Looking for an unexpected adventure? Find it in Katanning – a warm and welcoming destination that’s home to a melting pot of art, history, food and culture.
Situated in the heart of Western Australia’s Great Southern region, three and a half hours southeast of Perth, Katanning is full of surprises just waiting to be discovered. Unwrap them as you travel through this RV-friendly regional hub, located en route to the breathtaking landscapes and natural attractions found within the Stirling Range National Park, Porongurups, Bremer Bay and the Amazing South Coast.
A ribbon of roads ties Katanning’s vast landscapes together – from yellow blankets of canola and carpets of green grass, to salmon coloured gum trees and pastel-pink lakes – and loops and weaves under clear skies tinted blue, orange, red and gold. It converges at the town’s centre, where historic and modern buildings intermingle
seamlessly along streetscapes featuring vibrant street art and providores full of unique treasures.
Churches, some dating as far back as the late 1800s, are dotted in and around town, along with other historically significant sites including the Carrolup River Native Settlement, Katanning Flour Mill and adjoining Power Station, the Piesse winery water tower and Kobeelya House. These places tell tales of Katanning’s intriguing past, steeped in Aboriginal, colonial and migrant history.
Delve into Katanning’s rich agricultural roots at Katanning’s Sheep Saleyards, the biggest undercover saleyards in the Southern Hemisphere; or by spending some time on a farm tour or at a farmstay, where you can embrace life on a working farm. Reconnect with nature by hiking through the bush, or camp under the stars – a tapestry of twinkling light.
Loopy slides, giant seesaws and a miniature ride-on train await the young and the young at heart at the town’s all ages playground, a magnet for those seeking family friendly fun, and an annual bill of events and festivals, showcasing the best of a diverse, multicultural community through food, music and dance, attract people near
and far.
To truly experience all that Katanning has to offer, though, spend some time under the roof of a country BnB, luxury boutique hotel, family run restaurant or underground bar, and come across authentic characters who love a good yarn.
Oozing country charm, they bring the town vividly alive through stories new and old. And after a few wines and a nice long conversation, you’ll be left with the same kind of warmth you feel when catching up with long lost friends.
Top things to do in Katanning:
- Experience the hustle and bustle of Katanning’s Sheep Saleyards.
- Discover unique wildflowers and living carpets of vibrant yellow.
- Camp under a tapestry of twinkling stars.
- Feast on multicultural delights during Katanning’s Harmony Festival. Feast on the best of street food delights, including (arguably) the best satay in the state, while connecting with a multitude of cultures through music, dance and live performance.
- Play all day at Katanning’s All Ages Playground, which was built with big and little kids in mind. This iconic – and more importantly, free – playground features sky scraping slides, giant seesaws and heaps of thrilling rides, as well as spectacular early childhood and nature play areas.
- Hunt for vivid art murals hidden in plain sight. There are eight works of art, created by West Australian artists Brenton See, Chris Nixon, Darren Hutchens and Mel McVee, as well as international light calligrapher Karim Jabbari, waiting to be found.
- Go back in time by visiting one of Katanning’s historically significant sites - there are over 100 heritage-listed buildings and sites in Katanning.
- Indulge in authentic tastes and flavours at one of Katanning’s ethnic food eateries.
- Relax and unwind in a cosy underground bar. Located in the former machine room of the Premier Mill Hotel, the Cordial Bar is a trendy underground bar with a warm and cosy atmosphere.
- Enjoy classic country hospitality at a bespoke hotel, rustic farmstay or humble BnB.
