The Wellstead family had its Australian beginnings in 1840 with the arrival of John Wellstead in Western Australia as a member of the British Army (51st Regiment).

Following his army discharge John tried his hand at many enterprises in the southern regions of the state where he had been stationed.   While operating a successful buggy run carrying the mail and passengers between Albany and Perth he met Ann Crawford, marrying her the following year.

With sheep and cattle grazing in  mind John explored wide tracts of land in the great southern region, eventually settling on Bremer Bay.  In 1850 he began construction of the 'Peppermint Grove' homestead finally completing it in 1857 wherein his wife and then 7 children joined him.  The couple were to add another 5 children to the family in the ensuing 10 years.

Four generations hence, Max Wellstead, has devoted an immense amount of energy and time in refurbishing the former homestead to its original glory and establishing a heritage museum in remembrance and honour of his forbears.