Wonnerup offers several distinct experiences to discover: historic Wonnerup House, the wetlands and Wonnerup Beach. When planning your stay, it’s worth keeping their different highlights in mind: the house offers an insight into the history of the Layman family and the Busselton region, while the wetlands and beach reveal other sides of the area.

Wetlands and trails

The Vasse-Wonnerup wetlands were designated a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in June 1990. The Wonnerup Wetlands cover about 1,109 hectares across the localities of Wonnerup and Reinscourt. Each year, the Vasse-Wonnerup wetlands are home to more than 30,000 waterbirds from over 90 species. The designation and annual figures offer two different points of reference: the wetland’s international significance and the scale of its waterbird population.

Directly opposite Wonnerup House, on the other side of Layman Road, visitors can explore the Possum Spotlighting Trail in the Vasse-Wonnerup wetlands. Check local trail conditions and access before visiting.

History at the house and Wonnerup Precinct

Wonnerup House is open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays, except public holidays, from 9 am to 2 pm. The house’s collection reflects the life of the Layman family in Wonnerup and makes connections to other colonial families as well as the broader social history of the Busselton area. The name of the Wonnerup property was adopted by George Layman in 1832, when he received a 500-acre land grant here.

The Ballarat was the first train to operate in Western Australia. Built in Ballarat, Victoria, in 1871, it operated for 15 years on the line from Lockeville via Wonnerup to Yoganup. It was later brought to Busselton for display and interpretation. The monument on the grounds of Wonnerup House commemorates the Ballarat.

Another historical highlight is the Ballarat Tramline Plaque & Wheel monument. It commemorates the introduction of new technologies in the timber industry and the expansion of Western Australia’s infrastructure.

Wonnerup Precinct includes two houses, a blacksmith’s workshop, stables, a schoolroom, a teacher’s house, memorial gates, cottages, tearooms and the surrounding landscape. The area’s history brings family and social history together with themes such as railways, the timber industry and infrastructure.

Plan a visit to Wonnerup Beach

A 2025 City of Busselton consultation mentions fishing, horse riding and other recreational activities at Wonnerup Beach. Local beach rules can change; check the latest notices before planning activities. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are permitted on Wonnerup Beach. Check current signage and local rules before driving.

Discover more destinations: Halls Head, Scotsdale, Dongara, Karnup, Kojonup, Wanneroo City, Dardanup, Clackline

For the broader travel overview: Western Australia.