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Donnybrook - Cities, Towns and Localities |
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Donnybrook is located on the Preston River, 63 m above sea level, surrounded
by beautiful countryside, in the midst of orchards, arts and crafts, and a
growing wine industry. Just 206 km south of Perth and 36 km
south-east of Bunbury, the town is within the Shire of
Donnybrook/Balingup and part of the South West. It was named by a group of
five Irishmen, after a town in Ireland, who were the first European settlers in
the area. In 1842, they arrived with four servants, intent on establishing farms
on the 130 ha grant. Luck was not with them, as they also tried horses, cattle
and sheep, and by February 1843 the settlement was abandoned.
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By 1868 there
was little major development, with only the now historic
Anchor and Hope Inn, providing accommodation
for travellers through. Although gold was found in the area in 1897-98, which
saw a brief rush, this was not to last. In this interim a new hotel was built
and the population grew with the arrival of prospectors and miners trying their
luck. During the period 1899-1903 only 841 fine ounces of gold were mined and by
1904, the field was effectively closed down. It was during this period that
the first Granny Smith apple tree was planted in 1900, although the apple
industry did not get started until after the Great War. It was George Parke who
was the the first orchardist to plant apples commercially. Today, Donnybrook is
the centre of Western Australias premier apple growing area, and is
particularly popular during October when the apple blossoms are out. Other
industries in the region include timber, beef and dairy. For
up-to-date accommodation, attraction, tours and other information
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Anchor & Hope Inn
2 South West Hwy, DONNYBROOK WA 6239
Ph: 08 9731 1395
Dating to
about 1845, this National Trust listed building was built by Henry Trigwell and
Henry Wood, then rebuilt by George Lawrence in 1865. The oldest homestead in the
district, and once occupied by four generations of the Trigwell family, it now
offers B&B style accommodation, restaurant and tearooms.
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Arboretum
Located on the north side of Donnybrook at the
junction of Irishtown Road and South Western Highway. Attractions
include varieties of trees, a replica of the Old Spot Mill and mine
shaft. There are picnic and BBQ areas.
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Aristain Gardens
Five acres of open cottage gardens
with vies of Donnybrook countryside. Devonshire tea is available.
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The Big Apple Tourist & Wildlife Park
Grist
Rd, DONNYBROOK WA 6239
Ph: 08 9731 1586 Fax: 08 9731 1236
Located in
the picturesque valley, where you can interact with the animals. There
are herds of fallow deer, donkeys, ponies, goats, alpacas, highland
cattle, kangaroos, emus, wombat etc.
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Boronia Farm
The area
of the farm was originally cut for timber in the early 20th century. Several
railway lines crossed the property at that time and there is still evidence of
these lines today. The farm was selected in 1929 and the Williams family moved
here soon after. The first house was built in 1935 and about this time an apple
seedling grew beside the house. Eventually the tree bore seed and the fruit it
produced was unlike any existing apples, and was recognised as a new variety,
and became known as the Lady Williams. The modern varieties of Pink Lady and Sundowner are both crosses of the Lady Williams.
The original house today form
part of the current main house on the farm and the tree still grows by the
house. You can enjoy the hospitality of the current owners by booking into their farmstay.
Source:
Boronia Farm
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BAWA (Inc) Donnybrook Bird Guide
Produced by Birds Australia
Western Australia (Inc) are a series of bird guides for many country
shires in Western Australia and the Perth metropolitan area, including
Birdwatching Around Donnybrook-Balingup Shire.
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Ironstone Gully Falls
Approximately 18 km from
Donnybrook, just off Goodwood Road, is this picturesque historic picnic area.
During the wet season, the Ironstone Gully Stream winds its way through the
states Jarrah Forests, crossed under the road, and then passes over a series of
rapids. The Falls is a drop over a ledge of 9 metres. Originally reserved in
1903 for Capel River settlers as a recreation area, it is still popular today as
a picnic area. Facilities include tables, BBQ and toilets. August through to
October is the wildflower season.
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Old Goldfields
Orchard & Cider Factory
Old Goldfields Orchard Goldfields Rd, DONNYBROOK
WA 6239 Ph/Fax: 08 9731 0311 (Restaurant)
Ph/Fax: 08 9731
1071 (Farm) Ph/Fax: 08 9731 0322 (Cider Factory)
A great day for the whole family, try your hand
at gold prospecting. See and read about the history of Donnybrooks Goldrush
days. Take the time to discover the walk trails to our Marron Ponds or the
islands. Task from range of award winning Reef Ciders, apple and grape wines
and unique fresh fruit juices.
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Donnybrook Events |
Western Australia Events |
Donnybrook Apple Festival
Held during Easter - every 2 years
The Donnybrook Apple Festival is held
every two years over the Easter weekend. With over 50 festivals, this has been a
long tradition not only focusing on the Apple industry but many other products
such as wines produced in the Donnybrook region.
Donnybrook Apple Festival is unique in that it stages a ball where a group of
entrants are competing for the title of Apple Ambassador, formerly known as an
Apple Queen. Lavishly decorated floats carry the entrants through the town
centre and on to the main festival grounds.
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Apple Harvest
March to May
The apple harvest goes into full
production when five central sheds and several private sheds are sorting,
grading, packing and forwarding fruit to local and overseas markets. Visitors
can visit the sheds by arrangement with management or the Donnybrook Tourist
Information Centre.
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Distance to Donnybrook
Following are some approximate distances by
road to Donnybrook:
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Distances given are only approximation, they should be verified with the appropriate
map. |
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