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Address

New Norcia Benedictine Community
New Norcia Road
New Norcia WA 6509

Getting There


Main Office

T: +61 8 9654 8018
F: +61 8 9654 8097
E: information@newnorcia.com.au

Friends of New Norcia / Volunteering

T: +61 8 9654 8018
E: friends@newnorcia.com.au

Museum & Art Gallery

T: +61 8 9654 8056
E: museum@newnorcia.com.au

Group Accommodation & Education Centre

T: +61 8 9654 8018
E: groups@newnorcia.com.au

Communications

T: +61 8 9654 8018
E: communications@newnorcia.com.au

Visit New Norcia

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Friday, 6th October 2023

    The Chimes - October 2023

    The Chimes - October 2023

    This October issue includes a rare Eucharistic celebration of Fr. David’s diamond jubilee of priestly ordination, a look back at the monastic community retreat and a puzzling document from the archives that hopefully our readers can help solve!

    Find out more

  • Monday, 11th September 2023

    The Chimes - September 2023

    The Chimes - September 2023

    The September issue includes a special celebration of our grand Moser organ, a look back at one of our recent Abbot's Table events and a special acknowledgement of our volunteers in the archives.

    Find out more

  • Western Australian History  Foundation Grant 2023
    Tuesday, 15th August 2023

    Western Australian History Foundation Grant 2023

    We are delighted to announce that the Western Australian History Foundation has granted the archives $6,000 towards the publication of a new book in the archives’ Abbey Press series.

    Find out more

  • Monday, 14th August 2023

    The Chimes - August 2023

    The Chimes - August 2023

    This month's issue includes a special double celebration in St. Gertrude's, Christmas in July, training the next olive oil judges and much more.

    Find out more

  • The Chimes - July 2023
    Wednesday, 5th July 2023

    The Chimes - July 2023

    Our July newsletter includes some exciting new arrivals, repairs and relocations as well as the latest events and happenings in the town.

    Find out more

  • Message from the Abbot
    Tuesday, 6th June 2023

    Message from the Abbot

    Abbot John shares his thanks on behalf of the Community for the handling of a serious incident on the New Norcia Bypass, 3 June 2023.

    Find out more Download the press release

  • Happy Autumn Happenings
    Thursday, 1st June 2023

    Happy Autumn Happenings

    New Norcia has been a hive of activity as the cooler season sets in, including two King's Coronation events, a visit from the Porsche Club of Perth, and a community service day trip from Lumen Christi students.

    Find out more

  • New Norcia Achieves Bronze!
    Thursday, 1st June 2023

    New Norcia Achieves Bronze!

    New Norcia placed third in the 2023 Tiny Tourism Town Awards, receiving a Bronze medal at the 2023 Perth Airport WA Regional Tourism Conference Dinner in Kalgoorlie-Boulder on 16 May.

    Find out more

  • Vale Doris Walton
    Thursday, 1st June 2023

    Vale Doris Walton

    Long-time New Norcia oblate Doris Mary Walton passed from this life on 24 April 2023.

    Find out more

  • The Abbot's Autumn Table
    Thursday, 1st June 2023

    The Abbot's Autumn Table

    The Abbot's Table on 20 May 2023 was inspired by the fine feasts of Autumn, including the soothingly simple ratatouille.

    Find out more