Travellers in Western Australia often pass through the region around Kojonup without knowing which nearby destinations offer strong visual appeal or meaningful stops for their trip.
Without a clear plan, visitors risk missing out on the most photogenic or engaging sites. Quick drive-throughs don’t allow for connection with the environment or the unique features of the area, and trips can feel less memorable.
This guide lists seven standout destinations near Kojonup, suited to short visits or full-day trips. Each location offers visual variety, quiet access, and opportunities for photography, walking, and relaxed stops in natural or curated spaces.
Dryandra Woodland Forest
Dryandra Woodland is a large protected area made up of two Class A nature reserves and more than 20,000 hectares of eucalypt forest. It’s located roughly 130 km north of Kojonup and is a strong option for travellers wanting to photograph native vegetation, spotted marsupials, or open woodland.
The woodland is home to more than 100 bird species and a range of mammals including numbats, chuditches, brushtail wallabies, and western grey kangaroos. Photography is best during early morning and dusk when animals are most active.
Walking trails include:
- The Woylie Walk (5 km loop)
- Lol Gray Trail (12.5 km trail)
- Ochre Trail (1 km short walk for families or casual visitors)
Seasonal highlights include blooming wildflowers in spring, golden forest light during autumn, and cooler air in the shaded paths throughout summer mornings. Visitors are asked to remain on marked trails to avoid disturbing conservation efforts.
Gnomesville
Gnomesville is located 190 km west of Kojonup in the Ferguson Valley. This open-air collection of gnome figurines includes over 10,000 pieces placed across bushland, tree stumps, and creek paths.
The gnomes are placed by individuals, schools, tour groups, and returning visitors. No ticket is required, and visitors can add their own gnome to the collection at any time. The gnomes range from store-bought to handmade and reflect a wide variety of themes, jokes, or small stories.
Photo angles vary from ground-level closeups to wide shots of grouped gnomes along winding trails. Best visited early in the day or just before sunset to avoid crowd overlap during holiday periods.
Signage encourages respectful placement and no removal or relocation of existing figures.
The Kodja Place
Located within Kojonup itself, The Kodja Place is a cultural precinct combining:
- The Australian Rose Maze
- Noongar cultural stories
- European settler accounts
- Migrant displays from post-war periods
Visitors follow the Storyplace path, a series of sculptures and installations based on oral histories. The Australian Rose Maze features over 100 types of Australian-grown roses planted in a pattern that reflects shared cultural identity.
Each section of the maze is linked to interpretive panels or audio stories about Noongar women, early settlers, and more recent community members. This makes it both visually striking and meaningful for visitors interested in more than quick snapshots.
Peak bloom is from October to December. Entry to the grounds is free during opening hours, with the café and gallery providing further context and refreshment options.
Stirling Range National Park
Stirling Range National Park sits 150 km southeast of Kojonup and features the only mountain range in the southern half of Western Australia. Its highest peak, Bluff Knoll, reaches 1,095m and draws walkers, photographers, and nature observers year-round.
Bluff Knoll Track is a 6.8 km return trail with clear footing and rest points. Sunrise hikes are popular due to shifting cloud cover and east-facing views over layered ranges. Springtime brings more than 1,500 plant species into bloom, including many orchids and endemic shrubs.
Photographers can also find sharp ridge lines, layered mist during cool mornings, and sunlit plains when descending.
Facilities include sealed parking, trail signage, toilets, and occasional ranger updates at the start of the track.
Honeymoon Pool
Located within Wellington National Park, Honeymoon Pool is a riverside picnic and swim area 2.5 hours from Kojonup. It includes deep freshwater pools under tall trees and slow-moving river segments suitable for kayaking and gentle rafting.
Visitors can:
- Swim near the platforms
- Set up lunch at shaded tables
- Photograph the reflections and light shifts under tree cover
- Access nearby Big Rock or Long Pool walking tracks
Early morning and late afternoon are best for photography due to soft light and fewer crowds. Limited camping is available near the water with bookings required in peak season.
Barrabup Pool
Barrabup Pool is located just outside Nannup and is known for its glassy water surface and reflective stillness. Surrounded by jarrah and marri forest, it provides a quiet contrast to more built-up tourist destinations.
There’s a timber platform for sitting or entering the water, and walking trails lead around the pool and further into the forest. Signs along the trail point out:
- Native trees
- Seasonal orchids
- Historical sawmill relics
The location is ideal for low-noise visits, with minimal vehicle access and no loud recreation. Photography is strongest on still mornings when reflections are undisturbed.
Myrtle Benn Flora and Fauna Sanctuary
This 37-hectare reserve sits within the Kojonup town boundary and provides walking access to native flora and birdlife. Named after local conservationist and educator Myrtle Benn, the reserve includes looped trails through bushland and native plantings.
Visitors can spot:
- Blue wrens
- Thornbills
- Seasonal orchids
- Local banksia and sheoak varieties
Several metal artwork pieces are placed along the track, depicting animals and conservation messages. The reserve is free to access and suited to early-morning or early-evening walks, particularly during wildflower season.
Facilities are minimal, so visitors should bring water and wear suitable footwear.
Travel Planning and Tips
When planning to visit these locations from Kojonup, keep the following in mind:
- Driving times range from 10 minutes (Myrtle Benn) to 2.5 hours (Honeymoon Pool)
- Spring (Sept–Nov) offers the highest concentration of colour and biodiversity
- Early morning or post-4pm visits reduce crowding and increase soft-light photography
- Check seasonal park access or weather alerts on official parks or local council sites
Most of these locations do not require entry fees. However, some may have day-use parking or require bookings during school holidays.
Stay at Cornwall House Accommodation
Cornwall House is located on Albany Highway within Kojonup, offering convenient access to each of the listed destinations. The accommodation includes private rooms, on-site parking, reverse-cycle air conditioning, and walking distance to the centre of town.
Whether using Kojonup as a base for extended day trips or returning from multi-stop loops, Cornwall House offers a low-noise setting with flexibility and comfort between drives. Book your stay today and base your trip around the most photo-friendly destinations in southern Western Australia.
