Follow the Monsignor Hawes Trail and discover the fascinating religious architecture of New Norcia and the stunning Catholic churches throughout the region, designed by the renowned Monsignor Hawes.
Day 1: Perth to New Norcia
(130 kilometres/2 hours)
New Norcia, Australia’s only monastic town, is your first stop along the Monsignor Hawes Trail. This peaceful place is home to a community of Benedictine monks and famous for its Spanish architecture and collection of religious art works, not to mention gourmet breads and olive oil. Check out the Museum and Art Gallery or take a walking tour.
Accommodation options: Caravan park at Roadhouse, or check in to the quiet retreat of Monastery Guesthouse.
Day 2: New Norcia to Morawa
(370 kilometres/4 hours)
Join the monks in prayer before heading north to Moora, stopping to take in local heritage architecture on the Moora Town Walk. Wildflowers colour the drive to Carnamah during spring. Enjoy lunch here before travelling on to Perenjori to see the Monsignor Hawes-designed Church of Saint Joseph. Perenjori is also home to the famous and unique Wreath Leschenaultia which flowers during September and October. Continue to Morawa and visit the Church of the Holy Cross, also designed by Monsignor Hawes.
Accommodation options: Hotel/motel, caravan park and farm stays.
Day 3: Morawa to Geraldton
(350 kilometres/4 hours)
Drive north to historic Yalgoo and admire its well-preserved colonial architecture and rich gold mining heritage. Spend time exploring the museum, Court House and Dominican Chapel of St Hyacinth, designed by Monsignor Hawes. From Yalgoo, head west towards the coast, stopping at Mullewa’s beautiful Monsignor Hawes church on the way to Geraldton. Monsignor Hawes was based in Geraldton, working as a pioneer priest and architect in the diocese between the great wars. One of his most important buildings is located in the port city, the St Francis Xavier Cathedral, which was built in a style known as California Mission.
More information on Monsignor Hawes and the Monsignor Hawes Trail can be found at www.monsignorhawes.com
To ensure you enjoy a safe and well-planned journey, take a look at Travel times and distances, Road safety and Important travel tips. If you have your camping gear or caravan in tow, check out the range of caravan parks and camping sites available in Australia’s Golden Outback.
Driving times and distances intended as a guide only and may vary depending on exact route taken. Accommodation options are indicative as to what is available in the area.
Above map not to scale and intended as a guide only. It is highly recommended before heading out on your journey, you purchase a detailed Western Australian road and track map available from the RAC, petrol stations or where good maps of Western Australia are sold.
Looking for other road trips once you have done the Perth To Geraldton Road Trip Via New Norcia? Discover more about other road trips around Australia’s Golden Outback.