Oakabella Homestead is a must stay destination if you are travelling the West Coast of Australia.

Only 30 odd kilometres North of Geraldton and 3kms off the highway, Loretta’s legendary scones alone will make this trip worthwhile! And that’s before you even tour the homestead, with Loretta or her guides relating its chilling history.
The day I did the tour every single one of my photos of the interior of the homestead came out blurred and unusable – Loretta’s explanation was “You obviously weren’t allowed to have a record of your visit.” Fellow Solo, Pam, was taking photos at the same time and in the same place and this is what she saw….

Neither the light nor the shape on the wall was visible through my camera yet I could see it clearly through hers! Loretta calls this shape “The Monster”.
Ghosts aside, (and the hairs were standing up on the back of my neck on several occasions), the tour of the homestead and shearing shed is also interesting for the amazing collection of artifacts that have been found on the property and which Loretta has displayed. Unfortunately, this is my only clear photo of an amazing collection that Loretta has amassed, that crowds the barn and the restored rooms of the homestead.

The barn is a buttressed style and was also once used as a school room. This, too, has an amazing display of treasures from around the property.

The homestead was built around 1860 and Loretta, with the help of the owner, Alan Jackson, had done a terrific job of restoring it and uncovering its original features.
Happy Campers. You can camp in the paddock beside the cafe for only $9 per person per night with a lovely hot shower provided and the opportunity to plug in appliances that might need charging up. The coffee is good, the scones are unbelievable and made fresh every day, and you can order a meal there, too, if you don’t feel like cooking.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, Oakabella Homestead is a great experience with an interesting history. Loretta and Alan are justifiably proud of the Heritage Tourism Awards this venue has won and they love to share their passion with visitors whether you stop for coffee or camping!