Ellensbrook Homestead

Beach, Walktrails and Waterfall

Best Kept Secret 

I am going to tell you about one of the best kept secrets in Margaret River Region that most visitors don't even know is there and because of this they miss out on such an amazing experience. Only a short drive from Yelverton Brook, if the weather is fine their is a most beautiful walk is from Ellensbrook Homestead one of the pioneer homesteads now run by National Trust Australia up to the Meekadariby Falls, a rare permanent stream flowing to the coast. Awesome place for a picnic on the lawns around the homestead.

When the Ellensbrook Homestead was established in 1857, it was isolated, and in the middle of nowhere. Today it is still isolated, and in the middle of nowhere. 

The Noongar name for the locality is Mokidup, and it was a traditional summer camping spot for thousands of years. Mokidup was used by the Wadandi as a summer camping ground for thousands of years.This place is definitely worth a visit, just to appreciate how tough life was for the first settlers.Ellensbrook was originally a six day journey from Busselton.  Being the first homestead established between Cape Naturaliste, and Cape Leeuwin, it has a rich history.  

Alfred and Ellen Bussell developed Ellensbrook as the foundation for their dairying and beef business.  They farmed the property for eight years, before moving to Wallcliffe House on Margaret River. Follow the Ellensbrook Road off Caves Road to visit the Homestead.  After you have checked out the property, continue down to the coastline, and you'll find a popular surfing spot, know as.....you guessed it... Ellensbrook.

Ever since Alfred Bussell named a creek flowing through the area after his wife, the Ellensbrook name has endured. 

If the Bussell's had only foreseen the popularity of their local surf break, they may have never given up the property.In 1857 Ellen and Alfred Bussell chose the site of their new home. Sheltered from the winter storms,the site had access to fresh water and was surrounded by fertile soil. Over the decades the house was built in stages by ticket-of-leave convicts, deserting seamen and local Noongars.

The Ellensbrook venture was successful, with income derived from the sale of beef, butter and cheese.Much of the success was due to the practical skills, energy and sound management of Ellen. Alfred and Ellen left Ellensbrook in 1865. Between 1871 and 1877 Ellensbrook was managed and the homestead extended, by the eldest of their five daughters, Fanny. Later, the second daughter Edith made Ellensbrook her permanent home. In 1899 she established the Ellensbrook Farm Home for Aboriginal Children. The Home continued for 17 years during which time Edith continued the tradition of extending the main building.You are welcome to visit ‘Ellensbrook at Mokidup’ for a picnic by the brook, an opportunity to explore the house that is run by the National Trust, or enjoy a walk to visit nearby Meekadariby Falls and to share in the stories of Wadandi Country. This is a very pleasant walk suitable for all ages up to the year round stream that comes out of a local cave system & meanders down to the coast past the homestead. There is beach access to the coast, a most enjoyable way to rediscover nature in this beautiful Margaret River region.

Any questions please Email Us about Ellensbrook or call us on 08 97557579

Kind regards Joy and Simon Ensor