DESCRIPTION
Hidden away in the forest a little to the south west of Bridgetown is the tiny settlement of Donnelly River.
Originally a timber town, it was named after Admiral Ross Donnelly by James Stirling.
Ross Donnelly was a friend of Stirling's wife's family. Strangely, the town's official name is Wheatley but this is seldom used.
The Wheatleys were the family who first started the timber mill in 1912. The mill closed near the start of the First World War and it wasn't until 1947 that plans for a new mill
were made.
The mill opened in 1951 and was the only steam powered mill in the south west. The mill finally closed in 1978 and for a time became a museum. Unfortunately the buildings were
not maintained and became unsafe. Today the mill stands, fenced off, and gradually crumbling away.
The houses have fared a little better and are now part of Donnelly Village.
The houses have been restored and are now available as holiday accommodation. The General Store also operates as a cafe and is open 7 days a week.
Walking and cycling are popular as the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddy trail both pass through the village.
The village has a number of facilities and attractions including the forest swimming lake, oval, tennis, basketball and beach-volley ball courts and a 50m flying fox.
Wildlife is prolific and quite tame with kangaroos, emus, possums, kookaburras, magpies, parrots, blue wrens and many other animals calling the area home.
Wheatley Village Pty. Ltd. was established by 35 families who are unit-holders in the Donnelly River Village. The village was purchased by them in February 2010.
At the time of purchase the village was very run down but thanks to the involvement of the unit-holders, it has been restored and is now a wonderful tourist attraction
as well as being a great place for visitors to stay and explore the surrounding area.
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OTHER INFORMATION
ATTRACTIONS
Four Aces, One Tree Bridge and Glenoran Pool, Donnelly Swimming Dam.
BUILDINGS OF NOTE
Old mill, general store.
ELECTORAL ZONES
State : Blackwood - Stirling
Federal : Forrest
OTHER INFO.
Postcode : 6258
Local Government : Shire of Nannup
PHOTOS
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