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Jun 27 2026
One-Day Retreat
St. Hildegard of Bingen - Mystic, Visionary and Healer
The life of Hildegard of Bingen speaks powerfully to the imagination. This Benedictine nun from the Middle Ages led an extraordinary and extremely fruitful life. In this retreat, we will dive into her biography, and connect to her amazing books of vision.
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Jul 17 2026toJul 19 2026
Weekend Retreat
Carl Jung and Spirituality - The Mysteries of the Deeper Self and the Unconscience
Carl Jung was one of the key figures in the development of modern psychanalysis. A student of Freud, he came to appreciate the deep importance of spiritual, mythological and religious traditions as representing fundamental truths of the human condition.
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Aug 14 2026toAug 16 2026
Weekend Retreat
Benedictine Secrets for Balance and Serenity
The Benedictine way of life is recognized for its promotion of balance and serenity, and the flourishing of the Order of St. Benedict for over 1,500 years is clear testimony to this reality.
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Sep 4 2026toSep 6 2026
Weekend Retreat
Monastic Wisdom for Everyday Life
The principles of monastic life include focus, perseverance, patience, and self-discipline. These are values which run counter to our mainstream culture, where self-indulgence, distraction, and rush are very much the norm.
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Sep 12 2026
One-Day Retreat
The Lord of the Rings: Its Christian Meaning
J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings is a modern epic rich with Catholic symbols and themes. This retreat explores the deeper meanings within The Fellowship of the Ring and how great cinema can become a pathway to prayer.
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Oct 23 2026toOct 25 2026
Weekend Retreat
Being Contemplative in the 21st Century
Contemplation is essential for a healthy, balanced life, affirmed by Christ as “the better part.” This retreat explores the challenges and opportunities of contemplative practice today, highlighting its benefits and offering guidance for developing it.
Contact Us
Main Office
T: +61 8 9654 8018
F: +61 8 9654 8097
E: information@newnorcia.com.au
Friends of New Norcia / Volunteering
T: +61 8 9654 8018
E: friends@newnorcia.com.au
Museum & Art Gallery
Please note: There are no 1:30pm town tours for the month of January. Thank you for your understanding
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 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 town tours leave.
Stay at New Norcia
There are so many different options for accommodation at New Norcia.
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 can be accommodated in the Old Convent or the historic boarding school colleges. Smaller groups are also able to book the Hostel, with its comfortable rooms, neo-classical architecture, scenic deck and heritage veranda, as well as St Ildephonsus' Cottage.
Please click on the areas on the right 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 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
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, dinners at the New Norcia Hostel and a few other surprises!
Watch this space for all the updated information about "What's on at New Norcia".