Many regional towns are passed over due to their small size or remote location. Kojonup, located in Western Australia’s Great Southern, is one of them. Without planning ahead, it’s easy to miss what this area actually offers beyond roadside stops.
The issue is that visitors often don’t realise Kojonup’s role in early settlement, farming, and Noongar history. From military presence to rose gardens and sports ovals, the town holds details that aren’t obvious unless someone points them out.
This list covers six factual insights about Kojonup — each based on recorded history or current-day locations. It includes how the town was named, what it was originally built on, and what’s still operating today. Whether visiting for a few hours or staying overnight, these are useful points for understanding what Kojonup is and why it exists.
1. Kojonup Began as a Freshwater Source
Before formal settlement, Kojonup was known for its freshwater spring — a vital resource in an otherwise dry inland landscape. This spring was located on Noongar land and held both practical and cultural value for its traditional custodians.
In 1837, European surveyor Alfred Hillman arrived in the area. Guided by the Noongar people, he was shown the spring, which became essential for early colonial transport. It was used as a rest point on the inland route to Albany, helping to support the safe movement of people, supplies, and livestock.
The location was later chosen as a staging point due to this freshwater access. As settlement increased, it supported farming activity and early government operations. Today, remnants of this original water source are near the town centre, close to the Pioneer Museum.
Kojonup’s development was not random — it was shaped by the presence of drinkable, reliable water in an otherwise challenging terrain. This made it a functional site for early inland infrastructure in southern WA.
2. Kojonup Had an Early Military Outpost
In the 1840s, Kojonup played a key role in regional transport and communication. To support growing settlement routes between Perth and Albany, a military outpost was established in the area to protect mail deliveries and assist passing travellers.
The location was chosen due to its freshwater supply and central position along inland routes. By 1845, the site had expanded into a small barracks near the original spring. Its role included offering logistical support and maintaining road safety during a time when few services existed between towns.
The barracks also served as one of the earliest forms of government presence in the region. Though the site is no longer active in defence, its location and remnants are preserved at the Kojonup Pioneer Museum.
This history shows that Kojonup was more than just a farming outpost — it was a logistical hub during the early stages of WA’s inland development. Visitors today can still walk the grounds where the original barracks stood and view restored structures.
3. The Name Kojonup Has Noongar Origins
The word “Kojonup” comes from the Noongar language, combining two elements: “kodj”, meaning axe, and “up”, meaning place of water. Together, the name refers to a place where stone axes were made near a water source — a description that matched the original geography of the area.
The “kodj” was a key tool for the Noongar people. It was made from stone gathered from local granite outcrops, many of which can still be seen around town today. These tools were used for hunting, food preparation, and ceremony, and played a central role in daily life.
The suffix “-up” appears in many town names across southern WA, usually indicating a connection to water or a significant natural site. In this case, Kojonup refers both to tool-making and freshwater access, which defined the land’s use long before European arrival.
The name reflects both physical features and cultural practices, giving Kojonup a direct linguistic link to its First Nations history.
4. Local Sport Has a Strong Community Role
Sport plays a central role in daily life in Kojonup, offering recreational activities for all ages. Despite being a smaller town, the area maintains several public sports facilities that are used year-round by residents and visitors.
Key facilities include an 18-hole golf course, an outdoor skate park, and a 50-metre swimming pool. These are maintained by the local shire and are open during standard hours, with seasonal adjustments. The Kojonup Town Oval also hosts local football and netball matches and is used for school events and community gatherings.
These spaces provide structure for fitness, social interaction, and youth engagement. Local clubs coordinate regular training and matches, particularly during winter and spring seasons.
Most facilities are located near the town centre and can be accessed by car or on foot from nearby accommodation. Visitors can confirm opening hours through the Kojonup Visitor Centre or local council website before arriving.
5. The Rose Maze Features Australian-Bred Varieties
Located near the centre of town, the Australian Rose Maze is a public garden designed using only Australian-bred roses. It opens seasonally from October and features walking paths arranged in a maze layout, with signage that links local stories to specific rose varieties.
Each rose in the maze is tagged with its name and origin. Varieties include names like Australia Felix, Sunny South, Squatter’s Dream, and Kwinana. These selections are chosen not only for appearance and scent but also for their cultural ties to Australia’s agricultural and rural history.
The site also shares the stories of three women significant to Kojonup’s past: Yoondi, a Noongar woman; Elizabeth, an early European settler; and Maria, an Italian immigrant. Their profiles are placed throughout the maze, providing context about life in Kojonup during different periods.
The Rose Maze is free to enter and open during daylight hours. Visitors are encouraged to check seasonal bloom times if planning a trip around flowering conditions.
6. Kojonup’s Wool Industry Shaped Its Growth
Kojonup played a key role in Western Australia’s wool production throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The area supported large-scale sheep grazing, with its climate and open land well suited for wool-growing operations.
By 1905, the Kojonup district managed over 10,000 sheep. This number expanded significantly during the 1980s, with recorded shearing of up to one million sheep by 1989. The town became known for its wool handling and livestock breeding capacity across the region.
The Centenary of Federation Wool Wagon, located near the Visitor Centre, commemorates this part of Kojonup’s economy. It serves as a visible reminder of the link between farming development and rural infrastructure. Other early industries included sandalwood collection, kangaroo harvesting, and canola oil production.
While agricultural practices have shifted over time, wool remains a key reference point for Kojonup’s identity and land use. The presence of active farms around the town continues to support this legacy.
Accommodation Access in Kojonup
Kojonup includes several short-stay accommodation options suited to road travellers and regional visitors. Cornwall House Accommodation is located near the centre of town and within walking distance of key local sites, including the Rose Maze and Pioneer Museum.
The rooms offer clean and functional facilities including Wi-Fi, tea and coffee amenities, and onsite parking. It is a suitable option for solo travellers, families, or small groups needing overnight rest between southern WA destinations.
For availability or questions, contact us through the website.
