Get ready to experience the vibrant creativity of Western Australia's Great Southern region. In 2025, the Southern Art and Craft Trail promises an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes and rich artistic talent. From regional painters and sculptors to unique craftspeople, the trail showcases the incredible talent of artists and artisans living and working in this diverse part of WA.
The Great Southern region itself, with its dramatic coastline, rolling farmlands and charming country towns like Kojonup, provides the perfect backdrop for this celebration of creativity. If you are exploring the trail, Cornwall House Accommodation in Kojonup offers a comfortable and convenient base, providing well-appointed lodgings with warm country hospitality, an ideal place to rest after a day of artistic discovery.
Exploring the 2025 Trail: venues and artistic diversity
The 2025 Southern Art and Craft Trail runs from Saturday 27 September to Sunday 12 October, spanning two weeks of artistic immersion across the region. The trail typically includes towns like Albany, Denmark, Mount Barker, Manjimup, Gnowangerup and Kojonup, among others.
Visitors can use the ArtSouthWA website and the dedicated Trail booklet (available from mid-August 2025 and distributed widely, including in Kojonup) to find artists and venues geographically. The trail encompasses a huge diversity of arts and crafts, including textiles, painting, sculpture, jewellery, printmaking, photography, pottery and woodcraft.
You will discover art displayed in a wide variety of venues, from working studios and galleries to cafes, wineries, local businesses, community halls and pop-up spaces. As in previous years, many artists offer demonstrations and talks within their studios, a unique opportunity to interact with the creators and gain insight into their processes. This fosters a welcoming and community-spirited atmosphere throughout the event. With dozens of venues participating (74 or more, plus 16 or more school displays in 2024, pointing to a similar scale for 2025), there is something to inspire everyone around every corner of the Great Southern.
The Great Southern's artistic spirit
The artistic spirit of Western Australia's southern region is deeply connected to its unique environment and close-knit communities. The diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines and ancient forests to fertile plains and rural towns like Kojonup, are a constant source of inspiration for local artists. This connection is evident in the work, whether it is a landscape painter capturing the intense southern light, a woodworker shaping timber from local sources, a ceramicist using textures and colours inspired by the earth, or a textile artist weaving stories of the land.
The Southern Art and Craft Trail is a key event that brings this regional talent to the forefront, celebrating the creativity that thrives outside major metropolitan centres. The trail highlights the work of artists who draw upon local themes, materials and the distinct quality of light found in the Great Southern. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to step into private studios, see works in progress and chat directly with the creators: a level of access rarely found in traditional gallery settings. This direct engagement fosters a stronger appreciation for the skill and dedication behind each piece and builds a genuine connection between artist and audience.
It is a testament to the passion and skill of the individuals and groups who contribute to the cultural vibrancy of the region, showcasing a modern regional artistic identity shaped by its environment and community connections. The trail not only supports artists but also encourages visitors to explore the diverse towns and hidden gems of the Great Southern, turning the region itself into a sprawling exhibition space. This annual event reinforces the area's rich cultural tapestry and its ongoing contribution to Western Australian art.
Accommodation for art enthusiasts: Cornwall House
For your Southern Art and Craft Trail experience, Cornwall House Accommodation in Kojonup offers an ideal base. This 12-room motel provides comfortable, clean and well-appointed lodgings with a distinctive country charm, well suited to exploring the trail across the Great Southern. Located conveniently on the Albany Highway right in the heart of Kojonup, it gives you easy access to trail venues within the town and a central point for visiting participating locations in nearby towns.
Kojonup accommodation here is comfortable and practical, with professional service and warm country hospitality for a pleasant stay. It stands out among Great Southern accommodation options for its facilities and location. All rooms are non-smoking and feature reverse cycle air-conditioning for comfort year-round. Guests enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, a smart TV, microwave, small refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities. Ensuite bathrooms, a desk and comfortable chairs are standard.
Onsite, guests can use the modern camp kitchen with cooking, dining and lounge facilities, as well as laundry facilities. Free onsite parking is available, and some rooms offer wheelchair access (a Twin Room with ambulant access and a Family Room with Special Access), making it a practical choice for visitors exploring the trail.
Planning your art trail adventure: tips and recommendations
Planning a WA holiday around the Southern Art and Craft Trail promises a rewarding experience. To make the most of your trip, build a flexible Great Southern itinerary using the official trail booklet and online map, focusing on the towns and clusters of venues you want to visit. Given the regional spread, having a car is highly recommended for flexibility. Check specific venue opening hours, as these can vary. Booking your Kojonup accommodation well in advance is advisable, especially during the popular trail period. Consider allocating several days to explore different parts of the region, and combine your art exploration with the Great Southern's natural beauty, local produce and other attractions: late September and early October is a lovely time to visit for wildflowers and pleasant weather.
Book your stay and embrace regional WA creativity
Ready to book Kojonup accommodation for the 2025 Southern Art and Craft Trail? Contact Cornwall House Kojonup directly to secure your base for exploring the artistic wonders of the Great Southern, for the perfect blend of regional art, culture and country charm. If you have any questions, send us an enquiry or call Cornwall House Accommodation on (08) 9831 0214.
