The top 5 National parks and reserves to visit and things to do during your stay at Cornwall House Accommodation
Cornwall House Accommodation is ideally situated in Kojonup, offering guests easy access to some of the top-rated attractions and places to visit in Western Australia. Our location is truly blessed, surrounded by the beautiful and pristine National Parks of the Great Southern Region.
While the spring pilgrimage to witness the spectacular wildflower display across the lower part of the state is perhaps the most famous draw, there’s so much more to see. The southern end of Western Australia is remarkably lush and green, boasting an astonishing degree of biodiversity within a relatively compact area. Whether you’re captivated by breathtaking scenic vistas from towering heights, rocky landscapes bursting with vibrant flowers, or the magical, densely forested gullies hidden within the parks, our special corner of Australia offers something for everyone. Beyond the diverse scenery, each park provides a range of activities to suit every traveler, making these famed locations truly live up to their reputation.
Stirling Range National Park
The beautiful expanse of Stirling Range National Park is special for a number of reasons. Not only is it a biodiversity hotspot – boasting more than 1500 species of flora, many of which are found nowhere else – it is also the only major mountain range to be found in the southern end of Western Australia. It’s varied offerings of shaded gullies, awe-inspiring cliff faces, endless varieties of beautiful wildflowers and breath-taking views from heights of up to 1000 metres above sea level, all culminate in a hikers dream come true.
Visitors come for a number of activities, but by far the most popular are the bush walks you can adventure off on or take the 42km scenic drive option with beautiful stops and lookouts along the way. Bushwalking tracks come in a number of lengths, but all are steep and have uneven surfaces so your level of fitness and appropriate hiking wear should be taken into account. The most popular and varied walks include:
Porongurup National Park
Famous for its enormous granite boulders and gorgeous views, Porongurup National Park is worth a visit during your stay with us. Containing 750 native flora species within a relatively small 2600 hectare range, it’s packed with beauty to take in on a leisurely bushwalk as well as a number of short scenic drives. By far the most popular attractions include:
Fitzgerald River National Park
Around a 2 hour drive south from Kojonup lies a national park with a coastal influence. Well worth the road trip down, Fitzgerald River National Park is stuffed full of natural biodiversity and is recognised by UNESCO as an International Biosphere Reserve. It has around 1800 different species of wildflowers and is rich in lichens, moss and beautiful fungi.
One of its most famous attractions happens during winter, where Southern Right whales migrate to calve along the shores nearby and can sometimes be seen from the heights of tracks – Point Ann in particular. From tracks rich in green flora, to rugged coastal walks that allow you views of sheltered bays and inlets – this national park truly offers a spectacular array of experience. There are excellent snorkeling, fishing and swimming options, and some of the best known walks and drives include:
Lane Poole Reserve
The truly enchanting Lane Poole Reserve is one of the largest national parks close to us here in Kojonup, extending itself over 50,000 hectares. It is filled with lush greenery and old growth forest, as well as many creeks and the Murray River. The size and diversity in geography makes Lane Poole Reserve an excellent option for recreational activities that include but are not limited to canoeing, horse riding, fishing, bushwalking and 4WDing. Like many of the national parks in the area, it is home to a huge selection of native wildflowers and is also a natural habitat for the now-famous Quokka. A selection of the best bushwalks include:
- The Island Pool walk
- The King Jarrah trail
- The Nanga Brook trail
Wellington National Park
Famous for its Collie River Valley and spanning 17, 000 hectares of jarrah, marri and yarri forest, the Wellington National Park is a favourite destination for tourists year after year. It is especially attractive for those that want to indulge in water sports like rafting, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and fishing – with a selection of locations that lend themselves to just these pursuits.
Walkers and hikers will experience pristine views of Wellington Dam and the gorgeous valley from look outs, as well as the rich variety of flora and wildlife. You can even stop for a snack along the way at the Kiosk located near the dam. Some of the biggest attractions include:
- The rapids
- The Long Pool
- Walking trails leading off from Potters Gorge
- Walks and other activities at The Honeymoon Pool
- Great picnics, walks and swims at Big Rock
As your Kojonup accommodation guide, we at Cornwall House Accommodation highly recommend exploring the unparalleled selection of national parks in Western Australia’s Great Southern Region. These natural wonders are truly a must-see during your stay with us.
For more information on the parks and their activities, simply pick up a brochure from our reception. Our knowledgeable team is also on hand to discuss your interests and help you choose the perfect outdoor adventure.
