Discover Wonnerup

Wonnerup brings together cultural history, wetlands and beach activities. For planning your trip, it helps to distinguish these highlights: Wonnerup House has public opening hours, the Possum Spotlighting Trail is directly opposite, on the other side of Layman Road, and you should follow local rules for beach activities. You can then shape your stay around whether you are more interested in history, birdlife or beach activities.

Wonnerup House and Heritage

The Wonnerup Precinct comprises two houses, a blacksmith’s workshop, stables, a schoolroom, a teacher’s house, memorial gates, cottages, tearooms and the surrounding landscape. Wonnerup House is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays, except public holidays, from 9 am to 2 pm.

The movable collection at Wonnerup House reflects the life of the Layman family in Wonnerup. It draws connections with other colonial families and the broader social history of the Busselton area. George Layman adopted the name Wonnerup for the property in 1832, when he received a 500-acre land grant at this site.

The Ballarat was the first train to operate in Western Australia. After being built in Ballarat, Victoria, in 1871, it spent 15 years in service on the line from Lockeville via Wonnerup to Yoganup. It was then brought to Busselton to be displayed and interpreted. This relocation also marked a change in its role: from a train in service on the line to an object for display and interpretation. The Ballarat Tramline Plaque & Wheel in Wonnerup is a memorial to the introduction of new technologies in the timber industry and the expansion of Western Australia’s infrastructure.

Wetlands and Nature

The Vasse-Wonnerup Wetland was designated a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in June 1990. It hosts more than 30,000 waterbirds of over 90 species each year. The designation reflects its international significance, while the annual figure indicates the scale of its waterbird population.

The Wonnerup Wetlands cover about 1,109 hectares across the localities of Wonnerup and Reinscourt. Directly opposite Wonnerup House, on the other side of Layman Road, you can explore the Possum Spotlighting Trail in the Vasse-Wonnerup Wetland. Check trail conditions and access locally if you plan to include the trail in your itinerary.

Wonnerup Beach

A 2025 City of Busselton consultation listed fishing, horse riding and other recreational activities as uses at Wonnerup Beach; local beach rules may change. Four-wheel driving is permitted at Wonnerup Beach. Check current signage and local rules before driving.

Discover more destinations: Neerabup, Kingston, Woodbridge, Port Hedland, Cockburn Central, Eastbrook, Leeman, Bramley

For the broader travel overview: Western Australia.