New Norcia today
Today the Benedictine Community operates several businesses to cater for visitors to New Norcia.
The Museum and Art Gallery is often the first port of call for visitors. It has many fine displays of art works and artefacts. The Museum and Art Gallery also has all the information and brochures that relate to the town, its present and its past. It houses a gift shop, which sells items relating to New Norcia and the local area. The town tours operate from the Museum and leave twice daily (except for Christmas Day).
The Roadhouse, including a General Store, is responsible for the provision of fuel, oil, basic groceries and café services to visitors to New Norcia. The Roadhouse also serves as a Post Office. The Road House provides an overnight stay area for campers and caravaners. There are eight powered sites and self sufficient caravaners can camp down near the oval area.
The New Norcia Hotel provides accommodation, meals and licensed bar services to visitors. Originally built as a hostel for visiting parents it was converted to a hotel in the 1950s.
Hidden behind the walls of the Monastery’s southern cloister the Guesthouse is a place of retreat for people seeking to quietly share the simple life and rhythms of the Benedictine monastic community of New Norcia. Guests can participate in guided retreats and the monks are available for spiritual direction on request. Or visitors can do nothing but soak up the peace and quiet.
The old colleges, St Gertrude’s and St Ildephonsus’, as well as the upper and lower Old Convent now provide group accommodation for schools and groups visiting New Norcia.
Full details of these businesses can be found in the relevant areas on the New Norcia website. If you are interested in learning more about New Norcia’s history there are several books for sale at the Museum Gift Shop, such as ‘A Town Like No Other’ and ‘The Story of New Norcia.’