Nestled in the countryside of Kojonup, Western Australia, Cornwall House offers a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Beyond the comfort of the guesthouse, the landscape around town shows off the natural beauty of the Great Southern: rolling hills, wildlife-filled woodlands, the town's historic spring and, after dark, one of the clearest night skies you will find within a few hours of Perth. Here is a closer look at what makes this corner of WA worth slowing down for.
The verdant hills
As you come into Kojonup you find yourself surrounded by undulating hills that stretch as far as the eye can see. These are wandoo and jarrah woodlands and open farmland, and they make a peaceful backdrop to the town. In spring, from September to November, the hills come alive with a carpet of wildflowers that turns the landscape into something close to a painting. It is perfect country for a leisurely walk or for chasing the wildflowers that the district is known for.
The enchanting valleys and their wildlife
Between the hills, the valleys around Kojonup are just as engaging. Wander the reserves and trails and you may spot native wildlife: western grey kangaroos grazing in the shade of the gum trees, the occasional echidna, and a wide variety of birds. The national parks of the Great Southern region are within reach for a bigger day out, and keen birdwatchers will find plenty closer to home; our birdwatching guide covers the best local spots.
The town spring and the reserves
Water has always been central to Kojonup's story. The town grew up around a natural freshwater spring, the same spring that first drew the Noongar people and later the early settlers to this spot. Today it sits in a landscaped pool right in the heart of town, an easy and pretty place to start a wander.
A few minutes further out, Farrar Dam Reserve, about 8 kilometres from the Visitor Centre, and the Myrtle Benn Flora and Fauna Sanctuary give you quiet reserves to explore, with walking trails, picnic spots and, in season, orchids and other wildflowers hiding in the bush. You do not need to go far from town to find a peaceful patch of country to call your own for an hour.
Tall-timber country: a day trip south-west
If it is towering forest you are after, the famous Karri forests of Western Australia are a day's drive south-west of Kojonup, around Pemberton, Manjimup and Walpole. There, some of the tallest trees in the world form a dense canopy overhead, and sunlight filters down through the leaves in a way that is genuinely awe-inspiring. It is a full day out rather than a quick side trip, but Kojonup makes a comfortable base to set off from. Our guide to day trips from Kojonup has the details.
The night-sky symphony
One of the real pleasures of staying in a country town is the night sky. Well away from major city lights, Kojonup's skies come alive after dark with stars, constellations and, on a clear night, the arch of the Milky Way. After a day of exploring, it is worth stepping outside for a few minutes to look up. It is the kind of view that quietly reminds you why you left the city.
Experience Kojonup's finest scenery
Cornwall House in Kojonup, WA, gives you a comfortable, spotless place to sleep and puts the district's best scenery right on your doorstep. From the green hills and wildlife-filled woodlands to the historic town spring and the dark night skies, each part adds to the appeal of this quiet part of the Great Southern. Whether you are a nature lover after an escape or a traveller looking to discover the region's hidden gems, there is plenty here to slow down for. Our attractions page covers what else there is to see and do while you are in town.
Where to stay
Cornwall House Accommodation sits at 72 Albany Highway in the heart of Kojonup. Our 12 air-conditioned rooms (queen, twin and family configurations) each have an ensuite, free WiFi, tea and coffee making facilities, a microwave and a refrigerator, with free onsite parking and a shared camp kitchen for guests. Contactless check-in from 2pm means a long afternoon out among the hills never leaves you locked out. You will find us on the map here: Cornwall House in Kojonup, and you can get in touch any time with a question about your stay. See our accommodation page for room details and what is included.
Check availability and book Call us (08) 9831 0214
Frequently asked questions
What is the countryside like around Kojonup?
Undulating green hills, wandoo and jarrah woodland, farmland and reserves. In spring, from September to November, the roadsides and reserves fill with wildflowers. It is Great Southern country, about 250 kilometres south of Perth on the Albany Highway.
Can you see wildlife around Cornwall House?
Yes. Western grey kangaroos, echidnas and a wide range of birds live in the woodlands and reserves around the town. Farrar Dam Reserve and the Myrtle Benn Flora and Fauna Sanctuary are both a short drive from town.
Are the night skies really that dark?
Kojonup sits well away from major city light, so on a clear night the stars and the Milky Way are easy to see. It is one of the quiet pleasures of staying in a country town.
Where is the nearest Karri forest?
Not at Kojonup. The tall Karri forests are a day's drive south-west, around Pemberton, Manjimup and Walpole. Kojonup makes a comfortable base for that day trip.
