Built in 1923, the Homestead was falling into disrepair until in 1983 the Historical Society of Cockburn took over custodianship of the building and with support from the City of Cockburn and the local community, restored it into a 10-room Museum. Historic themes include early British colonies, shipwrecks and coastal industries, the Home Front, cottage industries and the evolution of fashions and technologies from the 1820s to 1960s. All items are donations by our local community and the Manning family.
The Wagon House showcases evolutions in transport and agriculture practice, as well as an annexe dedicated to the history of local schools and domestic life. Collection highlights include horse-drawn wagons, hand-made farming equipment, Watsonia butchers and Chinese market garden displays.
At the Azelia Road entrance to Manning Park, there are heritage-listed ruins of the 22-room Davilak Estate and Farm, built by the Manning family from local materials in the 1860s. The buildings were destroyed by fire in 1960. One of the first farms in the area and in WA, portions of the Davilak Estate were once used as a convict camp and Afghan cameleers quarantine station. The Davilak Ruins is currently under conservation management.
The following excursions can be booked Monday- Wednesday. Excursions are suitable for primary schools, years 1-6. Bookings are essential, entry is
$2 per person.
- Then and Now: In liaison with the City of Cockburn Cultural Services, the Historical Society offers tours of the museum buildings Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, 10am –3pm. Tour themes can be customised to suit curriculum focus. Maximum of 40 people per booking
- Walking Tours: Explore the Davilak Heritage Trail, a 1.8km walk along the Manning Park Ridge between Davilak Ruins and Azelia Ley Homestead. This tour covers the Davilak Estate, Convicts and Cameleers, South Fremantle Power Station, Robb Jetty Abattoir and Smelter’s Camp, and Owen’s Anchorage, Fremantle’s original harbour. Maximum of 40 people per booking
- Half-Day History and Environment Experience: Let our Heritage team and Environmental Education Officers take you on a journey to explore the history of Manning Park and the ways different cultural groups and industries have impacted the surrounding landscape. Breaking off into groups, students rotate between park and museum activities with a break for morning tea. Tour duration: 9am–12.30pm. Maximum of 60 people per booking.
Keep an eye on the City of Cockburn website and social media for history mystery quizzes, time travel trails and old-day craft workshops held on
Wednesdays 10am-1pm during school holidays.
Visit the Cockburn History Website for more information. Group bookings can be made by contacting the museum on 08 9411 3341.