Kojonup has a long and proud history, stretching back centuries to the days when nomadic Aborigines were first attracted to the area by the freshwater spring and abundance of game. In 1837, Crown Surveyor Alfred Hillman, travelling between King George Sound and Perth, was directed to the vast supply of fresh water by local Aborigines. He found the surrounding countryside so attractive that he decided it would be a good place for a station.
The original settlement was founded near the spring and Hillman named the place Kojonup, which derives from kodja, meaning stone axe.
Kojonup’s Historical Society ensures that the Shire’s several points of historical significance are well looked after and maintained. After acquiring historical buildings, Council places them in the care of the Society. Kojonup’s Historical Society has published three books on the district, The Spring and two family histories, All Their Might, and Tell Their Worth.
Kojonup Shire Council and the Historical Society have an excellent working relationship that is bringing the history of Kojonup to life and building on its tourist appeal. Council assists the Historical Society in a number of ways, including securing grants and providing aid on building restoration, landscapes and ongoing maintenance.
To help in the upkeep of Kojonup’s historical attractions, visitors are asked for a donation upon entrance. Some of Kojonup’s major historical tourist attractions are the Barracks Military Museum, Elverds Cottage, the Old Post Office and the Kojonup Railway Station.
Barracks Military Museum
Originally, Kojonup was a military outpost for the protection of travellers and the mail. By 1843, this outpost had grown to support a military barracks, built near the freshwater spring. Today, the Barracks still stands on thesite and houses the Kojonup Pioneer Museum. The Museum holds many relics from Kojonup of old, and tells the history of the town. The Barracks, a four roomed, stone structure in near perfect condition, is one of the oldest buildings in Western Australia.
Elverds Cottage
Elverds Cottage is an example of a pensioner guard cottage, built by soldiers who were pensioned off to commence farming life. Built in 1854, this cottage is one of the oldest buildings in Kojonup. In 1976, Council acquired the building and has restored it to its former glory. Elverds Cottage now stands as an illustration of the early farming days of Kojonup, decorated in the simple furnishings of its time.
Old Post Office
When the Post Office moved to the main street of Kojonup, the Old Post Office became the headmaster’s residence. The building has been restored as a period residence with furnishings and decorations of the era. The Old Post Office boasts many photographs depicting the region’s history and serves as an informative photographic glimpse of Kojonup’s past. The Historical Society is in the process of gathering historical information on Kojonup and placing it on a mosaic database to be available at the Post Office.
Railway Station
The town’s tourist information centre is based in the Kojonup Railway Station, a building that like much of the local architecture that reflects more than 150 years of settlement. The adjacent railway shed currently has an extensive Harness Display of yesteryear, enabling tourists and residents alike to drift back in time. Formally a private collection, through the Shire acquiring the display, this has ensured it has stayed as the one collection.
Town walk trail
Through funding secured from Trailwest, a town walk trail has been developed. This enables people to visit some 52 sites significant to Kojonup, including those covered above.
For further information, contact the Kojonup Historical Society, on (08) 9832 3092.
