Margaret River is famous for its wine and surf, but get off the beaten track and you’ll discover there is also plenty of history.

At the Entrance of Margaret River (Town) you can be transported back in the days of the Group Settlement farms.

Unmissable at the entrance of the Rotary Park is the vintage steam locomotive known as Kate.

Kate was built in England for log hauling in the area until 1909. In her retirement, Kate was bought by the Margaret River Rotary Club and displayed at Rotary Park.

Next to Kate is the Rotary Park with two playgrounds and exercise equipment. Plenty of shade, benches, BBQ’s facilities, picnic spots and toilets.

The bridge on the Margaret River connects Rotary Park with The Old Settlement.

At the end of the bridge a map of the Old Settlement can be found.

The Group House was the reflection of what the life must have been at that time. The table was set with all the utensils and plates used at that time. The whole family; sometimes two adults, two kids and baby had to share one room. We also had the chance to see and hear a real and fully working Gramophone. It was funny to see the kids trying to work out were the sound was coming from. Outside the house also a proper station to wash/scrub clothes and a machine to squeeze the water out of them.

Near the Group House is the Old School. It was fascinating to see the old desks and old school books.

Both the house and the school can be visited for small donation. (Check their opening times).

Outside the house and the school it is possible to walk around and see all the machines they used for farming and to cut wood and the blacksmiths shed.

The area is very popular with bikers and walkers.

Sharing the Old Settlement ground is The Hairy Marron; a coffee and bike shop which is open 7 days per week 8.30am till 4.30pm. They offer bike sales, repair and service. They also sell coffee and a small selection of food, cold drink and ice cream. They have a nice decking outside with table and chairs shaded by the huge trees; perfect for a before or after walk or bike ride stop over.

After visiting the Old Settlement we grabbed a coffee and walked back to the Rotary Park where the boys had loads of fun with Kate the locomotive and playing at the playground. It was an excellent outing.

Next time we visit we will make sure we have our walking shoes on to try one of the many walking trails in the area.

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About Georgia Vergano-van Niekerk

Georgia is a mum of 2 energetic boys. She has worked for several years in customer service and 10 years in Tourism where she fulfilled her passion for languages and travelling.
Georgia and her family moved to Perth in December 2011 in search of sunshine and quality of life for their young family. Georgia absolutely loves Perth and the whole 300 days a year of sunshine that comes with it. Georgia is always on the lookout for new places to explore with her family and she loves to share her experiences with other families via her blogs.