🔍

Donnybrook

WA 6239 • Rest of WA

3,035
Population (2021)
$32,604
Median Income
24.58 km²
Area
$300/wk
Median Rent
RuralAgriculturalAffordablePeacefulFamily-Friendly

About Donnybrook

Donnybrook is a rural town in Western Australia's South West region, situated approximately 220 kilometres south of Perth in the Donnybrook-Balingup Shire along the Preston River. At an elevation of 64 metres in the gently rolling agricultural hinterland, it covers 24.5 square kilometres and is home to 3,035 residents. With a median household income of $1,279 per week and a median age of 46, Donnybrook serves as a regional service centre for surrounding farming communities and has long been famous for its apple orchards, which gave rise to the town's identity and annual Apple Festival.

Donnybrook's town centre offers a practical range of services including a Coles supermarket at Preston Village, schools, a hospital, local cafes and small businesses catering to both residents and visitors passing through on the South Western Highway. The surrounding countryside is characterised by apple and stone fruit orchards, cattle properties, and the scenic Preston River — popular for fishing and picnicking. The town attracts families, retirees, and lifestyle changers drawn to its affordable housing, relaxed rural pace, and easy access to the broader South West's wineries, beaches, and national parks.

Donnybrook falls under postcode 6239 and is governed by Donnybrook-Balingup Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Collie-Preston electorate.

📍 Location

State
Western Australia
Postcode
6239
Urban Area
Donnybrook - Balingup
LGA / Council
Donnybrook-Balingup
Federal Electorate
O'connor
State Electorate
Collie-Preston
Type
Urban
Timezone
Perth (UTC+8)
Coordinates
-33.55°, 115.81°
Statistical Area
Rest of WA
Area
24.58 km²
Elevation
64m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Transwa coach services — Perth (Bunbury as intermediate stop) Approx. 2.5-3 hours to Perth

Commute to Perth CBD

Distance
220 km
By Train
No direct rail; drive to Bunbury for Transwa train, total 3-4 hours to Perth
By Car (Peak)
2 hr 15 min - 2 hr 45 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
2 hr - 2 hr 20 min

🛣️ Car essential; South Western Highway is the main route; Bunbury is the nearest regional city at ~50km

Walkability Car-Dependent

The town centre is walkable for local errands, but most residents need a car for anything beyond basic shopping

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

  • Coles
    Preston Village 38th Street & Western Highway Donnybrook 6239 WA

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$300
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,486
Avg Household Size
2.4 people
Median Age
46 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
3.2%

28 state housing + 8 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,824
Census 2021
3,035
▲ 7.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$28,600
Income 2021
$32,604
▲ 14.0% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 2,297
Born Overseas 543

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. England 198
  • 2. New Zealand 74
  • 3. Italy 28
  • 4. Scotland 26
  • 5. Taiwan 21
  • 6. Germany 20
  • 7. Philippines 15
  • 8. South Africa 15
  • 9. Vietnam 15
  • 10. Malaysia 14

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,507
Australian 1,168
Scottish 346
Irish 313
Italian 195
German 117
Australian Aboriginal 109
Dutch 56
New Zealander 43
Chinese 34

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,666
Both parents born in Australia
677
Both parents born overseas
486
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
49.4%
Christianity
41.0%
Islam
0.8%
Buddhism
0.5%
Hinduism
0.2%
Sikhism
0.2%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
172 (5.7%)
5-14 years
385 (12.7%)
15-19 years
171 (5.6%)
20-24 years
116 (3.8%)
25-34 years
281 (9.3%)
35-44 years
359 (11.8%)
45-54 years
357 (11.8%)
55-64 years
420 (13.8%)
65-74 years
421 (13.9%)
75-84 years
259 (8.5%)
85+ years
100 (3.3%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Donnybrook known for? +

Donnybrook is best known for its apple and stone fruit orchards, which have defined the town's agricultural identity for over a century. It hosts an annual Apple Festival and is a popular stopping point on the South Western Highway for travellers heading to Margaret River and the South West.

How far is Donnybrook from Perth? +

Donnybrook is approximately 220 kilometres south of Perth, typically a 2 hour 15 minute to 2 hour 45 minute drive via the South Western Highway.

Does Donnybrook have public transport? +

Donnybrook is served by Transwa coach services connecting to Perth and Bunbury, though frequency is limited. There is no rail service directly to Donnybrook; the nearest Transwa train station is at Bunbury, approximately 50 kilometres to the north. A car is essential for day-to-day life.

What is the population of Donnybrook? +

According to the 2021 Census, Donnybrook has a population of 3,035 residents. The town has a median age of 46 and serves as a regional hub for surrounding farming communities in the Donnybrook-Balingup Shire.

Is Donnybrook a good place to live? +

Donnybrook is well suited to those seeking affordable rural living in a pleasant agricultural setting. The town offers good local services, a strong community atmosphere, and excellent access to the South West's natural attractions — making it popular with families, retirees, and remote workers.

What is the postcode for Donnybrook? +

The postcode for Donnybrook, WA is 6239.