Donnybrook is a town situated between Boyanup and Kirup on the South Western Highway, 210 kilometres (130 mi) south of Perth, Western Australia. The town is the centre of apple production in Western Australia. The town is also known for its picturesque abundance of English Oak trees, as well as the Apple Fun Park, a large outdoor playground in the centre of town. (I think shortly after this blog the playground was torn down and a new one has been built).
Since we wanted an early start on our Saturday, we took my phone and put it on Facebook so we could still hear Sam “the Muleman” Miller’s broadcast from Maryland. I took a photo just so Sam could see that John was wearing a Beatles shirt.
Donnybrook is a cute town. Donnybrook has many town icons bearing the apple. On the main street, apple-shaped lights line the entrance of the Old Railway Station. These lights have recently been restored.
Donnybrook is the home of Western Australia’s apple industry. In 1900, the first Granny Smith apple tree was planted, and the apple orchard industry grew after World War I. The Donnybrook Apple Festival is held every year during Easter. During the apple festival, the citizens of Donnybrook gather at Egan Park to celebrate the apple. I think we showed up, right in the middle of the Apple Festival.
So away from town we went.
It’s another area I just love to drive around and explore.
Going in April, it wasn’t as lush and green as other times when we’ve come in spring.
So we found ourselves in the woods, and on a ‘road’ and I see a sign for School bus route. I had John turn the truck around so I could get a photo, because in what universe does a school bus come down here to pick up children for school? I saw nothing and no one. I don’t even think I heard a bird chirp.
Originally a timber mill settlement on the banks of the Preston River, Donnybrook became the scene for one of the nation’s smaller gold rushes in the late 19th century. Disappointed miners who remained after the excitement had died downturned their skills to growing fruit, giving birth to an industry that saw Donnybrook and the Preston Valley come to be established as the apple capital of the west. Later generations are venturing into aquaculture, and turning the valley slopes and warm climate to an advantage in producing wine grapes, olives and nuts. No surprise then, that visitors can enjoy fine wines rivalling the best in the country, or slake their thirsts on crisp, refreshing ciders and apple juice.
I could never get tired of views like this. It seems like where ever John takes me, that is my favorite place at the time.
Great views, great red dirt roads. What more could you want?
Well, it might be nice to know what was coming before it gets you first.
Oh Western Australia, your beauty never stops taking my breath away.
The Donny skies have won me over.
The world might be a mess, but to me, this is sanity.
For others, this could be their sanity 🙂
There was sure enough for the rusty truck enthusiast. I quickly sent a photo to Barry in Holland to see and enjoy.
It’s getting late, we best be on our way home.
We stopped to admire a sunset.
Too lovely
We were a little annoyed with the power lines…
But I tried not to let it disrupt the appreciation for this amazing sunset outside of Donnybrook.
