12 Of The Most Adorable Small Towns In Western Australia
When it comes to adorable small towns, Western Australia has a spread as plentiful as its eucalyptus. Here are a few small towns in the western part of Australia that are high on charm and cutesy spots to feel snug and warm. You'll see why they are regarded with affection by those who live there, as well as those who visit. From classic beach towns like Geraldton to historic towns with exciting stories from gold rush days like Kalgoorlie, each town has developed its own special magic. Where else could you visit a completed jigsaw puzzle gallery or see 10-metre-high metal sculptures set against a sunset sky?
Geraldton
Geraldton is a quintessential beach town. You come here to escape, relax, and have some fun. Beachgoers who prefer a more active experience can windsurf, kitesurf, or snorkel, but if lazing on the pure white sand all day and admiring the aquamarine water is your idea of fun, then this is the beach town for you.
On the main street, be sure to find Latitude Jewellers during your trip. Here you can find locally produced, world-renowned, Abrolhos Island black pearls and rare, pink diamonds mined locally at the Argyle Mine. One must-see place is the Point Moore Lighthouse, which dates back to 1878. It was the first all-steel tower built on the mainland, and, at 43 metres high, it towers over the town. The Yamaji Art Centre is a point of pride for the town, as the longest operating Aboriginal art center in the region, and home to contemporary Aboriginal art you can buy. If you're needing a hearty meal after a day in the sun and on the strip, you can find it at the Old Man & The Sea Rooftop Bar, and dine on fabulous burgers and seafood within view of the expansive ocean sunset.
Kalgoorlie
Kalgoorlie was a gold rush town. Founded in 1893 on the romantic notion of striking it rich with gold, Kalgoorlie's downtown has kept that crackling magic. The 20th-century architecture from the boom days makes this town feel special, such as the grand style of the York Hotel. You can visit the Museum of the Goldfields, where you will learn all about the original prospectors and all the stories of their exploits. But if placards and pictures aren't enough, you can get up close and personal at Natural Gold Nuggets and Jewellery and buy a local pure gold nugget for yourself. Be sure to visit Bush Blossom Gallery, where indigenous floor and ceiling art, as well as wall art and outdoor sculptures, are featured.
Albany
This little town is the oldest permanently settled town in Western Australia, and holds its distinction with pride. Named in 1832, it has buildings that you can visit, such as the Town Hall, with its ornate clock tower, to help you appreciate the past. However, Albany is not all civic architecture and historical appreciation. The town sits between the harbor, where numerous walkways and marinas offer limitless views of the sea, and high mountains such as Mount Clarence and Mount Adelaide. This area is known as the Rainbow Coast because the climate creates an inordinate amount of rainbows, so your likelihood of catching one in the back of your selfie is high! Snap a pic at Albany Heritage Park, a sprawling green parkland which includes several lookouts, as well as the ruins of an old lighthouse on the bay.
Karratha
This town is associated with the Aboriginal people, and the name of the town means 'good country' in the Aboriginal language. The nearby Burrup Peninsula has over 10,000 Aboriginal rock engraving sites detailing cultural and spiritual beliefs and practices, some of which aren't even open to the public. Amidst this spiritual setting, the town embraces modernity as well, and has excellent shopping and dining. You can stay at the modern Karratha International Hotel and shop at the Karratha City Shopping Centre. Eat at The Pearler's Rest for great Vietnamese food or the Luce Bar e Cibo for authentic Italian food featuring local produce and local wines, served poolside alfresco.
Karratha's association with Aboriginal culture and Dreamtime spirituality is celebrated each year with the Red Earth Art Festival, four days in May 2026, showcasing Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal artisans, and honoring the past while looking to the future together. It is a culmination of the spirit of Karratha that suffuses its streets every day, and should not be missed if possible.
Broome
Broome is anadorable town with a colored past. Broome's bustling pearling economy brought together people of Aboriginal, Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, European, and Malay descent, making this town a mosaic. It was the pearling capital of the world at one time, and a trip through Chinatown makes you appreciate the past hardships of the people and the strength of this town. The red dirt and the location on the Indian Ocean are priceless. If you visit the town Short Street Gallery to see indigenous art, or eat at one of the many restaurants, or drink gin made from a rare bush botanicals at Moontide Distillery, you will appreciate the diverse, special culture of this lovely little town. Then visit Cable Beach and be surrounded by white sand and shops, and rest it off in luxury at the Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa.
Bridgetown
Bridgetown was once the apple-growing capital of the state, and its orchard-laden past shows in its current greenery. The Blackwood River Walk sends you through the Blackwood River on the southern end of town, where you can enjoy the cool air and peruse the River Markets every second Sunday. If you are a puzzle enthusiast, you will want to visit the charmingly quirky Brierley Jigsaw Gallery. Here, you will see a collection of completed jigsaws, some 40 years old, and many large and complex. The Bridgetown Art Trail runs all through the town. Murals, sculptures, tapestries, and more line this unique art trail that's part of the special blend of old-town rustic charm and new modernity. Stop for a pleasurable bite to eat at the Barking Cow Cafe to digest everything you've experienced.
Margaret River
Margaret River is a special place, geographically and culturally. If you like whale watching, hiking, wildlife, and wildflowers, then this is the right town for you. You can relax and enjoy the serenity of a town meant to be lingered in. Cape Grace Wines is one of the many excellent wineries you can visit to taste the wines made in this rich, ancient soil. There are also many cafes on the main street to enjoy gourmet coffee, such as the Margaret River Bakery. And at El Toro, a restaurant with South American food like charred octopus or pichana, you can dine in style knowing this town attracts all sorts of cultural flairs.
Carnarvon
This town, on the so-called coral coast, produces much of the area's fresh produce and food from the ocean, making it a paradise for those who appreciate fine food. The Gascoyne River, the longest river in Western Australia, runs through Carnarvon, making the area lush. You can follow the Gascoyne Food Trail and stop at plantations and local markets for fresh produce, jams, jellies, and more. You can also visit The Cactus Farm, a collection of cacti in the middle of this sub-tropical landscape. Wildflowers abound here, and there are species you cannot find anywhere else, such as the Carnarvon birdflower. This is a must-stop for those enamored with exotic flora, while offering all the comforts of a quaint, modernized town.
Fremantle
Known as Freo, this town is old and exciting at the same time. The Aboriginal people have a connection with this land dating back 50,000 years. At the same time, this bohemian town has attracted various immigrant communities over its years as a Gold Rush and post-war boom town, making it bright and modern, thriving with interesting places. Stay at the historic old stone Fremantle Bed and Breakfast or dine at one of the many restaurants downtown, like Emily Taylor, named after a ship from the 1800s. From the old gold rush days when there was a pub on every corner, Aussie-style pubs still remain popular. One you might like is the Swan Hotel, located at the harbour overlooking the Indian Ocean. Here you can enjoy a traditional pint and pub fare, and locals remain mighty friendly to visitors!
Derby
Established in 1833, this town is old and known as the gateway to the outback bush area. For aviation buffs, discover the story about local aviation when exploring the Wharfinger House Museum, built in 1928 on the former site of the Derby Water Police Station. Derby was where the first regular commercial airline in Australia had its route in 1921. Off the Derby highway, you can see the amazing Boab Prison Tree, believed to be 1500 years old. Birding, watching the incredible sunsets, fishing, or taking a walk along the Derby Jetty to see the incredible tides coming in; all these activities will endear you to this loveable little town. You can eat at The Hub Pizza and Beer for good food. Derby Sculptures On The Marsh are fantastic sculptures, up to ten metres high, by local artists, located on the tidal flats. To see them at sunset is an amazing experience. Make sure to take your camera to make memories.
Bremer Bay
This town on the south coast of Western Australia is known for orca and whale watching, as well as its abundance of wildflowers and relaxed living. The Fitzgerald River National Park is abundant in trails for hiking and birdwatching, with more space than could be explored in one lifetime. Pristine beaches and untouched natural beauty are what set this town apart. Go to Bremer Beach and relax in the calm bay waters. If you like kayaking, surfing, or snorkelling, you can enjoy all these activities in this town. Visit the Wellstead Museum and learn about an early settler family and how they lived. Then, stop for lunch at The Telegraph on Bremer or The Roadhouse Hooked and Cooked for great fish and chips. This town, with its beautiful white sand beach and crystal clear water, is stunning in its scenery and has a relaxed away-from-it-all atmosphere.
York
York is the oldest inland European settlement in Western Australia, established in 1829. It has many heritage buildings, such as the York Town Hall. With its Edwardian architecture, it is an opulent structure, built in 1911, when this town was booming from of the gold rush. The York Courthouse Complex is a stranding historical landmark and museum, and contains courthouses, a police station, troopers' cottage, jail cells, and the stable yard, all from the 1840s, along with plenty of signage and live interpretation. For car enthusiasts, the York Motor Museum, with its vintage cars and motorcycles, will be a delight. Shop at the Flour Mill Emporium for gifts made by local artisans and craftspeople. Stay at the Imperial Homestead, built in 1886, in a room overlooking the courtyard. For exotic wildflowers, make sure to visit the York Bushland Garden.
Each of these towns are small, but they are big in community spirit and creativity. They have developed their towns amidst an often rugged landscape and harsh conditions. The landscape varies greatly from mountains to salt flats to desert and more. However, each of these towns is adorable in the fact that they have made their towns distinct and appealing in many ways.
