Take the time to relax and enjoy Western Australia's unique heritage and beautiful landscape. The best way to explore the Great Southern region is to take a road trip. Before we look at planning our itinerary, there are a few safety features to keep in mind.
Safety first
- This is an area rich in native animals. Please take extra care on the road, especially at sunrise and sunset, when visibility may be limited.
- If you are tired, take a break.
- Book into comfortable accommodation so you are fresh to start the new day.
- Check for fire restrictions in the areas you are travelling in.
- Be aware of the increase in rural traffic on the roads: trucks, tractors, agricultural machinery and livestock.
- Petrol may not be available after hours in smaller townships, so keep this in mind when planning your itinerary.
- Some roads are gravel, so take extra care when driving on unsealed roads.
Itinerary
For a first visit, a diverse itinerary that takes in a broad range of what is available in this region is a perfect way to begin. Ideally this will take approximately three to four days, depending on how much time is spent in each location. Planning a relaxed, flexible itinerary will allow for those times when you fall in love with a particular town along the way and wish to linger just a little longer.
Here is a suggested itinerary to get you started:
Perth, Kojonup, Frankland, Ongerup, Home.
Kojonup
The first leg from Perth to Kojonup will take approximately three hours along the Albany Highway. Kojonup has a friendly feel and offers visitors a unique glimpse into Australia's rural community. The town is surrounded by farmland and natural bushland which is home to many species of wildflowers and native fauna. Take in the beautiful, natural surroundings while relaxing into the local country lifestyle.
The Kodja Place
The first stop on our Kojonup itinerary is Kodja Place. This is the home of the local visitor centre, the Rose Maze and a gift shop, and it is the place to see the Noongar stone axe, a hunting implement used by the native Noongar people. Kodja Place is also home to the Story Place, which explores the experiences of both the Noongar and settler communities to give a uniquely Australian viewpoint.
Kodja Place is primarily a story of reconciliation, bringing together the Indigenous Noongar and the Wadjelas (non-indigenous) communities.
Kojonup War Memorial and War Memorial Hall
If you have an eye for military history you should take the time to visit these two locations.
The Kojonup Memorial Hall is an impressive building which was built in 1926 to honour the memory of those who died in service or fell on the battlefield in the Great War (World War I). The foyer of this building has a stained glass ceiling and a marble scroll bearing the names of those who gave their lives for their country.
The Kojonup War Memorial Obelisk and RSL Hall were constructed in 1952 from natural stone found in the area. This is a memorial to all of the people who contributed to the war effort in both World War I and World War II. The foundation stone was put in place by Brigadier General AW Potts, who is famous for his tactics against the Japanese on the Kokoda Track in World War II. There is a separate monument in Kojonup dedicated to AW Potts and the men under his command, consisting of a statue and a covered memorial bridge.
A place to stay in Kojonup
As the first day of your road trip winds down, it is time to settle in for the evening. Cornwall House Accommodation is a 10-minute stroll from the centre of town, with a distinct feeling of country hospitality in the town 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 late finish on the road never leaves you locked out.
Frankland
After a good rest, it is on to day two. This leg of our journey runs from Kojonup to Frankland. At less than 85km from Kojonup, it will only take about an hour to arrive. The town is located in the Shire of Cranbrook and changed its name from Frankland River to Frankland in 1935. The river the town originally took its name from is located just 6km from the township, for those who wish to picnic on the river bank or try out the watersports.
Frankland is the door to the Frankland River Wine Region of Western Australia. This area is one of Western Australia's best kept secrets. It has an ideal climate for wine growing and produces the deep, rich flavours favoured by the wine connoisseur.
Bobtail Ridge Wines
Located at Lot 50 Yarnup Road, Frankland River, this winery welcomes all wine lovers to be tempted at their cellar door. Bobtail Ridge Wines have a great variety of wines available, including Semillon, Merlot, Shiraz, Riesling and some amazing blends. Along with the lovely wines, the cellar door offers light lunches so you can take your time and relax.
Lange Estate
Lange Estate can be found at 663 Frankland-Cranbrook Road, Frankland River. The winery is owned by the Lange family, who have been farming and developing wines in Western Australia for five generations. This winery produces wines of considerable intensity for the discerning palate, including Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and several varieties of Shiraz.
Alkoomi Wines
Alkoomi Wines is one of Western Australia's oldest family-run wineries. They have three distinct labels available: the Icon Range, Black Label and White Label wines. Included in these are some beautiful matured wines such as the 2012 Jarrah Shiraz and the 2014 Wandoo Semillon, to complement a range of younger wines. Because several grape varieties produce excellent fruit every year, the wines can be enjoyed while young as well as cellared for several years.
Alkoomi Wines is located at 1141 Wingebellup Road, Frankland River, and is well worth your visit. Alkoomi also has excellent chalet-style accommodation on the grounds for you to enjoy.
Ongerup
Once you have rested and refreshed, we start a new day. Today we continue on to the town of Ongerup, located two hours from Frankland via the Frankland-Cranbrook Road.
Ongerup and Needilup District Museum
The first stop on this leg is the Ongerup and Needilup District Museum on Eldridge Street in Ongerup. The museum began in 1978 in the Old Railway Barracks Building, originally constructed in 1918. The historic farmhouse on the site houses a native Aboriginal and early settler medicine and food display, plus a local wildlife display. The museum is instructive on the early settlers' lifestyles and the crude or simple machinery they had available to farm the land.
Yongernow Malleefowl Centre
The Yongernow Malleefowl Centre can be found at Lot 260 Jaekel Street in Ongerup. It is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9am to 4pm. The centre takes you on an individual experience through the environment of this endangered species.
The sanctuary area is host to Malleefowl aviaries and to Malleefowl chick-raising pens, which are designed to support the growth in the Malleefowl population.
The centre is home to a multimedia display that gives the viewer an introduction to the region's natural history and also encompasses the history of farming and conservation in the area. The children's play area engages children in the life cycle of the Malleefowl, and they have the opportunity to see the dangers faced by the newly hatched Malleefowl chicks.
There is a retail section to purchase souvenirs, a wildlife walking trail, an art gallery and a cafe offering light homemade breakfasts and lunches.
At the end of the day you have a choice of accommodation within a kilometre of the centre, at The Ongerup Hotel or the Ongerup Gardens Caravan Park.
If it is still early you may wish to say goodbye to the rural life and head back to the hustle and bustle of Perth. At under five hours you could be home before dinner. This itinerary is ideal for a long weekend away, or it can be extended to cover a week if you would like to take the time to fully explore each location.
Unlock the shackles of city life and visit the Great Southern region of Western Australia. Here you can enjoy great rural hospitality, amazing wines, unique flora and fauna, and explore the history of this wonderful location. See our attractions page for more to do while you are in Kojonup.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does the Great Southern road trip take?
Allow three to four days for a relaxed loop of Perth, Kojonup, Frankland and Ongerup, longer if you linger in a town you fall for. It works as a long weekend or can stretch to a full week.
How far is Kojonup from Perth?
About three hours along the Albany Highway, which makes it the natural first-night stop on the drive south.
What is there to see in Kojonup on the way through?
Kodja Place with its visitor centre and Rose Maze, the Kojonup Memorial Hall built in 1926, and the War Memorial Obelisk and RSL Hall, all a short walk or drive apart in town.
Where do I stop for wine on this route?
Frankland River is the door to its own wine region: Bobtail Ridge Wines, Lange Estate and Alkoomi Wines all welcome visitors at their cellar doors.
