Travellers in Western Australia often pass through the region around Kojonup without knowing which nearby destinations offer strong visual appeal or a meaningful stop for their trip.
Without a clear plan, visitors risk missing the most photogenic or engaging sites. Quick drive-throughs do not allow for any connection with the environment or the unique features of the area, and trips can feel less memorable for it.
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 is located roughly 130km 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 the animals are most active.
Walking trails include:
- The Woylie Walk, a 5km loop
- Lol Gray Trail, a 12.5km trail
- Ochre Trail, a 1km short walk for families or casual visitors
Seasonal highlights include blooming wildflowers in spring, golden forest light through autumn, and cooler air on the shaded paths across summer mornings. Visitors are asked to stay on the marked trails to avoid disturbing conservation efforts.
Gnomesville
Gnomesville is located 190km 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. It is 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 the 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 a 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 who are interested in more than a quick snapshot.
Peak bloom runs from October to December. Entry to the grounds is free during opening hours, with the cafe and gallery providing further context and refreshment options. Our attractions page covers the Kodja Place and the Rose Maze in more detail.
Stirling Range National Park
Stirling Range National Park sits 150km 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.
The Bluff Knoll Track is a 6.8km return trail with clear footing and rest points. Sunrise hikes are popular thanks to the shifting cloud cover and east-facing views over the 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 on cool mornings, and sunlit plains on the way down. Facilities include sealed parking, trail signage, toilets, and occasional ranger updates at the start of the track. If you would like to make a full day of it, our guide to seeing the Stirling Ranges in a day from Kojonup maps out the drive.
Honeymoon Pool
Located within Wellington National Park, Honeymoon Pool is a riverside picnic and swim area about 2.5 hours from Kojonup. It includes deep freshwater pools under tall trees and slow-moving river segments suited to kayaking. Visitors can:
- Swim near the platforms
- Set up lunch at the shaded tables
- Photograph the reflections and light shifts under the tree cover
- Access the nearby Big Rock or Long Pool walking tracks
Early morning and late afternoon are best for photography, thanks to the soft light and thinner 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 offers a quiet contrast to the more built-up tourist destinations.
There is 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, and 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 the 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, and 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 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, September to November, offers the highest concentration of colour and biodiversity
- Early morning or post-4pm visits reduce crowding and improve soft-light photography
- Check seasonal park access or weather alerts on the official parks or local council sites
Most of these locations do not require an entry fee. However, some may have day-use parking or need bookings during the school holidays. For more ideas, our things to do this summer and day trips from Kojonup guides cover plenty more of the region.
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 you are 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. See our accommodation page for room details and what is included, then base your trip around the most photo-friendly destinations in southern Western Australia.
Check availability and book Call us (08) 9831 0214
Frequently asked questions
Which of these destinations is closest to Kojonup?
Myrtle Benn Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, a 37 hectare reserve inside the town boundary, is about 10 minutes away. The Kodja Place is in Kojonup itself.
When is the best time of year for photography?
Spring, September to November, gives the highest concentration of colour and wildflowers. Early morning or after 4pm brings soft light and thinner crowds at every spot.
Do these places charge an entry fee?
Most do not. Gnomesville, Barrabup Pool, Myrtle Benn and the grounds of the Kodja Place are free, though some sites have day-use parking or need bookings during school holidays.
How far is the furthest destination?
Honeymoon Pool in Wellington National Park is about 2.5 hours from Kojonup. Driving times across the seven range from roughly 10 minutes to 2.5 hours.
