We have your itinerary covered for your next trip to Kojonup. Planning to visit Western Australia with the kids? A WA bucket list should absolutely include Kojonup, a Great Southern treasure famous for its beautiful wildflowers, diverse marsupial species and abundant birds. Beyond its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, the town is packed with family-friendly things to do. Just 270 kilometres south-east of Perth and an hour and a half from Albany, Kojonup has a laid-back rural feel that makes it perfect for a relaxed family getaway.
It is a joy to spend time with your kids without worrying about safety and security. When you are visiting unique places to eat in the Great Southern region and exploring the town with your family, you can enjoy quality time with complete peace of mind.
The activities at a glance
Six easy family outings, most of them within a few minutes of the main street. Pick one for the morning, one for the afternoon, and you have a full day without anyone melting down in the back seat.
| Activity | Good for | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Bird and wildlife spotting | Curious kids, easy walking | Kojonup Reserve, minutes from town |
| Wildflowers | Spring visits, short trails | Farrar Dam, Myrtle Benn, Boot Rock |
| Family picnic | All ages, low cost | Kodja Place, Apex Park, Kojonup Spring |
| A swim | Summer, older kids | Kojonup Memorial Swimming Pool |
| First round of golf | Learning a new skill together | Kojonup Golf Club |
| The picnic races | A one-off February day out | Kojonup Race Club |
Top family-friendly activities in Kojonup
Kids are naturally adventurous and love a fun-filled day as much as the adults do. Kojonup is a perfect place to unwind and make the kind of family memories that last a lifetime. Here are the outings everyone will enjoy.
1. Experience the chattering bird life in Kojonup Reserve
The sound of chattering birds in magical bushland is music to the ears at any age, and it soothes the senses beautifully. Exploring the wildlife of Kojonup Reserve, about a three-hour drive from Perth, will more than satisfy your kids' curiosity.
Kojonup Reserve, a standout in wheatbelt country, is home to about 100 species of native birds:
- The Golden Whistler feeds on buzzing insects in the reserve's canopy.
- Local species like the Rufous Tree-creeper nestle in hollows through the woodland.
- Foraging birds like the white-browed Babbler make fallen logs their habitat.
- The Red-tailed Phascogale, the sweetest resident of the reserve, springs from she-oak trees and leaps up to two metres at a time, wrapping its Velcro-like feet around the trunks.
- Honeyeaters feed on the woodland's nectar-rich flowers all year round.
Other creatures to watch for in Kojonup Reserve are Pygmy Possums, Wedge-tailed Eagles, the Tawny Frogmouth, bearded dragons, owls and goannas. Keen young birdwatchers can carry the theme further with our birdwatching guide for guests.
2. Enjoy the sight of beautiful wildflowers
Kojonup is famous for the wildflowers found in its flora sanctuaries, which bloom from spring into late summer. It makes a wonderful learning experience for inquisitive little ones, and our wildflower guide covers the best spots and the timing in detail.
Australian Bush and Heritage Reserve
This woodland north of Kojonup is home to open shrubland, orchids, heaths, herbs, sedges and Melaleuca thickets. The little ones will have a field day watching native birds like the Peregrine Falcon, Black Cockatoo and the rare shrike-tit.
Myrtle Benn Flora and Fauna Sanctuary
A local schoolteacher, Mrs Myrtle Benn, instilled a love of nature in her grade 6 pupils by taking them to the sanctuary every week. You will enjoy a rich diversity of flora and fauna as you walk the trails her students designed. The floral species that abound here include myrtle, cat's paws, everlastings, Dampiera and a string of orchids.
Farrar Dam Reserve
Before the 1970s the dam supplied fresh water to steam engines. The old railway dam is now a habitat for water birds, frogs and tortoises, with a remarkable collection of mosses, lichens and flowers. It is the closest wildflower spot to town, just a few minutes' drive.
Lake Magenta Flower Reserve
Mother Nature's beauty at Lake Magenta will make you forget about the three-hour drive from Kojonup. A discerning nature lover's eyes will be glued to species like Baxter's Banksia, Dancing Spider Orchids, Flame Grevillea and the ever-popular Bottlebrush. The reserve also shelters a wide range of birds and mammals.
Boot Rock Reserve
If a long drive saps everyone's energy, there is an alternative just 30 minutes away on the outskirts of Broomehill. Boot Rock Reserve takes its name from one of the area's unusual rock formations. This wildflower reserve, threaded with bush trails, has over 130 species of plants.
3. Relax on a picnic with the family
A picnic in the open air is the perfect time to bond over a relaxed lunch and a good conversation. Here are three favourites from Cornwall House Accommodation.
The Kodja Place
Your visit to Kojonup is not complete without a stop at The Kodja Place. Take a glimpse into Aboriginal life across the centuries through interactive displays and exhibits, then share picnic time in the Rose Maze as you hear the stories of three women of Kojonup: Yoondi (Noongar), Elizabeth (English) and Maria (Italian). There is more on the maze and the museum on our attractions page.
Kojonup Apex Park
Kojonup Apex Park is a good spot to catch your breath after a busy morning. Tireless kids will love running around the playground while the adults sit on the benches or grab a coffee from a nearby cafe.
Kojonup Spring
Kojonup Spring sits on the edge of Rotary Park off Spring Road. It has good picnic facilities where families can settle in over a hot cup of coffee while the kids enjoy an ice cream.
4. Have fun swimming
Everybody loves a swim, and those who would rather not swim can still cool off with a dip. The Kojonup Memorial Swimming Pool is open over summer and caters to kids and adults alike, with aqua aerobics classes and a children's swim club on the calendar. Kids will go crazy for the inflatables, pool toys, basketball hoops and music, and the facility is a popular choice for birthday parties and barbecues.
5. Play golf with the kids
There is a first time for everyone. Keen golfers can teach their kids the basics at the Kojonup Golf Club, an 18-hole public course in the Great Southern. It is meticulously maintained and open to everyone, so it suits complete beginners as well as seasoned players. Check the club's calendar of events, or read our guide to the Kojonup golf tournaments if you want to time your visit around a fixture.
6. Watch the picnic races
The Kojonup Race Club holds the annual Wandercla Picnic Races, a one-day event in February that celebrates country horse racing. Racing enthusiasts will have a ball, and those who are not into the racing can still enjoy the camping, live music and entertainment that come with the day. For more of what is on through the year, see our roundup of family-friendly activities in Kojonup.
Fantastic accommodation is just a click away
After an exciting day out, your family needs clean, comfortable accommodation. For stay options in the Kojonup region, look no further than Cornwall House Accommodation, right in the heart of town at 72 Albany Highway. Our 12 air-conditioned rooms include family configurations, each with an ensuite, free WiFi, and tea and coffee making facilities, and there is free onsite parking and a shared camp kitchen for guests. Contactless check-in from 2pm means a long day among the wildflowers or on the fairway never leaves you locked out.
Call us on (08) 9831 0214 or email stay@cornwallhouseaccommodation.com.au to plan your family trip. For room details and what is included, see our accommodation page.
Check availability and book Call us (08) 9831 0214
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kojonup from Perth with kids in the car?
Around 270 kilometres south-east of Perth, just under three hours on the Albany Highway, and about an hour and a half from Albany. Its laid-back rural feel makes it an easy base for a relaxed family getaway.
What can kids see at Kojonup Reserve?
Kojonup Reserve is home to about 100 species of native birds, from Golden Whistlers to the white-browed Babbler, plus Red-tailed Phascogales, Pygmy Possums, Tawny Frogmouths, bearded dragons and goannas. It is a short walk from town and full of things for curious kids to spot.
Where can families have a picnic in Kojonup?
The Kodja Place has a picnic area beside the Rose Maze, Kojonup Apex Park has a playground and benches, and Kojonup Spring off Spring Road has picnic facilities on the edge of Rotary Park.
Is there a swimming pool in Kojonup?
Yes, the Kojonup Memorial Swimming Pool is open over summer and caters to kids and adults alike, with learn-to-swim, swim club and aqua aerobics on the calendar.
Where do families stay in Kojonup?
Cornwall House Accommodation is in the heart of town at 72 Albany Highway, with 12 air-conditioned rooms including family configurations, each with an ensuite, free WiFi and tea and coffee facilities, plus free onsite parking and a shared camp kitchen.
