A Wheatbelt day trip you can feel in your day. This private tour is built around VIP pacing and real access in New Norcia, including exclusive entry into secluded monastery areas plus a guided walking tour. I like how the day feels tailor made for your group instead of a rush-through. One heads-up: lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan for food on your own.

Starting around 8:00am, you meet your driver Cara at The Bell Tower on Elizabeth Quay (or request a complimentary pickup). The van has air-conditioning and even an onboard fridge to keep drinks and purchases cool, plus bottled spring water and practical help like sunscreen and a sunhat suggestion.

This is a private tour, so it’s just your group in the vehicle. It’s also built for moderate walking, with comfortable footwear a must, and the van is designed for 5 passengers (up to 7 is only recommended for families with children or smaller guests).

Key highlights to know before you go

• Cara as your guide: friendly, local, and focused on making stops land well.
• Exclusive Benedictine Abbey areas: access goes beyond a quick look from the main areas.
• Museum + art gallery time: diaries, manuscripts, and a private art collection stop.
• Cold storage and water on board: fridge, bottled spring drinking water, and sun protection provided.
• Complimentary drinks at the end: Abbey Ale by monks original recipe, or a gin and tonic option.

A VIP Wheatbelt day that feels properly paced

This is the kind of Perth-to-country day trip that doesn’t feel like it was designed for a stopwatch. You start with a city meeting point, then you head into the Wheatbelt for a day shaped by towns, heritage, and hands-on experiences. It’s also private, so you’re not stuck with the loudest group in the background.

What I like most is that the tour doesn’t just point at places; it helps you understand why they matter. New Norcia works well because you can walk it—slow enough to notice details, fast enough to keep energy for the abbey and museum.

It also helps that the vehicle is comfortable and practical. Air-conditioning matters when the day warms up, and that onboard fridge matters if you pick up local produce or want cold drinks later.

The big value: private timing, comfort, and local support

At $283.31 per person, this is not a budget day. But the pricing makes more sense when you compare what you’re actually getting: private touring time, guide commentary throughout, admission where it counts (monastery and museum/art gallery), and a low-stress setup from pickup to return.

A few practical value points add up fast:

• You’re not waiting around in a larger group.
• You get a calm, comfortable van ride with water and a fridge.
• The day includes guided components (including a recommended guided walking tour at the monastery), which is the difference between seeing a place and understanding it.
• Alcoholic drinks are included at the end, so you don’t have to budget for that final hour.

Also, one of the nicer touches is how the guide supports small local businesses along the way. That kind of detail often turns a day trip into something you remember for the people and not only the sights.

Stop 1 at The Bell Tower: your morning launch point

You meet at The Bell Tower at Elizabeth Quay around 8:00am. If you prefer to avoid the meeting point logistics, you can request a complimentary pickup. Either way, it’s a clean start: get your bearings in Perth, then hand off to the road trip rhythm.

This first stretch is mostly about getting you out of the city and setting up the day. The plan includes time connected with the area’s monuments, and you’ll hear commentary as you go.

Practical tip: bring sunscreen and a sunhat even if the morning looks mild. The tour provides sunscreen on board, but you’ll still want your own hat or something you’re comfortable wearing for the outdoor parts later.

New Norcia streets: walking the town’s heritage

New Norcia is the kind of place where “just wandering” becomes the activity. You’ll arrive in the historic town and have time to roam the legendary streets, soaking up the feel of a place shaped by pioneers and community life.

This is also where the day starts to look different from typical Perth day trips. Instead of beaches or wild viewpoints, it’s streetscapes, building textures, and the human scale of a small town. You get about an hour here, which is enough to take photos, pause where you want, and still have energy for the monastery.

If you’re the sort of traveler who likes details—doors, stonework, old building layouts—New Norcia will reward you. And because it’s a spiritual hub as well as a heritage town, you get a quieter mood than you might expect.

Benedictine Monastery of New Norcia: exclusive areas and a guided walk

This is the centerpiece of the day. You gain exclusive entry to secluded areas, which is a big deal because it shifts the experience from public-facing viewing to something more personal and grounded. Admission is included here, and the plan includes a recommended 2-hour guided walking tour.

At the monastery, you’re not just looking at one spot—you’re moving through a bigger setting. You’ll also see major buildings within the complex, including St. Gertrude’s College and the older flour mill area (the sort of structures that make you feel how long this place has operated as part of daily life).

Why the guided component matters: when you have a guide explaining what you’re seeing, the monastery becomes easier to connect to. You notice layout, function, and how the town and the abbey are intertwined.

Consideration: this section involves walking. Wear comfortable shoes you can keep on for a couple hours without thinking about it. Also, keep an eye on the sun—there are plenty of outdoor moments in a day like this.

New Norcia Museum and Art Gallery: diaries, manuscripts, and stories

After the monastery, you get a shorter stop at the New Norcia Museum & Art Gallery. This is a smart pairing. The abbey gives you the living spirit of the place; the museum and art gallery give you documents and context—artefacts, diaries, and manuscripts that help you understand the people behind the buildings.

You also get access to a private art gallery collection. Even if you’re not a serious art person, the value here is that the collection comes with local meaning. It helps you see New Norcia as a place that created culture, not only a place that preserved it.

This stop is about 30 minutes, so it’s best for quick absorption: look, read what you can, and ask your guide questions if something catches your eye.

Abbey Ale, gin and tonic, and the scenic unwind to finish

By the end of the day, you’ll slow down with a complimentary drink. The tour concludes with either a complimentary Abbey Ale brewed from the monks original recipe or an alternative like a refreshing gin and tonic. This is also a good point to ask questions you didn’t think to ask earlier.

Then there’s a relaxing scenic stretch built into the schedule. It’s not just a transfer back to Perth; it’s a small decompression moment so you’re not closing the day tired and irritated.

If you pick up any local produce earlier, this is where that onboard fridge becomes handy. Keep it cool on the ride, then you’re ready to enjoy your purchases later without them warming up in transit.

Price and logistics: is $283.31 per person worth it?

Let’s be honest: at $283.31 per person, you’re paying for privacy and for the right kind of inclusions. This tour isn’t trying to compete with cheap group coaches.

Here’s where you get value for the cost:

• Private touring with flexible feel: your group stays together and you’re not trying to herd people.
• Admissions included where it matters: monastery access (including exclusive areas) and the museum/art gallery.
• Guided time: especially important at the monastery, where guidance turns the visit into understanding.
• Comfort perks: air-conditioned vehicle, cold storage fridge, bottled spring water, and sunscreen support.

Who this tour suits best:

• Families who want a structured day without the stress of arranging multiple stops.
• Food and wine lovers who like local tastings rather than just scenic photo stops.
• Travelers who prefer walking heritage towns with a guide to explain what you’re seeing.

Who might find it less ideal:

• If you need a long, sit-down lunch with included meals, you’ll have to solve food yourself.
• If you want a purely passive day with minimal walking, you might find the monastery part a bit active.

Practical tips for your 9.5-hour Wheatbelt day

Here’s how to make this day work smoothly:

Wear and pack like it’s a real day out. You’ll be walking around town and moving through monastery areas, so comfortable footwear is non-negotiable. Bring a sunhat, and keep hand luggage minimal.

Plan for snacks. Lunch and extra drinks aren’t included in the itinerary, so have a simple plan for your midday food. If you’re picky about where you eat, message your guide in advance so they can align your timing.

Think about group size if you’re booking. The van is designed for comfort for 5 passengers, with up to 7 only recommended for groups traveling with children or smaller guests. If your group is on the larger side, it’s worth confirming how the layout works for your exact ages and sizes.

If you’re traveling with kids, bring the car seats. You provide your own child car seats: a forward facing restraint with inbuilt harness for ages 1 to 4, and a booster seat for ages 4 to 7.

Should you book this New Norcia and Wheatbelt private tour?

I’d book it if you want a Perth day trip that actually teaches you something and gives you access beyond the basics. The combination of exclusive monastery areas, a guided walking component, and a museum stop that includes diaries and manuscripts makes this feel like more than sightseeing.

I’d think twice if your priority is a low-cost day, or if you’re expecting lunch and beverages to be covered all day. With food not included, you’ll want to plan snacks or lunch so the day stays comfortable.

My quick decision rule: if you like heritage towns, spiritual sites, and small-group comfort, this tour fits your style. If you want a simple bus ride with minimal walking, look for something else.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The suggested departure time is 8:00am, with the tour meeting at The Bell Tower on Elizabeth Quay.

Where do we meet the guide?

You meet at The Bell Tower, Barrack Square, Riverside Dr, Perth WA 6000. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered. You can request a complimentary pick up.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 9 hours 30 minutes.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included items are bottled spring drinking water, an air conditioned vehicle with tour guide commentary, entry and touring for New Norcia township, Benedictine Abbey, Rock of Remembrance, walking tour, art gallery, and museum, plus an onboard fridge to keep drinks or produce purchases cool. Alcoholic beverages are included as a complimentary Abbey Ale or Pale Ale happy hour.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and extra food or drinks are not included in the itinerary.

Are admission tickets included for every stop?

Admission is not included for The Bell Tower, while Benedictine Monastery of New Norcia, and the New Norcia Museum & Art Gallery are included.

How many people fit in the van?

The van is designed for comfort for up to 5 passengers, and can accommodate up to 7 for groups traveling with children or smaller individuals.

What should I bring, especially if I’m traveling with kids?

Wear comfortable footwear and bring a sunhat. Keep hand luggage to a minimum. Water and sunscreen are provided on board. For children, you must bring your own child car seats (forward facing restraint with inbuilt harness for ages 1 to 4, booster seat for ages 4 to 7).

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