Brunswick Wa: A Town's History

Brunswick, Western Australia, is a town near Bunbury, situated along the South Western Highway between Harvey and Bunbury. Known as the 'Cream of the South West', Brunswick is a picturesque spot, surrounded by rolling hills and lush green dairy pastures. The town is steeped in history, with many relics of its pioneering days presented in local museums, including vintage agricultural machinery and dairy farming equipment. The town is also known for its dairying, with a large Friesian cow, nicknamed Daisy, standing proudly in the centre as a tribute to the industry.

'Cream of the South West'

Cream of the South West

The South West region of Western Australia is a place of natural beauty, abundant produce, and a thriving arts community. With its Mediterranean climate, long stretches of quiet beaches, and world-class wine, it's a destination that truly is the cream of the crop.

A Region of Diversity

The South West is Western Australia's second most popular tourist destination, after Perth. It offers something for everyone, from tranquil beaches and rugged coastlines to ancient forests and captivating caves. The region is home to 24 national parks, providing plenty of opportunities to explore and connect with nature. The Southern Forests and Valleys, with their charming small towns, are a must-see, offering fresh forest air, fruit, freshwater streams, and salty ocean breezes.

A Foodie's Paradise

The South West is a foodie's paradise, boasting some of the country's best fresh produce and gourmet experiences. The fertile soils and rich lands provide an abundance of agricultural delights, including world-class wine. The Margaret River Region is particularly renowned for its gourmet produce and fine dining, offering a unique blend of luxury and easy-going charm.

A Cultural Hub

The South West is also a hub of culture and arts. The region has a rich historical past, with ancient stories and one of the oldest living cultures on the planet. Visitors can explore artisan markets, unique art exhibitions, and Aboriginal cultural tours. The region's diverse economy includes substantial agriculture, timber, and viticulture industries, as well as being a major world producer of aluminium oxide and mineral sands.

Brunswick Junction: The Heart of the Dairy Industry

Brunswick Junction, nestled in the rolling hills of the South West, is known as the "Cream of the South West." With a population of 772 as of the 2016 census, this tranquil town is steeped in history and dairy farming traditions. A replica Friesian cow, affectionately named Daisy, stands proudly in the town centre as a tribute to the dairy industry. The annual Brunswick Agricultural Show, held in October, is one of the largest in regional Australia, attracting over 15,000 visitors.

Exploring the South West

The South West is best explored by car, allowing visitors to discover its diverse landscapes and attractions at their own pace. It is easily accessible, with a two-hour drive from Perth leading straight into the heart of the region. For those short on time, the Busselton Margaret River Airport is just a 45-minute drive from Margaret River.

So, whether you're a nature enthusiast, a foodie, or a culture seeker, the South West of Western Australia is a destination that will leave you with long-lasting memories and a longing to return.

The town's history

Brunswick, WA, is a town steeped in history. First established as a railway junction, it was named Brunswick Junction after an English Duke of the late 1800s. The town is situated in the heart of dairy farming country and is known as the "Cream of the South West". The Brunswick River, which runs just north of the town, was surveyed by John Septimus Roe in 1830 and was likely named by Governor Stirling after the Duke of Brunswick.

The first farm in the area, "Alverstoke", was established in 1842 by Marshall Waller Clifton and produced wheat, barley, and potatoes. A bridge was built over the Brunswick River at Australind, giving settlers easier access to the main community in the Harvey District. In 1893, the Perth-Bunbury railway was completed, and the Brunswick Farmers' Association was formed, with a post office and school operating nearby. The population of the town was 68 (38 males and 30 females) in 1898.

In 1898, a junction was opened south of the river when the line to Collie opened, and a railway station was built. The town became a hub for the dairy industry, and today, a large Friesian cow, nicknamed Daisy, stands in a park in the centre of the town as a tribute to this major industry. Peters Creameries produces milk products and cheese from nearby dairy farmers.

The town also boasts several historic buildings, including the shire hall, Catholic and Anglican churches, and railway cottages. The nearby Beela Valley offers a scenic drive through farming country and the Mornington forests. The town's population has declined slightly in recent years, with 772 people at the 2016 census, down from 797 in 2006.

Attractions and things to do

Brunswick, WA, is a small town steeped in history, set amid rolling hills and lush green dairy pastures. Here are some attractions and things to do in Brunswick, WA:

Dairy Farming and the Cow on the Corner

Brunswick is known for its dairy farming, and a large Friesian cow statue, nicknamed Daisy, stands proudly in the centre of town as a tribute to the industry. Visitors can learn about the history of dairy farming at White Rocks, a dairy farm situated in the Brunswick area. White Rocks offers tours that showcase how dairy farming was conducted in the past and how it is done today.

Historic Buildings and Scenic Drives

Brunswick Junction also boasts several historic buildings, including the shire hall, Catholic and Anglican churches, and railway cottages. The nearby Beela Valley offers a scenic drive through steep hills, beautiful flora, lush farming country, and open paddocks.

Brunswick Agricultural Show

Each October, Brunswick hosts one of the largest agricultural shows in regional Australia, attracting over 15,000 visitors. The show features a fashion parade, trade exhibits, arts and crafts, and flowers.

Alverstoke - Heritage & Function Centre

Housed in a refurbished dairy, Alverstoke is a unique function centre steeped in history. The centre features a collection of over 200 heritage roses, vintage farm machinery, tools, and memorabilia. Alverstoke is also home to several Clydesdale horses and other farmyard and native animals.

Brunswick Pool & BBQ Area

The Brunswick Pool & BBQ Area offers a picturesque spot for a swim and a picnic, with shady grassed areas, play equipment, and easy access to the Brunswick River.

Accommodation

Brunswick, Western Australia, is a town in the South West of the state, situated between Harvey and Bunbury. It is known for its dairying industry, with a large Friesian cow statue, nicknamed Daisy, in the centre of town.

There are a variety of accommodation options available in and around Brunswick, WA. Here is a list of some places to stay in the area:

• Brunswick Caravan Park: This caravan park is within walking distance of the Bowling Club, shops, post office, and recreation ground. It offers powered sites and camping facilities, including a swimming pool, BBQ area, and playground.
• Crooked Brook Country Stay: This rental property features four bedrooms and two bathrooms. It has excellent reviews, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5.
• Connies Cottage Boyanup: A 1930s cottage located in the heart of the southwest, this accommodation sleeps four with three bedrooms and one bathroom. It has good reviews, with an average rating of 3.8 out of 5.
• The Big Apple Farmstay: Located in Brunswick Junction Station, this farmstay has three bedrooms and one bathroom. It has received exceptional reviews, with a perfect rating of 5 out of 5.
• The Clifton & Grittleton Lodge: While the exact location is unclear, this lodge has received positive reviews for its excellent location and pleasant common spaces.
• Black Diamond Lodge: This accommodation has received positive reviews, with one verified traveller commenting on its nice location and comfortable room.
• Bunbury Hotel Koombana Bay: Located in Bunbury, this hotel received a positive review for its location, comfortable room, and excellent breakfast.
• Best Western Plus Hotel Lord Forrest: This hotel in Bunbury received a positive review for its cleanliness and central location.
• Rose Hotel & Motel: A verified traveller gave a positive review for this accommodation, mentioning friendly and helpful staff and a feeling of safety.
• MacManor: Located in Bunbury, this cosy, self-contained, two-bedroom BnB received a positive review for being easy to find and comfortable.
• The Tree House: A verified traveller who stayed at this property in Bunbury gave a positive review, mentioning its cleanliness, comfortable beds, and convenient location, just a five-minute walk from the beach.

Transport links

Brunswick Junction, Western Australia, is well-connected by road and rail. The town is situated along the South Western Highway, which runs between Harvey and Bunbury. It is 26 kilometres (16 miles) north-east of Bunbury, and the South Western Highway becomes Ommaney Road in the town. Brunswick Junction is also linked by road to Australind to the west via Clifton Road.

The town is served by the Australind passenger train service from Perth to Bunbury on the South Western Railway. It is a railway junction for the line from Collie and the former branch lines that extended further east of Collie.

The town was first established as a railway junction with a line from Collie coalfield. A bridge was built over the Brunswick River at Australind in the 1800s, giving settlers in the area easier access to the main community in the Harvey District. In 1893, the Perth-Bunbury railway was completed, and in 1898, a junction was opened south of the river when the line to Collie opened, along with a railway station.

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