--- title: Main Street Historic Walk date: 2021-10-09T06:10:39Z modified: 2026-08-28T06:25:35Z permalink: "https://mrdhs.com.au/qr/" type: page status: publish excerpt: "" wpid: 2324 parent: "" ancestors: [] children: [] timestamp: 2026-08-28T06:25:35Z tags: [] --- ### Scan the QR codes along the trail to discover the history of each site and enjoy the journey through the past. Welcome to the Margaret River Main Street Historic Walk. Along the length of Bussell Highway and nearby streets, 67 sites marked with QR codes invite you to explore the history of the town from its earliest days through the Group Settlement era, wartime years, and into the modern tourism and wine-region centre it is today. The trail begins at The Old Settlement Museum near the river at the former Bridgefield livery stables and halfway house established by Thomas and Elizabeth Higgins in the 1890s, and continues past former bakeries, boarding houses, the town’s first community hall, power station, police station, hospital, railway station, butter factory, hotels, banks, general stores, and private residences. Many of these buildings have been relocated, demolished, or extensively remodelled, yet each site still carries the stories of the families, businesses, and community organisations that shaped Margaret River. ![Margaret River Historical Walk. Scan the QR codes along the trail in the main street to discover the history of each site.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/centenary-large-scaled.jpg) ### [Site 1](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-001.md) [Original Bridgefield livery stable and halfway house (1896); later became part of the Old Settlement complex.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-001.md) ### [Site 2](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-002.md) [New Bridgefield boarding house (1929-30); later restored and converted into La Scarpetta Trattoria.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-002.md) ### [Site 3](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-003.md) [Early dining rooms and military garrison HQ; later fish and chip shop and now Shell Coles Express.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-003.md) ### [Site 4](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-004.md) [Former RSL Memorial Hall site (from 1940s); later became part of the Shell Roadhouse complex.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-004.md) ### [Site 5](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-005.md) [Town’s first community hall, gifted 1912; later used for dances, pictures and hairdressing; now Shell/tyre service area.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-005.md) ### [Site 6](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-006.md) [1920s shop and Cosy Corner tearoom; later furniture/craft shop and now JahRoc Galleries.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-006.md) ### [Site 7](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-007.md) [Bakery residence (1927); later CWA, library and doctor’s house; now Swings & Roundabouts restaurant site.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-007.md) ### [Site 8](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-008.md) [Bakehouse built 1927-28; continuous bakery use and later renovated as Margaret River Bakery & Cafe.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-008.md) ### [Site 9](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-009.md) [Former bakery section; later pottery/craft studio and now The Local Margaret River (gift shop) with Mosaic Cafe.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-009.md) ### [Site 10](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-010.md) [1926 “Tin House” boarding house; later bank staff lodgings and now Inne Town Backpackers.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-010.md) ### [Site 11](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-011.md) [Former PMG automatic telephone exchange (1940); later short-term Red Cross op-shop; building removed.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-011.md) ### [Site 12](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-012.md) [Vacant until modern development; now Thai Tamarind restaurant and The Good Olive.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-012.md) ### [Site 13](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-013.md) [1978 laundromat/surf/food complex; later French-inspired Dome Cafe building (2003).](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-013.md) ### [Site 14](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-014.md) [Rodgers family home (1946); later antique shop/restaurant and now Meeka House complex.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-014.md) ### [Site 15](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-015.md) [1930 residence/bootmaker; later estate agency, vet, travel and shoe shop; now modern complex with Subway.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-015.md) ### [Site 16](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-016.md) [Edward Higgins home (1925); later architects/newspaper offices; house relocated and modern shops built.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-016.md) ### [Site 17](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-017.md) [Margaret River Butchers (from 1937); later renovated and now surf shop plus restaurant/apartments.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-017.md) ### [Site 18](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-018.md) [Robert Wise family home (1929); later travel agency, accommodation and bookshop complex.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-018.md) ### [Site 19](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-019.md) [Caltex service station (late 1950s); later market store, demolished 2011 for shops and accommodation.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-019.md) ### [Site 20](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-020.md) [1920s bootmaker and town’s first barber; later eateries and now Domino’s and other shops.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-020.md) ### [Site 21](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-021.md) [1947 hairdresser/electrical/fishing shop with café; later pizza restaurant and now cafés/restaurants.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-021.md) ### [Site 22](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-022.md) [Town’s first newsagency (1929–30); later newspaper office; demolished 1967 and rebuilt as restaurants/shops.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-022.md) ### [Site 23](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-023.md) [Bank of NSW (Westpac) office and manager’s residence (from 1953); now large bank and retail complex.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-023.md) ### [Site 24 & 25](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-024.md) [Margaret River Hotel (1936), the town’s first official hotel; expanded with motel units and later refurbished.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-024.md) ### [Site 26](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-026.md) [1936 Killerby’s general store; later electrical/toy shop and now hotel bottleshop.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-026.md) ### [Site 27](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-027.md) [1939 three-shop block (bank, hairdresser, drapery); successive retail uses including butchers, bakery and gift shops.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-027.md) ### [Site 28](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-028.md) [1936 Burton residence; later bookshop/flower shop; house relocated and Landa Lane shops built.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-028.md) ### [Site 29](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-029.md) [Movie advertising site then Leeuwin Realty Arcade (1983); later Chinese restaurant and other shops.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-029.md) ### [Site 30](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-030.md) [Hairdresser saloon then part of 1986 Margaret River Town Square shopping complex.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-030.md) ### [Site 31](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-031.md) [Town’s first chemist shop (1938–39); later drapery/bakery/craft shop; now part of Town Square.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-031.md) ### [Site 32](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-032.md) [Boulter residence then bootmaker and accountancy; now shopping mall with Commonwealth Bank.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-032.md) ### [Site 33](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-033.md) [Town’s first power station (1937–38); later SEC then Wooditchup shopping centre.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-033.md) ### [Site 34](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-034.md) [Nixon electrical/bike shop and later Margaret River Tuck Shop; still operating as a restaurant.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-034.md) ### [Site 35](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-035.md) [1935 Owen-Tucker residence; later bank manager’s house; now ANZ Bank and restaurant complex.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-035.md) ### [Site 36](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-036.md) [1928–29 McLeod & Auger grocery/butcher; later antique shop and now Arc of Iris restaurant plus laundromat.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-036.md) ### [Site 37](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-037.md) [Margaret River Primary School and headmaster’s residence (opened 1927); buildings later removed/relocated.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-037.md) ### [Site 38](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-038.md) [Margaret River Junior High School (opened 1955); later upgraded to full high school.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-038.md) ### [Site 39](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-039.md) [Residence of the district’s first doctors (from 1925); later shopping complex with fudge factory and restaurant.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-039.md) ### [Site 40](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-040.md) [Dr Barrett’s 1953 medical building; still the Margaret River Medical Centre.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-040.md) ### [Site 41](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-041.md) [1952-53 Burking pharmacy and residence; continuous chemist use, now Priceline.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-041.md) ### [Site 42](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-042.md) [1952 Elder Smith stock agents; later renovated for retail (clothing, toys).](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-042.md) ### [Site 43](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-043.md) [1951–52 Rural & Industries Bank (later Bankwest); modernised with smaller bank and shops.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-043.md) ### [Site 44](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-044.md) [1952-53 Goldsbrough Mort stock agents; later TAB; now NAB and other offices/shops.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-044.md) ### [Site 45](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-045.md) [1924-25 general store and later Sunny West Store with outdoor pictures; now part of Coles complex.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-045.md) ### [Site 46](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-046.md) [Vacant then Sunny West/Farmers Hardware; later Coles supermarket and front specialty shops (from 2003).](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-046.md) ### [Site 47](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-047.md) [Fruit/vegetable then sports/hairdressing shop; now Lloyds of Margaret River home goods.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-047.md) ### [Site 48](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-048.md) [Town’s first arcade (1972–73) with estate agency and other shops; now modern real-estate complex.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-048.md) ### [Site 49](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-049.md) [Thomas newsagency and drapery; later renovated into real-estate offices.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-049.md) ### [Site 50](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-050.md) [1955 Wise family garage/service station; later renovated as Riversmith restaurant.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-050.md) ### [Site 51](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-051.md) [1967-68 cake/pastry and shoe shops; later café, health food and butchers; still retail including gourmet meats.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-051.md) ### [Site 52](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-052.md) [1926/1930 Terry’s Garage; later supermarket complex (Charlie Carters/Target); now retail and eateries.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-052.md) ### [Site 53](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-053.md) [Vacant until 1980s Settlers Arcade supermarket development with adjoining Site 52.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-053.md) ### [Site 54](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-054.md) [1936 CWA building; later Settlers Tavern (from 1970s).](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-054.md) ### [Site 55](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-055.md) [1927-28 railway fettler’s house later tearooms; demolished 1969 and now part of Settlers Tavern.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-055.md) ### [Site 56](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-056.md) [1928 Wise garage and residence; later second-hand shop; cleared for Settlers Tavern car park.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-056.md) ### [Site 57](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-057.md) [1927 boarding house later grocery/store (Arthur West’s Foodland); now Downtown/IGA shopping centre.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-057.md) ### [Site 58](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-058.md) [1926-27 Carr residence and fodder/butcher shop; demolished 1954; now part of Margaret River Central.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-058.md) ### [Site 59](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-059.md) [1930 Congregational Church (later relocated); site became Tourist Bureau/Visitors Centre.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-059.md) ### [Site 60](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-060.md) [1925-26 shop/residence and second post office; later motel and now Margarets In Town Apartments.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-060.md) ### [Site 61](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-061.md) [1926-27 shop/residence (later butcher and St John Ambulance building relocated); now Forest Accommodation.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-061.md) ### [Site 62](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-062.md) [1928-29 Police Station & house; later Baptist Church site with relocated Cowaramup church.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-062.md) ### [Site 63](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-063.md) [First District Hospital (cottage from 1924, expanded); later Community Resource Centre after new hospital built.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-063.md) ### [Site 64](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-064.md) [1885 M.C. Davies residence relocated from Karridale (1950) as Catholic school/convent; later restaurant/motel.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-064.md) ### [Site 65](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-065.md) [1929 Butter/Cheese Factory (Sunny West); later fruit/vegetable market and now cafés/seafood shops.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-065.md) ### [Site 66](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-066.md) [Margaret River Railway Station (opened 1924, closed 1957); buildings relocated; now Environment Centre/SES area.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-066.md) ### [Site 67](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-067.md) [1936 Roads Board/Shire Hall and offices; later demolished for Woolworths “The Village at Margs”.](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/qr-historic-site-067.md) --- If you would like to learn more about the local history of Margaret River, visit The Old Settlement Museum down the river. The old school, the group settlement house, the blacksmith workshop, and many other buildings with household items, tools and machinery offer an insight into the history of early life in the district and the families that once lived and worked the land. [Directions to The Old Settlement](https://mrdhs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/wp-mfa-exports/page/margaret-river-districts-historical-society.md#directions) --- **_References_** _Margaret River Town 1894-1984 by Mavis Wise_ _Margaret River Stories by Guy Jennings, ISBN 9780646575346_ _A History of the Catholic Community of Margaret River District by Merilyn Hutton_ _Margaret River & District Historical Society photo collection_ _John Alferink from my recollections of the town after being in the area for over 68 years, John Alferink 2021_