Try a glass of New... Find out more


Nearby eco-friendly places to eat

The Sandcastle 130 km

The Sandcastle is an up-market option in South Fremantle, with beautiful food, much of which comes from sustainable resources, and organic wines and beers. As well as stocking organic vegetables, grains and meats, the... Find out more


Nearby breweries

Feral Brewing Company 93 km

Based in the Swan Valley, Feral Brewing produces a range of sometimes challenging beers that are served on tap at their bar/restaurant (and a handful of other outlets), plus their flagship bottled product Feral White,... Find out more


Mash Brewing Company 95 km

The simply named Mash Brewing Company debuted in April 2006, adding to the significant cluster of craft breweries operating out of the Swan Valley. Inspired by the Little Creatures model, the brewery is positioned... Find out more


Duckstein Brewery 96 km

Duckstein Brewery actually has two separate breweries and outlets located in both the Swan Valley and Margaret River wine regions. The original 60-litre microbrewery (or should that be microscopic brewery) is one of the... Find out more


Elmar's In the Valley 97 km

Having established a successful smallgoods business, German-born couple Elmar and Anette Dieren branched out to establish this sizeable bar, restaurant and beer garden complex, which also includes a microbrewery. While... Find out more


Swan Brewery 125 km

The Swan Brewery was established in 1857 by early Western Australian settler Frank Sherwood, who had emigrated from England with his family in 1842. Interestingly, he originally set up a school of classics and languages... Find out more


Billabong Brewing 125 km

Owner Alan Proctor started Billabong Brewing as Western Australia’s first brew-on-premise operation, where homebrewers come to make their own beer and bottle it, using professional equipment. In 2006 Proctor... Find out more


Gage Roads Brewing Company 127 km

Established in 2002 by former Sail & Anchor brewing team Peter Nolin and Bill Hoedemaker, Gage Roads Brewing started producing beer from the Palmyra site in mid-2005. The US-born pair was apparently frustrated that... Find out more


Sail & Anchor Hotel 128 km

The Australian craft beer movement was kick-started at the Sail & Anchor Hotel in 1984 when the first house-brewed ale flowed there. Phil Sexton and his partners in the Matilda Bay Brewing Company were building the... Find out more


Little Creatures Brewing 129 km

After dabbling in wine and working as a brewing consultant in the US, craftbeer pioneer Phil Sexton re-surfaced in the local beer scene, along with a couple of other former Matilda Bay Brewing heavyweights, with the... Find out more


Campsites around town

Calingiri Caravan Park 26 km

The town of Calingiri is 141 km north-east of Perth. This small park on Cavell St in the town has basic facilities, but the gravel surface is not suitable for tents. Visitors will find it a good base for exploring the... Find out more


Shire of Moora Caravan Park 42 km

On the Moore River in the Midlands district, about 180 km north of Perth, the town of Moora is at the centre of a mixed farming area of primarily wheat, wool and cattle. The main attractions here are the wildflowers... Find out more


Pioneer Park 59 km

Basic caravan park facilities are offered here in Dandaragan, a district that boasts lush pastures and golden crops produced by the excellent farming lands, 180 km north of Perth. The characteristic red and white gums... Find out more


Ballidu Caravan Park 67 km

The caravan park at Ballidu is close to town on Wallis St. Visitors in spring have the opportunity to see dazzling displays of wildflowers in the surrounding countryside, when an incredible variety of flora combine to... Find out more


Sappers campsite 68 km

Sappers camping area is 25 km west of Toodyay on Sappers Rd, off Plunket Rd. Bring drinking water and come in a 4WD. Note that there are seasonal closures in winter.... Find out more


Homestead campsite 68 km

Homestead Campsite is adjacent to a small creek in wandoo forest. To find it, head 30 km west of Toodyay and 55 km north-east of Midland via Governors Dr, off Quarry Rd.... Find out more


Valley campsite 69 km

Valley Campsite is at the bottom of a valley near the Avon River. It’s reached via Forty One Mile Rd, off Quarry Rd. Note that access to the river is restricted due to the main east–west railway line.... Find out more


Bald Hill campsite 70 km

Bald Hill Campsite is near the top of a hill overlooking the Avon Valley to the west of Drummonds campsite, reached via  Governors Dr off Quarry Rd. A short walk onto the stony outcrops provides spectacular views.... Find out more


Drummonds campsite 71 km

Drummonds Campsite is set among wandoo woodlands overlooking the Avon Valley. Access in is steep, so you’ll need a 4WD tow if you’re bringing in a camper van. The campsite is to the west of Homestead... Find out more


Thirty Seven Mile Road campsite 71 km

There’s no surprise that this camping area is on Thirty-seven Mile Rd. You’ll find it off Plunket Rd, 40 km west of Toodyay. Bring your own supply of drinking water.... Find out more


Caravan parks around town

Guilderton Caravan Park 80 km

Located in a picturesque setting at the mouth of the Moore River, this popular beachside holiday park is on the water’s edge and has good camping and caravan sites. Amenities are basic and a small shop and cafe are... Find out more


Ledge Point Holiday Park 81 km

This is a new park that opened during 2007. It has the latest facilities and will be a great asset to the area. There is an internet cafe and bookings are essential in busy times. A minimum-length stay applies during... Find out more


Dalwallinu Caravan Park 89 km

A council park that has been redeveloped in recent years, this is a very neat and tidy place, suitable for tourists for short or longer stays. It is easily accessible from the Great Northern Highway.... Find out more


Perth Vineyards Holiday Park 103 km

Situated in the grape-growing area of the Upper Swan River, about 14 km from the centre of Perth, this quality park has easy access to the main routes north and east. It has grassy and paved sites, some with good shade.... Find out more


Karrinyup Waters Resort 107 km

Just 14 km north of Perth and close to the Mitchell Freeway, this park is just a short distance from the beach. With very good amenities and facilities that include a spa and solar-heated pool, this is a good base for... Find out more


Banksia Tourist Park 108 km

This is an ideal location for those arriving in Perth from the north or the east wanting to stay on the outskirts. The park is in a semi-rural setting just a few minutes from Midland. The quality park is well laid out... Find out more


Discovery Holiday Parks – Perth 115 km

This is a great park with excellent amenities, in the eastern suburbs 16 km from the centre of Perth. It also has a van-storage area. Access to the park is easy from all directions along main arterial routes. Bookings... Find out more


Pinnacles Caravan Park 122 km

This is a popular beachside holiday park near the Pinnacles. The Lancelin–Cervantes road has still not been constructed and the latest estimate is 2013. Fishing and windsurfing are the most popular pastimes along... Find out more


Jurien Bay Tourist Park 135 km

This beachside park is in the centre of town, adjoining the jetty. There are good facilities and the park shop has an extensive range of takeaway food. This is a popular fishing area. Bookings are required in peak... Find out more


Woodman Point Holiday Park 136 km

Large and popular, this tourist park has walking access to the beach and is just 7 km from Fremantle. The managers run nature walks around the local area year round. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Monastery Guesthouse

Those seeking reflection will appreciate true Benedictine hospitality at the Monastery Guesthouse. Accommodating 24 guests, there is an assortment of single and twin rooms, some with shared facilities and others with... Find out more


New Norcia Hotel

In Australia’s only monastic town, you’ll find a slice of Spain in this small country town’s Benedictine community. Despite the simple accommodation available at the New Norcia Hotel, the grand building... Find out more


Nirranda Farmstay

Fancy some rural seclusion? The Nirranda Farmstay is a working grain, sheep and cattle farm on 2000 hectares. But don’t worry, you won’t be herding any cattle, just interacting with the farm animals,... Find out more


Rest areas around town

Bindoon Hill Rest Area 40 km

10 km N of Bindoon (L) or 41 km S of New Norcia (L) Large areas just off the highway on both sides. Good shade. GPS: S31 19.503 E116 09.249... Find out more


Nature Trail Rest Area 46 km

11 km S of Regans Ford (R) or 37 km N of Gingin (L) Small secluded area adjacent to the highway in an area prolific with seasonal wildfl owers. Limited shade. GPS: S31 03.848 E115 44.619  ... Find out more


Information Bay Rest Area 48 km

3 km S of Regans Ford (R) or 45 km N of Gingin (L) Secluded area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S31 00.100 E115 42.585... Find out more


Regans Ford Park Area 49 km

South of the roadhouse Large area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S30 59.208 E115 42.307... Find out more


Miling North Rest Area 59 km

76 km N of New Norcia (R) or 42 km S of Dalwallinu (L) Large area just off the highway behind a few trees. Limited shade. GPS: S30 27.862 E116 25.217... Find out more


Dalwallinu Park Area 88 km

Middle of town Parking area in the main street opposite the post office. Good shade and facilities. GPS: S30 16.667 E116 39.750... Find out more


Eadine Springs Rest Area 88 km

9 km E of Bakers Hill (L) or 14 km W of Northam (R) Large secluded picnic area well off the highway among the trees. GPS: S31 42.756 E116 32.369... Find out more


Bakers Hill Park Area 89 km

West side of town   Parking adjacent to the highway at the information bay. Good facilities and shade.   GPS: S31 44.918 E116 27.439... Find out more


Drummonds Reserve Rest Area 92 km

T/O 13 km S of Badgingarra (R) or 62 km N of Regans Ford (L) Secluded area located just off Bibby Road in the scrub, 5 kilometres west of the highway. Good shade. GPS: S30 29.297 E115 26.090... Find out more


Forsyths Mill Rest Area 101 km

11 km E of Mundaring (R) or 27 km W of Bakers Hill (L) Small secluded area just off the highway in a natural bush setting. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S31 52.838 E116 16.585  ... Find out more


Hakea Reserve Rest Area 102 km

T/O 13 km S of Badgingarra (R) or 62 km N of Regans Ford (L) Small area located just off Bibby Road in the scrub, 14 kilometres west of the highway near the wind farm. GPS: S30 27.613 E115 19.918... Find out more


Wubin Park Area 104 km

Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway at the Wheatbin Museum. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S30 06.424 E116 37.908... Find out more


Meckering Park Area 105 km

Middle of town Large parking area adjacent to the highway at the earthquake display site. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S31 37.996 E117 00.432... Find out more


Wubin North Rest Area 109 km

7 km N of Wubin (R) or 147 km S of Paynes Find (L) Large area just off the highway. Reasonable shade. GPS: S30 04.137 E116 40.877  ... Find out more


Coomaloo Creek Park Area 114 km

51 km S of Eneabba (R) or 23 km N of Badgingarra (L) Large area well off the highway in a pleasant bush setting at the turn-off to Jurien Bay. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S30 13.466 E115 24.020... Find out more


Banksia Reserve Park Area 118 km

T/O 51 km S of Eneabba (R) or 23 km N of Badgingarra (L) Small secluded area located 46 kilometres off the highway in the scrub via Jurien Road, Munbinea Road and Cervantes Road. Limited shade. GPS: S30 23.552 E115... Find out more


Tuart Reserve Park Area 120 km

T/O 51 km S of Eneabba (R) or 23 km N of Badgingarra (L) Small secluded area surrounded by scrub 51 kilometres off the highway via Jurien Road, Munbinea Road and Cervantes Road. Good shade. GPS: S30 25.069 E115... Find out more


Smoke Bush Reserve Rest Area 121 km

T/O 51 km S of Eneabba (R) or 23 km N of Badgingarra (L) Large area located 10 kilometres west of the highway on Jurien Road. GPS: S30 13.486 E115 17.833  ... Find out more


Jibberding Rest Area 122 km

23 km N of Wubin (R) or 131 km S of Paynes Find (L) Large secluded area just off the highway in the scrub. Good shade. GPS: S30 00.251 E116 49.271... Find out more


Cunderdin Park Area 124 km

Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway near the museum. GPS: S31 39.098 E117 14.540... Find out more


Wandoo Reserve Rest Area 125 km

T/O 51 km S of Eneabba (R) or 23 km N of Badgingarra (L) Large area located 16 kilometres west of the highway on Jurien Road. Good shade. GPS: S30 13.454 E115 14.268... Find out more


Lake Goorly Rest Area 131 km

34 km N of Wubin (R) or 120 km S of Paynes Find (L) Large area just off the highway. Only limited shade. GPS: S29 56.060 E116 52.946... Find out more


White Wells Rest Area 144 km

47 km N of Wubin (L) or 107 km S of Paynes Find (R) Large area just off the highway among a few trees. Good shade. GPS: S29 50.10 E116 56.47  ... Find out more


Gleneagle Rest Area 146 km

25 km SE of Armadale (L) or 107 km NW of Williams (R) Secluded area well off the highway in a very pleasant forest setting. Good facilities and excellent shade. GPS: S32 17.306 E116 11.430... Find out more


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