Dunsborough Yallingup Drive 2

Wonnerup House is only a short car trip away and passes several places of interest. The scenic drive is approximately 22 kilometres and takes from one and a half to three hours.

On leaving the Busselton Tourist Bureau drive towards Bunbury on Bussell Highway. After approximately seven kilometres, turn left into the Tuart Forest Scenic Drive (signposted). After crossing the Abba River bridge, continue on and turn left to Wonnerup House (National Trust sign posted). First settled by the Layman family in 1834 it is an important surviving example of early farm pioneering. There is a magnificent homestead (1859) and earlier house (1837) which was later converted into a dairy, plus a kitchen, stables and blacksmiths, teacher house and school. These buildings have all been restored with many original items and furniture on display. Don't miss this National Trust property with its beautiful gardens. Open daily from 1000 - 1600 hours (except Christmas Day and Good Friday). Entry fee applies.

Nearby is the Layman picnic area where a walk trail will take you on a short walk into the forest to see a recently re-constructed old saw pit, from where the oldest Tuart trees (about 500 years old) can be seen.

The Tuart forest extends several kilometres along Tuart Drive beyond the Wonnerup cross roads towards Bunbury. Take a leisurely drive through the Ludlow Tuart Forest and capture the beauty of these rare giants of the forest. This is the only natural stand of tuart left in the world, so enjoy the many picnic areas and forest walk trails and give yourself the opportunity to soak up the relaxing and peaceful setting.

On reaching the end of the tourist drive, double back and return via the coast road (Layman Road) which passes Wonnerup House and historic Lockville House (private home). Layman Road provides an excellent view of the Wonnerup wetlands. The wetlands have been listed by the Ramsar Convention as "Wetlands of International Importance" and offer views of prolific birdlife. The road continues past Wonnerup Beach where sightings of wild dolphins are common and ends at the Port Geographe marina and canal development before returning to central Busselton.