Regular Opening Hours:
Tuesday: 10:00am – 12:30pm
Thursday: 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 3:00pm

Please note that hours are subject to availability of volunteers.

Yes, a small entrance fee applies.

This goes directly towards the preservation and maintenance of the museum and its collection. We are a volunteer-run organisation and every contribution helps protect Margaret River's heritage.

Access and parking is available at The Old Settlement via Higgins Street. Additional parking is available at Rotary Park on the opposite side of the river. A short, scenic walk across the footbridge brings you directly to the Old Settlement.

Opening hours on public holidays vary depending on volunteer availability. We recommend checking our Facebook page before visiting on or around a public holiday, or contacting us in advance.

Most visitors spend between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours exploring the museum and heritage buildings. If you plan to also walk the Margaret River Heritage Trail, visit Rotary Park, or grab a coffee at The Hairy Marron Café next door, allow at least half a day to make the most of it.

Yes, The Hairy Marron Café is located right next to the museum at the Old Settlement. It's a great spot for coffee and a meal before or after your visit. They also hire out mountain bikes if you'd like to explore the nearby trails.

The Old Settlement Museum makes a perfect starting point for a full day of family-friendly activities, riverside walks, and outdoor adventures right on the edge of the Margaret River township. When you visit the museum, you can easily make a day of it with these nearby attractions:

• Relax at Rotary Park: Located directly across the river via a short, scenic walk over the wooden footbridge. It features a great children’s playground, picnic tables, barbecues, clean public amenities, and a chance to see the legendary 1890s steam locomotive, ‘Old Kate’.
• Enjoy Coffee & Dining: Stop by our immediate neighbours at The Hairy Marron Café, where you can enjoy a coffee or snack on the deck overlooking the beautiful Margaret River.
• Explore Walking Trails: The Old Settlement sits at the immediate trailhead for several iconic local walks:
  - Bunnitj Biddi (formerly Ten Mile Brook Trail): A stunning 15km return trail that follows old timber tramways along the river through lush bushland all the way to the Ten Mile Brook Dam.
  - Margaret River Heritage Trail: A gentle, easy stroll along the river perfect for families.
  - Minnie Keenan Trail & Chimney Trail Loop: Connects Rotary Park to the Wadandi Track at Carters Road. Take this moderate trail into Wooditjup National Park to view the historic remnants and brick chimney of Keenan’s Number 1 Mill.
• Mountain Biking: You can hire a mountain bike directly from The Hairy Marron right next to the museum and hit the world-class single tracks winding through the surrounding forest.

Whether you want to relax with a coffee, dive deeper into timber milling history, or hike through the karri and jarrah trees, there is plenty to do just steps from the museum gates.

Absolutely but only by appointment. The Old Settlement is a wonderful destination for school excursions. Students can explore the old schoolroom, try everyday settler tasks, and discover what life was really like in early Margaret River. Our volunteer guides tailor the experience to your group's age and curriculum needs. Contact us for more information and bookings.

We welcome community groups, tourism groups, and other organisations. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements and we'll do our best to accommodate you.