| Kojonup | |
Location: | 256km southeast of Perth |
Shire: | Kojonup |
Population: | 1023 |
Postcode: | 6395 |
Located amidst a thriving sheep farming and mixed agricultural district, Kojonup was first surveyed in 1837 as a military outpost for the protection of travellers and the mail. Settlement soon followed although early pastoralists had to overcome a great many problems before the area prospered. The worst of these being poison plants which threatened the livestock.
These days the main industries in Kojonup are the Kojonup Abattoirs, light industrial engineering, Priors Bus and Coach Builders, sheep and cattle stud farms and a cattle selling complex.
The military barracks, built in 1845 for the soldiers stationed in the area, still stands and has been converted into a museum. It is on the edge of Rotary Park, off Spring Street, and is open for inspection on Sunday afternoons.
Other places of interest to visitors are the Kojonup Spring and Picnic Area also in Rotary Park. Many dignitaries of the past, including the first governor of the Swan River Colony, Sir James Stirling, have slept by their campfire near the spring. Elverd's Cottage near the military barracks was built in the 1850 and is decorated with tools and implements from the early years.
Kojonup region is known for its wildflowers, over 60 varieties of orchids are to be found along with leschenaultia and wattles. The Kojonup Flora Sanctuary is especially worth visiting in spring and Kojonup hosts the annual Country Wildflower Festival in September.