Margaret River Historical Society
The Margaret River and District Historical Society (MRDHS) is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the rich local history of Margaret River and the surrounding districts. Located at the historic Old Settlement Museum on the banks of the Margaret River, the Society is supported by a passionate group of members and volunteers who help preserve and share the region’s history.
The Historical Society is housed in the beautifully restored Bramley School building, where visitors can explore historic school memorabilia, a large collection of local photographs, and regularly changing heritage displays. In 2015, following many years of careful restoration by MRDHS members and volunteers, an original Group Settlement “Groupie” house was officially opened and now operates as a museum.
Across the site, the heritage buildings and exhibitions showcase an extensive collection of fascinating local artefacts that bring the region’s past to life. A small theatre inside the former blacksmith’s workshop screens an engaging film that tells the story of group settlement and early life in the Margaret River region.
The Old Settlement Museum
Step back in time at the Old Settlement Museum, home to a fascinating collection of Group Settlement artefacts dating back to the 1920s. The museum is set among an impressive display of original farming implements, blacksmith tools, restored spring carts, and a historic dairy and milk shed, all offering a glimpse into everyday life of the era.
Explore the Bramley School, the original group settlement building, the blacksmith’s workshop, and other heritage structures, each telling the story of the early settlers of the South West. These buildings reflect the lives of the families who lived, worked, and shaped the land during the early 1920s. Today, the museum remains one of the region’s most authentic and immersive heritage attractions for visitors wanting to connect with Margaret River’s rich past.
Make a day of it!
Explore our museum and heritage buildings, enjoy a coffee at The Hairy Marron Café and cross the wooden footbridge to Rotary Park where you can see 'Old Kate', the 1890's steam locomotive.
You can also extend your historical journey into the heart of the forest. The Old Settlement sits at the trailhead of the stunning Ten Mile Brook Trail (Bunnitj Biddi). This 15km return trail follows the path of the old timber tramways along the river, a direct link to our region’s pioneering past, leading you through lush bushland to the Ten Mile Brook Dam.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or an outdoor adventure, you can hike the scenic trail to Ten Mile Brook Dam, or visit our neighbours at The Hairy Marron to hire a mountain bike and explore the riverside tracks on wheels.
Directions to The Old Settlement
Address
Margaret River & Districts Historical Society
The Old Settlement Museum
69 Bussell Highway
Margaret River WA 6285
Opening hours *
Tuesday 10:00am - 12:30pm
Thursday 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Saturday 10:00am - 3:00pm
Sunday 10:00am - 1:00pm
Acesss and parking
Discover the Historical Society located at the historic Old Settlement, nestled right next to the river and The Hairy Marron Café.
Access is via Higgins Street, where your journey into the region’s history begins.
Additional parking is available at Rotary Park on the opposite side of the river. A short, picturesque walk across the footbridge brings you directly into the Old Settlement.
Introduction to the Margaret River and Districts Historical Society
Visit The Old Settlement Museum in Margaret River and experience how the early settlers lived in the area. The Old Settlement is totally run by volunteers. Visit the old settlers house, the classroom in the old school, the extensive colection of farming equipment and the blacksmith shop with a great collection of old artifacts.
School visits
The Old Settlement is also a great place for school excursions.
Students can experience how the early settlers lived in the area. They will be shown around the old settlement by volunteers, they can participate in everyday tasks and visit the classroom in the old school.
For more information or to book a school visit, please contact our secretary Shelley Wightman.
