Busselton Historical Museum housed in the Old Butter Factory

Busselton Historical Museum housed in the Old Butter Factory The Busselton Museum invites you to explore the rich history of Busselton through our displays and artefact collections.

Discover the significance of the dairy industry and its impact on family life over the generations.

APPRAISAL DAY THANK YOU!Despite the wet weather, the museum was filled with great energy at our Antiques and Collectable...
16/06/2026

APPRAISAL DAY THANK YOU!

Despite the wet weather, the museum was filled with great energy at our Antiques and Collectables Appraisal Day on Sunday. Enthusiastic collectors brought along some unique items for appraisal, including ornaments, glassware, paintings, coins and jewellery, which sparked lively conversations among attendees.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our appraisers, Anne Klopcic and Rob Russell, whose expertise played a vital role in making the event a resounding success.

Thank you also to our wonderful members who volunteered their time to assist on the day. We also want to say thank you to everyone who attended. Your support of the Busselton Museum is appreciated, and it is encouraging to see how much our community values and preserves its rich history and culture through treasured artefacts.

COME ON DOWN Our doors are open today from 10am - 1pm for our Antiques and Collectables Appraisal Day. Coffee and tea av...
14/06/2026

COME ON DOWN

Our doors are open today from 10am - 1pm for our Antiques and Collectables Appraisal Day. Coffee and tea available along side some delicious homemade biscuits.

Our regular open hours will continue after 1pm.

We can’t wait to see you!

COUNTRY TELEPHONE EXCHANGESPictured is the former Ambergate telephone exchange building. In 2005, it was relocated from ...
13/06/2026

COUNTRY TELEPHONE EXCHANGES

Pictured is the former Ambergate telephone exchange building. In 2005, it was relocated from Joe Tomcale’s property on Ambergate Road by local firms and volunteers to the Busselton Museum, with the original Rural Automatic Exchange (RAX) from the Yoongarillup exchange fitted inside.

Before 1901, each Australian colony had its own telephony networks. After Federation, these networks were transferred to the Commonwealth Postmaster-General's Department, responsible for postal, telephone and telegraph services. The PMG began rolling out a copper telecommunications network, but rural areas often faced poor connections.

From the 1920s, RAXs were installed inside small purpose-built structures in rural areas that were struggling to find people to run the manual exchange. Many country areas were dotted with these little metal or wooden buildings. It is thought that the very first RAX in WA was installed at Brunswick Junction in 1938.

Telephone exchanges located in the Busselton district were located at:
1. Jarrahwood Post Office & Shop (using the telephone line alongside the railway line)
2. Jack Tompsett (located on the left-hand side of Tompsett Rd near Ruabon town site)
3. Ambergate (now located at Busselton Museum)
4. Ruabon (opposite railway station, and built by Mr Cooper)
5. Ludlow Post Office (near Ludlow siding)
6. Vasse (In the Vasse store)
7. Carbunup (In the Carbunup store)
8. Yoongarillup (Wilfred Johnston’s farm)
9. Boalia (Bob McSwain's property)
10. Dunsborough (In Clark's Store)
11. Yallingup (At Caves House Hotel)
12. Marybrook (On the corner of Vasse and Yallingup Roads)
13. Metricup Farmhouse (left-hand side behind the Anglican church)
14. Quindalup (Harwood Cottage)
15. Hithergreen (Weatherly's farmhouse)
16. Chapman Hill (G Lord’s old house)
17. Kaloorup (Hernaman's farm on Kaloorup Road)

Sources: Telephone Exchange
https://collectionswa.net.au/items/d3c6ac0a-6662-445c-8863-121ab1d8b15d

RULES FOR CLERICAL STAFFBelow are some of the regulations that were issued to staff at a Sydney ship merchant’s office i...
03/06/2026

RULES FOR CLERICAL STAFF

Below are some of the regulations that were issued to staff at a Sydney ship merchant’s office in 1852. These rules highlight the stark differences in working conditions and how the workplace environment has evolved over time.

1. Godliness, cleanliness and punctuality are the necessities of a good business.
2. Clothing will be of a sober nature. The clerical staff will not disport themselves in raiment of bright colours, nor will they wear hose, unless in good repair.
3. A stove is provided for the benefit of the clerical staff. Coal and wood must be kept in the locker. It is recommended that each member of the clerical staff bring four pounds of coal each day during the cold weather.
4. No talking is allowed during working hours.
5. The craving for to***co, wines or spirits is a human weakness, and as such, is forbidden to all members of the clerical staff.
6. Members of the clerical staff will provide their own pens. A new sharpener is available on application to Mr. Ryder.
7. The new increased weekly wages are as hereunder detailed:

Junior Boys (to 11 years)​ - 1/4d.
Boys (to 14 years)​ - 2/1d.
Juniors - ​4/8d.
Junior Clerks​ - 8/7d.
Clerks​ - 10/9d.
Snr Clerk (after 15 years with owner) - ​21/-

THE OWNERS HEREBY RECOGNISE THE GENEROSITY OF THE NEW LABOUR LAWS, BUT WILL EXPECT A GREAT RISE IN OUTPUT OF WORK TO COMPENSATE FOR THESE UTOPIAN CONDITIONS.

Photos: BHS Photo Archive

ONLY THREE WEEKS TO GO….Join us at the Busselton Museum on the 14th June when our guest experts will be on hand to appra...
24/05/2026

ONLY THREE WEEKS TO GO….

Join us at the Busselton Museum on the 14th June when our guest experts will be on hand to appraise your collectables, antiques, and unique curiosities. This event also offers the opportunity to sell your coins, banknotes, medals, and small collectables. Don’t miss out on this chance to discover the value of your treasures!

18/05/2026

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK 2026

From the 18th - 24th May we are celebrating all of our volunteers for National Volunteer Week.

We want to say thank you to all of our hardworking volunteers who continue to contribute their time and effort to the Society and the history of Busselton.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY On behalf of all of our members we would like to wish all hard working ladies a Happy Mother’s Day. W...
10/05/2026

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

On behalf of all of our members we would like to wish all hard working ladies a Happy Mother’s Day. We hope you are looked after and celebrated today.

Photo: BHS Photo Archive

MUSEUM CLOSEDDue to the running of the Festival of Triathlon, the Museum will be closed on Sunday, 3rd May.Good luck to ...
02/05/2026

MUSEUM CLOSED

Due to the running of the Festival of Triathlon, the Museum will be closed on Sunday, 3rd May.

Good luck to all those participating.

25/04/2026

ANZAC DAY 2026

With their hair a little whiter, their step not quite so sure
Still they march on proudly as they did the year before.
Theirs were the hands that saved us, their courage showed the way
Their lives they laid down for us, that we may live today.

LEST WE FORGET

Excerpt from “A Tribute to ANZAC Day” by Ken Bunker

2025 HIGHLIGHTS What an exciting 50th anniversary year it has been at Busselton Museum!Our commitment to community engag...
28/12/2025

2025 HIGHLIGHTS

What an exciting 50th anniversary year it has been at Busselton Museum!

Our commitment to community engagement was evident through our events held this year, including the Family Fun Day during the Festival of Busselton, the Kids Fun Day featuring a scavenger hunt, the Antiques and Collectables Appraisal Day, and visits to several aged care facilities.

We were delighted to welcome students from seven different schools, twelve community groups, and visitors from various cruise ships — not to mention the Mayor and Councillors and two wedding parties! In total, we welcomed nearly 5,800 visitors, an impressive 10% increase from last year.

Our incredible volunteers have worked diligently to maintain outdoor exhibits and grounds, while inside displays are constantly being refreshed to keep things exciting for our visitors.

This year, our membership numbers proudly surpassed the 100 mark. Welcome to our newest members and look forward to having you in and around the Museum. We also want to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to all past members who have left us this year. Your contributions over many years have been deeply valued.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone – Busselton community members, businesses and supporters – for your ongoing support of our museum. You all make it a truly special place!

Address

76 Peel Terrace
Busselton, WA
6280

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

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