Day-tripping: Perth's place of peace and hospitality
In search of tranquillity – Benedictine Monks, Abbey Ale and total zenDay-tripping
Perth’s place of peace and hospitality
A day trip in Perth usually demands vines or the beach, but not this time - we’re in search of tranquility of a different kind. And where we’re heading, we might even learn a thing or two.
Today we’re travelling north of Perth, to New Norcia – Australia’s only monastic town.
The round trip is about 270km, a minor dip on the fuel gauge of our turbo-diesel-powered Ford Kuga.
The modern turbo-diesel is a far cry from the ‘tractors’ of a few years ago. The Kuga’s high-tech 2.0-litre Duratorq four-cylinder responds eagerly and is quiet and refined.
In performance terms it tops plenty of petrol SUVs. The engine pumps out 400Nm of torque – a figure some V8s had trouble matching just a few years ago. Yet combined ADR fuel economy on the top of the range Titanium model is just 6.4L/100km.
Leaving Perth on highway 95, we pretty much stay this course the whole way to the destination. Much of the journey is at freeway speeds too, so adaptive cruise control comes in mighty handy.
This direct route takes us through the beautiful Chittering Valley with its vast bushland, wetlands, vineyards, orchards and roadside vendors selling fruit picked that day in the neighbouring properties – mandarins are aplenty at this time of year. An empty esky would be a smart pack.
Before too long you’ll pretty much stumble upon the town of New Norcia, the highway literally dissecting its spread of historic buildings.
It’s a town best explored on foot, so park your car, grab a map and prepare to learn about some fairly incredible history.
Founded in the 1870s by Roman Catholic Spanish Benedictine monks, New Norcia was initially planned as a monastery, but grew to include a convent, college and orphanage. The Spanish influence can be seen in its architecture.
Today, its dusty streets, historic buildings and peaceful aura attract tourists on a daily basis. We’d recommend taking part in one of the guided tours that run twice daily to gain a deeper understanding about the Benedictine community and the area’s fascinating history.
The town’s population is around 65 – 11 are Benedictine monks.
Essential to the Benedictine vocation are three values; conversion, stability and obedience, at the heart of which is a strict routine of work and prayer. Mostly, prayer is conducted in the privacy of the monastery (away from tourists).
While New Norcia has staved off much of the commercialisation of other tourist towns, it’s not without progress – the town’s survival demands this in order to remain self-sufficient.
At The New Norcia Hotel you’ll find locally brewed Abbey Ale on tap, Abbey Wines and olive oil, as well as the artisan breads baked daily in the monestary. The roadhouse, museum, art gallery hotel, guesthouse and education centre are all owned and run by the monk community.
The monastic value of hospitality is alive and well in New Norcia... So too is the overarching sense of peace. For this reason, it’s a popular place for people to come and stay (in the hotel or guesthouse) for a time of deep reflection.
A tranquil town brimming with history, a trip to New Norcia promises a unique experience where you leave feeling relaxed and enlightened.
Fast facts
The trip – Perth to New Norcia
Distance – 270km round trip
Top 3 – The Abbey, St Gertrude’s College, New Norcia Hotel
Top Eat – New Norcia Hotel
Top Tip – take the two-hour guided tour.
Quick links
New Norcia
Chittering
Handy car tech for your next road trip
Check out more in our series of one-day escapes
Hobart: surprises south from the Apple Isle's capital
Sydney: head to Avalon. Now!
Melbourne: getaways on the city's doorstep
Adelaide: grapes and more in McLaren Vale
Brisbane: dream of a different world and head for the hills
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
