Holiday in the Only Monastic Town in Australia
Meeting a Monk is one Experience in New Norcia, Western Australia
Oct 2, 2009
New Norcia - the only monastic town in Australia - is situated 132 kilometres North of Perth on the Great Northern Highway. Established in 1846 by Don Rosendo Salvado, a Benedictine monk, it is still home to 99 year old Dom Paulino and a few other monks.
Here is what a seasoned travel writer had to say about this amazing town, as stated in the New Norcia Community Brochure.
"In thirty years of almost constantly travelling around the world, I have seldom met a place so clarifying and calm as New Norcia. It makes you think again about what matters; it returns you to a sense of stillness and community that's hard to find in the modern world; it refreshes the soul better than any holiday. The only hardship of coming here is leaving." Pico Iyer, Travel Writer for Time Magazine and The New Yorker.
Day Trip to New Norcia
Its easy access from the city of Perth makes it an ideal location for a day trip. Visitors can experience the beautiful Spanish architecture, the inspiring cathedrals and its chapels and the peace and tranquility of the nearby Moore River and the glorious wildflowers in spring time.
Things to do in a Day at New Norcia
- Guided tour of the town which covers entry into heritage buildings classified by the National Trust. Visitors get to see 'behind the closed doors', hear the story of New Norcia, visit the monk's own chapel and view the frescoed interiors of the buildings.
- Meet a monk in the Monastery Parlour and hear about monastic life. If so inclined, visitors can even join the monks in their daily prayers.
- Visit the museum and art gallery to see the paintings by Spanish and Italian masters and contemporary Australian artists. The Museum also houses 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. Visitors can learn about the monk's extensive farming activities and New Norcia as a place of education and culture.
- Purchase the local produce including Olive Oil, Wines, Bread and Cakes. The gift shop also has a wide range of other memorabilia of this most amazing monastic town.
- Refreshments can be obtained at the New Norcia Hotel or Salvado's Restaurant or visitors can take their own picnic fare. There is nothing more peaceful or beautiful than a picnic by the river with the songs of birds for entertainment.
Accommodation in New Norcia
If travelers need more time to experience the beauty, tranquility and history of this monastic town, accommodation is available to suit most people.
- New Norcia Hotel- It is still owned by the monks and is a practical expression of their tradition of hospitality.
- Monastery Guesthouse- Carrying on the tradition of hospitality, the monastery guesthouse offers accommodation and meals for individuals and groups who wish to experience the rhythms and routines of the monks in a simple environment.
- Caravans and Camping- Travelers who are self-contained can use the bays that have access to basic amenities.
Whether it is a day-trip or a longer stay, visitors to New Norcia will enjoy the history, the peace and tranquility of the only monastic town in Australia.
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