Bridgetown Police Station Museum

A South West highlight - compelling insight into local history

Bridgetown Historical Society curates the museum within the original Bridgetown Police Station and Lockup 1880. The graffitied cell walls and the well-worn floorboards of this 1880 building speak of the many people that have spent time here, either as police or as prisoners. The early settlement was called ‘Geegelup’, taken from the Pibulmun/Wadandi people’s term for the freshwater crustaceans in the local brook (now known as gilgies). In 1868 the town was proclaimed as Bridgetown. The Aboriginal history is not lost, however, in fact it is incorporated as an important part of the story of this building and the district. In recent years, the Historical Society has consulted with local Elders to develop the current displays. Changing exhibitions draw on the extensive photographic collection of more than 1500 items.

Address:

148 Hampton St
Bridgetown WA 6255
Australia

Opening Hours

Sat 10am - 1pm; Other times on request.

Imprisonment was an inhumane experience. Only Aboriginal prisoners were chained to this heavy chain which was anchored through this gap in the wall of the lock-up. Chains were secured to neck braces...

The story of arrival is told through this display of suitcases. Each case tells a different story: a Group Settler’s wooden trunk from 1925; a leather trunk of a family of means who created the farm...

The Dog Act 1883 required that owners register their dogs with their local Road Board. This rare metal dog tag was issued by the Nelson Road Board in 1907. This was the name of the district which was...

More South West collections

Vasse Felix excels in delivering a high-quality experience of art and wine. The Holmes à Court Gallery @ Vasse Felix is situated at Vasse Felix, Cowaramup, near Margaret River in the State's south...

A place where the local history of Noongar people in Gnowangerup is shared and looked after.

Ngowanjerindji is the local Noongar word for Gnowangerup, home of the mallee fowl. The Gnowangerup Aboriginal Corporation and Cultural Heritage Centre shares stories of local Noongar heritage, culture...

Great Southern Treasures

The sound of the steam train whistle is long gone but the history of Cranbrook as an important railway hub is still evident. Cranbrook’s local history is told inside the Station Master’s House which...

Not far from the Blackwood River bridge is the Nannup Historical Society, housed in the old Roads Board building. Leaving the vibrant garden surrounding the building and stepping inside, you can...

While you're in the area

Filter
Blackwood River Valley Food and Beverage Trail
Attraction
Blackwood River Valley Food and Beverage Trail
The Blackwood River Valley is the heart of food production in the south...
Blackwood River Valley, Balingup, WA 6253
Lucieville Farm Chalets
Accommodation
Lucieville Farm Chalets
Lucieville Farm, established in 1903, has been fortunate to stay in the...
25115 South Western Highway, Glenlynn, WA 6256
Greenbushes Loop Walk
Attraction
Greenbushes Loop Walk
The Greenbushes Loop is a 15 kilometre return walk trail which links...
Greenbushes Road, Starts at the Eco-Cultural Discovery Centre, Greenbushes, WA 6254
Bridgetown Police Station Museum 1880
Attraction
Bridgetown Police Station Museum 1880
The Bridgetown Police Station Museum 1880 is a fine example of an early...
148 Hampton Street, Bridgetown, WA 6255