Kojonup
For many thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers in 1837, Noongar Aboriginal people were the traditional custodians of the land that is now referred to as Kojonup. They drank from the local freshwater spring and hunted game with the traditional Noongar 'kodj', or stone axe. Both Kojonup and The Kodja Place are named after the historically significant implement.
Following the arrival of settlers in 1837, Kojonup became an English Military outpost and, over the next century, evolved into a contemporary farming community.
It was the first Shire in Western Australia to have one million sheep.
Within any community, people come and go. Some leave their mark in the buildings they create, the businesses they run or the groups they choose to join. Others leave writings or photos.
The Kojonup Historical Society was formed in the late 1960s in attempt to capture something of these lives, for by learning and building upon the experiences of the past, we can understand community in it's fullest sense.
The Society keeps headquarters in the Old Post Office building, one of the many preserved buildings that visitors to Kojonup can enjoy.
Sightseeing
The Kodja Place
The highlight of a visit to Kojonup is The Kodja Place. The centre immortalises the farm experience, life on "the reserve", the heartfelt stories of early settlers, the aspirations of the young and the community hopes for the future. Sit on the school bus, drive the farm ute, walk the boards on the snazziest shearing shed you will ever see - you can even check the rain gauge and the farm budget. Join Aboriginal Noongar tours through the landmarks of Kojonup, and purchase Noongar arts and craft from the Kojonup Visitor Centre.
The Rose Maze
The Rose Maze is an iconic feature of Kojonup. Outside The Kodja Place, lose yourself in a maze of Australian-bred roses while you watch the evolution of the iconic Australian pergola.
Historical Sites
Follow the Historical Walk Trail and visit the many significant places that make up Kojonup's intriguing history and heritage. The Military Barracks, heritage harness display, St Mary's Church, the Old School, the Railway Station and the Old Post Office are among the fifty-two sites mapped out on the Historical Town Walk.
Flora and Fauna Reserves
Picnic amongst protected native flora and wildlife in Farrar Reserve, a 1000 acre reserve just out of Kojonup. Or visit the Myrtle Benn Flora & Fauna Sanctuary, developed by local school children in the late 1960s to create several walking trails and public access to the magnificent natural flora. The Australian Bush Heritage Block's with its Eucalyptus wandoo woodland provides important habitat for many birds and mammals.
The Annual Wildflower Festival
Taking place in Spring each year, the Annual Wildflower Festival showcases a stunning wildflower display with over 400 named species within the Shire, including a spectacular display of local orchids. Spend an idyllic, indulgent getaway exploring the countryside and bushwalking during wildflower season.
Wine Tasting
The regions surrounding Kojonup are home to many world-class wineries. The gourmet produce of the Frankland River is a forty-five minute drive from Kojonup. Once there, visitors can enjoy the wines and olive oils of Alkoomi Wines & Olive Oil, Blackwood Crest, Ferngrove Vineyards Estate, Frankland Estate or Jingilli Olive Oil. In Cranbrook, Trevelen Farm Wines, and Two Bells Wines and Olives are renowned for their food and wine production.
Centenary of Federation Wool Wagon
A joint project of Rotary, Apex and Lions, the Centenary of Federation Wool Wagon was officially opened on Australia Day 2001. The significance of the sheep industry to the Kojonup community inspired the building of this 1.5 times replica wool wagon, with each bale branded with the stencils of Kojonup sheep farms. The wool wagon sits in the town centre on the Albany Highway.
Australia Day Picnic Races
Join the people of Kojonup for a chicken and champagne lunch and picnic races at Wandelca Race Course on Australia Day.
Local Pubs
Enjoy a cold beer at the bar of the Commercial Hotel, Western Australia's oldest continually licensed hotel. Then travel up the hill to the Royal Hotel, built in 1887 and still sporting its 1880s colonial style frontage.
Sport and Recreation
Challenge your friends to a game of golf or tennis at the combined Kojonup Golf Course and Tennis Club. Or get some exercise on the squash courts, turf ovals or bowling greens at the Kojonup Recreation Complex, or lap the Olympic swimming pool. Swim, waterski and camp the night at Lake Towerinning (Moodiarrup Lake), an ancient meteor crater filled with fresh, clear water.
Note: The swimming pool is only open for the summer season, daily from 12.30pm to 6.30pm and for the early birds 6.30am to 8.00am Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Places to Stay
Jacaranda Heights Bed and Breakfast
Jacaranda Heights Bed and Breakfast is located in Kojonup at the gateway to the Great Southern in the South West of Western Australia. This private and secluded residence is set on five acres and just a short drive from the centre of Kojonup.
Located at Lot 14 Stock Road, Kojonup, 6395
Phone: (08) 9831 1200
Website: www.jacarandaheights.com
Kojonup Caravan Park
The Kojonup Caravan Park offers you the opportunity to enjoy a quiet and peaceful rural setting in which to relax and rejuvenate your holidaying spirit. Take advantage of the ongoing special offer of 'Pay for two nights and the third night is free' (conditions apply). Cook up a sumptuous meal or a simple barbecue in the unique, well equipped camp kitchen.
Located at 75 Newstead Road, Kojonup, 6395
Phone: (08) 9831 0047
Website: www.kojonupcaravanpark.com.au
Kemminup Farm
Kemminup Farm home stay provides world class rural accommodation 4 Star. Visitors experience 'true blue' country hospitality in tranquil surrounds which reflect a bygone era, featuring rustic farm machinery and household memorabilia. Combined with a delightful animal sanctuary, Kemminup offers a wealth of adventure and countless rewarding opportunities...
Located at Kemminup Road, Kojonup, 6395
Phone: (08) 9831 1286
Website: members.westnet.com.au/kemminupfarm/
The Commercial Hotel
The Commercial Hotel is the oldest current licensed hotel in Western Australia (1867). The hotel offers clean and comfortable units, and is centrally located in the heart of Kojonup. Enjoy our warm and friendly service with a full range of meals and a wide selection of our local wines.
Located on Albany Highway, Kojonup, 6395
Kojonup Bed and Breakfast
The Kojonup Bed and Breakfast is a large colonial home converted from a huge timber barn. The accommodation features high ceilings tastefully decorated with antique furniture. Relax in the huge guest lounge with large television, VCR/DVD, and a cosy potbelly fire for those cooler nights in winter. Tea and coffee with guest refrigerator is also available whenever you like so you can sit out on the veranda and enjoy the fresh air and sounds of the local wildlife.
Located at 47 Newstead Road, Kojonup, 6395
Phone: (08) 9831 1119
Website: www.kojonup.biz
If you would like to know more about Kojonup, visit:
Kojonup Visitor Centre
Address: 143 Albany Highway Kojonup WA 6395
Phone: 61 8 9831 0500
Fax: 61 8 9831 0300
Email: kojonupvisitors@bigpond.com
