New Norcia, Australia’s only monastic town, offers a handful of accommodation options that range from a shared monastery guesthouse to a solitary hermitage. The Monastery Guesthouse accommodates up to 24 guests in twin and single rooms, some with en-suite facilities (official site). This guide compares every bookable option so you can find the right fit for your stay.
Last checked: 2026-05-29
Compare the lowest rates and guest reviews. Many options with free cancellation.Check rates
Bundle flight + hotel and compare deals and rewards in one place.Check ratesThis link contains affiliate advertising. Prices and availability may change on the destination site.
Property name: Monastery Guesthouse ·
Location: New Norcia, Avon Valley, Western Australia ·
Distance from Perth: Approximately 2 hours northeast ·
Room types: 8 rooms with shared facilities, 8 twin en-suite rooms, cottage, hermitage
How we researched this guide
Last checked: 2026-05-29.
Sources reviewed: official property website (New Norcia Benedictine Community), Shire of Victoria Plains government page, Tourism Council WA itinerary, Monasteries.com directory, TripAdvisor reviews, independent travel blog.
We did not conduct an on-site visit, interview staff, or independently verify pricing. All donation figures are as published by the community and the shire.
Key facts at a glance
Available options
- Four bookable accommodation types listed on the official site: guesthouse, hostel, cottage, hermitage (New Norcia Accommodation).
Price level
- Budget to mid-range; all pricing is donation-based, no fixed charge (Shire of Victoria Plains).
En-suite rooms
- The Monastery Guesthouse has eight twin rooms with private en-suite facilities (New Norcia Benedictine Community).
Distance from Perth
- Approximately 132 km north of Perth, about two hours by car (Monasteries.com).
| Property name | Location | Distance from Perth | Room types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monastery Guesthouse | Southern cloister, New Norcia | 2 hours northeast | 8 twin en-suite, 6 single shared facilities, 1 twin shared |
| Guesthouse Hermitage (Pig Keeper’s Cottage) | Near monastic buildings | 2 hours northeast | Single-occupancy hermitage |
| St Ildephonsus’ Cottage | New Norcia town | 2 hours northeast | Self-contained, up to 6 guests |
| New Norcia Hostel | Historic building | 2 hours northeast | Shared rooms, neo-classical architecture |
Can you stay at New Norcia?
Yes, visitors can book overnight stays through the Benedictine community. The main options are the Monastery Guesthouse, the Guesthouse Hermitage, self-contained cottages, and the Hostel. Each serves a different purpose, from group retreats to silent solo retreats.
The Monastery Guesthouse is the largest facility, with 24 beds arranged in twin and single rooms. Six single rooms and one twin room share bathroom facilities, while eight twin rooms have private en-suites (New Norcia Guesthouse page). The Guesthouse is located in the southern cloister around a courtyard garden of native shrubs, as described on Monasteries.com.
For those seeking complete solitude, the Guesthouse Hermitage — a restored cottage originally the pig keeper’s dwelling — is limited to one guest (official Hermitage page). It sits close to the Oratory and Church, allowing easy access to prayers and Mass. Guests can either eat in the silence of the monastery refectory or collect meals from the Guesthouse.
Overnight options at the Monastery Guesthouse
The Guesthouse is designed as a retreat environment where guests share the simple life, prayer, and rhythms of the Benedictine community (Monasteries.com). It is not a hotel; staff expect visitors to participate in the atmosphere of quiet and reflection. The Shire of Victoria Plains describes it as “a world away from modern life.”
Staying at the New Norcia Hostel
The Shire of Victoria Plains also lists a Hostel available for smaller groups, with comfortable rooms, a scenic deck, and a heritage veranda. It is housed in a building with neo-classical architecture, offering a less monastic atmosphere than the Guesthouse (Shire source).
The bottom line: New Norcia welcomes overnight guests, but the experience differs greatly between the silent Guesthouse, the solitary Hermitage, and the group-friendly Hostel.
How much does the New Norcia guest house cost?
There is no fixed charge for any accommodation in New Norcia. All stays operate on a suggested-donation basis. For the Monastery Guesthouse, the suggested donation is:
- AUD 110 per person per night for bed and breakfast.
- AUD 135 per person per night for bed, breakfast and one monastery meal.
- AUD 160 per person per night for bed, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
These figures come from the official Guesthouse page (New Norcia Benedictine Community). The Shire of Victoria Plains adds that monastery lunch costs AUD 35 per person and dinner AUD 25 per person, confirming the same donation structure.
The Guesthouse Hermitage uses the identical model: AUD 110 (B&B), AUD 135 (B&B plus one meal), or AUD 160 (full board) per night (Hermitage page).
Price range by room type
Within the Guesthouse, all donations are per person regardless of room type (single, twin, or en-suite). The price difference comes only from the meal package. The Tourism Council WA mentions a tariff of AUD 160 that includes lunch, dinner, accommodation and breakfast, reinforcing the full-board suggested donation.
What is included in the stay
Donations cover accommodation and meals prepared by the monastery. Guests in the Guesthouse eat in a communal dining room; Hermitage guests may eat in the refectory or in their cottage. Breakfast is included in all packages.
What this means: New Norcia’s pricing is transparently donation-based, not profit-driven. Budget travellers can opt for B&B at AUD 110 and supplement with the AUD 25 dinner.
What is there to do in New Norcia?
Staying overnight gives you time to explore Australia’s only monastic town. The town itself is a historic site with a museum, art gallery, and the monastery church. The Tourism Council WA itinerary suggests a weekend schedule that includes a guided town tour, visiting the bakery, and walking the grounds.
The Avon Valley surrounds New Norcia, with opportunities for scenic drives and bushwalking. The Monasteries.com listing notes that the town is about two hours northeast of Perth, making it a manageable weekend destination.
For meals outside the monastery schedule, the Salvado Roadhouse Café operates during daytime hours and offers snacks, coffee, and cold beverages (Tourism Council WA).
Exploring the monastery town
Highlights include the New Norcia Museum, which houses artifacts from the Benedictine mission, and the Abbey Church with its Spanish-inspired architecture. Visitors can also see the original monastic buildings and the olive grove.
Nearby attractions in the Avon Valley
The Avon Valley National Park is a short drive away, offering walking trails and picnic areas. The historic town of Toodyay is also within 30 minutes.
The pattern: Most overnight guests arrive on a Saturday, attend evening prayer, explore the town Sunday morning, and head back to Perth by mid-afternoon.
Can you stay in a monastery for free?
No — the Monastery Guesthouse is a commercial retreat, not a free hostel. All stays require a donation, as outlined above. The community does not offer work-stay or free lodging.
The Guesthouse Hermitage also requires a donation. While some religious orders offer donation-only accommodation with no suggested amount, New Norcia clearly states suggested donations for each tier (Hermitage page). For more information on where to stay, explore the New Norcia accommodation options at $New Norcia accommodation options.
Retreat vs commercial stay
The Guesthouse is marketed as a retreat for individuals and groups who wish to share the simple life of the monks (Monasteries.com). It is not a free or discounted religious retreat, but a self-funded hospitality operation.
Donation-based accommodation
Donations cover the costs of running the guesthouse and providing meals. The Shire of Victoria Plains explicitly states: “There is no fixed charge for stays in New Norcia, reinforcing that payments are suggested donations rather than set tariffs.”
The catch: While the model is donation-based, the suggested amounts are effectively the price. Expect to pay AUD 110–160 per person per night depending on meal choice.
Single property spec: Monastery Guesthouse
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Property name | Monastery Guesthouse |
| Location | Southern cloister, New Norcia, Avon Valley, Western Australia |
| Capacity | 24 guests |
| Room configuration | 8 twin en-suite rooms, 6 single shared facilities, 1 twin shared facilities |
| Shared or private facilities | 8 en-suite; others share |
| Suggested donation (B&B) | AUD 110 per person per night |
| Suggested donation (full board) | AUD 160 per person per night |
| Booking contact | +61 8 9654 8002 / guesthouse@newnorcia.com.au |
| Source | New Norcia Benedictine Community |
Multi-option comparison
| Property name | Room types | Shared or private facilities | Best for | Price band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monastery Guesthouse | Twin en-suite, single shared, twin shared | Both | Retreat seekers, couples, solo travellers | AUD 110–160 per person |
| Guesthouse Hermitage | Single-occupancy cottage | Private (own cottage) | Solo silent retreatants | AUD 110–160 per person |
| St Ildephonsus’ Cottage | Up to 6, self-contained | Private kitchen and lounge | Families, groups | Similar donation model (exact not published) |
| New Norcia Hostel | Shared rooms | Shared | Budget travellers, small groups | Likely below Guesthouse rates |
Note: Kelly’s Cottage is also available for families of up to four, but pricing details are not publicly listed.
Pros and cons by option
Monastery Guesthouse
- Pros: Central location, meal packages, retreat atmosphere, direct connection to monastic life.
- Cons: Limited privacy, shared bathrooms for some rooms, not suitable for young children.
Guesthouse Hermitage
- Pros: Complete solitude, own cottage, flexibility to eat alone or with community.
- Cons: Single occupancy only, must be comfortable with silence, no shared social space.
St Ildephonsus’ Cottage
- Pros: Self-contained kitchen, space for family, can combine with Guesthouse meals.
- Cons: Less integrated into monastic rhythm, pricing less transparent.
New Norcia Hostel
- Pros: Low cost, scenic deck, heritage architecture, good for groups.
- Cons: Basic facilities, not a retreat experience.
Best for segments
Retreat seekers
Choose the Monastery Guesthouse. The shared meals and prayers create the full Benedictine experience. The Shire of Victoria Plains calls it “ideal for a quiet, retreat-like experience.”
Families
St Ildephonsus’ Cottage is the best fit, with self-contained facilities for up to six. The Tourism Council WA treats it as the go-to option for families who want their own kitchen and lounge.
Budget travellers
The New Norcia Hostel or a basic Guesthouse room with shared facilities are the most affordable. Camping at the Roadhouse (nine powered sites, no advance booking) is another low-cost option (Shire of Victoria Plains).
Solo silent retreatants
The Guesthouse Hermitage is the only option. It is limited to one guest and designed for silence and solitude.
Our pick recommendation
For retreat seekers: Book the Monastery Guesthouse with full-board donation (AUD 160 per person). You get three monastery meals, access to prayers, and the atmospheric courtyard.
For families: Choose St Ildephonsus’ Cottage. Self-catering gives you flexibility, and you can still join the Guesthouse for a meal if desired.
For budget travellers: The Hostel offers the lowest cost, but if you want the monastic experience, opt for a shared-facility room at the Guesthouse (AUD 110 B&B).
Pricing band overview
- Budget: Hostel; camping at Roadhouse (~AUD unknown, no published price).
- Mid-range: Monastery Guesthouse shared-facility rooms: AUD 110–135 per person.
- Mid-range+: Monastery Guesthouse en-suite rooms: AUD 110–160 per person.
- Premium in context: Guesthouse Hermitage: AUD 110–160 per person (single occupancy, maximum solitude).
All prices are suggested donations as of May 2026, sourced from the official Guesthouse page and the Shire of Victoria Plains.
Location and getting there
New Norcia is located in the Avon Valley, approximately 132 km north of Perth, Western Australia. Monasteries.com suggests allowing about two hours driving time from Perth and 3.5 hours from Geraldton. The Tourism Council WA describes it as “about an hour and a half from Perth” and promotes it as a weekend getaway.
Visitors without a car can reach New Norcia by bus from Perth to the nearby town of Bindoon, then arrange a taxi or shuttle. However, a car is recommended for exploring the area.
Sample weekend itinerary
Based on the Tourism Council WA itinerary, a typical weekend looks like:
- Saturday morning: Drive from Perth (2 hours). Check into Guesthouse or Hermitage.
- Saturday afternoon: Guided town tour, visit museum and art gallery.
- Saturday evening: Monastery dinner, evening prayer.
- Sunday morning: Breakfast, Mass in the Abbey Church, walk the grounds.
- Sunday early afternoon: Lunch at Salvado Roadhouse Café, then drive back to Perth.
This itinerary works for any accommodation option, but Hermitage guests will have a more solitary version of the same.
westernaustralia.com, newnorcia.com.au
Frequently asked questions
Can you stay at New Norcia?
Yes. The Benedictine community offers the Monastery Guesthouse, Guesthouse Hermitage, self-contained cottages (St Ildephonsus’ and Kelly’s), and a Hostel. All are bookable through the official site or by calling +61 8 9654 8002.
How much does the New Norcia guest house cost?
There is no fixed charge; the suggested donation is AUD 110 per person per night for bed and breakfast, AUD 135 with one monastery meal, and AUD 160 for full board (bed, breakfast, lunch, dinner). These figures are from the official Guesthouse page.
Does anyone live in New Norcia?
Yes, a small community of Benedictine monks resides in the monastery. The town also has a few permanent residents and is administered by the Shire of Victoria Plains.
What is there to do in New Norcia?
Activities include guided tours of the monastery, museum, art gallery, and walking the town. The Avon Valley offers bushwalking and scenic drives. The Salvado Roadhouse Café is open daytime for meals.
Can you stay in a monastery for free?
No. New Norcia operates on a donation-based model with suggested amounts. The Guesthouse and Hermitage both require payments of AUD 110–160 per person per night. Free stays are not available.
Is the New Norcia Hostel open to everyone?
Yes, the Hostel is open to all visitors. It offers comfortable shared rooms, a scenic deck, and a heritage veranda, and is run by the Shire of Victoria Plains.
How do I book the Monastery Guesthouse?
Contact the Accommodation Manager by phone at +61 8 9654 8002 or email guesthouse@newnorcia.com.au. Bookings are handled directly by the Benedictine community.