Kojonup is a small country town in Western Australia’s Great Southern region, sitting on Albany Highway 250km southeast of Perth and 160km north of Albany. It is a genuine stopover town with character: good food, interesting history and enough to keep you busy for a day or two. This guide covers what the town offers, when to visit and what to expect when you arrive.
About Kojonup
Kojonup sits in the heart of WA’s wheat and sheep belt, surrounded by open farmland and bushland. The town has around 2,000 residents and a strong community character. It is not a tourist resort and does not try to be. What it offers is something more useful: a comfortable, genuine country town with good food, accessible attractions and a slower pace that makes it a welcome break from driving.
The town takes its name from the Noongar word ‘kodj’, meaning stone axe, reflecting the long history of Noongar people in the area before European settlement arrived in the 1830s. That history is still visible and accessible today, which is part of what makes a stop here worth more than just a fuel break.
When to Visit Kojonup
Spring (September to November) – wildflower season
This is the best time to visit. The roadsides, reserves and farmland around Kojonup burst into colour during wildflower season. The area has significant diversity in native flora including orchids, everlastings and banksias. Kodja Place has a Rose Maze featuring 2,000 Australian-bred rose bushes that peaks during spring. If you are driving the Perth to Albany route and can time your visit for September or October, the scenery on the Albany Highway through this period is exceptional.
Autumn and winter (April to August) – quieter and cooler
The Great Southern has a Mediterranean-style climate: warm dry summers and cool wet winters. Autumn and winter are quieter, the farmland is green from early rains and the town is less busy. Daytime temperatures in winter sit around 15 degrees. If you are a business traveller or prefer travelling off-peak, the town is welcoming year-round.
Summer (December to February) – hot and dry
Summer in Kojonup is warm with temperatures regularly reaching the mid-30s. The surrounding farmland is golden and dry. The town remains open and functional but it is worth noting that wildflower season has passed and the landscape looks very different to spring. Carry extra water when driving the Albany Highway in summer.
What to See and Do in Kojonup
Kodja Place
The standout attraction in town. Kodja Place is an interactive museum and cultural centre telling the story of Kojonup through the eyes of both Noongar Aboriginal people and European settlers. The exhibits use art, photography, objects and hands-on displays to bring the history to life. Alongside the museum is the Rose Maze, a 500-metre path lined with 2,000 rose bushes. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours.
Kojonup Military Barracks
Built in 1845 by soldiers of the 51st Regiment, the barracks was established to protect mail deliveries and assist travellers on the early road between Perth and Albany. It is one of the best-preserved military outposts in WA and is open for tours on Sundays from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, or by prior arrangement with the Kojonup Visitor Centre. The thick stone walls and small windows are a glimpse into the realities of early colonial life in remote Western Australia.
Kojonup Spring and Rotary Park
The freshwater spring on the edge of Rotary Park off Spring Road is the reason Kojonup exists at all. Both Noongar people and European settlers were drawn to this spot for its reliable water supply. The surrounding park has picnic facilities and is a pleasant place to stop and stretch your legs.
The Rose Maze
Located beside Kodja Place, the Rose Maze is a free-entry garden featuring a 500-metre walking path through 2,000 Australian-bred rose bushes. Each rose in the maze carries a profile of a significant Kojonup woman, providing historical and cultural context as you walk. Open during daylight hours. Best visited during spring flowering season.
Where to Eat and Drink in Kojonup
Kojonup has a small but practical selection of dining options for visitors. The most popular with road travellers are:
Royal Hotel: Located on Albany Highway opposite Cornwall House Accommodation, the Royal Hotel serves meals daily and is the go-to option for a sit-down meal or a cold drink after a long drive.
Black Cockatoo Cafe: A well-regarded local cafe popular with both residents and visitors. Good coffee and a reliable food menu.
Kojonup Country Kitchen: Another local favourite, within walking distance of the town centre.
Getting to Kojonup
Kojonup is reached via the Albany Highway, the main sealed road between Perth and Albany. From Perth, allow approximately 3 hours to reach Kojonup (250km). From Albany heading north, Kojonup is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away (160km). The highway is sealed and suitable for all vehicle types including caravans and motorhomes.
There is no public transport service to Kojonup. A car is required.
Where to Stay in Kojonup
Cornwall House Accommodation is the main motel option in Kojonup, located at 72 Albany Highway in the centre of town. The property has 12 rooms across queen, twin and family configurations, all with ensuite bathrooms, free WiFi, air conditioning and free parking. It is positioned directly on the highway making it a practical overnight stop for road travellers and a reliable base for those exploring the region.
Practical Tips for Visiting Kojonup
Visitor Centre: The Kojonup Visitor Centre is a useful first stop for maps, local information and tour bookings. It is located inside Kodja Place.
Fuel: Fuel is available in Kojonup. Fill up before continuing south to Albany or north toward Perth if your tank is running low.
Mobile coverage: Coverage is generally reliable in the town centre on major networks. Coverage on the Albany Highway between towns can be patchy — download offline maps before departing.
Opening hours: Many local attractions and businesses keep country-town hours. Kodja Place is closed on some public holidays. Check ahead if visiting on a Monday or long weekend.
Wildflower season timing: Peak wildflower season around Kojonup typically runs from mid-September through to late October. Timing varies by year depending on winter rainfall. The Wildflower Society of WA publishes seasonal updates if you want to plan around the bloom.
