About Donnelly River Village
Donnelly River Village is a preserved former timber mill town set in karri forest in the South West region of Western Australia, about 45 km south of Nannup and 300 km south of Perth. Established between 1947 and 1951 to house workers of the State-owned Donnelly River Mill, it operated until 1978. Now a heritage holiday village, it retains original weatherboard cottages and streetscape and is known for its forest setting and resident emus.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a quiet, intact 1950s mill town set among tall karri and marri forest. The village consists of original weatherboard cottages now used as holiday accommodation, arranged along sealed roads with a general store, cafe, playground and open grassy areas. Resident emus roam freely through the village. Surroundings are State forest with walking trails, birdlife and historic mill remnants. The atmosphere is low-key and self-contained, focused on heritage, nature and short forest walks.
Key highlights
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Intact 1950s timber mill workers' cottages preserved as heritage holiday accommodation
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Free-roaming resident emus that regularly wander through the village
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Setting within karri forest of the South West with tall timber and wildflowers in spring
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Heritage streetscape reflecting post-war forestry town planning