Kojonup, a historic little town in Western Australia's Great Southern, is home to plenty of activities and attractions that make it a genuinely worthy stop. Summer is an ideal time to visit and explore, offering great weather and a chance to discover the local culinary scene along the way; while you are here, it is worth visiting the top 7 places to dine in Kojonup too. Here are nine things to do when visiting Kojonup this summer.
Things to do
Things to Do in Kojonup This Summer
Going to Kojonup soon? We have you covered. Summer here is hot, dry and golden, and the town rewards visitors who lean into that rhythm: water and shade through the middle of the day, and the parks, shops and big days out in the cooler hours either side.
The season December to February. Days average a top just under 28 degrees, with runs into the 30s, and rain is rare.
The rhythm Parks, walks and lookouts in the morning and evening; the pool, a shady picnic or Kodja Place's indoor displays through the heat of the day.
The highlight February brings the Wandercla Races at the Kojonup Race Club, one of the town's biggest summer days.
Cool off
Make for the Water First
1. Go on an adventure in and around Lake Towerrinning
Lake Towerrinning is a large lake about 30 minutes' drive from Kojonup, and a visit can satisfy nature lovers and the adventurous type alike. Activities available there include:
- Swimming. Keep in mind that the lake is quite deep in some areas.
- Water skiing, permitted during daylight hours.
- Camping and picnicking, with some areas around the lake dedicated to both.
- Bird and animal watching. The lake is a natural water source frequented by wildlife, with around 170 bird species and dozens of other animal species recorded in the area.
Worth knowing before you go: Lake Towerrinning is a nature reserve, so some restrictions and rules apply.
3. Summer activities at the Kojonup pool
The Kevin O'Halloran Memorial Swimming Pool in Kojonup is open year-round, with special activities that only run during summer. Alongside swimming and the water activities on offer, there is an open barbecue area and a lawn where you can stretch out and relax. On a hot afternoon it is the easiest cool-down in town, a few minutes from our door.
Shade and stories
Picnics, Parks and a Proper Look at the Town
2. Visit Kodja Place for history, coffee or picnics
Kodja Place is one of the most iconic destinations in Kojonup, and a must for first-time visitors regardless of the season. Each of its attractions reflects the history and soul of the town. Things to do here include:
- See the interactive historical displays and exhibits.
- Walk the Rose Maze, a maze lined with roses that tells the story of three local women.
- Dine and relax at the picnic area in the middle of the Rose Maze.
- Sip a coffee at the Black Cockatoo Cafe.
Kodja Place is open seven days a week except Christmas Day, and the indoor galleries are a smart place to be through the hottest part of a summer afternoon.
4. Picnic at Kojonup Spring
Kojonup Spring is a natural freshwater spring close to an old military building, which gives the spot some real historical significance. It is not a swimming hole, but the grassy surrounds make a lovely shaded picnic spot on a warm day.
5. Walk, picnic or just relax at Apex Park
One of the most popular spots in town, close to Kojonup Spring. Picnic on the well-maintained lawns, grill at the barbecue area, pick up food from the shops in one part of the park, or wander the paths past greenery and a creek. Toilets and a playground round it out, all well kept. There is comfortable Kojonup accommodation a short hop from the park, so you can make an easy afternoon of it.
Worth the drive
Big Days Out of a Kojonup Summer
6. See the Wandercla Races
Visiting in February? Head to the Kojonup Race Club for the annual Wandercla Races. The club is open year-round for horse races, and the Wandercla Races is a one-day event celebrating the sport, one of the highlights of Kojonup in summer. It is obviously one for horse-racing fans, but there is plenty on during the day for everyone else too: live music, camping, fashion segments and children's entertainment among it.
7. Enjoy the local flowers
Flower sanctuaries are found in and around Kojonup. The local flowers bloom in spring, but if you visit early in summer you may still catch them out. Myrtle Benn, Farrar Dam Reserve, Cranbrook, Boot Rock Reserve and Lake Magenta Nature Reserve are some magnificent places to check out.
9. Taste the local wine
The climate around Kojonup is conducive to growing grapes, which has made this corner of WA an excellent wine producer. Summer is a great time to sample the wineries within reach of town, and they are not just stop-buy-go places: there are vineyard tours, wine tastings and exhibits for visitors. Among the most notable wineries close to Kojonup are:
- Towerhill Estate
- Alkoomi Wines
- Frankland Estate
- Ferngrove Wines
- Trevelen Farm
Take something home
8. Shop for Local Goods
What is a holiday without shopping? Luckily, Kojonup visitors have plenty of options, spread all over town across local businesses and retail stores. Among the most popular local shops:
- Woodenavacloo, a gift shop selling trinkets and knick-knacks in the classic local style.
- Crafts & Gifts Shop, another gift shop with handcrafted items and local specialities.
- Gallery Aura for art, antiques and other trinkets.
- My Giddy Aunt Knick Knacks and Bric a Brac for specialty and gift items.
- Nightingale's Nest and Nursery for furniture, antiques and garden items.
- Kojonup Centre for local souvenirs.
- Activ Foundation Thrift Shop, a locally run op shop with clothes and all sorts of finds.
Local knowledge
Summer Sense for Your Kojonup Visit
Time the heat Do the outdoor sights in the morning or late afternoon. Through the middle of the day, the pool, a shaded picnic or Kodja Place's indoor displays are the smart moves.
Carry water on the highway Summer driving on the Albany Highway calls for extra water in the car, for you and your passengers, whichever direction you are headed.
Country hours apply Local attractions and shops keep country-town hours. Kodja Place opens seven days but closes Christmas Day; check ahead around public holidays.
Know the lake rules Lake Towerrinning is a nature reserve: water skiing is daylight-hours only, some areas are set aside for camping and picnics, and the lake runs deep in places.
Stay the night
Looking for Kojonup Accommodation This Summer?
If you are staying in Kojonup this summer, check out Cornwall House Accommodation. Trading since 2019 and packed with the features that matter in the warm months: air conditioning in every one of our 12 rooms, ensuite bathrooms, free parking and contactless check-in from 2pm, so there is no front-desk deadline to race.
You will find us at 70-72 Albany Hwy, right on the highway through town and one of the easiest bases for reaching every attraction and activity mentioned above.
Check room availability See our rooms
Or call ahead for reservations on (08) 9831 0214.
Before you pack
Questions about a Kojonup summer
Is summer a good time to visit Kojonup?
Yes, with the right rhythm. Summer days average a top just under 28 degrees with hotter runs into the 30s, and rain is rare. Plan outdoor sights for mornings and late afternoons, and spend the middle of the day at the pool, in the shade or inside Kodja Place's galleries.
Where can you swim in or near Kojonup?
The Kevin O'Halloran Memorial Swimming Pool in town is open year-round and runs extra activities in summer, with a barbecue area and lawn beside it. For a lake day, Lake Towerrinning is about 30 minutes' drive away and allows swimming and daylight-hours water skiing; take care, as the lake is quite deep in some areas.
What is on in Kojonup in February?
The annual Wandercla Races at the Kojonup Race Club, a one-day celebration of horse racing and one of the highlights of the town's summer. Beyond the racing there is live music, camping, fashion segments and children's entertainment on the day.
Can you still see wildflowers in summer?
The local flowers bloom in spring, but visitors early in summer may still catch some in bloom. Myrtle Benn, Farrar Dam Reserve, Cranbrook, Boot Rock Reserve and Lake Magenta Nature Reserve are some magnificent places to check.
Do the rooms at Cornwall House have air conditioning?
Yes. All 12 rooms are air-conditioned with ensuite bathrooms, and there is free onsite parking. Check-in is contactless from 2pm, so a late arrival after a hot day's driving is no problem at all.
