Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

MARGARET RIVER & THE SOUTHWEST 455
walking-trail maps sold for A$3.30 (US$2.15) at the Tourist Information Centre
include more buildings not visited on the tour, such as the octagonal apiary.
The museum and art gallery is full of relics from the monks’ past—old
mechanical and musical instruments, artifacts from the days when New Norcia
was an Aboriginal mission, gifts to the monks from the Queen of Spain, and an
astounding collection of paintings by Spanish and Italian artists, dating back to
the 1400s. Give yourself at least an hour here. The museum and gallery are open
daily from 9:30am to 5pm August through October, and from 10am to 4:30pm
November through July (closed Christmas). Admission is A$4.50 (US$2.90) for
adults, A$3.50 (US$2.30) for seniors and students, and A$1 (US65¢) for children
6 to 12.
Apart from joining the monks for 15-minute prayers in the monastery chapel
five times a day (noon and 2:30pm are the most convenient for day visitors), you
can join them for Mass in the Holy Trinity Abbey Church Monday through Saturday
at 7:30am and on Sunday at 9am, or at 5:30pm for vespers.
WHERE TO STAY
New Norcia Hotel When they thought a Spanish royal visit to New Norcia
was imminent in 1926, the monks built this grandiose white hotel fit for, well,
a king. Sadly, the royals never materialized, and the building was used as a hostel
for parents of the children boarding at the town’s colleges. In 1955, it became
a hotel and subsequently fell into disrepair. Only the grand central staircase,
soaring pressed-metal ceilings, and imposing Iberian facade hint at the splendor
that was. Three years ago, new carpets, curtains, and beds were put in, but be
prepared for rather grim rooms. Only one has an en suite bathroom, air-conditioning,
and a TV. Still, it’s rather nice to eat a meal at the rather dated bar or
the charmingly faded Dining Room, and to sit on the veranda upstairs. The bar
gets jumping on Friday and Saturday nights when local farmers come to town.
This is the only place to stay in town. No smoking.
Great Northern Hwy., New Norcia, WA 6509.& 08/9654 8034. Fax 08/9654 8011. hotel_nn@hotmail.com.
17 units, 1 only with bathroom. A$77 (US$50) double without bathroom; A$90 (US$59) double with bathroom.
Extra person A$15 (US$9.75). Breakfast A$11 (US$7.15) continental or A$18 (US$12) cooked; half price
for kids. AE, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar. In room: Fridge, coffeemaker, iron, no phone.
3 Margaret River & the Southwest: Wine Tasting &
Underground Wonders
Margaret River 290km (181 miles) S of Perth
Say “Margaret River” to Australians and their eyes light up as they reply “great
wine!” The area’s 42 wineries nestle among statuesque forests of karri, the world’s
third-tallest tree. The wineries contribute only around 1% of Australia’s wine
output, yet they turn out some 10% of the country’s top-notch premium wines.
Not even most Aussies know about the Southwest’s other drawing cards—like
the spectacular surf breaks on the 130km (81-mile) coast from Cape Naturaliste
in the north to Cape Leeuwin on the southwest tip of Australia; the coastal cliffs,
perfect for abseiling (rappelling) and rock climbing; and the honeycomb of
limestone caves filled with stalagmites and stalactites. Whales pass by June
through December; wildflowers line the roads August through October; and
wild birds, kangaroos, and shingle-backed lizards are everywhere. If you like hiking,
pack your boots, because there are plenty of trails, from a 15-minute stroll
around Margaret River township, to a 6-day Cape-to-Cape trek along the sea
cliffs. The Southwest is one of Australia’s last great wildernesses.