It is arguably one of Margaret River’s best kept secrets, but this Sunday the Old Settlement will reveal its attractions in a free, fun-filled Open Day for all ages.
Located across the river footbridge from Rotary Park, the Old Settlement has been quietly welcoming and wowing school groups and visitors for the past few years.
Margaret River & District Historical Society president Viv Halsall said volunteers had been working hard to revive the original Group Settlement home, Bramley Schoolhouse and outdoor displays to provide a portal into pioneering life.
“The time has come to really throw open our doors in a big way and invite the whole community in to see what we’ve been up to here,” Mrs Halsall said.
“It’s a chance to travel back in time and see how our early settlers lived, worked and played.
“You can visit the furnished rooms of a real settler’s cottage, experience a local school and learn about a very different Margaret River community which blazed a trail for the town and lifestyle we cherish today.”
Open day visitors can try their hand at gold panning, feast on scones, play some old school games, dance to the bush band and learn about settlement life and the lives of traditional owners before European settlement.
The MRDHS Open Day starts at 10 am and runs until 3pm on Sunday November 25 at the Old Settlement, across the river footbridge from Rotary Park. Park and walk across to reach the grounds.
Entry and activities are free with scones and refreshments available for purchase.