Located on the banks of the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) on Whadjuk Nyoongar Country, in the now urban suburb of Maylands, Peninsula Farm at Wu-rut Woorat tells many stories – of connection to Country and family, of changes to land use over time and of the constancy of the river. As one of the Swan River Colony’s first farms and one of the earliest Perth metropolitan residences still standing, it’s a place of great historical importance to our state.

The entire peninsula was granted to colonists arriving aboard the Tranby in 1830 and became known as the ‘Peninsula Farm’. Joseph Hardey was allocated a share of this land and he with his wife Ann built the house you see today in 1839, after losing the previous two houses to flooding.

The house and farm remained in the Hardey family – who were highly influential in the religious, business, and political activities of the colony – until 1913. Other uses over the years included a place to keep and train racehorses. While much of the land and many outlying buildings were lost to growing urbanisation in subsequent decades, the main house was thankfully saved from demolition due to widespread public support. The National Trust took over management of Peninsula Farm at Wu-rut Woorat in 1977.

Peninsula Farm at Wu-rut Woorat offers a fascinating window into the daily lives of early farming and family life, its challenges, and triumphs. The heritage house is open by National Trust volunteers each Friday and Saturday. The grounds are open daily. Next door you’ll find the Peninsula Farm Café which is open for breakfast, lunch, and light refreshments, or you may wish to bring a picnic and enjoy the picturesque riverside setting.

Check opening times and entry fees and book tickets online at ntwa.com.au/places-to-visit/peninsula-farm/