New Norcia

WA 6509 • Western Australia

57
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
146.74 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
HistoricHeritageTourist HubCar-Dependent

About New Norcia

New Norcia is a unique monastic town and locality in Western Australia, situated approximately 130 kilometres north of Perth in the Shire of Victoria Plains. With a 2021 Census population of 57 residents, it is home to Australia's only monastic town, established by Benedictine monks in 1846. The locality covers around 147 square kilometres of farmland and is listed on the State Heritage Register as one of WA's most significant historic precincts.

The Benedictine community at New Norcia operates a range of enterprises including the famous New Norcia Hotel, Abbey Ales, and the production of New Norcia Nut Cake. The ornate Spanish Mission-style buildings — including two Colleges, the Monastery, and the church — are among the finest heritage architecture in regional Australia. Museum tours and heritage walks attract visitors, and the town has become a significant cultural and religious tourism destination. A private vehicle is essential, though the town is accessible from Perth for a day trip.

New Norcia falls under postcode 6509 and is governed by the local council Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Moore (Agricultural) electorate.

📍 Location

Postcode
6509
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
N/A
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-30.91°, 116.25°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
146.74 km²
Elevation
0m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Occasional tour buses from Perth — Perth CBD Approx 1 hr 30 min

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
130 km
By Train
No direct service; drive to Perth (~1 hr 30 min)
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 30 min - 2 hr
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 15 min - 1 hr 30 min

🛣️ Brand Highway provides direct route to Perth

Walkability Car-Dependent

Small heritage town; can walk between heritage sites, but car required for all services

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

No schools listed for this postcode.

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
57
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Personal Income 2016
N/A
Personal Income 2021
N/A
0% increase

Personal Income Comparison (2016 vs 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is New Norcia known for? +

New Norcia is Australia's only monastic town, founded by Benedictine monks in 1846. It is renowned for its stunning Spanish Mission architecture, heritage museum, Abbey Ales, New Norcia Nut Cake, and as a significant cultural and religious tourism destination.

How far is New Norcia from Perth? +

New Norcia is approximately 130 kilometres north of Perth CBD, roughly a 1.5 hour drive via the Brand Highway.

Does New Norcia have public transport? +

There is no regular public transport to New Norcia. Occasional tour buses operate from Perth, but a private vehicle is the most practical way to visit or live there.

What is the population of New Norcia? +

According to the 2021 Census, New Norcia has a permanent population of approximately 57 residents, primarily the Benedictine monastic community.

Is New Norcia a good place to live? +

New Norcia is a unique place suited to those connected to the Benedictine monastic community. As Australia's only monastic town, it offers an extraordinary heritage environment and peaceful rural setting 130km from Perth.

What is the postcode for New Norcia? +

The postcode for New Norcia is 6509, covering this unique monastic town in the Shire of Victoria Plains of Western Australia.