New Norcia

A Spanish Mission in Western Australia?  Oh yes!  It is as fascinating as it is big!  Fleeing religious persecution in Spain, a group of Benedictine Monks established this Mission in 1846.  Initially to work with Aborigines, it expanded to become a local producer of meat, wheat & flour, bread, honey etc. (it has significant land holdings), a boarding school and now mainly a tourist attraction.  The buildings are ornate in an architectural style more in line with Spain rather than of Australia - this includes the decorations as well.  The churches and chapels contain elaborate paintings and woodwork in the European style and are spectacular to view.  Sadly today it is mainly unused, as the school no longer operates and production equipment is outdated and doesn't comply with current OH&S standards.  The number of Monks has seriously declined also, to the point where the future of the Mission is in doubt.  Nearly 30 buildings are classified by the  National Trust.  

The tour of the Mission is fascinating and excellent value.  However, the afternoon light is not sympathetic to many of the buildings so we stayed the night so we could have a quick look around the Mission in the much better  morning light, and then a 'quick' run to the next port of call.