Donnybrook is a town situated between Boyanup and Kirup on the South
Western Highway, 210 kilometres (130.49 miles) south of Perth. The town
is the centre of apple production in the state.
The town displays many icons which bear the apple symbol. On the main
street, apple-shaped lights line the entrance to the Old Railway
Station. These lights have recently been restored. Atop the east
Donnybrook hill stands a 20 metre (65.62 feet) high tower with the
representation of a huge apple at the top. The apple is part of The Big
Apple Tourist and Wildlife Park. From the top of the apple, visitors
can view the town and its surrounding areas. The Lady William big apple
is made of fibreglass and is 7.5 metres tall with a diameter of 6.5
metres.
The Apple FunPark, which is the largest free-entry playground in
Australia, opened in Easter 2008 in time for the Apple Festival. The
fruit-themed park has play equipment and an adult exercise area.
The Old Goldfields Orchard & Cider Factory houses a small
museum which documents the rise and fall of the local goldfield. The
Hunters Venture poppet head has been re-built above the original mine
shaft, and the Mount Cara adit is open for tourists' inspection.
Apple Festival
Every two years (on evenly numbered years) the Apple Festival is held
during Easter. During the apple festival the town citizens gather at
Egan Park to celebrate the apple. The festival includes agricultural
displays, sideshow alley, the crowning of the Apple Queen and a parade.
During the street parade the local Catholic Church blesses the holy
apple, assuring a good harvest in the years to come.
Accommodation in Donnybrook
