A word from us before the list: most travellers give Kojonup one night, and one night makes these trips a rush. Give it two. Sleep, spend a full unhurried day in whichever direction suits you, and come back to the same bed instead of packing the car again. Below are the must-visit destinations that promise to enrich your Kojonup experience, sorted the way we actually describe them to guests: by how far you will really drive.
Road trips
Day Trips from Kojonup: 10 Nearby Towns and Attractions
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Western Australia, Kojonup serves as a perfect base for embarking on unforgettable day trips to nearby towns and attractions. From natural wonders, including opportunities for visiting eco-tourism in Kojonup and its surroundings, to rich cultural landmarks, there is something for every traveller to discover within easy reach of this charming rural town.
The base Kojonup sits on the Albany Highway, 250 km from Perth and 160 km from Albany. Every trip on this page starts from the middle of the map.
The near ring Katanning, the nearest larger regional town, is roughly 41 km away and Broomehill roughly 43 km, with Kodja Place and the Rose Maze right here in town.
The plan One night here is a fuel stop. Two nights buys you a full day out and a second good sleep before you rejoin the highway.
Ten trips, three directions
How far is each one, honestly?
Plenty of lists call everything a day trip. Here is how we would actually plan each of the ten from a Kojonup base, plus the near ring that fills a spare morning.
| Destination | The drive from Kojonup | Plan it as |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Albany | 160 km south on the highway, about 2 hours | The classic full day |
| 2. Stirling Range National Park | South-east via Mount Barker, about 110 km to the gateway | A full day, best in spring |
| 3. Bridgetown | West through farm and forest country | A full day west |
| 4. Pemberton | The deepest of the western runs | A big day, leave early |
| 5. Denmark | South to the coast, beyond Mount Barker | A long full day |
| 6. Balingup | West, on the same run as Bridgetown | Pair it with Bridgetown |
| 7. Walpole | South-west to the tingle forests | A long full day |
| 8. Esperance | A long way east along the south coast | Fold into the onward journey |
| 9. York | North, in the Avon Valley toward Perth | Best on the Perth leg |
| 10. Margaret River | A few hours west to the capes | Onward journey or overnight |
| Bonus: Katanning | Roughly 41 km, the nearest larger town | An easy morning out |
| Bonus: Broomehill | Roughly 43 km on the Broomehill-Kojonup Road | A quiet wheatbelt wander |
South for the day
The coast and the ranges
The southern half of the map is where a two night stay earns its keep: one full day covers the coast or the peaks, and you are back in Kojonup for dinner.
Discovering the Rich Heritage of Albany
Just a scenic two-hour drive from Kojonup lies Albany, a historic port city steeped in colonial history and natural beauty. Explore the convict-era gaol at the Albany Heritage Park or stroll along the pristine shores of Middleton Beach.
Don't miss the awe-inspiring views from the summit of Mount Clarence or the rugged coastline of Torndirrup National Park. It is the biggest day out on this list that still fits comfortably between breakfast and dinner at your base.
Embracing Nature at Stirling Range National Park
For nature enthusiasts, a day trip to Stirling Range National Park is an absolute must. Home to Bluff Knoll, the highest peak in the Range, this national park offers spectacular hiking trails amidst breathtaking scenery.
Keep an eye out for unique flora and fauna, including colourful wildflowers and native wildlife such as kangaroos and emus. The run goes via Mount Barker, about 110 km south, so the wineries there pair naturally with the park. We have a whole guide on seeing the Stirling Ranges in a day from Kojonup.
Unwinding in serenity
Denmark
Escape the rush with a visit to Denmark, a tranquil coastal town renowned for its pristine beaches and lush forests. Take a leisurely drive along the scenic Ocean Beach Road or explore the rugged beauty of William Bay National Park, then indulge in locally sourced cuisine at one of the town's charming cafes or restaurants. It sits on the coast beyond Mount Barker, so treat it as a long full day or roll it into your Albany run.
Natural splendour
Walpole
Venture south-west to the enchanting town of Walpole, where ancient forests meet pristine coastline. Discover the otherworldly beauty of the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk or cruise along the tranquil waters of the Walpole-Nornalup Inlets. Be sure to visit the majestic Giant Tingle Tree and experience the magic of the Southern Forests region. Another long full day, and worth every kilometre of it.
West into timber country
Bridgetown, Balingup and Pemberton
The western road trades wheatbelt for forest. Bridgetown and Balingup sit on the same run and share a day neatly; Pemberton is the deepest of the three, so give it a day of its own and leave early.
Wander through time
Bridgetown
Immerse yourself in the old-world charm of Bridgetown, a quaint town known for its timber heritage and artisanal crafts. Browse the boutiques and galleries along the main street or take a leisurely stroll along the tranquil banks of the Blackwood River, and don't forget to sample the local produce at one of the town's cosy cafes or bakeries.
Quirky charm
Balingup
Step back in time in the delightful town of Balingup, where historic buildings and artisanal shops line the streets. Explore the quirky attractions, including the Golden Valley Tree Park and the Balingup Lavender Farm, and don't miss the chance to sample homemade treats and preserves at the town's renowned markets. It shares the western road with Bridgetown, so do both in one loop.
Karri forest country
Pemberton
Pemberton beckons with its towering karri trees and pristine forest trails. Take a scenic drive along the Karri Forest Explorer Tourist Drive, visit the cascading waters of Beedelup Falls and enjoy a picnic amidst the serene surrounds. It is the furthest of the western runs from Kojonup, so start early and give the forest the full day it deserves.
Point the bonnet and keep going
The big ones: fold these into the onward journey
We will be straight with you: these three are wonderful, and none of them is an out-and-back day trip from Kojonup. Plan them as the next leg after your stay, with Kojonup as the good night's sleep in the middle.
Coastal vibes
Esperance
For a true seaside escape, head to Esperance, where white sandy beaches meet crystal-clear waters. Swim, snorkel or simply laze on the pristine shores of Twilight Beach or Lucky Bay, and explore the rugged beauty of Cape Le Grand National Park or the Great Ocean Drive. It is a long way east along the south coast, so make it a destination in its own right, not a dash.
History on the Avon
York
Journey back in time to the charming town of York, Western Australia's oldest inland settlement. Explore the well-preserved heritage buildings along Avon Terrace, delve into the past at the York Motor Museum or stroll the banks of the Avon River. York sits north of us in the Avon Valley, so it slots perfectly into the Perth leg of your trip rather than a return run.
Wine country magic
Margaret River
Indulge your senses in the world-renowned wine region of Margaret River, a few hours' drive west toward the capes. Discover award-winning wineries, gourmet food producers and artisanal breweries amidst stunning natural scenery. Whether you are a wine aficionado, a foodie or an outdoor enthusiast, it earns an overnight of its own on the far side of your loop.
Make it two nights
Seize the Adventure Beyond Kojonup's Borders
From the rugged coastline at Albany to the pristine forests of Pemberton, the day trips from Kojonup promise endless opportunities for exploration. Here is how the two night version of that actually runs.
Night one
Arrive and unwind
Contactless check-in from 2pm means your key is sorted before you leave the last lookout. Drop your bags, stretch your legs through the town centre and pick from Kojonup's best places to eat for dinner.
The full day
Pick your direction
South to Albany or the Stirling Range, or west into the timber towns. One direction, one unhurried day, no re-packing the car, and your own bed waiting back in Kojonup that night.
The morning you leave
Town first, then the highway
Give Kodja Place an hour or so, walk the Rose Maze next door, fill the tank and rejoin the Albany Highway. York, Margaret River and Esperance now become stops on the onward leg instead of impossible day trips.
Plan the full Perth to Albany drive See what's in Kojonup itself
Your home base
Take the Next Step with Cornwall House Accommodation
Ready to embark on your day trip adventures from Kojonup? Make the most of the journey with a comfortable and convenient stay at Cornwall House Accommodation. Our cosy motel rooms on the Albany Highway are the perfect home base for exploring the wonders of Western Australia's south, and when you are weighing up stay options in the Kojonup region, we are confident you'll find us an ideal choice. Book two nights and let the adventure begin.
Before you plan the day
Questions guests ask about day trips from here
How many nights do I need in Kojonup to do a day trip properly?
Two. One night is a stopover: you arrive, sleep and rejoin the highway. Two nights gives you a full unhurried day for Albany, the Stirling Range or the timber towns west, with the same bed waiting that evening and no re-packing the car.
Which day trip should I pick if I only have one full day?
Albany or the Stirling Range. Albany is 160 km south, about 2 hours each way, and packs heritage, beaches and coastal lookouts into one run. In spring, the Stirling Range via Mount Barker takes some beating: wildflowers, Bluff Knoll and wineries on the same road.
Can I do Esperance or Margaret River as a day trip from Kojonup?
Honestly, no. Esperance is a long way east along the south coast and Margaret River is a few hours west, so an out-and-back in a day is all driving and no destination. Fold them into the onward leg of your trip instead, with Kojonup as the overnight base in between.
What is the closest outing if I just want a short drive?
Katanning, the nearest larger regional town, is roughly 41 km away, and the small wheatbelt locality of Broomehill roughly 43 km. Closer still, Kodja Place and the Rose Maze are right here in town and comfortably fill a morning before you go anywhere at all.
Do I need a 4WD for these day trips?
No. The Albany Highway is fully sealed and suits every vehicle, and these destinations are reached on main regional roads. If you plan gravel shortcuts or forest tracks, check local conditions first, and download offline maps because mobile coverage between towns can be patchy.
