The New Norcia Museum
New Norcia, “a piece of Old Spain in the middle of the Australian bush” 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.
New Norcia Tours
Town Tours depart at 11.00am & 1.30pm every day, except Good Friday, Christmas Day & Boxing Day.
Hear stories of the town’s changing history – a small group of Spanish Benedictine monks made their way north from Perth on foot to establish a mission near the banks of the Moore River in 1847.
See Baroque, Gothic revival, Byzantine, Italian and Renaissance architectural styles rising up between the eucalyptus trees and dusty scrub.
Visit the Abbey Church, housing one of only two large Moser organs crafted in Germany and imported to Australia in the 1920s. The church walls display a rare form of art called “sgraffito” alongside more conventional and familiar religious icons and paintings.
Visit the old Flour Mill, dating back to 1879
The Prindiville room houses a unique cultural display focusing on the contrast between the Indigenous owners of this ancient land and the European monks; the modules present information about skills, food sources, communication, and traditional customs.
A Deep Space Ground station housing one of the world's largest antennae's was built near New Norcia by the European Space Agency, learn the story of why it was built here and what it does!
St Ildephonsus’ and St Gertrude’s Colleges are striking enough from the outside but the highlight is discovering what awaits inside! With your guide, you’ll discover interiors reminiscent of what you’d expect to find in the finest chapels in Italy.
Book your Tour at the Museum and Art Gallery:
Adult, $15.00
Concession, $13.00
Primary Students (children under 13), $10.00
Children under 5, Free
Family Pass (2 adults & 2 primary children), $37.50
Or purchase a combined ticket for the Tour AND Entry to Museum and Art Gallery:
Adults, $25.00
Concession, $22.50
Primary Students (children under 13), $15.00
Children under 5, Free
Family Pass (2 adults & 2 primary children), $60.00