THE OLD GOLDFIELDS ORCHARD
By Akita Olsen
Originally the Old Goldfields Orchard property was,
as it's name suggests, involved in the Donnybrook
gold rush of 1898/99. One of the earliest and most
exciting finds happened right where the orchard is
today.
In 1862 the farm was taken up by Henry
Trigwell, and has been passed down through
the family for generations. The current
custodians are Russell, Steve and Glenys
Trigwell, the 5th generation of farmers.
Historically a variety of different activities
have been undertaken on the site including
vegetable growing, sheep, flax growing,
wool and dairy farming to name a few.
Nowadays, the old goldfield is principally
involved in various enterprises including
the production of fruit, beef production,
the manufacture of ciders, wines and juices,
and of course tourism.
It must be a plate full, having a business involved
in a so many different fields. The property's main
attractions are the commercial orchards, restaurant
and tearooms, the cider factory and the mining history.
The orchard consists of about 40 acres of deciduous
fruit trees - apples, pears, nashi, plums, peaches,
apricots & persimmon. Visitors can take a stroll
through the trees, and when fruit is in season they
can sample the delicious produce or purchase some
to take home. Now is a great time to see the fruit
on the trees, until around May.
In order to make full use of the fruit they grow,
they have established a boutique cider factory, producing
a number of unique blends from the various apples.
The business exports fresh fruit to many countries
throughout Europe, South East Asia and the Middle
East. Their nashi orchard (Asian pear) is the largest
nashi planting in Western Australia.
The Donnybrook goldfields are brought back to life
with the re-erection of an exact replica of the poppet
head over Hunter's Venture, and an information centre
housing photographs, videos, memorabilia and press
reports from the golden era. Mt Clara Adit is again
open, and children can pan for gold.
After prospecting for gold, visitors may wish to
sit down and relax in the lovely tearooms. It's a
nice chance to enjoy a cappuccino and other menu items
before browsing thru the selection of hand painted
tiles, paintings and wood products by local artists
in the gallery.
This enterprise is very broad and I take my hat of
to them for being involved in so many areas. They
even have marron. Yes, if you thought fruit, mining
history, resturaunts, cider factory, etc was enough,
well they also have 8 marron ponds. The aim is to
breed and grow their own marron so they can include
some additional delicious recipes in the restaurant
menu.
For a great day out, (including possibly a packed
lunch in their picnic area) pop in to the Old Goldfields
Orchard & Cider Factory off Upper Capel Rd, Donnybrook.
For further information and opening times visit their
web site at www.oldgoldfields.com.au or email at trigs@oldgoldfields.com.au.
March 2002
