Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NEW NORCIA
POP 70
The idyllic monastery settlement of New Norcia, 132km from Perth, consists of a cluster of
ornate, Spanish-style buildings set incongruously in the Australian bush. Founded in 1846
by Spanish Benedictine monks as an Aboriginal mission, the working monastery today
holds prayers and retreats, alongside a business producing boutique breads and gourmet
goodies.
New Norcia Museum & Art Gallery
( 08-9654 8056;
www.newnorcia.wa.edu.au
; Great Northern Hwy; com-
bined museum & town tours adult/family $25/60; 10am-4.30pm)
traces the history of the monastery and
houses impressive art, including contemporary exhibitions and one of the country's largest
collections of post-Renaissance religious art. The gift shop sells souvenirs, honeys, pre-
serves and breads baked in the monks' wood-fired oven.
Inside the
abbey church
, try to spot the native wildlife in the sgraffito artworks that depict
the Stations of the Cross. Look hard, as there's also an astronaut.
look the abbey church and the frescoed college chapels; purchase tickets from the museum.
At 4.30pm on Saturday afternoons, there is the opportunity to meet the monks.
New Norcia Hotel
( 08-9654 8034;
www.newnorcia.wa.edu.au
; Great Northern Hwy; s/d $75/95)
harks back
to a more genteel time, with sweeping staircases, high ceilings, understated rooms (with
shared bathrooms) and wide verandahs. An international menu ($15 to $30) is available at
the bar or in the elegant dining room (where you can also nab a cooked breakfast).
Sit outside on the terrace and sample the delicious but deadly New Norcia Abbey Ale, a
golden, hand-crafted, Belgian-style ale brewed especially for the abbey. Sunday is a good
day to visit, either for breakfast ($20), or the popular lunchtime carvery (adult/child $19.50/
14.50).
The abbey also offers lodging in the
Monastery Guesthouse
( 08-9654 8002;
www.newnorcia.wa.edu.au
; full-board suggested donation $80)
within the walls of the southern cloister.
Guests can also join in prayers with the monks (and males can dine with them).
