Frequently Asked Questions

Start your morning at the Margaret River and Districts Historical Society, located at the Old Settlement. Here, you can step inside the original Bramley School and explore our historic blacksmith's workshop.

Next, take a short stroll across the river via the footbridge to Rotary Park to see Old Kate, the legendary 1890s steam locomotive that hauled timber during the region's early logging days.

In the afternoon, take a scenic drive out to Ellensbrook Homestead. Built in the 1850s, this National Trust heritage property is one of the region's most important early pioneer homes and offers a deep dive into both colonial history and the traditional Wadandi custodians of the land.

The history of Margaret River spans tens of thousands of years on Wadandi Boodja, the traditional land of the Wadandi (Saltwater) People.

In the 1830s, the first European pioneer families arrived, followed by a massive timber boom in the late 1800s that saw tramways carved into the ancient forests.

The 1920s brought the Group Settlement Scheme, which established the local dairy industry. Later, in the 1960s, traveling surfers discovered the region's world-class coastal breaks, transforming the area once again.

You can explore artifacts and stories from all these pivotal eras at the Old Settlement Museum.

• Tuesday: 10:00am – 12:30pm
• Thursday: 1:30pm – 4:00pm
• Saturday: 10:00am – 3:00pm

* Please note that opening hours are subject to the availability of volunteers. Information about entrance fees and opening hours can be found on our Visitor Information page.

• Adults $5
• Children are free

Information about entrance fees and opening hours can be found on our Visitor Information page.

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.

Yes, the site is wheelchair friendly, and all of our heritage buildings are accessible.

Yes, dogs are more than welcome to visit the Old Settlement with you, provided they are well-behaved and kept on a leash at all times.

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 1½ hours exploring the museum and heritage buildings. Allow an additional hour if you wish to watch the historical documentary about the early British immigration to Western Australia. 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, photography is welcome! We’d love it if you tagged us in your photos on social media or left a review on Facebook, Google or TripAdvisor.

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.

Yes, public toilet facilities are available nearby at the Old Settlement for your convenience.

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.