An Aussie adventure travel trip to New Norcia North of Perth

by Chris Ryan
(Perth Western Australia)

Chris and car about to leave for New Norcia

Date Line: 5 am Oct 28th 2007
And here I am (Chris Ryan out the front of my home)
I am about to start the car and set off on a wonderful adventure travel tour to New Norcia and
then on to Geraldton.

The weather is dry and warm with temperatures expected to reach 25c to 30c / 77f to 90f.
My SS and me about to leave for Kalbarri.

OK, I am now about to drive North from Perth's northern suburbs towards New Norcia about 1.1/2 hours by car.
As I left home I noticed the sun rising in the eastern sky, and what a beautiful dawn it was,
as the rising sun lit up the bottom of the clouds in vivid oranges and yellows interspersed with darker
patches not yet exposed to the new sunlight. Certainly a dawn to cherish.

Arriving at New Norcia at 6.30am I refuelled and had a look around.
At 1st glance, New Norcia appears to be a bit dry and dusty but nothing could be further from the truth.
The town of New Norcia is unique in Western Australia as it was designed and built as a little bit
of Old Spain nestled in the heat of the Western Australian wheat belt. Truly amazing as you pop
over the top of the hill and there it is, New Norcia , a little bit of Spain in the 1800's.

But, 1st things 1st, it's time for something to eat and drink. (I missed brekkie) Breakfast.
New Norcia is steeped in the history of the areas early days and the Benedictine Monks will be
delighted to show and explain to you the areas history and highlights.

In the monastery you will see the wonderful icons and paintings not only of the early monks
themselves but of many religious paintings drawings and icons of this early era.

Part of the appeal of New Norcia is that it is, in many ways, a living museum.
New Norcia has an info bay, Police station, Pub (hotel), accommodation, fuel, eats and drinks
and several churches plus the not to be missed monastery.

There is a typical country pub at New Norcia which serves good meals,
no need to go hungry.

Plus of course there is the magnificent monastery which you can tour.
You should see the inside, absolutely magnificent.
You really will be amazed when you see this small bit of old Spain nestled in the Aussie bush.
New Norcia is an ideal 1 day trip from Perth and should not be missed.

Anyway it is 9.30am and time to move on northwards, towards Geraldton
But that's a story for next time

Regards Chris Ryan

To read more on New Norcia go to http://www.perth-getaways.com