Last Updated on 6 March 2026 by Ariana Svenson
My mum always talked about the staircase in the foyer of the New Norcia Hostel being directly out of “Gone with the Wind,” and I’ve always wanted to spend some more time here. Australia’s only monastic town, New Norcia, has been run by Roman Catholic monks since its establishment in 1847. The Spanish-inspired architecture contrasted against the Aussie bush is bizarre and fascinating – gothic structures with dusty green leaves?
New Norcia, Australia, has a documented history of abuse, trauma, and exploitation experienced by Indigenous children within its mission institutions. I think you feel that history, that trauma, and those atrocities – there is an eerie sense around the buildings.
So as we explored and learnt, I kept asking myself, “How can I think this place is so pretty and yet it has such a dark past? Finally, near the Abbey Church, we stumbled upon a modern installation – the ‘Rock of Remembrance’ – a memorial in honour of those who experienced any form of neglect or abuse at New Norcia.
Here are the top things to do on a visit to New Norcia + everything you need to know about planning your trip.
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Where is New Norcia?
Just under a two-hour drive north-east of Perth, it makes a doable day trip or a great spot for a unique weekend getaway. The idea of staying in a monastic community and a place of great spirituality was also appealing. It’s one of the most popular day trips in Western Australia for Perth-based visitors or those visiting the Avon Valley.
While many choose to travel by rental car, it’s also possible to visit as part of an organised tour. A select few operators offer guided day trips that include return transport, commentary, and stops along the way. A great option is the Wheatbelt & Historic New Norcia, Perth Day Tour with Lunch. It includes visits to the main sites in town.
Coming over the hill above New Norcia, and seeing the spires and turrets in the trees, is magical. You don’t get views like that in Australia. Once you enter the community, there is a serene feeling-“are we in Europe?” Yet it feels like Australia as well! It has a strange incongruence, feeling exotic and European, peaceful and spiritual – and at the same time heavy.
New Norcia Weather: Deciding When to Visit
New Norcia has a Mediterranean climate. It experiences hot, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters typical of south-west WA. Summer temperatures can exceed 35°C. During this time, mornings and late afternoons are often the most comfortable for exploring.
Autumn and spring bring milder conditions and are widely considered the best time to visit Western Australia, including New Norcia. In spring, you’ll see seasonal wildflowers across the Wheatbelt that draw visitors each year. Winter is cooler and sometimes rainy, but it’s usually quieter and more peaceful.
Things to do in New Norcia, WA
Despite its small size, you’ll find plenty of things to do in New Norcia, from exploring grand monastery buildings to visiting quiet memorial spaces. Keep in mind that you’ll wish you’d left more time to explore these places. I certainly did!
Here are some of my top recommendations:
1. Enjoy a Guided Town Tour
Consider joining a guided town tour, which departs from the museum at 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM each day. Tickets are available at the desk. We didn’t get the chance to experience this, which is part of the reason why I wished I’d stayed 2 days rather than 1.
These tours guide you through the town’s main sites and offer insights into the history, architecture, and stories that shaped New Norcia. It’s a great way to get context and learn more from the experienced guides than you would by exploring on your own.
If you’re visiting from Perth, you can book a full-day Wheatbelt and New Norcia experience in advance, which includes transport and guided commentary.
2. New Norcia Monastery & Benedictine Life
At the centre of town stands the New Norcia Benedictine Monastery, the spiritual and architectural heart of the community since 1847. The complex includes the Abbey Church and monastery buildings.
Explore parts of the precinct, including the Abbey Church, which remains an active place of worship. Guided tours can teach you more about the Benedictine community and the town’s Spanish heritage. As it is still a working monastery, some areas remain private.
Benedictine life follows the Rule of St Benedict, centred on prayer, work, and community. While the monastic community is smaller today, its presence continues to shape the atmosphere and daily life in New Norcia.
On Saturday afternoons at 4:30 PM, you can visit the monastery parlour. Historically, the parlour was the formal meeting room where monks received guests, conducted business, and spoke with visitors without disrupting the monastery’s enclosed life. Today, a visit to the parlour is a rare opportunity to meet a community member in person.
3. New Norcia Abbey Church
The story of New Norcia’s Abbey Church is tied to the town’s origins in 1846–47, when Spanish Benedictine monks Rosendo Salvado and Joseph Serra established the mission and monastic community.
Inside the church, you’ll find one of only two large Moser organs brought to Australia from Germany in the 1920s. The interior features decorative sgraffito artwork alongside more traditional religious paintings and icons. The church is also the final resting place of Rosendo Salvado, the founder of New Norcia.
If I were to visit New Norcia again, I would leave time to join the monks for Mass or prayers. This happens daily at 7:30 AM, Monday to Saturday, and at 9:00 AM on Sundays.
What does ‘Pax’ mean? All around New Norcia, you will see ‘Pax’. You may be left wondering what it means. The word is Latin for ‘Peace’ and is the motto of the Benedictine monks of New Norcia. It’s a symbol of peace, a holistic state of peace, and the life of the community and its commitment. It’s also a gift offered to visitors to New Norcia.
4. New Norcia Museum and Art Gallery
At the New Norcia Museum and Art Gallery, you can explore the monastery’s history in more depth, including Monastery memorabilia and exhibitions which take you through life at St Joseph’s and early mission history.
The museum is housed in the former St Joseph’s Native School buildings, which adds another layer of historical context.
In the adjoining art gallery, you’ll find an impressive collection of European religious art displayed alongside contemporary Australian pieces.
Before you leave, stop by the gift shop for locally made products, including New Norcia bread, honey, and preserves, as well as books, religious items, and handmade goods.
The gallery is generally open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, except on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
5. New Norcia Flour Mill
Built in 1879, the New Norcia Flour Mill is a standout from the town’s early era of self-sufficiency. While you can’t explore the inside without a tour, it’s well worth visiting from the outside. If you are interested in the Flour Mill and its interpretative display, enquire at the Museum.
6. St Gertrude’s College
Completed in 1908, St Gertrude’s College is a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture. Its scale and ornate detailing stand out against the surrounding bushland, reflecting the Benedictine community’s ambition in New Norcia’s early years. Nearby, St Ildephonsus’ College adds to this legacy.
7. Education Centre
Visit the Education Centre to admire the striking Aboriginal artwork and the large river mural on display. It’s a worthwhile stop that offers insight into the region’s cultural stories and heritage. Note that the centre is not always open, so it’s best to ask at the Visitor Centre on the day.
8. Mission Cottage and Interpretation Centre
Learn about daily life in the early years of New Norcia. As you walk through the space, you can picture what living in the settlement might have been like during its earliest days.
9. New Norcia Hostel
** CURRENTLY CLOSED BUT WORTH LOOKING IN THE WINDOWS
Originally opened in 1927 as the New Norcia Hostel, this building was built to accommodate families visiting the Benedictine monastery’s boarding schools and to learn about the tradition of monastic hospitality. Designed in a neo-classical Spanish style, it later operated as a hotel and pub before closing in January 2020 after more than 90 years of service.
Although it’s no longer open to guests, it’s still worth walking past to admire the architecture and glimpse the elegant interior through the windows.
10. Walk the Heritage Trail
If you enjoy walking, New Norcia offers a self-guided heritage trail you can follow at your own pace.
The 2km town walk begins at the New Norcia Museum & Art Gallery and follows the path of the early settlement through the main precinct.
There is also an optional 1.7km River Walk extension along the Moore River, following the site of the early settlement. The trail is suitable for most walkers, but the River Walk section is not suitable for buggies.
11. European Space Agency Antenna
About 8 kilometres south of town, you’ll find the New Norcia Station, a ground tracking facility operated by the European Space Agency.
The large satellite dish supports deep-space missions by communicating with spacecraft across vast distances. While the site itself isn’t a typical tourist attraction, it’s a fascinating reminder that this small monastic town is also connected to global space exploration.
Public access is restricted, but if you’re interested in space, it’s worth stopping by to see the antenna. ESA has historically offered limited pre-booked tours on specific dates.
12. Try New Norcia Abbey Ale
There are a few dining options in New Norcia where you can enjoy a simple meal or stop for coffee and pastries. The town is also known for its Abbey Ale,
It was created for the Benedictine community in collaboration with brewer Dr Chuck Hahn. You can enjoy it locally or take it away as a souvenir.
13. Visit the New Norcia Bakery
The New Norcia Bakery, also known as Salvado Café at the Roadhouse, is the town’s main spot for coffee, light meals, and freshly baked goods. It’s a casual place to stop for sandwiches, pastries, or something sweet before or after exploring the monastery precinct.
You’ll also find locally produced products for sale here. One of the things I wish I’d done more of on our visit is buy more bread. It’s made in the community, is delish, and I wish I’d bought more loaves plus some Abbey Ale.
New Norcia Accommodation
If you’d like to spend more time in New Norcia, there are a few comfortable places to stay. You can choose between a guesthouse, a small hotel-style stay, or even camping if that’s more your style. We stayed 1 night in New Norcia, but I wish I’d planned for 2. Keep this in mind when planning your trip!
Here are some options to consider.
Monastery Guesthouse
The Monastery Guesthouse is a unique place to stay in New Norcia, set within the monastery precinct and surrounded by quiet cloister gardens. It suits guests who want to experience the rhythm of daily monastic life. Rooms are intentionally simple and peaceful, in keeping with the Benedictine tradition.
Bolgart Hotel
The Bolgart Hotel is one of the closest pub-style accommodation options. Rooms are comfortable and renovated. Downstairs, you’ll find hearty pub meals and a friendly local atmosphere.
Wongan Hills Civic Hotel
The Wongan Hills Civic Hotel is another country pub stay within driving distance of New Norcia (allow around an hour). The hotel serves hearty meals in its bistro and bar, and is known for its friendly service and relaxed setting.
Bindoon Valley Escape
Bindoon Valley Escape has a range of self-contained cabins among native bushland and rolling farmland,d around 30-40 minutes south of New Norcia. If you’re after space, quiet evenings, and a proper rural reset, this is a lovely option. Staying here also provides easy access to local walking trails and the wider Wheatbelt region.
Orchard Glory Farm Resort
Orchard Glory Farm Resort is a relaxed, family-friendly stay located roughly 35 minutes from New Norcia, set on a working orchard and farm. It has comfortable cabins and self-contained accommodation with enough space to relax.
Camping in New Norcia
Travelling by van or motorhome or planning to camp? New Norcia has simple camping options managed through the Roadhouse.
Roadhouse Camping
Powered overnight sites are located behind the New Norcia Roadhouse and come with access to basic facilities, including showers and toilets. It’s one of the most convenient places to stay if you want easy access to fuel, supplies, the monastery precinct and the town centre.
Sites generally can’t be pre-booked, so it’s best to arrive during business hours and check availability directly with the Roadhouse.
Oval Camping
If you’re travelling in a fully self-contained van or motorhome, there is an overflow camping area opposite the Roadhouse.
This option is suitable for vehicles with their own toilet and water facilities, as no amenities are provided on-site. Showers may be available at the Roadhouse for a small fee.
Conditions, availability, length of stay, and any applicable fees may change, so it’s important to check with the Roadhouse or Visitor Centre before setting up.
Map of the Things to do in New Norcia + Stays
Final Words
Visiting New Norcia left me with mixed emotions, in the best possible way. It’s a place of beauty, faith, and distinctive architecture, but also one that carries a complex and difficult history. Walking through its quiet streets and grand buildings felt different from anywhere else I’ve visited in regional WA.
For me, New Norcia stands out as one of the most thought-provoking and unique stops among the best places to visit in Western Australia. It may be small, but it leaves a lasting impression, not just for what you see, but for what you learn while you’re there.
If you’re exploring the region, consider pairing your visit with some of the things to do in Toodyay, another historic Wheatbelt town not far from New Norcia.
FAQ
Yes, a small Benedictine community still lives at the New Norcia Monastery. The monks continue their daily rhythm of prayer and work, and services are held at the New Norcia Abbey Church.
Yes, you can stay at the New Norcia Guesthouse, located within the monastery precinct. There is also New Norcia camping available for travellers in caravans or motorhomes.
You can explore the New Norcia Monastery, visit the New Norcia Abbey Church, tour the museum and art gallery, and learn about the town’s layered history. Walking the grounds and visiting the memorial sites are also meaningful experiences.
Yes, New Norcia is still home to the Benedictine monks and a small number of residents. While best known for its monastery, it remains an active, living community rather than a heritage site.
Hi would like to know about New Norcia bringing children from WA to SA for school holidays on the train and where via port augusta.
Saw an old photo years ago in museum at new norcia.
Thanks for any information
Kind regards
Justin Mogridge
Hi Justin, Sounds like an adventure!
What would you like to know, specifically? If travelling with younger kids I’d likely base myself in Bindoon and make a day trip to New Norcia…
let me know your questions, happy to help.