The name Donnybrook was used by the first settlers, five Irish immigrants around 1842. At that time the name referred to immigrants land holdings and not a town site. Donnybrook was gazetted as a town site on 12th October 1894. The name Donnybrook is thought to have been chosen by the early Irish immigrants as a reminder of their home country.
Jarrah was a substantial factor in the development of the Donnybrook region. Now only a small family mill remains in the Shire, Bedford's Mill in Brookhampton. Visitors can find many wood turning outlets throughout the Shire. Unique to the South West was Donnybrook's "gold rush" in 1897 but the rush only lasted four years. The Trigwell family, who have been on the original land for many generations, have rebuilt the poppet head over the original Hunters Venture mine and have turned the working orchard into a popular tourist attraction for Donnybrook. History can be found at the Old Goldfields Orchard & Cider Factory.
Donnybrook is known as the state's apple growing region (home to the Granny Smith), but now with many other popular varieties of apples grown here, it is also the home of the Lady Williams apple, the original seedling tree came up on a property to the West of Donnybrook. The tree is now 63 years old. Other varieties grown are Sundowner, Pink Lady, Fuji Gala & Royal Gala. The apple festival is held every year on Easter Sunday.
Historical buildings and buildings built from Donnybrook Stone can be seen around the Town. A Working quarry can be viewed just out of town and a factory can be visited for tours. A fruit & vegetable packing shed can be visited in the centre of town. There are many art & crafts places to visit in Donnybrook and Balingup and scenic drives.
Things to do
Location
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