Western Australia’s iconic monastery town has made it to the last stage of the prestigious tourism award this month.
As one of six finalists for the Tiny Tourism Town award, the vote is now put to the public to determine the winner.
“This is the second time we’ve been nominated for the award”, said New Norcia’s Director of Visitor Services, Carmel Murray, “but the first time we’ve made it to the finals. We’re confident we can win because our visitors overwhelmingly express their appreciation for this unique town”.
The 177-year-old monastery is an impressive burst of colour and culture as you drive up the Great Northern Highway, an hour and a half north of Perth. Founded by Spanish monks in the mid-19th century, the site was originally a mission to the Australian First Nations people.
At the turn of the century, the focus turned towards education, with the creation of two colleges, the Byzantine-style St Ildephonsus’ for boys, and the Gothic St Gertrude’s for the girls.
These iconic buildings, along with the Spanish mission architecture of the Abbey Church, make for a striking contrast to the sweep of canola and wheat fields across the shire of Victoria Plains.
Bewildered travellers may think they’ve landed upon an ancient Mediterranean village.
Today, the marvel of New Norcia is enjoyed through a visit to the expansive Museum and Art Gallery, which offers twice daily guided tours across the town and inside the buildings, including the resplendent college chapels.
Self-guided tours take visitors past interpretive signs telling stories of the early settlers, the history of their mission and educational enterprise, and the daily life of a Benedictine monk.
It’s even possible to join the monks during one of their six daily prayers in the monastery chapel.
“The Benedictines are committed to a life of work, study, and prayer”, said Abbot John Herbert, OSB.
“But St Benedict was also big on hospitality, which he emphasised in his Rule. The monks of New Norcia want to be sure every visitor to our town is welcomed with that spirit of Benedictine hospitality”.
Over recent years, Abbot John and Carmel, along with the maintenance team led by Ian Smith, have spearheaded a transformation of New Norcia’s accommodation, with a variety of renovated rooms that can accommodate individuals, families and groups.
A recent upsurge in bookings has resulted in the appointment of Groups Manager, Joyce McKee, who will look after options available in the Old Convent, Hostel and the colleges.
The nomination as Finalist in the Tiny Tourism Town Award caps an unprecedented year of visitor activity at “Australia’s Only Monastic Town”.
The monks and staff of New Norcia are now calling upon the public to cast their vote for the town.
“Winning this award will be the icing on the cake of an exciting year of new initiatives to welcome visitors and give them a taste of old-world charm and hospitality”, said Carmel.
Voting is open through April 26th.
Visit: https://www.westernaustralia.com/au/pages/top-tourism-town-awards to vote for New Norcia under the “Tiny Tourism Town” category.