Coming south into town on Bussell Highway, turn left immediately over the bridge.
There is limited parking on site. Visitors are encouraged to park in Rotary Park on the northern side of the river and access the Old Settlement via the pedestrian bridge over the Margaret River.
Visit the Old Settlement in Margaret River and immediately be transported back to the days of the Group Settlement farms.
Established in 1977 by members of the local Rotary Club, the attraction is a Group Settlement Scheme-style village that also depicts the beginnings of the Augusta-Margaret River dairy industry in the 1920's. There are a number of relocated buildings on site, including the Bramley Group School, Cowaramup Group House and a blacksmiths.
The former pottery workshop has undergone extensive refurbishment and is now The Hairy Marron Cafe featuring a deck which overlooks the Margaret River.
Nearby and connected via a bridge over the Margaret River is Rotary Park, which is home to a vintage steam locomotive known as Kate. Built in England in 1889, shipped to the region in 1890 and used for log hauling in the area until 1909, the eight-tonne locomotive was used at sawmills in Karridale, Jarrahdale and Marrinup, before being sold in 1917 and used at Wyndham until 1962.
In her retirement, Kate was bought by the Margaret River Rotary Club and displayed at Rotary Park. Kate is the only remaining engine built for the Karridale timber industry.
While walking along Ten Mile Brook Dam Trail starting from Rotary Park and around The Old Settlement, keep an eye out for the white-breasted robin, golden whistler and other bush birds. This is also a great spot for wildflowers in the spring!
Amenities
Location
Margaret River Old Settlement
53/69 Bussell Hwy, Margaret River WA 6285, Australia
Reviews
4.5 (468 Google reviews)
Brad18 March 2025
The Rotary Park is off Bussell Highway just north of the main town centre at Margaret River. This is a good city park with riverside walking trails. We walked the South Bank River Trail Loop which is an easy 2.3 circular trail, good for families, dog-walkers and those who prefer to take it easy.
You'll also find children's playground, BBQ, facilities, parking and access to the historic Early Settlement buildings and structures and late 19th-century Kate locomotive is on display at and around Rotary Park.
Prasanna Ediriweera06 January 2025
It is a great spot to stop and refresh yourself. Specilly if you travel with young family. It has barbeque facilities, clean toilets and parking. There are enough places to sit and have a meal together. If you interested can have a walking or ride on bikes as there are some trails. This is not a camping ground.
CW T13 December 2023
Beautiful, clean, peaceful and quiet park to take nice trail walks or runs. The main tracks are clearly marked out and I see that some people also create their own tracks for their own walks or hikes. There was ample parking spaces when I visited in a weekday afternoon though it does seem to get quite packed when I drove past the place on a weekend morning.
Kylie Grace.20 June 2025
Perfect for Play & Picnic
Rotary Park’s Opportunity Playspace offers a fantastic half-day outing:
Great for kids of all ages and abilities.
Fully-equipped playground, toilets, BBQs, picnic spots, shade.
Accessible paths and swing for people of all mobility levels.
Pack a leash if bringing your dog—enjoy the green spaces outside the fenced area.
Things to Keep in Mind
Partially fenced: Playground has fencing, but entrances aren’t gated—kids should be supervised .
Natural considerations: Located near the lake—watch out for snakes and swooping magpies in spring .
Upcoming upgrades: Additional fencing, rubber surfacing, and new play elements coming by 2025–26 .
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