Cockman House is the oldest remaining house in Wanneroo. It was built in the 1850's using locally quarried limestone for it's 500mm thick walls and jarrah for it's timber ceilings. It was built close to the northern stock route, 8 hours travel from Perth along a sand track.
The Cockman and Backshall families lived here from 1860 to as recently as 1987. At one point this tiny building housed a family with 13 children who topped and tailed 4 to a bed. A quick walk through this historic home will give you an insight into how tough life was back then. The closer you look though you can really imagine the family living and laughing in this home.
The house is set amidst ancient old trees (I can almost see the Cockman and Backshall kids high up in the branches), olive trees and a large vegetable patch which is maintained by a volunteer group which donates produce to the local community. Beyond the gardens is Walluburnup Swamp, part of Yellagonga Regional Park.
Access to Cockman House is along an access road near the Woodvale Fish and Lily Farm on Woodvale Drive. Cockman House is open every Sunday (except during February and over the Christmas period) between 2 and 5pm. Entry is by donation. There are guides there to bring history to life or you can do a self guided tour. You can borrow a picnic rug and enjoy the gardens while the kids play old fashioned games like quoits and skittles. Toilets are available. The City of Wanneroo also holds special events at Cockman House at various times of the year. There is also a Nature Play WA Play Trail to keep the kids busy at Cockman House.
Next time you are driving in this area on a Sunday afternoon pop in for a quick look. It won't take much time out of your day and it is really interesting.
Walking and cycle paths through Yellagonga Regional Park between Ocean Reef Road and Whitfords Avenue will bring you past Walluburnup and Beenyup Swamps.
Refer to our blogs on sections through Yellagonga Regional Park
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In the spirit of reconciliation Out and About- Family Nature Connection acknowledges the traditional owners of the Wadjak boodjar (Perth land) and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.