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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.wa.edu.au

Hotel

T: +61 8 9654 8034
E: hotel@newnorcia.wa.edu.au

Friends of New Norcia / Volunteering

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

Museum & Art Gallery

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

Group Accommodation & Education Centre

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

Media & Communications

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

Guesthouse

T: +61 8 9654 8002
E: guesthouse@newnorcia.wa.edu.au

Roadhouse

T: +61 8 9654 8020
E: roadhouse@newnorcia.wa.edu.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 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 Hotel, with its comfortable simple rooms, home cooked meals and neo-classical architecture is a perfect place for couple and families, its scenic deck and heritage veranda a perfect place to while away 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 and the historic boarding school colleges.

Please click on the individual areas 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 have been utilised for camps and groups and this section contains all the information you need if your group is interested in staying in one of the colleges or undertaking one of the 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.

In 2019 we will be hosting a full programme of retreats, a Writers and Arts Festival and the education programme presented by the Institute for Benedictine Studies, plus the Studies Journal Launch in November and a few other surprises!

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

  • Jun. 21 2019
    to
    Jun. 23 2019

    Retreat

    Christian Meditation

    Led by Kathryn Houston (National Director, School of Meditation, World Community for Christian Meditation) Meditation is a spiritual practice of central importance, not only in Christianity but in the other great religious traditions of the world

    Find out more

  • May 31 2019
    to
    Jun. 2 2019

    Guesthouse Retreat

    Benedictine Experience Weekend

    Benedictine spirituality is more readily experienced than defined. These weekends in the monastery guesthouse (beginning with Vespers at 6.30 p.m. on Friday, concluding after lunch on Sunday) provide the opportunity to enter fully into the monastic rhythm and balance of prayer, work, lectio divina, hospitality, and community life.

    Find out more

  • May 25 2019

    Archives

    New Norcia Studies Day

    Note: There will be no Studies Day in 2019. However it will resume in a new format in 2020. The New Norcia Studies Journal Launch will be going ahead as per usual on November 7th 2019 in Subiaco.

    Find out more

  • May 15 2019

    Piano Recital

    The Life and Music of Dom Rosendo Salvado - Law Society Perth

    Join us at the Old Court House Law Museum for an evening of music, drinks and canapés as Father Robert Nixon, who currently resides at New Norcia, gives his own recital of Salvado’s music and chats about his remarkable life and achievements. The Museum will also be hosting a new temporary exhibition showcasing many rare and interesting objects related to Salvado and his life; these are on loan from New Norcia

    Find out more

  • May 10 2019
    to
    May 12 2019

    Study Weekend

    Philosophical Movements in the Mediterranean World at the Time of Christ

    Led by Fr Robert Nixon osb. At the time of Christ and in the centuries which followed, a number of diverse and interesting philosophical movements flourished in the Mediterranean world- Platonism, Stoicism, Epicureanism, Skepticism, and several others.

    Find out more

  • Apr. 21 2019

    Parish

    Easter Sunday Vigil

    Coffee and breakfast will be served afterwards in the monastery parlour

    Find out more

  • Apr. 21 2019

    Parish

    Easter Sunday Mass of the Day

    Find out more

  • Apr. 21 2019

    Easter Sunday Solemn Paschal Vespers

    Find out more

  • Apr. 20 2019

    Parish

    Holy Saturday Musical Reflection

    Featuring original songs by singer - songwriters: Coralie Kan, Chris Kan, Phil Timms and others

    Find out more

  • Apr. 19 2019

    Parish

    Good Friday - Celebration of the Lord's Passion

    Find out more

  • Apr. 19 2019
    to
    Apr. 22 2019

    Easter Trading Hours

    Find out more

  • Apr. 18 2019

    Parish

    Holy Thursday - Mass of the Lord's Supper

    Find out more

  • Apr. 8 2019
    to
    Apr. 20 2019
    New Norcia Bakery - Hot Cross Buns for sale

    New Norcia Bakery

    New Norcia Bakery - Hot Cross Buns for sale

    We will be baking HOT X BUNS from Monday 8th April through to Saturday 20th April. Bruce, the Abbot and I have baked, sampled, re-baked and re-sampled some HOT X BUNS and we all agree that they are sensational. They are full of fruit and have a special formula of spices and flavourings. Our buns are a cut above the rest! $1.30 each/$7.80 ½ dozen. Orders for Thursday 18th April must be placed by Wednesday 17th April. Orders for HOT X BUNS can be placed at the museum or roadhouse and can be collected at the roadhouse from 7.30am onwards or from the museum from 9.30am onwards. May you all have a fantastic Easter, and for those travelling, a safe journey, Looking forward to catching up with you soon, Terry and Bruce New Norcia Bakers’

    Find out more

  • Mar. 29 2019
    to
    Mar. 31 2019

    Study Weekend

    Spirituality in the works of Oscar Wilde

    Led by Dr.Liam Lynch. Oscar Wilde is represented in the popular imagination primarily as a irreverent wit and literary aesthete. Yet his works reveal a profound pre-occupation with questions of a spiritual nature, and are deeply imbued with images and concepts drawn from Christianity, especially Roman Catholicism.

    Find out more

  • Mar. 15 2019
    to
    Mar. 17 2019

    Guesthouse Retreat

    Benedictine Experience Weekend

    Benedictine spirituality is more readily experienced than defined. These weekends in the monastery guesthouse (beginning with Vespers at 6.30 p.m. on Friday, concluding after lunch on Sunday) provide the opportunity to enter fully into the monastic rhythm and balance of prayer, work, lectio divina, hospitality, and community life.

    Find out more

  • Mar. 1 2019
    to
    Mar. 3 2019

    Retreat

    Lenten Retreat

    Led by Fr David Barry osb Lent is a time traditionally devoted to spiritual purification and refinement in preparation for the great celebration of Easter.

    Find out more

  • Dec. 29 2018

    Church Service

    26th Annual Ecumenical Ceremony with Carols

    The carol service will feature The Georgian Singers. Afternoon tea at 4pm in the Monastery Parlour. During the ceremony there will be a collection to defray expenses and support a charity.

    Find out more

  • Dec. 25 2018

    Church Service

    Christmas Day Mass

    Find out more

  • Dec. 24 2018

    Church Service

    Midnight Mass

    Find out more

  • Nov. 8 2018

    Archives Event

    New Norcia Studies Launch 2018

    The 25th edition of New Norcia Studies will be launched at the Palms Community Centre, cnr Rokeby and Nicholson Roads, Subiaco, on Thursday November 8th at 6pm. Joan Oakland, the editor of this and many previous issues, has very kindly accepted our invitation to launch the Journal. As usual, it will be an evening of excellent wine, very good food and wonderful ensemble music from our good friends, Très Classique. The City of Subiaco are once again very generously hosting this event for which there is no charge.

    Find out more

  • Nov. 2 2018
    to
    Nov. 4 2018

    Retreat

    Praying with the Writings of St Paul.

    Led by Dom Paul Forster. The writings of St. Paul form, in volume, the largest portion of the New Testament, and are a foundational expression of the emerging beliefs and practices of the Church in apostolic times.

    Find out more

  • Oct. 27 2018
    Introductions to Letterpress Printing
  • Oct. 12 2018
    to
    Oct. 14 2018

    Retreat

    Encountering Jesus

    Led by Fr Anscar McPhee. The encounter with Jesus is at the heart of Christian life and mysticism.

    Find out more

  • Sep. 7 2018
    to
    Sep. 9 2018

    Study Weekend

    Religious Art and Revelation.

    Led by Dr Angela McCarthy. God is revealed to humankind over history and through culture. Christianity and Western Culture are intertwined in the way we understand God.

    Find out more

  • Aug. 25 2018

    Benedictine Institute

    Annual Institute Day

    Keynote Speaker is Prof. Paul Tyson a leading Australian philosopher. Additional speakers will be listed later in the year.

    Find out more

  • Aug. 11 2018
    New Norcia Writers' Festival 2018

    Town Event

    New Norcia Writers' Festival 2018

    Now in its fourth year, the New Norcia Writers Festival offers a varied mix of writers, artists and performers in sessions which take advantage of the unique Wheatbelt monastery town’s rich history and beautiful architecture. This year’s guests include authors Anthea Hodgson, David Whish-Wilson, Susan Midalia, Michelle Johnston and Laurie Steed; poet Rose van Son; artist Jeremy Kirwan-Ward; and soprano Katja Webb and pianist Chris Milbourn.

    Find out more

  • Jul. 28 2018
    Winter Art Workshop

    Winter Art Workshop

    New Norcia is delighted to host its first Winter Art Workshop. The day is about having fun, learning something new, being creative, escaping from the hum drum of daily life in the historic and creative atmosphere of New Norcia. Choose one of three workshop options.

    Find out more

  • Jul. 27 2018
    to
    Jul. 29 2018

    Study Weekend

    The Life and Writings of St. Augustine.

    Led by Fr David Barry osb. St. Augustine (354-430) served as Bishop of Hippo in North Africa, and was one of the most prolific and inspired writers of the patristic era.

    Find out more

  • Jul. 13 2018
    to
    Jul. 15 2018

    Retreat

    Benedictine Experience Weekend. Fully Booked.

    Benedictine spirituality is more readily experienced than defined. These weekends in the monastery guesthouse (beginning with Vespers at 6.30 p.m. on Friday, concluding after lunch on Sunday) provide the opportunity to enter fully into the monastic rhythm and balance of prayer, work, lectio divina, hospitality, and community life.

    Find out more

  • Jul. 7 2018
    to
    Jul. 29 2018

    Mandorla Art Prize - People's Choice Award

    On Saturday the Mandorla Art Prize - Peoples Choice Award will open at New Norcia Art Gallery from 2pm. The Mandorla Art Award for contemporary religious art is Australia’s most significant thematic Christian art prize and now ranks amongst major Australian art awards, in both artistic excellence and prize value. The People's Choice will be announced on the Saturday and a cheque for $2000.00 presented to the winner.

    Find out more

  • Jun. 22 2018
    to
    Jun. 24 2018

    Study Weekend

    Leadership in the Rule of St Benedict.

    Led by Abbot John Herbert. The Rule of St. Benedict devotes much attention to the qualities of effective leadership, and presents a model which has proven to be successful for countless communities, both large and small, and has endured for 1,500 years.

    Find out more

  • Jun. 15 2018
    to
    Jun. 17 2018

    Retreat

    The Imitation of Christ': A Spiritual Classic Re-Visited. FULLY BOOKED.

    Led by Fr Robert Nixon ‘The Imitation of Christ’, written in the 15th Century by Thomas à Kempis, is considered to be the most widely read book in the Christian tradition, after the Bible.

    Find out more

  • May 26 2018

    Town Event

    2018 New Norcia Studies Day - The Bigger Picture

    New Norcia Studies Day – Saturday, 26th May 2018 25th ANNIVERSARY “THE BIGGER PICTURE”

    Find out more

  • May 18 2018
    to
    May 20 2018

    Study Weekend

    Canon Raphael Martelli: friend of New Norcia and humble hero.

    Led by Professor John Kinder. Follow the life journey of one of Bishop Salvado’s close friends in the early days of the New Norcia mission.

    Find out more

  • May 11 2018
    to
    May 13 2018

    Retreat

    Lectio Divina: Encountering God Through the Sacred Scriptures

    Led by Abbot John Herbert. Lectio Divina is the meditative reading of Scriptures, and is a fundamental practice of Benedictine life.

    Find out more

  • Apr. 27 2018
    to
    Apr. 29 2018

    Retreat

    Benedictine Experience Weekend FULLY BOOKED

    Benedictine spirituality is more readily experienced than defined. These weekends in the monastery guesthouse (beginning with Vespers at 6.30 p.m. on Friday, concluding after lunch on Sunday) provide the opportunity to enter fully into the monastic rhythm and balance of prayer, work, lectio divina, hospitality, and community life.

    Find out more

  • Apr. 20 2018
    to
    Apr. 22 2018

    Study Weekend

    The Missionary Experiences of the Benedictines at New Norcia and Kalumbaru: A Mutually Enriching Cultural and Spiritual Encounter.

    Led by Abbot Bernard Rooney and Fr Anscar McPhee. New Norcia was founded as a mission to the Indigenous people, with the intention of proclaiming the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ, and providing assistance to the local people in a multitude of ways.

    Find out more

  • Mar. 29 2018
    to
    Apr. 1 2018

    Parish Event

    Easter at New Norcia 2018

    Click for times of Church Services at New Norcia over the Easter Period.

    Find out more

  • Mar. 26 2018

    Shire Event

    Blessing of the Roads

    Join The Victoria Plains Shire representatives ands Abbot John for this Road Wise initiative of Blessing the Roads just before Easter when our roads are particularly busy.

    Find out more

  • Mar. 10 2018

    Abbey Press Event

    Introduction to Letterpress Printing

    This intensive one day course introduces students to letterpress printing. Participants will learn hand typesetting using a variety of different typefaces and to print using at least two different presses. They will lock up type in a forme, learn how to roll out ink and ink up a press and print a poster and a small card.

    Find out more

  • Mar. 10 2018

    Choral

    MLC Choral Concert in New Norcia.

    Methodist Ladies´ College in Perth has an outstanding choral tradition. Its premier choirs, Chorale and Barbershop, are both international competition award winners including silver medallists at the 2014 World Choir Games in Riga, Latvia and the 2017 Leonardo da Vinci Choral Competition in Florence Italy

    Find out more

  • Feb. 23 2018
    to
    Feb. 25 2018

    Retreat

    Lenten Retreat

    Led by Fr David Barry osb. Lent is a time traditionally devoted to spiritual purification and refinement in preparation for Easter, including by means of the disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. This retreat will help participants to embrace Lent prayerfully, and with an openness to the graces it offers.

    Find out more

  • Feb. 16 2018
    to
    Feb. 18 2018

    Study Weekend

    The Psalms in Verse: English Metrical Psalters from 1500-1900.

    Led by Dom Robert Nixon. The Psalms, which form the basis of the monastic office, exist in a greater variety of English translations than any other part of Scripture.

    Find out more