Journey Through the Wheatbelt, and Uncover New Norcia’s Past

Journey Through the Wheatbelt, and Uncover New Norcia’s Past

This full-day tour from Perth offers an engaging mix of nature, local flavors, and history, all wrapped up in a small-group setting with a maximum of five travelers. For just $137.63 per person, you’ll spend around 10 hours exploring the lush countryside, sampling farm-fresh products, and stepping back into the past at the only living monastic town in Australia — New Norcia.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the personalized attention that comes with such a small group and the variety of experiences packed into one day — from bird aviaries and honey farms to tasting artisan cheeses and walking through historic streets. The chance to sample local produce and learn about WA’s agricultural and spiritual heritage makes it an experience worth considering.

A consideration to keep in mind is the moderate physical activity involved, including walking around gardens and historic sites. Also, as the tour departs early in the morning, it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and some outdoor strolling.

This tour is perfect for travelers who love nature, local food, and history, especially those eager to explore beyond the city limits of Perth and enjoy a personalized, relaxed experience while discovering authentic Western Australia.

Key Points

• Small group size for a more intimate and flexible experience.
• Diverse stops including bird parks, honey farms, and historic towns.
• Sampling local produce such as cheese, gelato, and honey.
• Guided tours with insightful commentary, making history come alive.
• Comfortable transportation with air-conditioning and on-board refreshments.
• Early pick-up and flexible options for meeting points.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting the Day: Personalized Pick-up and Scenic Drive

Your adventure begins with complimentary pickup from your Perth city hotel, or an easy meet-up outside The Bell Tower in Barrack Square — a perfect spot for some early morning photos of the iconic 82.5-meter tall bell tower. The drive out to the Wheatbelt is comfortable in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the guide’s commentary begins setting the scene for the day ahead.

Limestone Park: A Tropical Oasis in the Wheatbelt

Your first stop, Limestone Park, is a lush, tropical retreat in the middle of the dry wheatfields. This is a highlight for bird lovers — with over 450 bird species flying freely in the aviaries. The gardens are vibrant, and you can enjoy a coffee while soaking in the scenery. Visitors have praised the park for its stunning landscapes, making this a relaxing start. One reviewer called it a “great free-flight bird park,” emphasizing how engaging it is to see so many birds up close.

Local Goat: Artisan Cheese and Gelato

Next, you’ll visit Local Goat, a charming, off-the-grid goat cheese farm. Here, you get to taste freshly crafted cheeses, which are made from the goats’ milk, and indulge in homemade gelato — a delightful treat that surprised many travelers with its quality and flavor. The owner, Gerald, is passionate about local craftsmanship, and you might even get a glimpse of the milking process. One reviewer described it as “a tasty experience,” highlighting the farm’s authenticity and the pleasure of sampling real farm produce.

Little Eeden Farm Honey and Apiary: Sweet Discoveries

Moving on, Little Eeden Honey Farm offers a chance to taste a variety of WA bush honey. The honey tasting session is both informative and relaxing, with staff explaining the health benefits of different honey types. The farm’s natural setting adds to the appeal, making it easy to see how bees produce this sweet commodity in a pristine environment. Many reviews noted how engaging and educational the honey tasting was, making this stop notably worthwhile.

Passing the Deep-Space Antenna

While not a stop, the tour passes by the impressive 35-meter deep-space antenna — a reminder of Australia’s role in space exploration. Though you won’t disembark here, the sight of this massive dish is a fun addition to the drive.

New Norcia: A Monastic Town Steeped in Heritage

The highlight for many is the two-hour visit to New Norcia — the only working monastic town in Australia. Walking through its streets feels like stepping into a village frozen in time, with old stone buildings, a Benedictine abbey, and a spiritual atmosphere. Visitors love the guided tour of the monastery, which provides context and stories behind the architecture and the monks’ life.

One reviewer noted, “Thoroughly recommended,” praising the authenticity of the experience and the chance to explore the heritage buildings that have been preserved with care. The town’s gift shop offers local monastery-baked bread and handcrafted olive oil, ideal souvenirs for remembering the day.

End on a High Note: Local Beverages and Reflection

Before heading back, the tour offers a refreshing Abby Ale brewed from the monks’ original recipe. You can also opt for a local gin and tonic or a classic Australian orange juice. Travelers appreciate the relaxed, social atmosphere as they reflect on the day’s highlights. The small group size means you can ask questions and share impressions comfortably.

What’s the Value?

When you consider the admission fees included—such as Limestone Park, Local Goat, and Bush Honey—the tour feels like excellent value. The personalized guide enhances your understanding, making complex stories accessible and engaging. Plus, the onboard fridge to keep your purchases cool ensures you can bring home fresh honey or cheese without fuss.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for nature enthusiasts who enjoy birdwatching and outdoor environments. Food lovers will relish the chance to taste and learn about local produce. History buffs or those interested in spiritual heritage will find New Norcia particularly compelling. The small group setting makes it perfect for travelers seeking a more personalized, relaxed day out rather than a large, hurried tour.

Final Thoughts

This Journey Through the Wheatbelt offers a genuine taste of Western Australia’s countryside, combining beautiful landscapes, delicious local food, and interesting heritage sites. The carefully curated stops showcase the region’s agricultural diversity and spiritual history without feeling rushed or superficial.

The small group format adds a layer of intimacy and flexibility, allowing for meaningful conversations and spontaneous photography. Whether you’re a foodie eager to sample artisan cheeses and honey, a birdwatcher captivated by the aviaries, or a history buff curious about New Norcia, this tour covers all bases with a friendly, knowledgeable guide in a comfortable setting.

In summary, if you’re after a well-rounded, authentic, and relaxing day trip that balances nature, history, and local flavors, this tour offers exceptional value and memorable moments.

FAQ

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a guide with commentary, bottled water, and all entrance fees for Limestone Park, Local Goat cheese farm, and Bush Honey tasting. You also get a complimentary Abby Ale or a non-alcoholic beverage.

How long is the tour?
The full experience lasts about 10 hours, starting at 8:00 am and returning to Perth. It’s a full day of sightseeing, so comfortable footwear and sun protection are recommended.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with limited mobility?
The tour involves some walking around gardens and historic sites. Travelers should have moderate physical fitness, and it’s best suited to those comfortable with a full day of outdoor activity.

Are meals included?
No, lunch isn’t included, but there are plenty of opportunities to buy local produce and snacks during the stops, especially at New Norcia’s gift shop.

Can I customize the experience?
The tour operates with a maximum of five guests, which allows for some flexibility and personal attention from the guide. However, specific customizations aren’t indicated in the description.

What is the best way to book?
The tour is usually booked 19 days in advance on platforms like Viator. Early booking is recommended to secure a spot, especially during peak seasons.

Is pickup included?
Yes, complimentary pickup from Perth City hotels is available. You can also meet your guide outside The Bell Tower if preferred.

To sum it up, this Journey Through the Wheatbelt is more than just a sightseeing trip — it’s a chance to connect with Western Australia’s landscape, flavors, and history in an intimate, engaging way. Perfect for travelers who want an authentic, well-organized, and memorable day out, it offers genuine value that’s hard to beat.