Phase 4 of Western Australia’s COVID 19 Roadmap - New Norcia Benedictine Community

New Norcia Benedictine Community

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 all 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 the town tours leave.

Stay at New Norcia

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

The Hostel, with its comfortable simple rooms, home cooked meals and neo-classical architecture is a perfect place for couples and families. With its scenic deck and heritage veranda it is a perfect place to enjoy the sunset with a New Norcia Abbey Ale or a wine from the Abbey range. 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 of 15 -100 can be accommodated in the Old Convent or the historic boarding school colleges.

Please click on the individual areas 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

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

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, an Archives Library and Collections Study Day in October, and a few other surprises!

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

Thursday, 4th June 2020

Phase 4 of Western Australia’s COVID 19 Roadmap

Phase 4 of Western Australia’s COVID 19 Roadmap

TO OUR VISITORS AND COMMUNITY

We have been following strict COVID-19 Government Advice across all areas of our town to ensure the safety of our visitors and staff.

All our staff have completed the AHA COVID-19 training. Please find below our COVID-19 Response Plan and the other important steps we are taking.

COVID Safety Plan Certificates

Our Museum & Art Gallery, Roadhouse and Guesthouse have all received COVID Safety Plan Certificates from the Government of Western Australia. These indicate the maximum number of patrons each venue can accommodate, that staff have been adequately trained, the sites are frequently cleaned and disinfected, and we are carrying out necessary tracing.

Additional Cleaning & Hand Sanitising

We have increased our cleaning around the site and have provided antiseptic hand sanitiser at all counters and other areas for public use.

Physical Distancing

We will follow Government guidelines with regard to physical distancing and will adhere to maximum capacity numbers in all of our buildings.

Contactless Payments

We will encourage cashless payments, however cash will be accepted where there is no other option.

Hygiene Screens

Hygiene screens have been installed at counters in the Roadhouse and Museum & Art Gallery.

Going Forward we will put in place other measures as needed.

We are very much so looking forward to welcoming you back to our town soon!

However, we ask all visitors to ensure they practice good hygiene while here and please don’t visit if you have cold or flu-like symptoms.