Irwin Districts Historical Society and Russ Cottage

Old prison protects pioneering history

Wander through the old police house and court rooms which today house the vast Irwin Districts Historical Society collection and you can almost hear the click of chains which once bound prisoners here. So imposing is the building that Dongara continues to hold court here every second month in the hope of deterring would-be offenders. Be sure to peer into the depths of the well out the back, check out the historical artefacts in the old stables and walk the outline of a cell which was once crammed with Indigenous prisoners. These men had been marched to the tiny cell to await transport and horrendous conditions at the Rottnest Island Prison on Wadjemup. While you are in Dongara, you can also visit Russ Cottage Historic House Museum at 1 St Dominics Road, Dongara, and The Packout Room Pop-up Museum at 3 Macintyre Cove, Port Denison.

 

 

Address:

5 Waldeck St
Dongara WA 6525
Australia

Opening Hours

Mon to Sat 10am to 12pm

One family’s history through melody

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Stepping out in style

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More than a country courthouse collection

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Vibrant community art space

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While you're in the area

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Russ Cottage
Attraction
Russ Cottage
Built in 1868 by Titis Russ, Russ Cottage is a fine example of a rural...
Parker Street, Port Denison, WA 6525
Dongara Tourist Park
Accommodation
Dongara Tourist Park
Dongara Tourist Park offers cabin accommodation. Powered and unpowered...
8 George Street, Port Denison, WA 6525
Seaspray Beach Holiday Park
Accommodation
Seaspray Beach Holiday Park
Spoil yourself when next you stay in Dongara at the only place that offers...
79-81 Church Street, Dongara, WA 6525
Dongara Heritage Walk
Attraction
Dongara Heritage Walk
The Dongara Heritage Trail is a pleasant 1 hour self-guided walk through...
Waldeck Street, Dongara, WA 6525