Western Australia might be the country’s largest state but its population is just a mere 2.5 million, with 75% of those living in its capital, Perth. This is due to WA’s vast desert landscape, with much of the state receiving little to no rainfall, making it almost uninhabitable.
But it’s not all arid climates and desolate stretches of barren land. Head south of Perth and you’ll encounter lush countryside, awesome surf spots and some of the best wine regions in Australia.
Make your way inland and encounter incredible national parks and natural wonders, or take a trek north through the Kimberley and discover the ‘real Australia’.
Wherever you find yourself in WA, you’ll also come across dozens of incredible small towns where you can experience the best of the West.
Read on and find our picks for the best small towns in Western Australia.
Donnybrook
Donnybrook is home to Western Australia’s apple industry, with the first Granny Smith apple tree planted there back in 1900. Taking advantage of its fruity history, Donnybrook has several buildings named after your doctor’s favourite fruit, street lights made to look like hanging apples and even an Apple Fun Park the kids will love.
There’s an annual Apple Festival held over Easter and plenty of local orchards—such as the Fruit Barn—where you can pick your own apples.
If picking apples isn’t your thing, take a stroll through the heart of Donnybrook. The town’s streets are lined with stores selling arts and crafts and local produce, with many of the sandstone buildings dating back over 100 years.
When it comes to filling your belly, The Donnybrook Hotel and Donnybrook Bakery are standouts. There are also several fantastic wineries nearby in a nod to the region’s Italian heritage, with Thomas Brook Estate, Smallwater Estate and Barrecas Wines three of our favs.
Green Head
Only a three-hour drive from Perth, Green Head is a holidaymakers paradise. The small country town offers pristine beaches, great camping spots and gorgeous nature.
Lesueur National Park is home to over 850 species of wild fauna while there are 100-plus species of bird in the area, including the rare Carbaby’s black cockatoo.
When it comes to dining out there’s not a lot on offer, but the Green Head Gallery Cafe is the place to go for coffee and a pastry. Dynamite Bay Takeaway will satisfy all your evening cravings. There’s no local watering waterhole in Green Head, so if it’s a quiet froth or glass of vino you’re chasing, Centre Break Beach Stay has a licensed restaurant.
Surfing, fishing, 4×4 offroading, snorkelling and hiking are enjoyable activities for the whole family. Tours of the nearby Australian sea lion colony are on offer while the Three Bays Walkway trail is a scenic walk along the coast that’s signposted with information about the area’s European and Indigenous history.
Bencubbin
Take a trip inland and explore the Wheatbelt town of Bencubbin. Check in at the Bencubbin Caravan Park before spending your day hiking to the top of Marshall Rock, observing the ruins of Pergandes Sheep Yard and Homestead and learning more about the region at the Bencubbin Museum (if it’s not open, grab the key from the next door Shire Office).
With a population of less than 300, there isn’t much in the way of food or drink, but you can grab a snack at Kcs Cafe or bring your own supplies and cook up a feast at the Caravan Park’s shared kitchen site.
If you’re really craving a pub feed, Koorda Hotel is less than half an hour away. Go early and take a wander through the Koorda Motor Museum and Military Collection before brushing up on the local history at the Koorda Museum.
Kalbarri
Although it’s known as a resort town, there’s a relaxed vibe to the people of Kalbarri. Located at the mouth of the Murchison River, Kalbarri is surrounded by phenomenal natural landscapes, which is where you’ll end up spending most of your time.
Head to the west and you’ll encounter the stunning Coastal Cliffs shaped by centuries of wind offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, while to the east is the famed Kalbarri National Park.
Here you’ll find over a dozen different walking trails traversing the 400 million-year-old gorges that shape the area. Take a snap for the Gram by the Insta famous Nature’s Window and soak up the surroundings with a stroll along the Kalbarri Skywalk—twin skywalks that stretch 25m and 17m over the gorge rim, some 100m above sea level. Not for the faint of heart.
Similar to most coastal towns, water sports are the in thing, with swimming (Chinaman’s Beach is a great spot), fishing and surfing great activities for all ages. Flower fiends will be in their element, with over 1,000 species of wildflowers found in the area, while lovers of the night can take a stargazing tour and learn more about the sky above us.
Other notable activities we recommend include watching the pelicans being fed on the Kalbarri foreshore in the morning, joining a whale-watching tour and appreciating the picturesque surroundings of Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake, named after the colour of its water.
Esperance
The majority of great small towns worth checking out in WA are along the coast. Esperance is no different.
Sunbathe with kangaroos at Lucky Bay, gaze at the system of colourful ponds and natural pools known as ‘The Pink and Rainbow Lakes’, take a stroll along the new Esperance Jetty and visit Esperance Stonehenge, a full-size replica of the UK’s Stonehenge.
There are plenty of different accommodation options, from campgrounds to apartments, and a host of great spots to eat. 33 Degrees Esperance, Bistro Lotus and Esperance Bay Yacht Club are top dining options. Aurelia’s Ice Creamery and Cafe is a must on a warm day.
Surrounded by several National Parks, including Cape Le Grand National Park, Esperance serves up some of the best walking trails and lookouts in the state.
Albany
If you love a museum, you’re in luck, as there are several dotted around the beachside town of Albany. Spend a day visiting the National ANZAC Centre, Old Goal Museum, Museum of Surfing and Museum of the Great Southern before a couple of cold ones at The Earl of Spencer Historic Inn.
Other noteworthy Albany attractions include the Historic Whaling Station, the Granite Skywalk at Castle Rock, the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk and Albany Heritage Park.
Albany is another WA small town surrounded by spectacular National Parks, with trails taking you along rocky coastlines and up through mountainous forest regions.
Eat at Three Anchors, Southern Viet Bites and Vancouver Street Cafe and drink at Premier Hotel Albany, InSwing Sports Bar and Wilson Brewing Company. The Locals Only Lager is a decent drop.
Halls Creek
The Kimberly is one of the world’s most spectacular regions. Most who visit stick to the towns close to the coast, but if you want to put yourself in the midst of it all, spend a night in Halls Creek.
There’s not a lot going on in this remote town, but you don’t visit Halls Creek for the shopping. Get in your 4×4 and visit nearby natural wonders such as Halls Creek Lookout and China Wall, or escape the heat by taking a dip at the invigorating Caroline Pool waterhole.
The big attraction is Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater, the second-largest meteorite crater in the world. Explore the tranquil area and then spend the night camping under the stars. If you meet anyone called Mick, best be on your way.
If you’re more of a bed and shower type operator, head back to Halls Creek and take a room at the Kimberly Hotel or Halls Creek Motel. Both provide adequate accommodation and operate their own makeshift bars to keep you refreshed.
Augusta
Once a prime spot for holidaymakers, Augusta has become the Florida of Australia. Retirees flock to the area for its good weather, gorgeous landscapes and friendly townsfolk, who make you feel right at home.
Augusta has a thriving fishing industry, so seafood lovers will find plenty of options when it comes to dining. We suggest The Colour Patch for fresh fish paired with views of Seine Bay and the Augusta Hotel for an affordable pub meal. Craving the classic seasonal fish and chips combo? Drop into Augusta Fish & Chips for some local deep-fried whiting and a serving of minimum chips.
When it comes to things to do, Augusta offers the usual water-related activities (fishing, snorkelling, swimming, whale watching, etc.) along with several great walking trails. Those with a 4WD can traverse the many off-road tracks while a visit to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is a good way to get some fresh air and local history.
Jewel Cave is also a great shout for adventure lovers. The largest show cave in WA features three eye-catching chambers you can explore with tours running daily.
Exmouth
Exmouth was named Western Australia’s Top Small Tourism Town of the Year 2024, so it would be criminal not to include it on this list.
Located on WA’s North West Cape, Exmouth is the northern gateway to the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area and the place to be for nature lovers.
Not only is the protected Cape Range National Park just a short drive—with its incredible beaches, multiple walking trails and local turtle population—but so too is Ningaloo Marine Park. Here you can go snorkelling with whale sharks, manta rays and humpback whales or kayaking around Ningaloo Reef.
Although small, there are accommodation options for all budgets and an impressive foodie scene. Froth Craft Brewery is a popular locale for those who like to relax with a few jugs of the good stuff and some live music.
Bridgetown
Dubbed ‘the winter capital of Western Australia’, Bridgetown is a picturesque small town nestled amongst rolling hills and marri forests.
Established in 1868, Bridgetown retains many of the colonial buildings from that time, with the National Trust awarding it Historic Town status in 2000.
There are plenty of bric-a-brac and arts and crafts stores along the main drag where you can grab lunch at The Mulberry Tree or stop for a quick pint at the Bridgetown Hotel.
Enjoy a scenic walk along Blackwood River, solve a puzzle at the Bridgetown Jigsaw Gallery and pay a visit to The Cidery. Here you can taste a variety of ciders (and beers) while munching on pizzas in a pleasant locale.
