This one is for the history buffs.
Have you ever wondered how the young service men and women leaving Australia for war felt? Or how early settlers adjusted to living in Australia? Take a step back in time at these museums and heritage attractions, and you’ll gain invaluable insight into the towns and people of The South West Edge’ past.
Bunbury Regional Art Gallery
No heritage building in Bunbury is more iconic than the Bunbury Regional Art Gallery (BRAG). Painted a cheery shade of pink, the two-storey Federation Gothic building certainly stands out among the more modern builds of the neighbouring TV stations and local government departments. In a past life, BRAG was the convent for the Sisters of Mercy. The convent was constructed in 1897 and decommissioned some 80 years later, in 1979. Despite undergoing renovations and upgrades to convert the building into the gallery space it is now, many of the original convent features – like the stained glass windows and ornate balustrades skirting the balcony – are still visible. Keep an eye out for them as you peruse the local artworks spread throughout the four gallery spaces.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet is mainland Australia’s tallest lighthouse: Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. Constructed from local limestone in 1895, the structure played an important role in guiding ships through the hazardous waters at the cape. It still does to this day. Jump on a tour and climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views over the ocean and headland, listening to stories of the lighthouse keepers past along the way. Back on solid ground, you’ll find an interpretive centre. Inside, film, sound, and artifacts come together to give even more insight into life on the cape for the lighthouse keepers and their families.