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 and 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 landscape of the coastline also formed colossal sandstone cliffs. Shaped by the wind and waves, the cliffs are hundreds of meters high.  The inland section of the park also has unique geological features, such as the Murchison River. This is Australia's second-largest river. It has carved deep gorges through red sandstone rock, making for 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 Murchinson 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 at the Blue Holes. Snorkeling is popular here since you can see the protected limestone reef system. The reef hosts numerous fish and other marine life.

Exmouth

Another charming coastal town is Exmouth. Standing at the northern gateway to the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area, Exmouth is a small town with an extensive landscape to explore. The Ningaloo Reef is the area's biggest attraction and the largest fringing reef in Australia. There are 300 species of coral and 500 tropical fish species in the reef. Between March and July, the whale shark is sometimes seen in the reef. For snorkelers and divers, the Ningaloo Reef is a must-see. For breathtaking views outside the water, take a drive along Charles Knife Canyon Gorge. The route offers panoramas of the area, and you get a good view of the gorge near the shore. 

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 is a southwest town known for its charming orchards and history. It is a two-hour and 15-minute drive outside of the big city of Perth. Walking into Donnybrook is like walking backward in time. The town has a collection of colonial buildings dating back to the 19th century. You can learn more about the town's history by strolling through the Aboriginal sculpture park. The town also houses the odd Policeman's Way Museum. This museum displays police artifacts from throughout the globe.

As the hub of apple production in Western Australia, Donnybrook is a stunning site in springtime. Apple and cherry blossoms cover the streets, and roadside stands are full of 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 are Barton Jones wineries and Coughlan Estate Winery. Sample some wine and enjoy the sleepy, small-town vibes. 

Dunsborough

Another town close to Perth is Dunsborough. Just a 3-hour drive from the city, Dunsborough is the perfect combination of different landscapes. The town is an environmental wonder with crystal-clear turquoise water, granite boulder stacks, and leafy canopies. Dunsborough is home to some of the most spectacular beaches with turquoise waters. A few include Castle Rock, Eagle Bay, and Bunker Bay. If you're up for a scenic drive, a popular spot to visit is Sugarloaf Rock. The islet is a great place to take some scenic photos and enjoy a sunset on the water. In the last months of the year, you might be lucky enough to spot some whales migrating past.

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 spot to rest, many local wineries and breweries are in the area. A popular place to stop at is Shelter Brewing Co., where you can sip the beer of your choice while you watch whales splashing 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 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 because of the 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 onto the 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 is an excellent opportunity for surfers of all abilities to take advantage of. 

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

One of the prettiest, most peaceful Western Australian towns is Bridgetown. The town is near the Blackwood River Valley, filled with tranquil forests. The scenery is particularly beautiful in winter when snow dusts over the landscape. The stunning scenery attracts many artists. You can see their work at local galleries such as Tinkahill Studio and Gallery. Bridgetown is also the center of a big timber, mining, and farming district. There is always local fresh produce, ciders, and wines to try at the region's cafes and restaurants. In November, Bridgetown hosts the Blues at Bridgetown Festival, attracting world-class musicians and large crowds.

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.