Situated on the Swan coastal plain, between the coast, and the Darling Scarp, the terrain is generally flat, with many small natural and created wetlands.

It is situated on the western boundary of the Jandakot ground water protection area, and hence suburban development to the east is not permitted.

After European settlement of the Perth region in 1829, the land of much of the area including and surrounding what is now Atwell was granted to G Dunnage.

[6] Atwell College also incorporates the Kim Beazley Learning Community that enables the full-spectrum of opportunities for students with disabilities.

A small centre in the north on Lydon Blvd was opened in the late 1990s, consisting of a delicatessen and a Chinese restaurant.

A second larger centre was opened on Reynardson Ave in central Atwell in the early 2000s consisting of a supermarket and several other food and service stores.

A third shopping centre was completed in June 2014 in Harvest Lakes that consists of a Woolworths supermarket, a Cafe', Chinese and Italian restaurants and several other food and service stores.

Regular bus services on route 527, operates North to Cockburn Central railway station, located just outside the North Western boundary of Atwell, and Gateways regional shopping centre in Success, and South to Aubin Grove and Honeywood estate in Wandi.