St Gertrude’s College is widely recognised as a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture, built in 1908 as a convent boarding school for girls. Its design reflects the broader architectural character of New Norcia, a monastic town featuring Baroque, Gothic Revival, Byzantine, Italian, and Renaissance influences. The building’s scale, symmetry, and ornate detailing align with the grand ecclesiastical and educational structures developed under the Benedictine community.
The building is part of the Benedictine Community of New Norcia, which owns and manages the entire monastic town. New Norcia is Australia’s only monastic settlement, founded in 1847 and still operated by Benedictine monks
St Gertrude’s no longer functions as a school (it closed in 1991–1992). Today it is used for school camps, workshops and retreats, conferences and group accommodation (capacity approx. 200 people). Its interiors include chapel‑like spaces and murals, consistent with the artistic heritage of New Norcia.
Groups book the facility year‑round according to availability
The building is primarily residential and ecclesiastical in nature, not a sporting campus.
New Norcia is located next to the Moore River, which runs through the settlement. However the river is not used for rowing, there are no rowing facilities, and the waterway is shallow and unsuitable for competitive or training purposes.