Boronia in Flower

History of Boronia Farm

The area of Boronia Farm was originally cut for timber in the early years of the twentieth century. Several railway lines crossed the property at that time and there is still evidence of these lines today. The farm was selected in 1929 and the Williams family moved here soon after. The first house was built in 1935 and this forms part of the main house on the farm. At about this time an apple seedling grew up beside the house and after several setbacks eventually fruited. The fruit it produced was unlike any existing apples and it was recognised as a new variety which later became known as the Lady Williams. You can hear Bob Williams telling the story of the Lady Williams apple by listening to Western Tourist Radio on 98.4FM in Bunbury. The modern varieties of Pink Lady and Sundowner are both crosses of the Lady Williams. So it can be said that the current WA apple industry owes a great deal to this tree which still grows by the original house.

Boronia Farm Today

Boronia Farm lies within the Argyle block of the state forest and is surrounded by bush. Our farm consists of 160 acres, of which some 50 Acres is bush (recognised under the Land for Wildlife Scheme) including a large area of Boronia Swamp. We run beef cattle and a few sheep and goats as well as a menagerie of different poultry. There is also a “fruit salad” orchard, so there is generally (but not always) some fruit in season.