In 1857 Ellen and Alfred Bussell chose it as the location of their new home, naming it Ellensbrook, but to the Wadandi people it has always been Mokidup
This is a place of interwoven histories where today shared stories are told in collaboration with Wadandi Traditional Custodians. The Bussell family built a successful farming and dairy operation here with the help of Wadandi people, ticket of leave men, servants and whalers. There was a shared appreciation and love for this place between the Wadandi and the Bussell family. You’ll come to learn these shared stories when you visit.
Immerse yourself in history when you visit this historic house, you’ll discover how this place went on to become a farm home for Aboriginal children and how it continued as a farm while welcoming early tourists to the region. The spot is beautifully peaceful, so bring a picnic to stay a while longer; take a stroll to the beach; meander through the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park to Meekadariby or wander along the Cape to Cape track.
You can visit Ellensbrook at Mokidup and learn more of these stories. It is open by volunteers from Thursday to Saturday between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm, and on Sundays and public holidays for one hour tour starting at 10.30am. You must pre-arrange your visit by booking tickets online.
General admission to the place helps us care for this special place and other heritage places that hold special stories of Western Australian history and heritage.
