Wonnerup House - What happens when two worlds collide?
Nestled between a majestic Tuart forest and the Vasse Estuary wetlands, the peaceful, almost romantic setting of Wonnerup belies a more difficult and turbulent past.
Wonnerup House sits on Wadandi Country, less than 10 kilometres north of Busselton, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the South West.
The property’s name, Wonnerup, was adopted by George Layman in 1832 when he took a land grant of 500 acres at this location.
Nestled between the majestic Ludlow Tuart Forest and the spectacular Vasse-Wonnerup wetlands, this peaceful setting belies a 140-year history of perseverance and hardship, as well as mistrust and tragedy, following the colonisation of the greater Busselton area in the 1830s.
It is also a powerful reminder of the isolation, danger and struggles faced by the Layman family and others like them in the early days of the colony.
Working with Traditional Custodians and members of the Layman family, the National Trust has installed a simple but provocative presentation to encourage visitors to question their knowledge of the past and to consider how we understand truth.
The objects and furniture that were displayed in the house will remain in storage as we explore ways to present a more layered and comprehensive interpretation of this important site over the next few years.
Visitors are welcome to explore the house while this work is underway, and may gain insights on the National Trust’s approach to interpretation, storytelling and appreciation of the broader cultural landscape.
Drive your story: Wonnerup House is part of the Busselton Bay and Bounty Trail.
Amenities
Location
Wonnerup House
935 Layman Rd, Wonnerup WA 6280, Australia
Reviews
4.5 (50 Google reviews)
Steve Blackmore22 April 2023
What a well preserved small bit of local, if not tragic (typical colonial) history near Busselton owned by the national trust. You can freely roam the buildings which have lots of information of what they were used for, when they were built and if they were part of the original building. There are toilets available and plenty of parking. Free entry for national trust members.
Julii Gaunt29 April 2023
This lovely rural property sits on Wadandi country and, as such, shares a history that has at times been catastrophic for the first people and their decendants. The National Trust has endeavoured to record the Wandandi people's version of events alongside the colonists' version.
The property features two historic houses and numerous out buildings which you can investigate at your leisure.
I was surprised that the houses were largely unfurnished as I had expected to see them set up as they were in their times of use. However, the empty rooms did showcase the design and construction of the times, and this was a journey through time in itself.
There are story boards throughout the buildings and houses that tell of the history, and a map and timeline are available when purchasing a ticket.
The gardens are impeccable, and the couple who caretake are knowledgeable and friendly.
Across the road, the school room and school mistresses' houses are additional benefits to see in your self guided tour.
David Keigwin16 November 2017
Historical National Trust House. Interesting historical information and well preserved house and buildings with furnished rooms showing the process of everyday life from the early 1900s. Beautifully kept gardens with long views across the fields.
Be Still Studio29 August 2018
The very well preserved house goes on to show the kind of life the gone-by generation lived. In the room adjacent to the office there is a lot of off hand information, history and images available for the keen minded.
When I went from the first house to the second I actually felt like time traveling from one period to another. The first home is very basic with stone floors and exposed ceilings and the second house is more historian in feel. To think that once these both houses were full of children and people who ran around in the same places that I was walking gave me an eerie feeling. So many memories must have been made and dissolved here. Life is fragile and momentary. Quite a though provoking location to visit.
Explore accommodation, dining, experiences & events curated by local experts with insider advice and tips along every step of your holiday planning journey.
Free Concierge Support
Available 7 days a week, 9 - 5. Our local experts can provide a full consultation and booking service free of charge.
Book Direct
We're a not-for-profit local tourism association that helps you book direct with local businesses.
4.5 (50 Google reviews) 
