Wheatbelt & Historic New Norcia, Perth Day Tour with Lunch

Exploring Western Australia’s Wheatbelt and New Norcia in a Day: A Genuine Guide

Taking a full-day tour from Perth to the Wheatbelt and New Norcia offers a fascinating mix of nature, local flavors, and history. While we haven’t personally been on this exact journey, reviews and detailed itineraries reveal a rich experience that balances authentic encounters with manageable pacing.

What sets this tour apart? We love the small group size (max 5 participants), which guarantees a more intimate experience. The diverse tastings—from honey and cheese to farm-fresh gelato—are a real highlight, offering unique insights into WA’s rural produce. The historic New Norcia monastery adds a cultural depth that many travelers find captivating, blending European architecture with Australian outback charm.

A possible consideration is the long day in the van—if you’re not used to several hours of travel, it might feel a bit intense. However, the stops are well-paced, and the variety of experiences helps keep the day engaging. This tour suits those eager to explore beyond Perth’s city limits, especially if you appreciate local food, wildlife, and cultural heritage — perfect for curious travelers who want a personalized, relaxed adventure.

Good To Know

• Intimate Group Sizes: With a maximum of 5 guests, expect personalized service and relaxed conversations.
• Authentic Tasting Experiences: Sampling local honey, cheese, gelato, and more give you a real taste of WA’s rural produce.
• Rich Cultural Insight: Exploring New Norcia offers a blend of European and Aboriginal influences, with stunning architecture.
• Nature & Wildlife: From colourful bird aviaries to native Emus, the natural encounters are a highlight.
• Flexible and Well-Organized: The itinerary balances sightseeing, tasting, and free time, with convenient pickup and drop-off options.
• Ideal for Enthusiasts: Best suited for adults or travelers over 8 years old who enjoy history, food, and nature.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup & Introduction

The tour begins with pickup from one of two central locations in Perth—either Crown Casino or The Bell Tower—around 8:00 am. This straightforward start ensures you’re out of the city quickly, heading north toward the Wheatbelt. The vehicle is a private mini van, driven by a guide who clearly knows the area well and is eager to share stories along the way.

The Tropical Garden Oasis & Bird Aviaries

The first stop is a surprise—a lush, tropical garden in the midst of the Wheatbelt’s semi-arid landscape. This place is a haven for over 450 bird species, where you can see white peacocks wandering freely and bright parrots and Macaws seeking attention. Visitors consistently mention enjoying the close-up encounters with chatty parrots in the botanical aviaries, which feels like stepping into a bird-lover’s dream.

This stop is particularly appreciated for its visual appeal and the chance to see WA’s native and exotic birds in a setting that feels worlds away from the outback’s starkness. It’s a quick yet memorable introduction to the natural environment of the region.

Artisan Cheese & Gelato Farm

Next, you’re off to a goat cheese farm that operates off-grid—an authentic farm-to-table experience. Gerald, the farmer, hand-milks the goats each morning, and Julie crafts artisan cheeses and homemade gelato on-site. Guests rave about the “creamy delights” and the skill involved in making these treats from scratch, emphasizing how fresh and genuine the flavors are.

The farm offers tastings of the cheeses, and you might even see Gerald milk the goats, providing a glimpse into traditional farming practices. The homemade gelato, churned fresh, is a highlight for many and offers a cooling break in the day’s schedule. This stop is not just about tasting; it’s about understanding the passion and craftsmanship behind local WA products.

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Little Eeden Honey Farm

Following the cheese farm, the tour visits Little Eeden Honey Farm, where a honey tasting session awaits. The farm’s native bush honey provides a sweet snapshot of WA’s flora. Guests often comment that they learn about the health benefits and varieties of honey, which enhances the tasting experience.

Surrounded by nature, you can relax and appreciate the subtle differences in flavor and color among the honey varieties. Keep an eye out for the towering Emu birds that roam freely at the farm—a fun photo opportunity and a sign of the farm’s native landscape.

Lunch & Relaxation

The next segment is a generous lunch break, featuring local produce. While specific menu details aren’t provided, the emphasis is on fresh and authentic flavors, often with farm-gate sales or samples included. Guests report that the lunch is well-portioned and offers a chance to unwind before more sightseeing.

During this time, nature lovers might catch sight of the Emus standing at around 2 meters tall, adding a native wildlife element to the farm experience.

New Norcia: Exploring the Outback Monastery

The highlight for many is the visit to New Norcia, Australia’s only living monastery. Founded in 1847 by Spanish Benedictine monks, this town blends European architecture with Aboriginal influences. The well-preserved Benedictine Abbey, with its impressive Grand Moser pipe organ and sgraffito murals, offers an authentic insight into monastic life.

Guests have noted that the monasteries and historic buildings make for excellent photo opportunities thanks to their Mediterranean-style architecture and outback setting. The town also features other notable sites like St Ildephonsus College, St Gertrudes, and the Monastery Residence, each reflecting different aspects of the town’s history and culture.

Beverages & Final Touches

Before heading back to Perth, you can choose to sample a famous Abbey Ale, brewed from ancient recipes, or enjoy a gin and tonic infused with local botanicals. Non-alcoholic options like fresh Australian orange juice are also available. These stops add a relaxed, social element to the day, allowing you to toast your experiences.

Scenic Return & Drop-Off

The journey back to Perth takes approximately 1.5 hours, giving you time to reflect on the day’s highlights. Drop-offs are conveniently arranged at either the Bell Tower or Crown Casino, making return easy and straightforward.

Practical Aspects & Value

This tour is priced for a small group experience, with a maximum of 5 participants, ensuring plenty of space for questions and personalized attention. The full 9-hour itinerary offers a well-balanced mix of outdoor activity, cultural exploration, and tasting. Food and drink are included at various stops, giving good value for the price.

Transportation is comfortable, and the itinerary’s pacing is designed to prevent fatigue while maximizing exposure to diverse sights. The tour operates with flexibility—cancel up to 24 hours in advance, which adds peace of mind if your plans change.

The focus on authentic local produce, coupled with the cultural depth of New Norcia, makes this a memorable experience for those keen on food, history, and nature. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer small group settings, enjoy learning from locals, and favor off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for curious travelers seeking a genuine taste of Western Australia outside the city. It appeals to food lovers, history buffs, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. If you appreciate personalized service, authentic local flavors, and cultural storytelling, you’ll find this tour a rewarding day out.

However, those looking for a fast-paced or highly energetic excursion may find the comprehensive, relaxed pace less suited to their style. Also, it’s not ideal for children under 8, given the length and nature of some stops.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s recommended for guests over 8 years old, as the full-day format and some stops may not entertain very young children.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is best. Consider sun protection and sturdy shoes for walking around the historic sites and farms.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes a substantial lunch featuring local produce, along with tastings of honey, cheese, and gelato.

How many people will be on the tour?
With a maximum of 5 guests, this tour offers a very personal experience, ideal for those who enjoy small-group travel.

What kind of transportation is used?
A private black mini van driven by a knowledgeable guide ensures comfort and flexibility throughout the day.

Is alcohol included?
Guests can enjoy Abbey Ale brewed from ancient recipes, or a gin and tonic infused with local botanicals, depending on choices made at the end of the day.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, offering peace of mind if your plans shift.

What if I want to extend my time in New Norcia?
While the tour has a set schedule, you might find some free time to explore further if you wish, but additional arrangements would need to be made independently.

In essence, this tour offers a well-rounded day for those eager to combine wildlife encounters, local flavors, and cultural insights in Western Australia. Its small group size, authentic experiences, and scenic route make it a memorable choice for travelers looking to get a meaningful taste of the Wheatbelt and New Norcia.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby