A colonial farmhouse on ancient land.
Nitja Wadjuk Moort Boodjar Nyungar Boodjar Ngulla Birdiyia Ngulla Moort Djinoong Koorlinjy Nitja Nyungar Boodjar Wu-rut Woorat.
This has been the land of the Wadjuk people for many thousands of years. This area is known as Wu-rut Woorat.
Located on the banks of the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River), in the now urban suburb of Maylands, Peninsula Farm at Wu-rut Woorat is a place of great historical importance to our state.
It offers a unique opportunity to explore the first years of European settlement in Western Australia and reflect on a landscape that provides a tantalising glimpse into the past.
Peninsula Farm was one of the first farms in the Swan River Colony and is one of the earliest Perth metropolitan residence still standing.
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.
Over the years the house was added to, expanding outwards and upwards. At the same time, the farm became smaller and smaller.
Peninsula Farm remained in the Hardey family until 1913. Joseph Hardey and his son Richard, who took over management of the property in the late 1860s, were highly influential in the religious, business and political activities of the colony. However, Peninsula Farm tells more than just their stories.
It also tells of their wives and daughters, the women and servants who ran the house and the workers who ran the farm. It tells of farming, and how families and the young colony sustained themselves.
And it tells the stories of dispossession and dislocation of the Whadjuk Noongar people, as the Swan River Colony grew and more of their land was carved up for new owners.
Peninsula Farm was purchased by Harold Cheshire in 1951, to keep and train racehorses. The house and remnant land survived major subdivision as Perth became more urbanised and the National Trust took over its management in 1977.
See, Do, Explore
Peninsula Farm tells many stories – of connection to Country and family, of changes to land use over time, and of the constancy of the Derbarl Yerrigan.
Book now to explore the house and wander the grounds to enjoy the beautiful views of the riverscape and imagine what life was like in and before the days of the Swan River Colony.
Or join us for our popular Christmas Carols at the Farm each December.
Educators are also encouraged to book one of our popular Peninsula Farm school curriculum programs.
And there is plenty more to see, do and explore in Perth for those wanting to learn more about the area’s history and to explore more cultural and natural heritage places.
Group bookings & Education enquiries
Peninsula Farm Café
Peninsula Farm Café opens its doors once again, reimagined by Danny and Tania Taylor, Maylands residents and the dynamic husband and wife team behind WA’s award-winning BODHI Spa Group.
Peninsula Farm Café is a destination café with an ethos of sustainability and simplicity. Founder Tania Taylor explains, “Using organic, seasonal and sustainable local produce, we’ve crafted a menu of mindfully good food & delicious coffee. We are proud to showcase the delights of local artisans and producers, and seasonal ingredients, to bring delicious wholesome food to your plate – in this incredibly beautiful setting.”
Open 8am to 3pm Wednesday to Sunday for walk-ins only, All are welcome at Peninsula Farm Café, even your furry friends on the café outdoor area. View a sample of the delicious menu.
Please be mindful, parking is restricted at Peninsula Farm car park and it’s a car park shared by many, so you may need to park at Hessey Reserve car park or Bath Street Reserve on your visit to the cafe.
