Best Guide to Gnomesville: Where Imagination Comes to Life in Western Australia 2023
Welcome to the enchanting world of Gnomesville, nestled in the picturesque Ferguson Valley, Western Australia.
This unique village, tucked away amidst rolling green hills, holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. What started as a playful gesture by a single gnome enthusiast has blossomed into an enchanting phenomenon, captivating the imaginations of all who stumble upon it. Prepare to be greeted by an amazing sight of thousands of gnomes – some of who have withstood the floods in 2018.
These pint-sized figurines come in all shapes, sizes, and occupations, each one boasting its own distinct personality. From cheerful gardeners tending to imaginary plants to mischievous pranksters conspiring behind tiny picket fences, the gnomes’ world is a fascinating testament to the boundless creativity of the visitors who have contributed to this ever-growing community.
Beyond Gnomesville, the Ferguson Valley region offers a treasure trove of activities to indulge in. Sip on award-winning wines at boutique wineries, savour delicious local produce, or hike through scenic bushland.
🗺️ Where is Gnomesville?
Gnomesville is in the Ferguson Valley, in the South West region of Western Australia. It is situated near the town of Dardanup, approximately 200 km (124 miles) south of Perth, on the Eastern Junction Roundabout of Wellington Mill Road and Ferguson Road in Wellington Mill.
The address is LOT 4059 Wellington Mill Road, Wellington Mill, Western Australia 6236.
It’s an easy half-hour drive from Collie and Bunbury.
The Origins of Gnomesville: From a Single Gnome to a Thriving Community
The story of Gnomesville’s origin is as whimsical as the village itself. It supposedly all began with a single gnome. Legend has it that a local resident, back in the early 1990s, placed a lone gnome beneath a tree near the roundabout in Wellington Mill. This act of playful imagination set the stage for something extraordinary to unfold.
As time passed, more and more gnomes appeared around that initial gnome. Local residents and passersby were captivated by the charm of the little figurine, and they started contributing their own gnomes to the growing community. People began leaving gnomes with personalised messages, stories, and well-wishes, creating a unique display.
The gnome population grew as word spread about this enchanting wonder. Visitors from all over started adding gnomes, each one with its own personality and character. Gnomes of various sizes, colours, and designs found their places beneath the trees and along the paths of Gnomesville.
What started as a single gnome has now transformed into a thriving community of thousands of gnomes. Gnomesville has become a beloved tourist attraction, a place of creativity and community participation.
The Best Time to Visit Gnomesville WA?
Gnomesville is an outdoor attraction that can be visited anytime during the year. However, remember that the region’s weather can vary, so dress appropriately and be prepared for changing conditions.
My favourite time of year to visit the area is in spring when the fields are green after the winter rains and wildflowers are blooming.
What to do when Visiting Gnomesville
Take your time to wander through the village with thousands of gnomes standing proudly in their quirky and imaginative displays. Explore the gnome characters, from cheeky pranksters to serene gardeners, and let your imagination run wild as you weave through the enchanting gnome world.
Bring your own gnome to join the village – it’s a chance to become a part of the living artwork and leave your mark on this captivating place.
Beyond Gnomesville: Exploring the Ferguson Valley
Beyond the gnome-filled forest, Ferguson Valley beckons with its natural beauty and outdoor activities. For wine enthusiasts, the valley is home to boutique wineries offering award-winning wine tastings. If you’re seeking adventure, the area offers bushwalking and mountain biking.
Other towns nearby to visit include Bunbury, Collie, and Donnybrook.
⏰ How Long Should I Spend at Gnomesville?
The amount of time you spend at Gnomesville is entirely up to you and any time restraints. The village can be explored relatively quickly; some visitors spend as little as 15 minutes taking photos and leaving their own gnome contributions.
However, if you want to embrace the enchantment of Gnomesville fully, you can take your time to read the messages, observe the intricate details of the gnome displays, and enjoy the magical ambience of the village. Some creations are funny, and some are sad, but it’s interesting to find out where people have visited from.
Become a Part of the Gnome Village
Visitors are encouraged to bring their own gnomes to contribute to the Gnomesville community. The gnomes in Gnomesville are not owned by any individual or organisation but are communal artwork that is constantly growing and evolving. Therefore, anyone is welcome to add their own gnome or other gnome-themed creation to the village.
When bringing your own gnome, it’s important to remember that it must be weather-resistant and able to withstand the elements, as the village is situated in an outdoor environment. Plus, it’s important to respect the surrounding nature and not disturb any of the flora or fauna in the area.
Most people personalise their gnomes with messages or stories, adding a unique touch to their contributions. Some even make entire gnome scenes with miniature accessories and props, creating an imaginative and whimsical display that adds to the village’s charm.
Tours Visiting Gnomesville
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Kaleidoscope Tours receive a 5-star rating for this Ferguson Valley full day tour, which includes a visit to Gnomesville.
Tips & Information for your Visit to Gnomesville
- No toilets, so go before you visit
- There are a couple of picnic tables available
- Entry is free
- Stay on the paths
- Avoid disturbing plants, animals, or any gnome displays that have been placed by others
- Take all rubbish with you
- Bring a camera/phone
- Do NOT remove any gnomes
Gnomesville FAQs
How many gnomes are there in Gnomesville?
The population of gnomes is constantly changing as visitors from around the world contribute their own gnomes to the community.
However, it is thought that there are over 8,000 gnomes in Gnomesville.
Can I purchase gnomes or gnome-related souvenirs in Gnomesville?
Gnomes can be purchased at the Ferguson Valley Visitor Centre or from Bunnings.
Can I take photographs with the gnomes in Gnomesville?
Gnomesville provides countless opportunities for memorable photographs, but be mindful of others and avoid obstructing paths.
Is Gnomesville Wheelchair Accessible?
Parts of Gnomesville are wheelchair accessible when it’s dry. However, after rain, it becomes muddy and hard to navigate through. There are also obstacles like tree roots to deal with.
Can I bring my children to Gnomesville?
Gnomesville is a child-friendly attraction, and children enjoy seeing all the gnomes.
Are dogs allowed at Gnomesville?
You can bring your dog to Gnomesville, but they must be kept on a lead.
How far is Gnomesville from Bunbury?
Gnomesville is 34 km from Bunbury, about a 33-minute drive.
How far is it from Busselton to Gnomesville?
Busselton to Gnomesville is 70 km and will take about an hour by car.
How long is the drive from Collie to Gnomesville?
It takes about 30 minutes to reach Gnomesville from Collie.
Save Money Planning your Trip
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Flights ✈️
We usually fly Virgin Australia domestically due to their competitive prices and fantastic customer service and fly with Qatar Airways to Europe.
Accommodation 🏩
We mainly use Booking.com for accommodation as they consistently have the lowest rates with free cancellation on most properties. We also book through Stayz for private accommodation as they are usually cheaper than Airbnb.
Car Rental 🚘
To compare rental car company prices, we use Discover Cars, an award winning car rental comparison website. They offer competitive pricing in over 10,000 locations worldwide and are highly-rated.
Campervan/RV Rental 🚐
Drivenow is a good resource to compare campervan hire in Western Australia as it includes all the large companies like Britz, Maui, Jucy as well as smaller ones.
Tours & Attractions 🎢
We book direct and use a mixture of third-party sites Viator, Get Your Guide & Klook due to their free cancellation policies, instant confirmation, price guarantees, and mobile ticketing.
Accessing Money 💵
We recently started using Wise to access funds internationally, including trips to Bali and Malaysia. They offer a debit card in 50 currencies and transfers are fast and free from hidden fees and exchange rate markups. Funds can be accessed through ATMs too. Wise has saved us a lot of money compared to our usual credit card and debit card.
Travel Insurance 🌏
Cover-More and Travel Insurance Direct are our preferred travel insurance companies for domestic and international travel.
See this Travel Insurance for Australia guide for more information.
For other ideas on where to visit in Western Australia along with the best things to do, where to stay, how to get around, and other essential information, click on the link below.
