7 Most Charming Small Towns in Western Australia

Australia has six states and ten federal territories. The states include New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. Western Australia is Australia's largest state, with an incredibly diverse landscape. It covers one-third of the country, from lush green vineyard wineries to jaw-dropping rock structures. One of the most underrated features of Western Australia is the charming small towns. They have everything from shorefront homes to coral reefs and coves. Kalbarri is home to a national park with stunning scenery of limestone rock and the Murchison River. Exmouth is a small coastal town where you can explore the famed Ningaloo Reef and discover different kinds of marine life.

Kalbarri

Kalbarri is a beach town with stunning coastal cliffs and ancient inland gorges. The small town doesn't have five-star resorts or all-inclusive holiday tours. Instead, Kalbarri is a quiet place with a serene environment to explore. Kalbarri is home to Kalbarri National Park, an expansive park with a coastline and inland gorges. The coastal section of the park has distinctive geological features, including estuaries, dramatic cliffs, windswept bluffs, and headlands. The coastline also features colossal sandstone cliffs. Shaped by the wind and waves, the cliffs rise hundreds of meters. The inland section of the park also has unique geological features, such as the Murchison River, Australia's second-largest river. It has carved deep gorges through red sandstone rock, creating stunning scenery. A must-see landmark at Kalbarri National Park is Nature's Window. This is an opening in the limestone rock that resembles a window overlooking the winding Murchison River. To get to the window, there is an easy trail about half a mile long. The paved trail offers particularly stunning views at sunrise and sunset. Besides exploring Kalbarri National Park, Kalbarri offers beautiful scenery at its numerous beaches. A popular spot to visit the water is the Blue Holes. Snorkeling is popular here because you can see the protected limestone reef system. The reef hosts numerous fish and other marine life.

Exmouth

Another charming coastal town is Exmouth, located at the northern entrance to the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area. This small town boasts a wide landscape to explore. The Ningaloo Reef, the area's main attraction, is the largest fringing reef in Australia, home to 300 coral species and 500 tropical fish species. Between March and July, whale sharks can sometimes be seen in the reef. Snorkelers and divers consider Ningaloo Reef a must-visit destination. For stunning views from outside the water, drive along Charles Knife Canyon Gorge, which offers panoramic vistas of the area and a good view of the gorge near the shoreline.

Exmouth is also home to Cape Range National Park. The area has an abundance of wildlife, including birds, emus, euros, and red kangaroos. There are also 630 known species of plants in the park. During the winter, the park has beautiful wildflowers that peak. Exmouth is also renowned for its red rock canyons and iconic beaches. One of the most stunning beaches is Turquoise Bay.

Donnybrook

Donnybrook, a southwest town famous for its picturesque orchards and rich history, is a two-hour and 15-minute drive from Perth. Visiting Donnybrook feels like stepping back in time, with its collection of colonial-era buildings from the 19th century. You can explore more of the town's history by walking through the Aboriginal sculpture park. Additionally, the town features the unique Policeman's Way Museum, which showcases police artifacts from around the world.

As the hub of apple production in Western Australia, Donnybrook is a stunning sight in springtime. Apple and cherry blossoms cover the streets, and roadside stands are filled with lush local produce. Donnybrook also hosts an annual Apple Festival, showcasing the town's sustainable, ecologically friendly production methods. Besides apples, Donnybrook is also known for its wine. Some famous wineries to visit in town include Barton Jones Winery and Coughlan Estate Winery. Sample some wine and enjoy the sleepy, small-town vibes.

Dunsborough

Dunsborough, a town near Perth, is just a three-hour drive away and offers diverse landscapes. It's known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, granite boulder formations, and lush canopies. The town boasts some of the most stunning beaches, including Castle Rock, Eagle Bay, and Bunker Bay. For a scenic drive, Sugarloaf Rock is a popular destination, perfect for taking photos and watching sunsets over the water. During the late months, it's also possible to see migrating whales pass by.

Beyond its beaches, Dunsborough also has a unique and long history, dating back 40,000 years. The town was previously inhabited by the Wardandi people. A spot to visit to learn about local lore is the Cape Naturaliste lighthouse. The lighthouse is from the 1800s, reveals fascinating local history, and offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, Cape Naturaliste, the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, and Geographe Bay shoreline.

Busselton

Busselton is a town that is easy to fall in love with. The ivory sand, turquoise ocean, and cute local eateries make for a serene yet entertaining atmosphere. One of the best ways to explore the town is by walking or riding the tram down the 1.11-mile-long Busselton Jetty. This is the longest wooden Jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. From May to December, thousands of whales pass by on their annual migration, so you may be able to spot one.

For those looking for a place to rest, many local wineries and breweries are in the area. A popular stop is Shelter Brewing Co., where you can sip your favorite beer while watching whales splash in the turquoise water. The Goose restaurant is another popular place to grab a bite, where you will find Australian cuisine made with local ingredients.

Margaret River

Margaret River is a town in Australia's South West. Well known for its stunning coastlines, vineyards, and the Kari woods, Margaret River is a gem in the region. The most popular time to visit the town is in summer, thanks to its beautiful beaches. Margaret River's beaches offer crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming with your family. One of the best ways to explore the region is on foot. The Cape to Cape Walk is a four-day hike that takes you past the Indian Ocean and along white-sand beaches. The stunning shorefront views are worth the long hike. Another way to enjoy the waterfront views is by riding the waves. The coastline in the region offers excellent opportunities for surfers of all abilities.

Talking about Margaret River wouldn't be complete without mentioning the jaw-dropping caves hidden underground. Guided tours of the local limestone caves are available. There are even megafauna fossils found amongst the limestone rock.

Bridgetown

Bridgetown is one of Western Australia's most charming and peaceful towns. Located near the Blackwood River Valley, it features serene forests and picturesque scenery, especially enchanting in winter when snow lightly covers the landscape. Its scenic beauty draws many artists, whose works can be seen at local galleries like Tinkahill Studio and Gallery. Bridgetown also serves as the hub of a significant timber, mining, and farming region, offering fresh local produce, ciders, and wines at nearby cafes and restaurants. Each November, the town hosts the Blues at Bridgetown Festival, which attracts top musicians and large audiences.

Discover Western Australia

Western Australia has a unique charm for everyone. Exmouth's coral reefs are sure to impress marine life lovers. Donnybrook has a unique history and quaint farm town charm with local apple orchards. In Busselton, you can unwind and watch whales pass while walking on the longest jetty. Whether you want to walk on the shoreline, be a beach bum, or explore a quaint downtown, Western Australia's small towns have a charm for everyone to enjoy.