Thinking outside the box/library building - New Norcia Benedictine Community

New Norcia Benedictine Community

Visit New Norcia

Visit>

People visit New Norcia for many reasons; for spiritual retreat, to join a tour and see inside the magnificent buildings or sometimes just to walk around the town and enjoy the peace and beautiful scenery.

In this section you will find all the information you need for your visit to New Norcia. Details of places to eat and places to stay, details of the town tours and information about some of our favourite things to do in Australia’s only monastic town.

We recommend your first port of call is the Museum & Art Gallery to speak to one of the staff about the attractions and experiences New Norcia has to offer. The Museum & Art Gallery is also a Visitor Information Centre and is the point from which town tours leave.

Stay at New Norcia

Stay>

There are so many different options for accommodation at New Norcia.

The Guesthouse is perfect for a quiet, retreat like experience - a world away from the rigours of modern life. You can join a Benedictine retreat here or be housed in the Hermitage for a silent retreat. Groups can be accommodated in the Old Convent or the historic boarding school colleges. Smaller groups are also able to book the Hostel, with its comfortable rooms, neo-classical architecture, scenic deck and heritage veranda, as well as St Ildephonsus' Cottage.

Please click on the areas on the right for more information.

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink>

Hospitality is a tenet of the Rule of St Benedict, the Rule by which the monks of New Norcia live, so wherever you choose to eat in town, our aim is for you to experience warm monastic hospitality.

Education & Research

Education>

From the earliest days of its foundation New Norcia has been focussed on education. The first Abbot, of New Norcia (Rosendo Salvado) established the Aboriginal girls and boys schools and the second Abbot of New Norcia, Fulgentius Torres built and opened the European girls and boys schools, which closed in 1991.

Since the closing of the schools, New Norcia's school buildings and grounds have been utilised by groups undertaking education programmes.

However, New Norcia also has a tradition of research and academia, with its impressive archival records and library collection, and scholars and researchers alike have delighted over the years in the information available in the town's records.

This section also provides information on the archives and library and provides link to forms which will give you access to the records of New Norcia.

Protecting a Unique Heritage

Heritage>

New Norcia is Australia’s only monastic town and has a unique heritage. Founded in 1847 by Spanish Benedictine Monks, the town has had many purposes; a mission, a monastery, a provider of education and now as a place of spiritual retreat.

Delve into the town's unique history, discover the ongoing and completed work necessary for the upkeep and restoration of this special part of Australia.

But it is not only the majestic buildings set amongst the Australian bush that sets New Norcia apart; its history is also encapsulated in the archival records of New Norcia and in the library and museum collections.

In this section we also have information about how you can donate to New Norcia to help the Community restore and maintain this treasure.

What's Happening at New Norcia

What's On>

We hold a diverse array of events throughout the year at New Norcia.

Each year we host a full programme of events including a spiritual retreat programme presented by the Institute for Benedictine Studies, dinners at the New Norcia Hostel and a few other surprises!

Watch this space for all the updated information about "What's on at New Norcia".

News

Library Lecture Day 2023

Thinking outside the box/library building

Date:	Friday, 20th October 2023
Time:	9.00am
Location:	St Gertrude’s College
Price:	$100
Tickets:	Visit the web shop to purchase tickets.

The library day on Friday October 20th will feature papers by:

Nicole Wreford
Librarian, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions
Shane Dowling
Learning Communities Manager – Programs, Library Manager – Ellenbrook
Laura Blake
Library Engagement and Communications Specialist, Community and Library Services City of Swan
Danielle Degiorgio
Digital & Information Literacy Adviser, Library Services Centre, Edith Cowan University

In addition, there will be a visit to the Monastery Library, where there will be an archives display along with some examples of New Norcia’s rare and ancient books. The Abbey Press will be open too for visitors to see the old presses, fonts etc.

Costs

Friday’s Library Lecture series $100
Concession (seniors & students) $85
Morning / afternoon teas and lunch included.

Accommodation

Accommodation in the Hostel, Guesthouse or Old Convent is $100 per room, which includes dinner.

Note: If you are planning on staying overnight, you must book your accommodation separately. Please contact Joyce McKee at Groups Accommodation on 9654 8018 or at groups@newnorcia.com.au. It is strongly recommended you make your accommodation booking before paying for the day event in order to avoid disappointment.

Schedule

Click here to download our day programme.

For more information:

Please contact Peter Hocking on archives@newnorcia.com.au

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