This guide covers what the town offers, when to visit and what to expect when you arrive, so you can plan your stop with confidence.
Know Kojonup
Planning a Visit to Kojonup? Here is What to Know Before You Go
Kojonup is a small country town in Western Australia's Great Southern region, sitting on Albany Highway 250km southeast of Perth and 160km north of Albany. It is a genuine stopover town with character: good food, interesting history and enough to keep you busy for a day or two.
From Perth 250 km southeast on the Albany Highway, about 3 hours of driving.
From Albany 160 km north, about 1.5 to 2 hours on the same sealed highway.
The town Around 2,000 residents in the heart of WA's wheat and sheep belt.
About Kojonup
Kojonup sits in the heart of WA's wheat and sheep belt, surrounded by open farmland and bushland. The town has around 2,000 residents and a strong community character. It is not a tourist resort and does not try to be. What it offers is something more useful: a comfortable, genuine country town with good food, accessible attractions and a slower pace that makes it a welcome break from driving.
The town takes its name from the Noongar word 'kodj', meaning stone axe, reflecting the long history of Noongar people in the area before European settlement arrived in the 1830s. That history is still visible and accessible today, which is part of what makes a stop here worth more than just a fuel break.
Timing your trip
When to Visit Kojonup
September to November
Spring: wildflower season
The best time to visit. Roadsides, reserves and farmland burst into colour, with orchids, everlastings and banksias among the native flora. The Rose Maze at Kodja Place, with its 2,000 Australian-bred rose bushes, peaks in spring. If you can time a Perth to Albany drive for September or October, the scenery along the Albany Highway is exceptional.
April to August
Autumn and winter: quieter and cooler
The Great Southern has a Mediterranean-style climate: warm dry summers and cool wet winters. Autumn and winter are quieter, the farmland turns green from early rains and daytime winter temperatures sit around 15 degrees. If you prefer travelling off-peak, the town is welcoming year-round.
December to February
Summer: hot and dry
Summer is warm, with temperatures regularly reaching the mid-30s, and the surrounding farmland turns golden. The town stays open and functional, but wildflower season has passed and the landscape looks very different to spring. Carry extra water when driving the Albany Highway in summer.
Worth your time
What to See and Do in Kojonup
Kodja Place
The standout attraction in town. Kodja Place is an interactive museum and cultural centre telling the story of Kojonup through the eyes of both Noongar Aboriginal people and European settlers, using art, photography, objects and hands-on displays to bring the history to life. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours.
Kojonup Military Barracks
Built in 1845 by soldiers of the 51st Regiment to protect mail deliveries and assist travellers on the early road between Perth and Albany, this is one of the best-preserved military outposts in WA. Open for tours on Sundays from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, or by prior arrangement with the Kojonup Visitor Centre. The thick stone walls and small windows are a glimpse into early colonial life in remote Western Australia.
Kojonup Spring and Rotary Park
The freshwater spring on the edge of Rotary Park off Spring Road is the reason Kojonup exists at all. Both Noongar people and European settlers were drawn to this spot for its reliable water supply. The surrounding park has picnic facilities and is a pleasant place to stop and stretch your legs.
The Rose Maze
Located beside Kodja Place, the Rose Maze is a free-entry garden featuring a 500-metre walking path through 2,000 Australian-bred rose bushes. Each rose carries a profile of a significant Kojonup woman, adding historical and cultural context as you walk. Open during daylight hours and best visited during spring flowering season.
Refuel properly
Where to Eat and Drink in Kojonup
Kojonup has a small but practical selection of dining options for visitors. The most popular with road travellers are:
Royal Hotel
On Albany Highway, directly opposite Cornwall House. Serves meals daily and is the go-to option for a sit-down meal or a cold drink after a long drive.
Black Cockatoo Cafe
A well-regarded local cafe popular with both residents and visitors. Good coffee and a reliable food menu.
Kojonup Country Kitchen
Another local favourite, within walking distance of the town centre.
The drive
Getting to Kojonup
Kojonup is reached via the Albany Highway, the main sealed road between Perth and Albany. From Perth, allow approximately 3 hours to reach Kojonup (250km). From Albany heading north, Kojonup is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away (160km). The highway is sealed and suitable for all vehicle types including caravans and motorhomes.
There is no public transport service to Kojonup. A car is required.
Rest well
Where to Stay in Kojonup
Cornwall House Accommodation is the main motel option in Kojonup, located at 72 Albany Highway in the centre of town. The property has 12 rooms across queen, twin and family configurations, all with ensuite bathrooms, free WiFi, air conditioning and free parking. It is positioned directly on the highway, making it a practical overnight stop for road travellers and a reliable base for exploring the region.
Local knowledge
Practical Tips for Visiting Kojonup
Visitor Centre A useful first stop for maps, local information and tour bookings. You'll find it inside Kodja Place.
Fuel Available in Kojonup. Fill up before continuing south to Albany or north toward Perth if your tank is running low.
Mobile coverage Generally reliable in the town centre on major networks. Coverage between towns on the highway can be patchy, so download offline maps before departing.
Opening hours Many local attractions and businesses keep country-town hours, and Kodja Place is closed on some public holidays. Check ahead if visiting on a Monday or long weekend.
Wildflower timing Peak season typically runs mid-September to late October, varying with winter rainfall. The Wildflower Society of WA publishes seasonal updates if you want to plan around the bloom.
Before you go
Questions visitors ask about Kojonup
How far is Kojonup from Perth and Albany?
Kojonup is 250km southeast of Perth, approximately 3 hours of driving via the Albany Highway. From Albany it is 160km north, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The town sits directly on the highway, so there is no detour required.
When is wildflower season in Kojonup?
Peak wildflower season around Kojonup typically runs from mid-September through to late October, though timing varies by year depending on winter rainfall. Spring is the best time to visit overall: the roadsides, reserves and farmland burst into colour, and the Rose Maze at Kodja Place is at its peak.
Can I get to Kojonup without a car?
No. There is no public transport service to Kojonup, so a car is required. The good news is the drive is easy: the Albany Highway is bitumen from Perth to Albany and suitable for all vehicle types, including caravans and motorhomes.
How long should I plan to spend in Kojonup?
The town has enough to keep you busy for a day or two. Kodja Place alone is worth 1 to 1.5 hours, the Military Barracks opens for Sunday tours, and the Rose Maze, Kojonup Spring and the local cafes round out a relaxed day. Many travellers stop overnight to break the Perth to Albany drive and spend the next morning looking around.
What should I check before I arrive?
Three things: many attractions and businesses keep country-town hours, so check ahead for Mondays, long weekends and public holidays; download offline maps, since mobile coverage between towns on the highway can be patchy; and fill up with fuel before continuing your trip north or south.
