Comparing Australian landscapes to European scenes is like comparing a bold abstract painting to a small, delicate watercolour. If you’ve travelled this continent you will have enjoyed some amazingly vibrant scenery, but sometimes it’s good to change pace and take a closer look at something more intricate.

Abingdon Miniature Village, Mandurah, WA, has more than 35 handcrafted, 1:10 scale replica buildings depicting different parts of the UK, including several from the town of Abingdon, near Oxford on the River Thames. It’s a great place for a quiet stroll. The little buildings, in architectural styles from the 12th century onwards, have been placed in a beautiful landscape of lawn, trees and flowering plants.

The village includes miniature steam trains and canals with barges, locks and pubs. Tiny figures have been added to the scenes. There’s a cricket match in progress on the village green, a fisherman on the canal and passengers getting ready to board a train.

Abingdon’s 17th-century County Hall was designed by a pupil of Christopher Wren, the famous architect who built St Paul’s Cathedral in London. The building was originally used as a courthouse, market hall and warehouse, and is now the town’s historical museum. At the time of its construction, Abingdon’s county hall was considered a bit too grand for a small market town. Its interesting architectural details are probably better appreciated in the miniature garden than they are in its actual location, squeezed in among other buildings in Abingdon’s narrow streets.

Like all the buildings at Abingdon Miniature Village, the three that relate to the life of William Shakespeare are also exact replicas. The originals are in or near Stratford-upon-Avon.

To continue the old world English theme, Abingdon Miniature Village has a heritage tea room in a beautifully renovated 1930s house. Silver tea services and old photographs stand on antique sideboards and Devonshire tea is served on fine china.

In spring, a wisteria is in flower over the tea room’s outdoor seating area. In fact, Abingdon Miniature Village has become as famous for its gardens as it is for its recreated English scenes. As well as the continuously clipped conifers and the meticulously trimmed lawns, there’s a huge array of trees, shrubs and annuals that flower at different seasons. From late winter onwards there are flowerbeds with thousands of pansies, violas and primulas. Late winter to mid-spring is tulip time and the roses are spectacular in early summer.

Mandurah Caravan and Tourist Park

Across the road from Abingdon Miniature Village is the Mandurah Caravan and Tourist Park, with shady areas, grassed sites, a pool, playground, camp kitchen and covered gas barbecues. It is 10 minutes’ drive from the supermarkets and the other conveniences of central Mandurah, and a fresh fruit and vegetable market is close by.

The caravan park is half a kilometre from the Serpentine River. Mandurah is famous for its combination of ocean beaches and vast network of inland waterways that connect the Serpentine and Murray Rivers to the sea through Peel Inlet.

A couple at the park, travelling in a Winnebago motorhome with a trailer, told us that big rigs were welcome and weren’t charged extra. Park owners Donna and Reg Cocking let the travellers park their bus and inspect their site before coming in. Reg assisted them into the site and connected the rig to power and water. For a small fee they were able to wash their van.

Donna, president of the WA Caravan Industry Association, said people of all ages were enjoying caravanning and camping. She and Reg are building a Balinese-style gazebo with an internet cafe that overlooks the park’s pool area. The office has tourist information and can book tours. Of course, Abingdon Miniature Village is one destination that you won’t need to book for. It’s just across the road and caravan park guests receive a 20 per cent discount.

The recently opened Perth to Mandurah train service is making the town an even more popular destination for travellers. The 80km journey takes only 50 minutes and is a relaxed and inexpensive way to get to Perth’s city centre.

By Susan and Keith Hall, ‘Merrie England in Miniature’ as featured in Caravan World issue 453, May 2008.

Mandurah Fast Facts

Mandurah Caravan and Tourist Park, 522 Pinjarra Road, Mandurah, WA. Phone (08) 9535 1171.

Abingdon Miniature Village. Phone (08) 9534 9079, or visit www.abingdonvillage.com.au

Mandurah Visitor Centre, Boardwalk Precinct, 75 Mandurah Terrace. Visit www.visitmandurah.com