Woodbridge at Mandoon

Described upon construction in 1884 as 'the handsomest private residence that has yet been erected in the colony', Woodbridge sits in an area known as Mandoon on Noongar Country on the banks of Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River).

A fine example of nineteenth-century architecture, it was built for entrepreneur, agriculturalist and parliamentarian, Charles Harper and his family and has connections to the colony's founder, Governor James Stirling.

In 1895 Charles established a school in the house for his children and those of his neighbours. When purchased a decade later by the Church of England, the school went on to become what is now Guildford Grammar School.

Today, the place is managed by the National Trust of Western Australia and staffed by enthusiastic volunteers.

You will be welcomed upon entry to the house, and then provided the opportunity to wander through the grounds and admire the towering jarrahs that hug the house, the maintained cottage garden and the delightful views of the Swan River flowing right past the property.

Explore the house room by room and learn some of the Woodbridge history from the friendly volunteers. Young visitors with their families can enjoy the hands-on activity space which provides a glimpse into the lives of those that lived and worked at Woodbridge.

NB : Pre-arrange your visit by booking general admission tickets with the National Trust online (link on page). Choose to visit at 11.30am, 12.30pm or 2pm.

General admission to the place helps the National Trust care for this and other heritage places that hold special stories of Western Australian history and heritage.