Travel through the Swan Valley to New Norcia, Australia’s only monastic town which is renowned for its Benedictine Abbey. Drive through the town and 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, followed by a visit to St Gertrude’s College, a grand gothic style building which was originally built as a girl’s boarding school and opened in 1908.
You then visit a produce shop selling olive oil, fruit, wine, New Norcia nut cake and breads before enjoying an included Fish and Chips lunch at the New Norcia Hotel. Following lunch you depart New Norcia for the iconic Swan Valley.
The Swan Valley is the closest wine region to any capital city in Australia, whilst here take the opportunity to sample some of the regions famed providores offering such delights as chocolate, nougat and gourmet nuts. End the day with a gourmet personalised Australian Afternoon tea complete with wine before an early evening return to Perth. Wildflower viewing stops are made in season.
New Norcia Museum and Art Gallery
A little piece of Spain comes alive in this town, full of history, art and architecture. The town’s main attraction is the museum and art gallery. In the museum you will find extraordinary artefacts dating back to when New Norcia was an Aboriginal mission, a hub for farming and a diverse town for education and culture.
New Norcia Abbey Church and St Gertrude’s College
The Abbey Church is home to one of only two large Moser organs, originally crafted in Germany, this organ was imported to Australia in the 1920s. Visit St Gertrude’s College, a grand gothic style building which was originally built as a girls boarding school and opened in 1908.
New Norcia Hotel
The New Norcia Hotel is an iconic landmark of the town filled with fascinating antique history. Whilst here enjoy a delicious fish and chips lunch with the opportunity to purchase a taster of the famous Abbey Ale.
Swan Valley Wine Region
The closest wine region to any capital city in Australia. The Swan Valley is world renowned for it’s long standing history in Western Australia’s wine industry, it is also commonly referred to as Perth’s Valley of Taste filled with a variety of providores offering such delights as chocolate, nougat and gourmet nuts.
Wildflowers (Seasonal)
Stop to view wildflowers throughout the tour whilst they are in season. Varieties include the orange flowering Christmas Tree, Kangaroo Paw, Banksia, Wattle and Everlastings.
