Bonner is situated on the former paddocks of "Horse Park", a sheep property established in 1853 by Irish immigrants John and Ann Gillespie.

[2] From these humble beginnings, the Gillespies increased their pastoral holdings through the judicious acquisitions of neighbouring properties such as "Elm Grove" (situated in present-day Forde).

[citation needed] Their son James Gillespie was instrumental in establishing the Mulligans Flat Public School.

"Horse Park" homestead which has been nominated for the ACT Heritage Register is situated a kilometre west in the suburb of Jacka.

[citation needed] The suburb is named after Senator Neville Bonner, Australia's first Indigenous parliamentarian, who served the people of Queensland during the years 1971–1984.

A local primary school site is located at the centre of Bonner to also serve Forde, to the east, and Jacka to the west.

Oak Hill dominates the northern horizon which is 800 metres above sea level and situated on the north-west boundary of the Australian Capital Territory.