Wonnerup Townsite Precinct

Parent Place or Precinct

03368 Wonnerup Townsite Precinct

Child Places

• 02953 The 'Island' Farmhouse
• 00424 Wonnerup Precinct
• 05355 Pigeon Grove Homestead
• 02945 Wonnerup Jetty Site
• 03368 Wonnerup Townsite Precinct

Statement of Significance

The Wonnerup Precinct has cultural heritage significance as one of the earliest settlements in the district and was closely associated with early French and American explorers to the area. There were also links with three generations of the Layman family, the Molloy family and Robert Heppingstone, all of who featured prominently in local Busselton history.
In the social context, the site remains to be a nostalgic reminder of the original town and therefore can function as a valuable teaching site. The relationship between Aborigines and European settlers were also marked by an important incident, the spearing of George Layman in 1841 following a dispute. The dissatisfaction felt by the indigenous people caused presumably by the ‘dominance’ of the Europeans therefore came to the fore. During that time, many of the former served in roles of servant hood to the latter.

Physical Description

The Wonnerup Precinct comprises an historic area with and without built features. The built features include two farmhouses, a Blacksmith’s Shop, stables, School Room, Teacher’s House, Memorial Gates, Warden’s Cottage, Tea Rooms, Albergeldie Cottage and the landscape. Wonnerup House consists of the main farmhouse, the kitchen and the barn and byre.

During its early days, the townsite consisted of timber mills, hotels, schools, halls, barracks and a prison. Clipper ships would dock at the mouth of the Wonnerup Estuary and the jetty.

History

The precinct received French and possibly American whalers during the period between 1800 and 1840. It was known for its timber milling and exports. Export of agricultural products was a secondary source of the region’s economic wealth. The precinct consists of two major areas, the Homestead and the School Room Precincts. Calculated planning and orchestrated landscaping have charted out a visual relationship between the homestead at Lockeville and the Homestead Precinct at Wonnerup. The former Ballarat railway embankment located between them and the inter-lying estuarine flats acts as a visual connector between the two precincts.
The townsite was established around 1840 and was home to the first railway line in WA to Yoganup. It was a major transport link for the WA Timber Company based at ‘Lockeville’.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate Degree/High Degree
Integrity Notes: The place retains a moderate degree of integrity.
Authenticity Notes: The remaining fabric retains a high degree of authenticity despite various modifications carried out over time.

Condition

Good-The place is in good condition except for the Blacksmith’s shop.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.