11 Most Breathtaking Towns In Western Australia
Western Australia is home to some of the country’s most breathtaking towns, where rugged coastlines, turquoise waters, and ancient forests meet vibrant local culture. From riding camels on Broome’s Cable Beach to snorkelling with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, each town offers unforgettable experiences. Explore dramatic gorges in Kalbarri, stroll pristine beaches in Esperance, or taste handcrafted wines in Margaret River. These eleven towns showcase Western Australia’s stunning natural beauty and unique adventures at every turn.
Broome
Where ochre-red earth meets the turquoise Indian Ocean, Broome feels almost otherworldly. Once a pearling outpost, it is now celebrated as Western Australia’s colourful gateway to the Kimberley region, one of the world's last remaining wilderness frontiers. Cable Beach is the jewel of Broome. This 22-kilometre stretch of pure white sand, framed by dunes and ochre cliffs, feels endless and untouched. Even in peak season, you can find your own quiet patch of sand and swim in the warm waters, wander along the flat shoreline at low tide, or simply bask beneath the sun. As evening falls, the beach transforms into one of the most spectacular sunset stages in the world, the sky painted in shades of gold, crimson, and violet as the sun dips into the sea.
No visit is complete without the iconic camel rides along Cable Beach. Silhouetted against the glowing horizon, the camels and their riders create unforgettable scenes as they move slowly across the sand. Red Sun Camels is one of the providers of these camel rides along beautiful Cable Beach, offering both serenity and a touch of adventure. Equally captivating is the natural phenomenon known as the Staircase to the Moon. A few nights each month between March and October, the rising full moon reflects across the tidal flats of Roebuck Bay, creating the illusion of glowing steps climbing into the sky. Best viewed from Town Beach or the Mangrove Hotel, this surreal sight draws travellers and photographers from around the world.
Margaret River
Margaret River is where raw natural beauty meets refined indulgence. Surrounded by rugged coastline, limestone cliffs, and rolling vineyards, this small town has earned its reputation as one of Western Australia’s most breathtaking destinations. One of its most remarkable attractions lies underground: Lake Cave. Visitors descend through a sunken forest and into a vast sinkhole, stepping into a hidden chamber of glittering stalactites and an underground lake so still that it reflects the formations above like glass. With its rare suspended limestone table and delicate crystal details, it feels more like a subterranean cathedral than a cave.
Above ground, visit Meelup Beach, a picturesque white sand beach with stunning turquoise waters. With its calmer waters, it is a beautiful spot for swimming or snorkelling. To experience the region’s more relaxed pleasures, Walsh & Sons Winery offers intimate tastings that pair small-batch wines with artisanal produce. Their cellar door, which overlooks the workings of a family-run butchery, adds a distinctive local touch. With a focus on characterful, handcrafted vintages, Walsh & Sons captures Margaret River’s reputation for world-class wine while keeping the experience personal.
Esperance
With snow-white beaches, turquoise waters, and rugged national parks, Esperance is often called one of Australia’s most dazzling coastal towns. Its landscapes are so vivid they almost look painted, the kind of place where you can step from bushland trails straight onto untouched stretches of sand. One of the region’s most famous landmarks is Pink Lake. Although it no longer displays the bubblegum hue that once gave it global fame, the lake still draws visitors for its serene beauty and reflective waters, especially at sunrise or sunset. The surrounding area makes for a peaceful stop on any Esperance itinerary.
For more breathtaking views, the Rotary Lookout sits atop a granite outcrop, offering sweeping views of the town, its stunning beaches, and the distant islands of the Recherche Archipelago. Offshore, the Recherche Archipelago beckons. Boat tours with Esperance Island Cruises weave through a cluster of islands, where dolphins, sea lions, and migratory whales can be spotted against the backdrop of sparkling blue seas. Watching seabirds swoop across the water or fur seals basking on the rocks makes the journey as rewarding as the destination.
Exmouth
Exmouth is a coastal playground where rugged landscapes meet one of the world's richest marine environments. Just steps from town, the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Reef invite you to snorkel alongside turtles, manta rays, and, in season, the gentle giants of the sea, whale sharks. Few places on Earth offer such an accessible and awe-inspiring underwater experience. For divers, the world-renowned Exmouth Navy Pier is a must. Often ranked among the top shore dives globally, this 300-metre structure is alive with colour and movement. Only accessible with licensed operators, the pier shelters an astonishing variety of marine life: nudibranchs, octopus, and scorpion fish hide in its nooks, while schools of snapper, trevally, and fusiliers sweep through the shadows. Larger residents like reef sharks, sea snakes, and massive grouper make every dive a thrilling encounter, making it a dream site for underwater photographers.
Back on land, Exmouth’s coastline is no less dramatic. Town Beach provides safe swimming for families and is a favourite spot for a relaxed day by the shore. And at Lighthouse Bay, history and nature come together. Here, you can fish, surf, or simply laze on the sand while gazing at the rusting remains of the SS Mildura, a cattle ship wrecked in 1907. With endless beaches to explore and ocean views at every turn, Exmouth is a breathtaking destination that delivers both adventure and tranquillity.
Denmark
Nestled between towering karri and tingle forests and the sparkling waters of the Southern Coast, Denmark is a haven of dramatic landscapes and serene natural beauty. Verdant lagoons, rounded granite boulders, and carpets of delicate wildflowers create a setting that feels untouched and otherworldly. One of the region’s must-see highlights is the Taste of the Valley of the Giants Trail. Winding through ancient forests, this trail immerses visitors in the grandeur of towering trees while offering glimpses of local life through boutique wineries, fresh produce, and artisanal food experiences. Walking among these colossal giants, it is easy to feel the scale and age of the forest, a humbling encounter with nature’s majesty.
Just outside town lies the breathtaking Wilson Inlet, known as Koorabup, “The Place of the Black Swan,” to the Nyoongar people. This sheltered estuary is home to over 240 bird species, including pelicans and the iconic black swan, and offers calm waters for kayaking, fishing, or simply soaking in the views. For a more relaxed adventure, the Mount Shadforth Scenic Drive is a stunning one-hour loop through the farmland around Denmark, featuring beautiful ocean views and distant vistas of the Porongurups and Stirling Ranges.
Kalbarri
Kalbarri is a spectacular coastal and outback destination where towering cliffs meet pristine beaches and vast national parks. With more than 183,000 hectares of protected wilderness, it is a playground for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone drawn to dramatic landscapes. Kalbarri National Park is the region’s crown jewel. Deep gorges carved by the mighty Murchison River over 400 million years reveal layers of red sandstone, while seasonal wildflower blooms add bursts of colour across the rugged terrain. Trails through the park invite bushwalking, gorge hikes, and canoeing, offering endless opportunities to connect with the land’s ancient beauty.
Along the coast, Jake's Point delivers a striking contrast with its pink-tinged sands, created by garnet crystals scattered along the shoreline. A walk along the scenic coastal path rewards visitors with sweeping ocean vistas and the chance to spot playful bottlenose dolphins in the waves below. End the day here with a sunset that sets the sky and sea ablaze in shades of gold, orange, and purple. Further along the cliffs, Red Bluff rises over 100 meters above the Indian Ocean. Its dramatic red rock formations, sculpted over millions of years, are a spectacular vantage point for whale watching as humpback whales migrate past the coastline.
Pemberton
Pemberton sits in the heart of Western Australia’s towering karri forests, a place where straight, smooth-barked giants stretch skyward, and sunlight filters through a lush green canopy. These ancient trees, the tallest in the state and among the tallest in the world, create a serene and awe-inspiring environment that feels almost otherworldly. At the center of this forest wonderland is the Gloucester Tree, a historic fire lookout rising 61 meters above the forest floor. Though climbing it is no longer permitted, its sheer height and straight trunk remain iconic, and the surrounding treetops reveal why Pemberton has long been celebrated as a haven for nature lovers. In spring and summer, the karri canopy bursts into delicate white flowers, transforming the forest into a drifting cloud of blooms.
Gloucester National Park offers more than just the famous tree. Walking and mountain biking trails wind through the forest, inviting visitors to explore the quiet beauty of the karri groves. The forest floor is alive with birdlife and the gentle rustle of native fauna, providing a sense of peaceful immersion in nature. Tree enthusiasts and nature lovers alike will be impressed by the diverse range of exotic species at Big Brook Arboretum. Wander the grounds to see the extensive collection planted, then relax with a picnic beneath their beautiful canopy.
Kununurra
Kununurra, the eastern gateway to the Kimberley, is a breathtaking outback town where red earth, winding rivers, and rugged escarpments invite adventure and exploration. One of the region’s highlights, Mirima National Park, is best known for its striking natural rock formations, where colourful, layered stone shifts in appearance as the light changes. Over 300 million years ago, this landscape lay beneath a prehistoric sea.
For more water adventures, cruise or fish the breathtaking, wildlife-rich waters of Lake Argyle near Kununurra, the largest man-made lake in the Southern Hemisphere. Formed by the Ord River Dam, it’s often described as an inland sea and, at its green-season peak, holds an incredible 32 million cubic metres of water. Closer to town, Lily Creek Lagoon provides a serene escape. Walking along the shoreline at Celebrity Tree Park, visitors enjoy sweeping views of Sleeping Buddha/Elephant Rock across the water while resting in the shade of trees planted by notable visitors. The lagoon’s tranquil waters offer a peaceful contrast to the rugged landscapes beyond, making it an ideal spot to reflect on Kununurra’s natural and cultural beauty.
Coral Bay
Coral Bay is a slice of paradise on Western Australia’s Ningaloo Coast, where soft white sands meet the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. It is one of the rare places in the world where you can swim alongside whale sharks, manta rays, and a dazzling variety of tropical fish. Bills Bay, snorkelers will love the rich marine life just offshore, with easy beach access or deeper waters offering sightings of dugongs, manta rays, and even whale sharks. When you’re ready to slow down, the bay is perfect for relaxing on the sand and taking in the stunning coastal views.
Just a short walk or drive from town, Purdy Point provides easy access to the reef’s vibrant coral gardens. Calm waters and abundant marine creatures make it a favourite spot for both first-time snorkelers and experienced divers looking to explore the Ningaloo ecosystem. The year-round warm weather ensures every visit is filled with sun-soaked adventure. For a taste of local life on land, Coral Resort Bakery offers freshly baked goods in a welcoming café atmosphere. From savoury meat pies, especially the lamb and rosemary variety, to sweet pastries and donuts, it is a popular stop for a relaxed breakfast or an afternoon treat after a day exploring the reef.
Cervantes
The small crayfishing town of Cervantes is a gateway to some of Western Australia’s most otherworldly landscapes. Just a short drive from town, Nambung National Park is home to the Pinnacles Desert, where thousands of limestone spires rise dramatically from golden sand. Formed 25,000-30,000 years ago as seas receded and winds stripped away surrounding sand, the Pinnacles vary in height, some reaching 3.5 meters, creating a surreal and photogenic landscape that captivates visitors at sunrise and sunset.
Nearby, Lake Thetis offers a glimpse into ancient life with its thrombolites, rock-like structures similar to stromatolites, among the oldest “living” fossils on Earth. Over 3,000 years old, these formations provide a rare window into prehistoric biology and make the lake a must-see for science enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. For a taste of local industry and culture, the Lobster Shack provides a hands-on experience with Western Australia’s famous rock lobsters. Visitors can take a jet boat tour to see how lobsters are caught, from the pots in the ocean to the cooking pot onshore, learning about the region’s prized single-species fishery along the way.
Albany
Perched on a tranquil harbour and framed by rugged cliffs, Albany is a cool-climate haven where natural beauty and history converge. The town’s coastline is a mix of breathtaking granite formations, serene sandy beaches, and bushland trails, perfect for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts. For tranquil natural beauty with plenty to do, visit Emu Point. Set between Emu Beach and Oyster Harbour, Emu Point is an ideal seaside destination, known for its white sandy shores and vibrant beachside atmosphere.
For more seaside beauty, King George Sound is one of Western Australia’s most spectacular natural harbours. Its calm waters, sandy beaches, and rocky outcrops make it a prime spot for whale watching and diving. From July to October, southern right and humpback whales frequently pass through, while playful dolphins and resting seals add to the spectacle. Whale-watching cruises offer the chance to see these ocean giants up close in their natural environment. For a moment of reflection, the Padre White Lookout is a must. Overlooking the harbour, it commemorates Ernest White and Australia’s first dawn service, serving as a poignant tribute while offering some of Albany’s most breathtaking panoramic views.
From the turquoise waters of Coral Bay to the towering karri forests of Pemberton, Western Australia’s towns are full of breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences. Whether you are seeking adventure, wildlife encounters, or peaceful escapes, each town offers something unique. Wander along pristine beaches, explore dramatic gorges, or immerse yourself in local culture and history. These eleven destinations capture the very best of Western Australia, leaving visitors inspired, refreshed, and in awe of the state’s breathtaking beauty.
