In 1848, two Spanish Benedictine monks travelled to WA and set up a mission which they developed into the New Norcia Mission and Farm. Named after Norcia in Italy, the Benedictine community of Roman Catholic monks befriended and worked closely with the local Aboriginal people teaching them farming skills and supplying them with food. New Norcia is the only Monastic town in Australia, where monks live, work and pray. With Spanish architecture, it’s a peaceful town full of history. Visitors are welcome to stay at the Monastry and you can purchase the locally made bread, wine and olive oil, or enjoy lunch at the old historic hotel. 132km north east of Perth, head up the Great Northern Highway.