Donnelly River Village
A charming, unplugged village in the forest, famous for friendly kangaroos and rustic cottages. Escape the digital world and embrace nature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Year-round tranquility
Donnelly River Village
Best Time
Year-round tranquility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, unplugged village in the forest, famous for friendly kangaroos and rustic cottages. Escape the digital world and embrace nature.
"It's an old timber village where you bring your own provisions, and live in old but well maintained cottages. The point is that you are in the Australian bush."
Bring Your Own Provisions
Pack all your food, drinks, and snacks as the general store has limited supplies. :shopping_bags:
Prepare for No Wi-Fi
Embrace the digital detox! Mobile reception is virtually non-existent. :iphone:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 261 reviews
Type
Hotel
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kangaroo & Emu Encounters
Friendly marsupials and emus roam freely, often approaching visitors for a unique wildlife experience.
Vintage Cottage Stays
Experience nostalgia in rustic, timber cottages nestled amidst the serene forest.
General Store & Tearoom
Enjoy coffee, cake, and supplies in a charming old-fashioned general store with a cozy fireplace.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Unplugged Experience
Cottage Charm & Wildlife Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Provisions
Pack all your food, drinks, and snacks as the general store has limited supplies. :shopping_bags:
Prepare for No Wi-Fi
Embrace the digital detox! Mobile reception is virtually non-existent. :iphone:
Cozy Up by the Fire
Many cottages have fireplaces, perfect for chilly evenings. 🔥
Walk the Munda Biddi Trail
The village is a stop for the Munda Biddi Trail, ideal for cycling and hiking. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Provisions
Pack all your food, drinks, and snacks as the general store has limited supplies. :shopping_bags:
Prepare for No Wi-Fi
Embrace the digital detox! Mobile reception is virtually non-existent. :iphone:
Cozy Up by the Fire
Many cottages have fireplaces, perfect for chilly evenings. 🔥
Walk the Munda Biddi Trail
The village is a stop for the Munda Biddi Trail, ideal for cycling and hiking. :athletic_shoe:
Feed the Wildlife (Responsibly)
Kangaroos and emus are friendly, but avoid feeding them processed human food. 🦘
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique, nostalgic charm of Donnelly River Village, praising its peaceful, unplugged atmosphere and the delightful encounters with friendly kangaroos and emus. While the rustic cottages and lack of modern amenities are part of the appeal for many, some guests have noted issues with cleanliness and maintenance in specific cottages.
"Loved the chilled holiday town vibe, the absence of wifi and the beautiful location. But was very disappointed with cottage #25. Rustic is fine, dirty is NOT. Floors were dirty, cobwebs, rubbish and dust everywhere, filthy old carpet/mats and the bathroom ceiling was completely covered in mould, a serious health hazard. The beds sagged and one even had a plank of wood between the mattress and base to keep it from collapsing. The flywire frame in the kitchen window fell out and had to be wedged back in. Unfortunately these things made it hard to relax and enjoy the beautiful bush setting."
Rosalind Appleby
"📍Looking for a real bush escape? ⬇️
✨ Save & share if you crave peace, stars & slow living 🌿
Hidden deep in the South West, Donnelly River Village is not for everyone — and that’s what makes it magic. 🦘 It’s an old timber village where you stay in vintage cottages, surrounded by tall trees, no internet, and just a single old phone box. You bring your own food, light the fire, and enjoy life unplugged 🔥📵
🐨 Expect friendly kangaroos, emus, and curious birds right at your doorstep. Days here flow slowly — bike rides, canoeing, bush walks, puzzles, and board games instead of screens.
☕ The general store serves barista coffee and has supplies for bikers and hikers on the Munda Biddi Trail 🚴♂️
🌌 At night, the sky is full of stars, the forest whispers, and the world feels far away — in the best way possible.
💫 It’s simple, peaceful fun — the kind you never forget.
❓Would you survive a weekend with no internet and only nature?
Credit
#Australia #SouthWestWA #DonnellyRiverVillage #NatureEscape #DisconnectToReconnect #MundaBiddiTrail #EcoStay #BushRetreat #FIFO"
Alexander Zhdanov
"This isn't for everyone, so ratings stars are for a personal experience. This is an aging timber village where you bring your own provisions, and live in old but well maintained cottages. The point is that you are in the Australian bush. There is tame wildlife. There is a single phone box but no internet coverage. With the right friends, you can enjoy peace and quiet to you own level. Bush walk or paddle your own canoe in the bushland dam. Play games and do jigsaws. It's simple, peaceful fun."
Rowan Holgate
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Donnelly River Village is located in the South West of Western Australia, accessible by car. It's approximately a 3-hour drive south of Perth. The village is situated between Nannup, Bridgetown, and Manjimup.
Public transport options are very limited. It is best to travel by car to Donnelly River Village.
The roads leading to Donnelly River Village are generally sealed and well-maintained, though some sections might be gravel as you get closer to the village.
Yes, Donnelly River Village is a stop on the Munda Biddi Trail, a popular cycling route.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors and guests at the village.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entry fee to visit Donnelly River Village. However, if you plan to stay overnight in the cottages, you will need to book accommodation.
Donnelly River Village is generally accessible during daylight hours for day visitors. The general store and tearoom have specific operating hours, which can vary.
Yes, day visitors are welcome to explore the village, enjoy the wildlife, and visit the general store.
Yes, booking accommodation in the vintage cottages is essential, especially during peak seasons. It's recommended to book well in advance.
Cancellation policies can vary depending on the booking platform or direct booking terms. It's advisable to check the specific terms when making your reservation.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include feeding kangaroos and emus, bushwalking, cycling the Munda Biddi Trail, canoeing, playing board games, and simply relaxing in nature.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic tech-free paradise for kids, with plenty of space to play and unique wildlife encounters.
You'll likely encounter friendly kangaroos, emus, and various native birds. 
No, there is no Wi-Fi or mobile phone reception in Donnelly River Village, making it a perfect place to disconnect.
Generally, pets are not permitted within the village to protect the native wildlife. It's best to confirm this with the accommodation provider.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The village has a general store that serves barista coffee and cake, and offers basic supplies. It's recommended to bring your own food for meals.
The general store stocks essential supplies, snacks, and some pre-packaged items, catering to hikers and bikers on the Munda Biddi Trail.
Yes, the vintage cottages are equipped with kitchens or kitchenettes, allowing you to prepare your own meals.
The nearest towns with more extensive dining options are Nannup, Bridgetown, and Manjimup, which are a short drive away.
Some cottages may have BBQ facilities. It's advisable to check with your accommodation provider when booking.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the rustic cottages, the friendly wildlife, the surrounding forest, and the starry night sky. The general store also offers a nostalgic photo opportunity.
Yes, the wildlife is quite accustomed to people, making it relatively easy to get close for photos, but always maintain a respectful distance.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful soft light for landscape and wildlife photography. Nights are spectacular for astrophotography due to minimal light pollution.
Drone usage is subject to regulations. It's essential to check current Australian aviation rules and any specific restrictions for the area before flying.
Don't miss capturing the kangaroos right at your doorstep, the charming old-fashioned general store, and the serene forest setting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit