An Aussie adventurers trip to New Norcia

and Geraldton North of Perth.

And here I am (Chris Ryan out the front of my home) about to start the car pick up Jo, Jo and set off on a wonderful adventure tour to New Norcia and then on to Geraldton.

The weather is dry and warm with temperatures expected to reach 25c to 30c / 77f to 90f.

OK, We are now driving North from Perth's northern suburbs towards New Norcia about 1.5 hours by car.

As we left home I noticed the sun rising in the eastern sky, and what a beautiful dawn it was as the the rising sun lit up the bottom of the clouds in vivid oranges and yellows interspersed with darker patches not yet exposed to the new sunlight. Certainly a dawn to cherish.

Arriving at New Norcia at 6.30am we refuelled and we had a look around.

At 1st glance, New Norcia appears to be a bit dry and dusty but nothing could be further from the truth. The town of New Norcia is unique in Western Australia as it was designed and built as a little bit of Spain nestled in the heart of the Western Australian wheat belt. Truly amazing as you pop over the top of the hill and there it is, New Norcia , a little bit of Spain in the 1800's

But, 1st things 1st, it's time for something to eat and drink. (I missed brekkie) Breakfast.

New Norcia is steeped in the history of the areas early days and the Benedictine Monks will be delighted to show and explain to you the areas history and highlights.

In the monastery you will see the wonderful icons and paintings not only of the early monks themselves but of many religious paintings drawings and icons of this early era. Part of the appeal of New Norcia is that it is, in many ways, a living museum.

New Norcia has an info bay, Police station, Pub (hotel), accommodation, fuel, eats and drinks and several churches plus the not to be missed monastery. The typical country pub at New Norcia which serves good meals, no need to go hungry.

The Hotel in New Norcia.

You will find signs like the one below, outside many country pubs. (Hotels)

If you come across a sign like this it means that meals are served inside.

It's an Aussie expression.

Plus of course there is the magnificent monastery which you can tour.
You should see inside the absolutely magnificent New Norcia Monastery.

Here's One of New Norcia's churches.

The magnificent St Gertrudes girls school at New Norcia.

Where to stay, where to eat in New Norcia.

Benedictine Monastery Guest House Great Northern Hwy New Norcia WA 6509 Telephone: (08) 9654 8002 Facsimile: (08) 9654 8097

Napier Downs Farm Cottage North Rd Wannamal New Norcia WA 6509 Telephone: (08) 9655 9015 Facsimile: (08) 9655 9033 Email: rchawes@bigpond.com Rating: ****

New Norcia Roadhouse Great Northern Hwy New Norcia WA 6509 Telephone: (08) 9654 8020

You really will be amazed when you see this small bit of old Spain nestled in the aussie bush New Norcia is an ideal 1 day trip from Perth and should not be missed.

Anyway it is 9.30am and time to move on northwards, towards Geraldton 292km / 144 miles.

We should get to Geraldton about 12 noon, have a bit of lunch and then have a bit of a look around. There are plenty of coastal towns between Perth and Geraldton where you can enjoy the sun, surfing, fishing and sight seeing.

On this trip we have decided not to call into these coastal towns as our aim is to get to Geraldton and back home in one day, even though these towns are worthwhile destinations in their own right.

It is absolutely beautiful driving along this highway with the air conditioner running and the music cranked up.

Off the sides of the road there are massive displays of wild flowers in all of the colours of the rainbow so we stopped for a closer look.

As you can see the wildflowers

are right beside the road.

And there are fields of them.

And even more fields of wildflowers

Anyway lets move on. Time 10.30am and still running down the road but just up ahead on the left side of the road there is a mob of kangaroos.

Ahh!! time to slow down from 100km / 70mph to avoid hitting a 'roo. They are inclined to cross in front of a car and if you hit one it's bye, bye trip, a damaged car and a dead 'roo, so slow down, the 'roos will thank you and you will be able to complete your trip.

There must be 200 to 300 of them and Jo has never seen a big mob before.

We are now about 1/2 an hour out of Geraldton and Jo and I have just passed a dozen emus standing on the road verge, they are healthy looking, fully grown birds who didn't seem at all bothered by a roaring V8 heading in their direction.

Jo, Jo wanted me to stop so that she could catch one, doesn't she know that they can run at a speed of about 60km?

Come to think of it.
What would she do if she caught one? They are bigger than she is.

She's just a little girl.