Buckingham House & the Old Wanneroo School House is a delightful little slice of history tucked away in Wanneroo, offering families a relaxed and engaging way to step back in time together. Set within the City of Wanneroo’s heritage precinct, this pair of beautifully preserved buildings brings local pioneer life and early education vividly to life, all in a child‑friendly, hands‑on way.
Buckingham House itself was built between 1880 and 1890 and was once home to John and Amelia Buckingham and their seven children. Walking through the modest cottage, it’s hard to imagine a family of nine living within its compact rooms, and that contrast is exactly what sparks conversations with kids about how different life was in the late 1800s. The house is full of period furnishings and everyday objects that help children picture what family life used to look like, from the way meals were cooked to how chores were done without modern appliances.
On arrival, you’re welcomed by warm and knowledgeable volunteers who are fantastic with children.
They provide scavenger hunt sheets that encourage kids to hunt for specific items and details throughout the house. This simple activity really helps them slow down, look closely and ask questions, turning the visit into a bit of a historical treasure hunt rather than just a walk‑through. Volunteers are happy to share stories, answer curious questions, and gently guide children to notice interesting features.
Kids are encouraged to immerse themselves fully in the experience by dressing up in old‑fashioned clothing and trying their hand at traditional household tasks. Little ones can have a go at old‑style washing, using tubs and manual tools instead of a modern machine, which usually gets a mix of giggles and amazement.
Outside and around the site, there is also old farming equipment to discover, which helps paint a bigger picture of how families worked the land and provided for themselves in the Wanneroo area more than a century ago.
Right next door, the Old Wanneroo School House adds another fascinating layer to the visit. Established in 1899, this simple schoolroom shows what education looked like for local children at the turn of the 20th century.
Kids can sit at the old wooden desks, write on individual blackboards with chalk, and get a sense of what lessons were like without computers, smartboards or even ballpoint pens. They’ll likely be intrigued (and slightly horrified!) to hear about old‑style discipline, including the infamous dunce hats, which always prompts plenty of questions about how school rules have changed over time.
Together, Buckingham House and the Old Wanneroo School House make a lovely, compact outing that’s especially suited to primary‑school‑aged children, homeschoolers, and any family interested in local history. The experience is short enough to hold younger children’s attention but rich enough that older kids and adults will come away having learned something new. It’s also a calm, low‑tech activity, making it a great contrast to busier, high‑energy attractions.
After exploring the heritage buildings, families can wander to Neville Park, located directly behind Buckingham House. The Playground here is only small, but it’s ideal for letting the kids burn off a bit of extra energy after their “history lesson”. It turns the visit into a more rounded outing: a bit of learning, a bit of imaginative play, then a run around at the park before heading home.
Buckingham House & the Old Wanneroo School House is open to the public every Sunday during autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November), from 10am to 12pm, and entry is free. This limited opening window makes it feel like a special weekend outing, and the fact that there is no admission cost means it’s an easy addition to your family’s Sunday plans, whether you’re local to Wanneroo or visiting from elsewhere in Perth.
If you’re looking for a gentle, meaningful family outing that sparks curiosity about how people lived, worked and went to school in the past, Buckingham House & the Old Wanneroo School House is a charming choice. With friendly volunteers, interactive activities, and a peaceful park close by, it’s a lovely way to connect kids with local history in a very real and memorable way.
Buckingham House & the Old Wanneroo School House
Address: 10 Neville Dr, Wanneroo, WA
Opening hours: Sundays in autumn (March–May) and spring (September–November), 10:00am–12:00pm
Website: www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au/buckingham_house
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Kellie Elliott is an adventurous mum of four who’s turning Perth into her playground! When she’s not busy wrangling her little ones, you can find her on Instagram at Perth Mum Adventures, where she shares all her exciting adventures. From exploring new playgrounds to discovering off-the-beaten-path treasures, Kellie’s knack for turning everyday outings into thrilling adventures will leave you inspired and ready to explore the best that Perth has to offer!
