Western Australia's Great Southern rewards drivers who leave time to look around: wheatbelt towns, heritage stops and, in season, wildflowers stretching further than the eye can see. Below are the routes we point our guests toward, the stops worth building your day around, and a few practical tips for keeping the drive as smooth as it is memorable.
Road trips
Kojonup’s Scenic Drives and Road Trip Routes
Swap the drone of straight highway kilometres for roads that curve through green hills and wildflower country. We have charted Kojonup's most rewarding drives so the town becomes a highlight of your trip, whether you are breaking the Perth to Albany run or deep into a road trip from Melbourne to Perth.
The base Kojonup sits on the Albany Highway, 250 km from Perth and 160 km from Albany, so every drive here starts from the middle of the map.
The roads The Albany Highway is sealed the whole way and suits every vehicle type, including caravans and motorhomes.
The season Spring is the pick: from September the roadsides, reserves and the Stirling Range bloom with wildflowers.
Pick your road
Best Scenic Drives and Road Trip Routes in Kojonup
Albany Highway route
Choose the Albany Highway route for its seamless blend of natural beauty and historical sights. The road takes you through quaint wheatbelt towns where the charm of rural Australia shines bright.
The journey along this stretch is filled with opportunities to see unique attractions like Kodja Place here in Kojonup. It also passes Mount Barker, known for its wineries and breathtaking vistas of Stirling Range National Park. This trip isn't just about reaching your destination; it's an adventure full of discovery at every turn.
Inland route
Once you've taken in the sights along the Albany Highway, explore the inland roads for a change of scenery. Leaving the highway leads you through diverse landscapes and charming farm towns, offering a different perspective of this picturesque region.
Keep an eye out for the hidden gems that showcase the natural beauty of Western Australia's best driving country: quiet reserves, boutique stays nestled amidst nature and wine drives that highlight the region's finest offerings.
Jarrahdale State Forest
If your trip starts or ends in Perth, build in a stop at Jarrahdale State Forest. It sits in the hills southeast of the city, near the Perth end of the Albany Highway run, and makes an ideal first or last leg-stretch of the journey.
This lush and expansive forest offers a beautiful setting for picnics, bushwalking, birdwatching and even mountain biking. With its towering jarrah trees and peaceful surroundings, it is the perfect opportunity to connect with Western Australia's landscapes before the wheatbelt opens up around you.
How the stops line up from Kojonup
| Stop | From Kojonup | Worth stopping for |
|---|---|---|
| Kodja Place | In town | Interactive museum, Rose Maze, visitor centre |
| Williams | About 90 km north | The Woolshed cafe, Lion Park picnic spot |
| Mount Barker | About 110 km south | Wineries and Stirling Range views |
| Stirling Range National Park | Via Mount Barker | Bluff Knoll, spring wildflowers, walking trails |
| Albany | 160 km south | The coast, about 1.5 to 2 hours away |
Build your day around these
Must-See Places on the Kojonup Road Trip
When travelling through Kojonup, these are the stops that turn a transit day into a proper road trip.
Kodja Place
An immersive experience of the history and culture of Kojonup. Explore interactive displays, traditional artefacts and engaging storytelling that bring the region's heritage to life, then wander the gardens and learn the significance of local flora and fauna to the Noongar people. A rich stop for all ages; allow 1 to 1.5 hours.
Williams and the Lion Park
A charming wheatbelt town about 90 km north along the highway. The Woolshed opens 7 days a week from 8am to 4pm with a cafe and local crafts, and Williams Lion Park, on the banks of the Williams River, is a good spot to stretch legs with a grassed picnic area, BBQ facilities and nature play spaces.
Mount Barker
A charming town about 110 km south of Kojonup and an ideal spot to soak in some local character, taste the region's wineries and take in stunning scenery. It is also the gateway to the Stirling Range, so it pairs naturally with the national park on the same run.
Stirling Range National Park
Rugged peaks including Bluff Knoll, the highest in the range. Adventurous hikers can tackle challenging trails to panoramic views, while nature lovers come for the diverse plant life and the exquisite wildflowers that bloom through spring. Bushwalking, birdwatching and camping all live here.
Staying the night?
The next-morning loop before you rejoin the highway
Most of our guests are halfway through the Perth to Albany run. If that's you, don't just refuel and go: Kojonup's best short loop fits neatly between breakfast and checkout, and you'll still be back on the highway by mid-morning.
First
Breakfast in town
Start with coffee and a proper breakfast. The Black Cockatoo Cafe is a well-regarded local favourite with good coffee and a reliable menu, an easy walk through the town centre.
Then
Kodja Place and the Rose Maze
Allow 1 to 1.5 hours for Kodja Place, then walk the Rose Maze next door: a free-entry, 500-metre path through 2,000 Australian-bred rose bushes, at its peak in spring.
Before you leave
Back on the highway
Fill up with fuel in town, then rejoin the Albany Highway: south puts Mount Barker and the Stirling Range ahead of you, north runs back through Williams toward Perth.
Drive well
Tips for a Comfortable Road Trip
Pack plenty of snacks Keep a variety on hand: fruit, nuts and muesli bars keep you energised and save frequent stops, so you stick to your travel schedule.
Stay hydrated Keep water bottles handy and take regular sips. Dehydration sneaks up on long journeys, and a well-hydrated driver stays alert and refreshed.
Plan rest stops Schedule a break every two hours. Look for designated rest areas or scenic spots to stretch your legs, refuel, grab a snack and take a short walk.
Sleep before you drive Adequate rest is vital for staying sharp on a long drive: better decisions, faster reactions and more enjoyment of the scenery. It is the best argument for an overnight stop.
Serenity found
Your Stay at Cornwall House Accommodation
Every drive on this page starts better after a good night's sleep. Cornwall House Accommodation sits right on the Albany Highway in the centre of Kojonup, with contactless check-in from 2pm, free onsite parking and quiet, comfortable rooms. If you're looking for a peaceful place to stay near Kojonup, reserve your room and make the town your overnight base.
Before you set off
Questions drivers ask about these routes
Do I need a 4WD for the scenic drives around Kojonup?
Not for the main routes. The Albany Highway is sealed the whole way between Perth and Albany and suits every vehicle type, including caravans and motorhomes. Kojonup sits directly on the highway, so no detour is needed to reach town.
Which drive should I do if I only have time for one?
The Albany Highway route. It blends natural beauty with historical sights, passes through classic wheatbelt towns and connects Kodja Place in Kojonup with Mount Barker's wineries and views of the Stirling Range, all on sealed road.
When is the best time of year for a scenic drive here?
Spring. From September the roadsides and reserves around Kojonup come into flower, the Rose Maze at Kodja Place peaks, and the Stirling Range's wildflowers bloom. Summer drives are still rewarding but hotter and drier, so carry extra water.
Can I fit some sightseeing in before rejoining the highway?
Easily. Kodja Place takes 1 to 1.5 hours, the Rose Maze next door is a free 500-metre walk, and both sit in the centre of town. Breakfast, the loop and a fuel stop still have most travellers back on the Albany Highway by mid-morning, with Albany about 1.5 to 2 hours south.
Where should I fuel up and check my maps?
Fuel is available in Kojonup; fill up before continuing south to Albany or north toward Perth. Mobile coverage between towns on the highway can be patchy, so download offline maps before departing.
