Kojonup is ideally located on the busy Albany Highway tourist route. Recognising the major tourism appeal of the southern coastal areas of Albany, Denmark and Jerramungup, Kojonup has embarked on a strategy to take full advantage of the many visitors passing through the town on their way to the coast.
A handy stopover point, Kojonup is stamping an image for itself as ‘the gateway to the great southern region’ of Western Australia. With an abundance of heritage buildings, its natural environment and a huge potential to promote aboriginal culture, Kojonup Shire is keen to reap the economic benefits of the tourist dollar.
“To maximise our potential, we needed to develop a coordinated approach involving tourist operators, the community and Council working together for improved promotion and marketing,” said CEO Wally Lenyszyn. “The appointment two years ago of a Promotions and Marketing Manager has resulted in many benefits for our tourism sector and local residents.”
With the $1.7 million Federation Project Kodja Place nearing completion, this high profile centre will be the catalyst for additional stopovers. From here visitors will be directed to a range of places of interest in and around the Shire. Promotions and Marketing Manager, Glenys Russell, will be based at Kodja Place.
“Both my appointment and the Kodja Place project are a huge commitment for such a small Shire,” said Glenys Russell. “It is evident that Council firmly believes there will be enormous benefits and spin offs for the local community from increased tourism.”
Glenys Russell said that as well as day visitors, people are being encouraged to spend a few days in the area, through the promotion of farmstays and staging various events throughout the year. With Kojonup recognised as one of the best wildflower destinations in the State, the annual Kojonup Country and Wildflower Festival has grown under Glenys Russell’s guidance to be a ten day event.
Commencing on the WA Queen’s Birthday long weekend in September, over the ten days, up to 8,000 visitors experience a spectacular display of wildflowers. The Festival also promotes arts and crafts, vintage machinery and historical awareness. A country market includes various food stalls, cottage crafts and the like. An aboriginal bush tucker feast, musical performances and art displays showcase the culture of local Noongar people.
Visitors are encouraged to view the wildflowers in their natural environs. However, under a special licence granted by the Department of Conservation and Land Management, each year the Shire collects around 400 different species providing people with a magnificent labelled display in the one, convenient location.
In addition, Kojonup has no fewer than 11 gardens which are part of the Australian Open Gardens Scheme. With a mix of town and farm gardens, three times per year these are open to the public attracting many visitors from across the State. The Kojonup Town Walk Trail, highlighting no fewer than 52 sites of significance, is also very popular.
