Travelling through the Swan Valley, we arrive at New Norcia, home to Australia’s only Benedictine Abbey. A little piece of Spain comes alive in this town, full of history, art and architecture.
Hear the local history before viewing the chapel and museum artefacts gifted to the monastery by Popes and Royalty of Spain. Visit the famous Benedictine Community with a guided tour of the town and main sites including the museum and art gallery where you will find extraordinary artefacts dating back to when New Norcia was an Aboriginal mission.
Next we move on to the Abbey Church; home to one of only two large Moser organs, originally crafted in Germany. This is followed by a visit to St Gertrude’s College, a grand gothic style building which was originally built as a girls boarding school and opened in 1908. We then visit a produce shop selling olive oil, fruit, wine, New Norcia nut cake and breads, before enjoying a delicious lunch.
We continue on for an easy paced walk through the mystical Pinnacles Desert and see the Pinnacles from the lookout over the park. If time permits make a visit to the Pinnacles Desert Discovery Centre.
Return to Perth down the Indian Ocean drive arriving at approximately 7:30pm.