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Coordinates: 33°35′S 115°49′E / 33.58°S 115.82°E / -33.58; 115.82
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{{Short description|town in South West region of Western Australia}}
{{Short description|Town in South West region of Western Australia}}
{{Use Australian English|date=August 2019}}
{{Use Australian English|date=August 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox Australian place
{{Infobox Australian place
| name = Donnybrook
| name = Donnybrook
| image = Donnybrook_main_street.jpg
| image = Donnybrook Post Office, January 2022 03.jpg
| caption = Donnybrook Main Street
| caption = The state heritage listed Donnybrook Post Office
| lga = [[Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup]]
| lga = [[Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup]]
| local_map = yes
⚫
| zoom = 11
| coordinates = {{coord|33.58|S|115.82|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|33.58|S|115.82|E|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Western Australia
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Western Australia
Line 12: Line 14:
| type = town
| type = town
| postcode = 6239
| postcode = 6239
| pop = <!--leave blank to draw the latest automatically from Wikidata-->
⚫
| pop = 2,824
| pop_year = {{CensusAU|2016}}
| area = {{cvt |input=P2046}}
| pop_footnotes=<ref name="ABS">{{Census 2016 AUS |id=SSC50418|name=Donnybrook (State Suburbs) |accessdate=2019-06-06 |quick=on}}</ref>
| elevation= 63
| elevation= 63
| elevation_footnotes=<ref name="abm"/>
| elevation_footnotes=<ref name="abm"/>
| dist1 = 38
| dist1 = 38
| location1 = [[Bunbury, Western Australia|Bunbury]]
| location1 = [[Bunbury, Western Australia|Bunbury]]
| fedgov = [[Division of Forrest|Forrest]]
| stategov = [[Electoral district of Collie-Preston|Collie-Preston]]
| stategov = [[electoral district of Collie/Preston|Collie/Preston]]
| fedgov = [[Division of Forrest|Forrest]]
| state = wa
| state = wa
| near-nw = [[Argyle, Western Australia|Argyle]]
| near-n = [[Crooked Brook, Western Australia|Crooked Brook]]
| near-ne = [[Beelerup, Western Australia|Beelerup]]
| near-w = [[Argyle, Western Australia|Argyle]]
| near-e = [[Beelerup, Western Australia|Beelerup]]
| near-sw = [[Paynedale, Western Australia|Paynedale]]
| near-s = [[Paynedale, Western Australia|Paynedale]]
| near-se = [[Upper Capel, Western Australia|Upper Capel]]
| maxtemp = 23.1
| maxtemp = 23.1
| mintemp = 9.8
| mintemp = 9.8
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}}
}}


'''Donnybrook''' is a town situated between [[Boyanup, Western Australia|Boyanup]] and [[Kirup, Western Australia|Kirup]] on the [[South Western Highway]], {{convert|210|km|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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-08/donnybrook-no-longer-an-ugly-town/11941448 |title=How Donnybrook, 'the ugliest town in Australia', reinvented itself |access-date=2021-05-16 |date=8 February 2020 }}</ref><ref name=demo/>
'''Donnybrook''' is a town situated between [[Boyanup, Western Australia|Boyanup]] and [[Kirup, Western Australia|Kirup]] on the [[South Western Highway]], {{convert|210|km|mi}} south of [[Perth]], Western Australia. The town is the centre of [[apple]] cultivation in Western Australia. The town is also known for its picturesque abundance of [[English Oak]] trees, as well as for the Apple Fun Park, a large outdoor [[playground]] in the centre of town.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-08/donnybrook-no-longer-an-ugly-town/11941448 |title=How Donnybrook, 'the ugliest town in Australia', reinvented itself |access-date=2021-05-16 |date=8 February 2020 }}</ref><ref name=demo/>


==History==
==History==
The first humans known to live in the area were the [[Noongar]] Aboriginals. It was first settled by Europeans around 1842 when George Nash and others moved to the area.<ref name=land/> They named the place "Donnybrook" after [[Donnybrook, Dublin|Donnybrook]], then a suburb of [[Dublin]], [[Ireland]], that they came from.<ref name=land/> The eastern part of the town was formerly called Minninup.<ref name=land/> The western portion of the townsite is currently known as Irishtown. The town of Donnybrook was gazetted in 1894.<ref name=land>{{cite web |url=https://www.landgate.wa.gov.au/corporate.nsf/web/History+of+country+town+names+-+d |title=Landgate History of Country Town Names: D |access-date=2008-01-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026021019/http://www.landgate.wa.gov.au/corporate.nsf/web/History+of+country+town+names+-+d |archive-date=26 October 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Donnybrook is on the traditional lands of the [[Noongar]] people. George Nash and other Europeans arrived here around 1842.<ref name=land/> They named the place after their home town, [[Donnybrook, Dublin|Donnybrook]], then a suburb of [[Dublin]], [[Ireland]].<ref name=land/> The eastern part of the town was formerly called Minninup.<ref name=land/> The western portion of the townsite is currently known as Irishtown. The town of Donnybrook was gazetted in 1894.<ref name=land>{{cite web |url=https://www.landgate.wa.gov.au/corporate.nsf/web/History+of+country+town+names+-+d |title=Landgate History of Country Town Names: D |access-date=2008-01-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026021019/http://www.landgate.wa.gov.au/corporate.nsf/web/History+of+country+town+names+-+d |archive-date=26 October 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


⚫
In 1897, Richard Hunter discovered gold about 6 kilometres south of the Donnybrook townsite.<ref name=south>{{cite web |url=http://www.southwestlife.com.au/history0503.htm |title=South West Life: The Donnybrook Goldrush |access-date=2008-01-18 |first=Graeme |last=Olsen |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071231120446/http://www.southwestlife.com.au/history0503.htm |archive-date = 31 December 2007}}</ref> Hunter eventually sold out to Fred Camilleri (a well known prospector from Kalgoorlie) and Camilleri was able to interest the internationally renowned Polish geologist Modest Maryanski.<ref name=asw>{{cite web |url=http://www.australiassouthwest.com/en/Arts+Culture+History/Historic+Tales/The+Donnybrook+Goldrush.htm |title=Australia's South West: The Donnybrook Goldrush |access-date=2008-01-18 |archive-date=4 November 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061104232129/http://www.australiassouthwest.com/en/Arts%20Culture%20History/Historic%20Tales/The%20Donnybrook%20Goldrush.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> It was on the basis of Maryanski's report that a new company "Donnybrook Goldfields Ltd" was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1899.<ref name=asw/> A mini gold rush occurred, resulting in the Government gazetting the Donnybrook Goldfield – in the process making provision for a new town to be called "Goldtown".<ref name=south/> From the census of 1901, it was known over 200 gold miners were camped on the goldfields.<ref name=south/> The excitement was short-lived however, and the Hunters Venture mine closed in August 1903.<ref name=south/> The area was worked during the [[Great Depression]] by locals Laurie and Foster Payne, then re-pegged and explored during the 1980s and again from 2004 to 2005.<ref name=south/>
The population of the town was 430 (294 males and 136 females) in 1898.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article33153441 |title=POPULATION OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA. |newspaper=[[Western Mail (Western Australia)|Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954)]] |location=Perth, WA |date=22 April 1898 |access-date=31 May 2012 |page=23 |publisher=National Library of Australia}}</ref>

⚫
In 1897, Richard Hunter discovered gold about 6 kilometres south of the Donnybrook townsite.<ref name=south>{{cite web |url=http://www.southwestlife.com.au/history0503.htm |title=South West Life: The Donnybrook Goldrush |access-date=2008-01-18 |first=Graeme |last=Olsen |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071231120446/http://www.southwestlife.com.au/history0503.htm |archive-date = 31 December 2007}}</ref> Hunter eventually sold out to Fred Camilleri (a well known prospector from Kalgoorlie) and Camilleri was able to interest the internationally renowned Polish geologist Modest Maryanski.<ref name=asw>{{cite web |url=http://www.australiassouthwest.com/en/Arts+Culture+History/Historic+Tales/The+Donnybrook+Goldrush.htm |title=Australia's South West: The Donnybrook Goldrush |access-date=2008-01-18 }}</ref> It was on the basis of Maryanski's report that a new company "Donnybrook Goldfields Ltd" was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1899.<ref name=asw/> A mini gold rush occurred, resulting in the Government gazetting the Donnybrook Goldfield - in the process making provision for a new town to be called "Goldtown".<ref name=south/> From the census of 1901, it was known over 200 gold miners were camped on the goldfields.<ref name=south/> The excitement was short-lived however, and the Hunters Venture mine closed in August 1903.<ref name=south/> The area was worked during the [[Great Depression]] by locals Laurie and Foster Payne, then re-pegged and explored during the 1980s and again from 2004-5.<ref name=south/>


==Geography==
==Geography==
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==Industry==
==Industry==
Donnybrook is the home of Western Australia's [[apple]] industry.<ref name=tourism>{{cite web |url=http://www.westernaustralia.com/en/Pages/Destination.aspx?n=Donnybrook&pid=9005017 |title=Tourism Western Australia: Donnybrook |access-date=2008-02-11 }}</ref> In 1900, the first [[Granny Smith]] apple tree was planted, and the apple orchard industry grew after [[World War I]].<ref name=bigapple>{{cite web |url=http://www.next89.com/spot_102_big_apple,_donnybrook.html |title=Next 89km: Big Apple, Donnybrook |access-date=2008-02-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006152246/http://www.next89.com/spot_102_big_apple,_donnybrook.html |archive-date=6 October 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Donnybrook is the home of Western Australia's [[apple]] industry.<ref name=tourism>{{cite web |url=http://www.westernaustralia.com/en/Pages/Destination.aspx?n=Donnybrook&pid=9005017 |title=Tourism Western Australia: Donnybrook |access-date=2008-02-11 }}</ref> In 1900, the first [[Granny Smith]] apple tree was planted, and the apple orchard industry grew after [[World War I]].<ref name=bigapple>{{cite web |url=http://www.next89.com/spot_102_big_apple,_donnybrook.html |title=Next 89&nbsp;km: Big Apple, Donnybrook |access-date=2008-02-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006152246/http://www.next89.com/spot_102_big_apple,_donnybrook.html |archive-date=6 October 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Apples are harvested between March and May, with apple blossoms prominent in October.<ref name=tourism/> Donnybrook's industries also include timber, beef, dairy and [[viticulture]].<ref name=tourism/> Many visiting [[Backpacking (travel)|backpackers]] earn money picking fruit from orchards in the area between November and June.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bugaustralia.com/destinations/au-wasw.html |title=Backpackers Ultimate Guide: Southwest WA |access-date=2008-02-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228164408/http://www.bugaustralia.com/destinations/au-wasw.html |archive-date=28 February 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Many apple trees are being replaced with avocado trees.
Apples are harvested between March and May, with apple blossoms prominent in October.<ref name=tourism/> Donnybrook's industries also include timber, beef, dairy and [[viticulture]].<ref name=tourism/> Many visiting [[Backpacking (travel)|backpackers]] earn money picking fruit from orchards in the area between November and June.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bugaustralia.com/destinations/au-wasw.html |title=Backpackers Ultimate Guide: Southwest WA |access-date=2008-02-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228164408/http://www.bugaustralia.com/destinations/au-wasw.html |archive-date=28 February 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Many apple trees are being replaced with avocado trees.


==Tourism==
==Tourism==
[[Image:Donnybrook apple decorations.jpg|thumb|Apple decorations along Donnybrook's main street]]
[[Image:Donnybrook apple decorations.jpg|thumb|Apple decorations along Donnybrook's main street]]
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. Atop the east Donnybrook hill is a {{convert|20|m|ft|adj=mid|-high}} tower with an apple at the top. The apple is part of The Big Apple Farmstay.(formerly the Big Apple Tourist and Wildlife Park). From the top of the apple, farmstay guests can view Donnybrook and its surrounding areas. The [[Lady William]] big apple is made of [[fibreglass]] and is {{convert|7.5|m}} tall with a diameter of {{convert|6.5|m}},<ref name=bigapple/> making it one of Australia's "[[Australia's big things|Big Things]]".
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. Atop the east Donnybrook hill is a {{convert|20|m|ft|adj=mid|-high}} tower with an apple at the top. The apple is part of The Big Apple Farmstay.(formerly the Big Apple Tourist and Wildlife Park). From the top of the apple, farmstay guests can view Donnybrook and its surrounding areas. The [[Lady Williams (apple)|Lady Williams]] big apple is made of [[fibreglass]] and is {{convert|7.5|m}} tall with a diameter of {{convert|6.5|m}},<ref name=bigapple/> making it one of Australia's "[[Australia's big things|Big Things]]".


===Apple festival===
===Apple festival===
[[Image:Donnybrook Apple Queen finalists 1954.jpg|thumbnail|left|Finalists in the 1954 Apple Queen competition from Donnybrook, [[Manjimup, Western Australia|Manjimup]] and [[Bridgetown, Western Australia|Bridgetown]]]]
[[Image:Donnybrook Apple Queen finalists 1954.jpg|thumbnail|left|Finalists in the 1954 Apple Queen competition from Donnybrook, [[Manjimup, Western Australia|Manjimup]] and [[Bridgetown, Western Australia|Bridgetown]]]]
The Donnybrook Apple Festival is held every year during [[Easter]].<ref name=tourism/> During the apple festival, the citizens of Donnybrook gather at Egan Park to celebrate the apple. The festival includes agricultural displays, sideshow alley, a Saturday evening concert & fireworks display and a street parade.<ref name=appfest>{{cite web |url=http://www.donnybrookapplefestival.com |title=Donnybrook Apple Festival |access-date=2008-02-11 }}</ref> During the street parade the Catholic Church of Donnybrook blesses the holy apple, assuring a good [[harvest]] in the years to come.
The Donnybrook Apple Festival is held every year during [[Easter]].<ref name=tourism/> During the apple festival, the citizens of Donnybrook gather at Egan Park to celebrate the apple. The festival includes agricultural displays, a [[sideshow alley]], a Saturday evening concert & fireworks display and a street parade.<ref name=appfest>{{cite web |url=http://www.donnybrookapplefestival.com |title=Donnybrook Apple Festival |access-date=2008-02-11 }}</ref> During the street parade the Catholic Church of Donnybrook blesses the holy apple, assuring a good [[harvest]] in the years to come.


The Apple Festival also had a [[mascot]], Donny Applebrook, created in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.donnybrookapplefestival.com/af_1997.htm |title=Donnybrook Apple Festival: 1997 |access-date=2008-02-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090105194747/http://www.donnybrookapplefestival.com/af_1997.htm |archive-date=5 January 2009 }}</ref> Donny was a giant green apple who promoted the festival.
The Apple Festival also had a [[mascot]], Donny Applebrook, created in 1997.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.donnybrookapplefestival.com/af_1997.htm |title=Donnybrook Apple Festival: 1997 |access-date=2008-02-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090105194747/http://www.donnybrookapplefestival.com/af_1997.htm |archive-date=5 January 2009 }}</ref> Donny was a giant green apple who promoted the festival.
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===Apple Fun Park playground===
===Apple Fun Park playground===


The centre of town is home to the Apple Fun Park outdoor playground, which opened in Easter 2008 in time for the Donnybrook Apple Festival that year.<ref name=funpark>{{cite web |url=http://www.mysouthwest.com.au/News/Article?news_id=2680 |title=Biggest Free Entry Fun Park In Australia To Be Built In Donnybrook |access-date=2008-02-11 |date=11 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706110718/http://www.mysouthwest.com.au/News/Article?news_id=2680 |archive-date=6 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The expansive fruit-themed park contains children's play equipment and an adult exercise area, as well as a shaded picnic area with public barbecues.<ref name=funpark/> At the time of its construction it was the largest free-entry playground in Australia, and it attracts up to 50,000 visitors each year.<ref name=demo/>
The centre of town is home to the Apple Fun Park outdoor playground, which opened in Easter 2008 in time for the Donnybrook Apple Festival that year.<ref name=funpark>{{cite web |url=http://www.mysouthwest.com.au/News/Article?news_id=2680 |title=Biggest Free Entry Fun Park in Australia To Be Built in Donnybrook |access-date=2008-02-11 |date=11 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706110718/http://www.mysouthwest.com.au/News/Article?news_id=2680 |archive-date=6 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The expansive fruit-themed park contains children's play equipment (including an {{convert|8|m|ft|adj=mid|-high}} tower, [[Swing (seat)|swing set]]s, trampolines, multiple slides and a [[Zip line|flying fox]]), an adult exercise area, as well as a shaded picnic area with public barbecues.<ref name=funpark/> At the time of its construction it was the largest free-entry playground in Australia, and it attracts up to 50,000 visitors each year.<ref name=demo/> The playground helped inject over $6 million into the local economy over the first 13 years of its existence, and its success has inspired the construction of similar playgrounds in the region.<ref name=reopens/>


In April 2021 the playground was temporarily closed and the play equipment demolished as it had reached the end of its design life. The playground is expected to reopen in September 2021 featuring a new, larger design and new equipment though some original play equipment will be retained.<ref name=demo>{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-15/donnybrook-playground/100131734 |title=WA's legendary Apple Fun Park playground in Donnybrook knocked down to make way for new design |access-date=2021-05-16 |date=15 May 2021 }}</ref>
In April 2021 the playground was temporarily closed for revitalisation works with much of the play equipment demolished as it had reached the end of its design life.<ref name=demo>{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-15/donnybrook-playground/100131734 |title=WA's legendary Apple Fun Park playground in Donnybrook knocked down to make way for new design |access-date=2021-05-16 |date=15 May 2021 }}</ref> The playground reopened in October 2021 with a larger, updated design, new lighting and expanded shading and greenspaces, and new play equipment and activities (though some original play equipment was also retained).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.donnybrook-balingup.wa.gov.au/community/major-projects/apple-fun-park-renewal-project.aspx |title=Apple Fun Park Revitalisation Project |access-date=2021-09-17}}</ref><ref name=reopens>{{cite web |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-08/donnybrook-apple-fun-park-reopens/100521402 |title=Iconic Donnybrook Apple Fun Park playground wows visitors after major redevelopment |access-date=2021-10-11|date=8 October 2021 }}</ref>


===English Oak===
===English Oak===
Donnybrook is home to Australia's largest known English Oak.<ref>{{cite news |title=Australia’s biggest oak tree |author=Nina Smith |url=http://www.nationalregisterofbigtrees.com.au/trivia_11.pdf |work=Donnybrook-Bridgetown Mail |department=Community Profile |date=December 8, 2009 }}</ref> The tree, believed to originate from 1893 is a landmark within the town. There is also a time capsule under this tree.<ref>{{cite web |title=Register of Heritage Places Assessment Documentation |publisher=Heritage Foundation of Western Australia |url=http://register.heritage.wa.gov.au/PDF_Files/05012%20Donnybrook%20RWP%28P-AD%29.PDF |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626181804/http://register.heritage.wa.gov.au/PDF_Files/05012%20Donnybrook%20RWP(P-AD).PDF |archive-date=2009-06-26}}</ref>
Donnybrook is home to Australia's largest known English Oak.<ref>{{cite news |title=Australia’s biggest oak tree |author=Nina Smith |url=http://www.nationalregisterofbigtrees.com.au/trivia_11.pdf |work=Donnybrook-Bridgetown Mail |department=Community Profile |date=8 December 2009 }}</ref> The tree, believed to originate from 1893 is a landmark within the town. There is also a time capsule under this tree.<ref>{{cite web |title=Register of Heritage Places Assessment Documentation |publisher=Heritage Foundation of Western Australia |url=http://register.heritage.wa.gov.au/PDF_Files/05012%20Donnybrook%20RWP%28P-AD%29.PDF |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626181804/http://register.heritage.wa.gov.au/PDF_Files/05012%20Donnybrook%20RWP(P-AD).PDF |archive-date=2009-06-26}}</ref>
== Railway ==

The [[Donnybrook–Katanning railway]] was a railway line that connected the communities of Donnybrook to [[Mumballup, Western Australia|Mumballup]], Noggerup, [[Boyup Brook, Western Australia|Boyup Brook]], [[Kojonup, Western Australia|Kojonup]], and [[Katanning, Western Australia|Katanning]].


==See also==
==See also==
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[[Category:Towns in Western Australia]]
[[Category:Towns in Western Australia]]
[[Category:South West (Western Australia)]]
[[Category:Shire of Donnybrook–Balingup]]

Latest revision as of 07:05, 14 July 2024

Donnybrook
Western Australia
The state heritage listed Donnybrook Post Office
Donnybrook is located in Western Australia
Donnybrook
Donnybrook
Location in Western Australia
Map
Coordinates33°35′S 115°49′E / 33.58°S 115.82°E / -33.58; 115.82
Population2,786 (UCL 2021)[1]
Established1894
Postcode(s)6239
Elevation63 m (207 ft)[2]
Area25 km2 (9.7 sq mi)
Location38 km (24 mi) from Bunbury
LGA(s)Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup
State electorate(s)Collie-Preston
Federal division(s)Forrest
Mean max temp Mean min temp Annual rainfall
23.1 °C
74 °F		 9.8 °C
50 °F		 973.1 mm
38.3 in
Localities around Donnybrook:
Argyle Crooked Brook Beelerup
Argyle Donnybrook Beelerup
Paynedale Paynedale Upper Capel

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 cultivation in Western Australia. The town is also known for its picturesque abundance of English Oak trees, as well as for the Apple Fun Park, a large outdoor playground in the centre of town.[3][4]

History

[edit]

Donnybrook is on the traditional lands of the Noongar people. George Nash and other Europeans arrived here around 1842.[5] They named the place after their home town, Donnybrook, then a suburb of Dublin, Ireland.[5] The eastern part of the town was formerly called Minninup.[5] The western portion of the townsite is currently known as Irishtown. The town of Donnybrook was gazetted in 1894.[5]

In 1897, Richard Hunter discovered gold about 6 kilometres south of the Donnybrook townsite.[6] Hunter eventually sold out to Fred Camilleri (a well known prospector from Kalgoorlie) and Camilleri was able to interest the internationally renowned Polish geologist Modest Maryanski.[7] It was on the basis of Maryanski's report that a new company "Donnybrook Goldfields Ltd" was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1899.[7] A mini gold rush occurred, resulting in the Government gazetting the Donnybrook Goldfield – in the process making provision for a new town to be called "Goldtown".[6] From the census of 1901, it was known over 200 gold miners were camped on the goldfields.[6] The excitement was short-lived however, and the Hunters Venture mine closed in August 1903.[6] The area was worked during the Great Depression by locals Laurie and Foster Payne, then re-pegged and explored during the 1980s and again from 2004 to 2005.[6]

Geography

[edit]

Climate

[edit]

Donnybrook experiences a Mediterranean climate (Köppen climate classification Csa). Although summers are usually dry, heavy downpours in the summer are not uncommon. Donnybrook gets 93.9 clear days annually.

Climate data for Donnybrook
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 43.5
(110.3) 		44.6
(112.3) 		42.4
(108.3) 		37.3
(99.1) 		30.6
(87.1) 		28.5
(83.3) 		23.9
(75.0) 		26.7
(80.1) 		31.6
(88.9) 		35.3
(95.5) 		39.1
(102.4) 		42.6
(108.7) 		44.6
(112.3)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 30.6
(87.1) 		30.5
(86.9) 		28.0
(82.4) 		24.1
(75.4) 		20.0
(68.0) 		17.5
(63.5) 		16.5
(61.7) 		17.3
(63.1) 		18.8
(65.8) 		21.2
(70.2) 		24.9
(76.8) 		28.2
(82.8) 		23.1
(73.6)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 14.1
(57.4) 		14.4
(57.9) 		13.0
(55.4) 		10.4
(50.7) 		8.2
(46.8) 		6.7
(44.1) 		5.7
(42.3) 		6.1
(43.0) 		7.1
(44.8) 		8.4
(47.1) 		10.5
(50.9) 		12.4
(54.3) 		9.8
(49.6)
Record low °C (°F) 3.3
(37.9) 		1.7
(35.1) 		1.6
(34.9) 		−0.2
(31.6) 		−1.2
(29.8) 		−2.5
(27.5) 		−3.0
(26.6) 		−2.6
(27.3) 		−2.2
(28.0) 		−0.5
(31.1) 		0.4
(32.7) 		1.7
(35.1) 		−3.0
(26.6)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 12.7
(0.50) 		14.9
(0.59) 		25.1
(0.99) 		49.6
(1.95) 		134.4
(5.29) 		187.1
(7.37) 		186.8
(7.35) 		148.9
(5.86) 		102.3
(4.03) 		62.9
(2.48) 		32.8
(1.29) 		16.5
(0.65) 		973.1
(38.31)
Average precipitation days 3.2 3.2 4.7 8.7 15.0 18.5 21.0 19.4 16.2 12.4 7.9 4.6 134.8
Average afternoon relative humidity (%) (at 1500) 35 36 39 47 57 64 63 59 56 50 42 37 49
Source: Australian Bureau of Meteorology[2]

Industry

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Donnybrook is the home of Western Australia's apple industry.[8] In 1900, the first Granny Smith apple tree was planted, and the apple orchard industry grew after World War I.[9]

Apples are harvested between March and May, with apple blossoms prominent in October.[8] Donnybrook's industries also include timber, beef, dairy and viticulture.[8] Many visiting backpackers earn money picking fruit from orchards in the area between November and June.[10] Many apple trees are being replaced with avocado trees.

Tourism

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Apple decorations along Donnybrook's main street

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. Atop the east Donnybrook hill is a 20-metre-high (66 ft) tower with an apple at the top. The apple is part of The Big Apple Farmstay.(formerly the Big Apple Tourist and Wildlife Park). From the top of the apple, farmstay guests can view Donnybrook and its surrounding areas. The Lady Williams big apple is made of fibreglass and is 7.5 metres (25 ft) tall with a diameter of 6.5 metres (21 ft),[9] making it one of Australia's "Big Things".

Apple festival

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Finalists in the 1954 Apple Queen competition from Donnybrook, Manjimup and Bridgetown

The Donnybrook Apple Festival is held every year during Easter.[8] During the apple festival, the citizens of Donnybrook gather at Egan Park to celebrate the apple. The festival includes agricultural displays, a sideshow alley, a Saturday evening concert & fireworks display and a street parade.[11] During the street parade the Catholic Church of Donnybrook blesses the holy apple, assuring a good harvest in the years to come.

The Apple Festival also had a mascot, Donny Applebrook, created in 1997.[12] Donny was a giant green apple who promoted the festival.

Apple Fun Park playground

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The centre of town is home to the Apple Fun Park outdoor playground, which opened in Easter 2008 in time for the Donnybrook Apple Festival that year.[13] The expansive fruit-themed park contains children's play equipment (including an 8-metre-high (26 ft) tower, swing sets, trampolines, multiple slides and a flying fox), an adult exercise area, as well as a shaded picnic area with public barbecues.[13] At the time of its construction it was the largest free-entry playground in Australia, and it attracts up to 50,000 visitors each year.[4] The playground helped inject over $6 million into the local economy over the first 13 years of its existence, and its success has inspired the construction of similar playgrounds in the region.[14]

In April 2021 the playground was temporarily closed for revitalisation works with much of the play equipment demolished as it had reached the end of its design life.[4] The playground reopened in October 2021 with a larger, updated design, new lighting and expanded shading and greenspaces, and new play equipment and activities (though some original play equipment was also retained).[15][14]

English Oak

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Donnybrook is home to Australia's largest known English Oak.[16] The tree, believed to originate from 1893 is a landmark within the town. There is also a time capsule under this tree.[17]

Railway

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The Donnybrook–Katanning railway was a railway line that connected the communities of Donnybrook to Mumballup, Noggerup, Boyup Brook, Kojonup, and Katanning.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Australian Bureau of Statistics (28 June 2022). "Donnybrook (urban centre and locality)". Australian Census 2021. Edit this at Wikidata
  2. ^ a b "Climate statistics for Donnybrook". Australian Bureau of Meteorology. Retrieved 20 December 2018.
  3. ^ "How Donnybrook, 'the ugliest town in Australia', reinvented itself". 8 February 2020. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
  4. ^ a b c "WA's legendary Apple Fun Park playground in Donnybrook knocked down to make way for new design". 15 May 2021. Retrieved 16 May 2021.
  5. ^ a b c d "Landgate History of Country Town Names: D". Archived from the original on 26 October 2009. Retrieved 18 January 2008.
  6. ^ a b c d e Olsen, Graeme. "South West Life: The Donnybrook Goldrush". Archived from the original on 31 December 2007. Retrieved 18 January 2008.
  7. ^ a b "Australia's South West: The Donnybrook Goldrush". Archived from the original on 4 November 2006. Retrieved 18 January 2008.
  8. ^ a b c d "Tourism Western Australia: Donnybrook". Retrieved 11 February 2008.
  9. ^ a b "Next 89 km: Big Apple, Donnybrook". Archived from the original on 6 October 2008. Retrieved 11 February 2008.
  10. ^ "Backpackers Ultimate Guide: Southwest WA". Archived from the original on 28 February 2008. Retrieved 11 February 2008.
  11. ^ "Donnybrook Apple Festival". Retrieved 11 February 2008.
  12. ^ "Donnybrook Apple Festival: 1997". Archived from the original on 5 January 2009. Retrieved 11 February 2008.
  13. ^ a b "Biggest Free Entry Fun Park in Australia To Be Built in Donnybrook". 11 January 2008. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 11 February 2008.
  14. ^ a b "Iconic Donnybrook Apple Fun Park playground wows visitors after major redevelopment". 8 October 2021. Retrieved 11 October 2021.
  15. ^ "Apple Fun Park Revitalisation Project". Retrieved 17 September 2021.
  16. ^ Nina Smith (8 December 2009). "Australia's biggest oak tree" (PDF). Community Profile. Donnybrook-Bridgetown Mail.
  17. ^ "Register of Heritage Places Assessment Documentation" (PDF). Heritage Foundation of Western Australia. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 June 2009.
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