Read this if you’re planning to visit and explore Kojonup soon.
There must be something captivating about the freshwater spring that attracted the nomadic Aborigines and the European settlers to Kojonup centuries ago. A charming Wheatbelt town located on Highway 95 (about 256 km from Perth and 160 km from Albany) in the southern corner of Western Australia, 305 meters above sea level.
Kojonup derived its name from the Kodj, or a stone axe, made from local stone. It is proud to preserve its rich cultural heritage and has retained its rich country site until this day – untouched and unmarred by civilisation. A trip to the Great Southern is incomplete without stopping by this Wheatbelt town. Here is everything you need to know about Kojonup to make your trip worthwhile.
A Brief History
Every nation, community, and tribe have bittersweet memories of the past, and the Noongar Aboriginal people are no exception. They had inhabited Kojonup for thousands of years before the European settlers arrived in 1837. They drank fresh water from the spring and made a stone axe, or Kodj, from ordinary stone to hunt. The women and children would gather plants, fruits, and berries.
But things began to change for this unsuspecting tribal community after they led Albert Hillman, a European land surveyor, to the freshwater spring. The naivete, friendliness, and hospitality marked the turning point in their lives. Little did they know that soon the Europeans would set up military outposts in Kojonup. These were to keep travellers and mails safe but soon grew into barracks. The soldiers with settlement grants in the barracks set up the first farm.
Alfred Hillman wrote in his diary that the site – about two square miles – is suitable for planting crops, has an abundant fresh water supply, and plenty of stones for buildings. A land survey conducted by Hillman in 1840 suggested building a town around the freshwater spring, and the rest was history.
If the Kojonup Museum – once a military barracks – could tell tales, it would recount sordid details about how the Europeans invaded the land of the Noongar Aborigines. Today, the museum holds relics of old Kojonup and tells untold stories about how brave Aborigines defended their turf. If you plan to visit the Kojonup Museum, check out the Cornwall House Accommodation to give you a vantage point.
8 Interesting facts you need to know about Kojonup
Kojonup Spring is the lifeblood of Kojonup
Freshwater is the lifeblood of every town. The Kojonup Spring is known for its ample supply of freshwater. It is the source that drew the nomadic Aborigines to the area. Therefore, it is unsurprising that European settlers got attracted to the site.
A mixed enterprise farming environment
Kojonup is famous for being the first shire to accumulate one million sheep in Western Australia.
It is widely known for its capacity to produce quality sheep for meat and wool. Wheat, canola, barley, cattle, and pigs round up the agricultural sector.
Kojonup is known for its Wildflower
Kojonup lies in an area rich in farmlands and bushlands. A wildflower is enticingly beautiful in the springtime, as the site is rich in a diversity of flora and fauna.
Harsh life for the Aboriginal women
The Aboriginal women are the most disadvantaged group in Australia. They are 34 times more likely to be hospitalised due to domestic violence and ten times more likely to die from direct assault than other Australian women. Is it pure coincidence that signage in the Rose Maze depicts the harsh life of these women?
Sports bridged racial discrimination
The Kojonup Shire promotes sports as a healthy way of life. Sports play an integral part in every daily activity and help bridge the gap between racial discrimination.
Kojonup is the only sizable town in the area
Kojonup is the central hub of Kojonup shire and the only sizeable town in the area. A 2016 census revealed that this rural town has 1,985 residents compared to other towns had only about 55 to 250 residents.
Kojonup weather and climate
In Kojonup, the summers are hot and dry. The winters are long and cold. A typical temperature varies from 37°F to 87°F. If you want to dig in, the best time of the year to visit Kojonup for fun activities is from late December to mid-March.
Friendly boutique accommodation
Do you want friendly and safe accommodation with a country ambience? Kojonup has gained popularity for its friendly boutique accommodation, where visitors can experience country hospitality at any farm stay, caravan park, bed-and-breakfast, or motel-style accommodation.
Popular attractions in Kojonup
The Kodja Place
The Kodj Gallery, Story Place, Rose Maze, Yoondi’s Mia Mia, and Visitor Centre are all housed under The Kodja Place:
- A genuine Noongar stone axe – the Kodj – is the main feature of the gallery.
- The Story Place shows the harsh realities of life for the Noongar and Wadjela people, depicted through photos and quotes.
- The inspiring life story of Yoondi, a symbolic Noongar woman, is one of three stories woven along the pathways in the Rose Maze Garden.
Myrtle Ben & Flora Sanctuary
The passion of a retired teacher for nature and indigenous culture is evident in her collection of flora and fauna. Myrtle Ben, assisted by her students, established the Flora and Fauna Sanctuary at the edge of the town.
Military Barracks
The military barracks, now a museum, is the oldest building in Kojonup. It was built in 1845 and contained poignant memories of the past.
Centenary of Federation Wool Wagon
The attraction is a project of Kojonup Lion’s Club, Rotary Club, and Apex Club. It carries bales with brands of local sheep farms.
Book your accommodation early!
Experience country hospitality with Cornwall House Accommodation. The place is conveniently along Albany Highway in the heart of Kojonup. Have a great vantage point of this rich historical town while relaxing in a comfortable, clean, and relaxing sanctuary.
Our friendly staff is committed to making your stay in Kojonup pleasant and memorable.
Call us at (08) 98310214 or email stay@cornwallhouseaccommodation.com.au for enquiries.
