9 Offbeat Towns to Visit in Western Australia

Western Australia is an incredible part of Australia, representing the largest state in the country and the second-largest subdivision of any region in the world. In such a vast landmass, there are so many things to discover, from beautiful and spectacular to weird and offbeat. To name just a few, Western Australia is home to numerous ancient Aboriginal sites, jaw-dropping rock formations, an almost endless coastline, and the largest fringing coral reef, among others. And that’s not all. These spectacular features lie close to or within laid-back, offbeat towns, where the atmosphere feels otherworldly. From the Coral Coast to the Wheatbelt region, these quirky towns offer alternatives to the norm and invite tourists to enter into a new world of adventures. Without further ado, here are nine towns in Western Australia you have to visit to immerse in the uniqueness of Australia’s outback.

Margaret River

Margaret River is a relaxing town in the valley of its namesake river, best known for its wineries and vineyards. As one of the most famous wine regions in the world, a visit here will not be complete without exploring some of its finest wineries, such as Voyagers Estates, Stella Bella Wines, and Cape Mentelle. Visitors are also welcome to explore the surrounding areas renowned for their surfing breaks, especially Surfers Point, which has incredible waves. The nearby Gnarabup Beach is also a great spot to visit to admire the deep blue ocean, bask in the sun, and stroll. For wildlife lovers, visit Eagles Heritage Raptor Wildlife Centre, a bird sanctuary featuring bald eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons. Don’t miss the nearby 150-year-old Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere and home to an underwater observatory worth a tour.

Bridgetown

Bridgetown is a small, charming town along the Blackwood River in the state’s Southwest region, perfect for an adventure-filled getaway. First off, the town is home to several parks and nature preserves, including Blackwood River Park and Bridgetown Jarrah Park. These destinations invite visitors to spend time in nature, hiking through forests, camping, and taking beautiful photos. For some history, the town hosts the Bridgetown Police Station Museum, which tells the story of the area’s early policing days. Art lovers can head to Jigsaw Gallery to marvel at intricately crafted jigsaw puzzles or visit Tinkahill Studio and Gallery to admire stunning paintings and artworks.

Beverley

Beverley is one of Western Australia's oldest towns, established in 1868 along the Avon River in the Wheatbelt region. Visitors can walk to the river to enjoy scenic views or have a picnic. The town is vibrant with arts, featuring galleries and art centers like East End Gallery, Kelly D Studio, The Art Garden, and Beverley Station Arts and Theater. Explore the town to see murals and historic architecture. For history enthusiasts, the Dead Finish Museum offers exhibits of settlers' tools, memorabilia, furniture, and handmade clothing, illustrating early pioneer life. When hungry, try pastries and snacks at Beverley Bakery or have a hearty lunch at the Red Vault.

Porongurup

Porongurup is a lesser-known mountain town that excels in tourism. It features the stunning Granite Skywalk, a suspended walkway on a large rocky outcrop in Porongurup National Park. Reach the walkway via a 1.2-mile walk from the Castle Rock picnic area for sweeping views of the park and surrounding lands. Devil’s Slide, another striking rock formation, attracts hikers and climbers. Standing at 670 meters (2198 feet), it is the tallest peak in the Porongurup range, offering views of the Indian Ocean on clear days. Venture to Nancy Peak, another dramatic granite summit with ocean vistas, and enjoy a picnic at Tree in Rock among the Karri trees.

Bremer Bay

Bremer Bay is a small, charming coastal town along the South Coast of Western Australia, at the mouth of its namesake river. Once here, one of the finest and most exciting things to do is to hop on a boat and cruise the bay to spot killer whales and sea lions. Nature enthusiasts can take the 2.5-mile loop of the Wellstead Estuary Walk to enjoy views of the estuary and surrounding vegetation. Next, history buffs can kick back at the Wellstead Museum and Café, exploring a collection of farm antiques alongside cottages, farmhouses, and stone stables. Meanwhile, the Bremer Bay lookout points are must-visit attractions for every visitor, offering breathtaking views of the town and bay. Don’t miss the gorgeous beaches in the area, such as Blossoms, Native Dog, and John Cove.

Yallingup

Yallingup is a gorgeous town in the Southwest region of Western Australia, known for its magical beaches and caves that sweep every tourist off their feet. Smith’s Beach, Three Bears, and Yallingup are among the town’s top beaches, offering windsurfing, fishing, kayaking, boating, and swimming. From Yallingup Beach, visitors can head to the nearby ancient Ngilgi Caves and explore its interiors of stalactites and stalagmites on a guided tour. Next, visit the Canal Rocks and capture its stunning views from a footbridge. Hikers can take on the Cape-to-Cape Trail that runs through Injidup, Yallingup, and Smith Beaches, including Canal Rocks, among other sensational attractions that reveal the scenic landscapes of Yallingup. Visit the Yallingup Galleries before leaving to explore extraordinary paintings, art exhibits, and sculptures.

Green Head

Green Head is an overlooked coastal treasure in the Coral Coast area, renowned for its tranquil beaches, coves, and turquoise waters that enchant every visitor. Highlights include South Bay, Dynamite Bay, and Anchorage Bay, each ideal for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, sightseeing, kayaking, and picnicking. Beyond the beaches, explore the 1.7-mile Three Bay Walkway that encircles the three bays, offering stunning coastal views from various overlooks. For similar experiences, visit nearby Leseur National Park to hike trails like the 2.5-mile Spur Trail to Mount Lesuer and the 1.5-mile Gairdner Loop Trail. Art enthusiasts can also enjoy a visit to Blue Ocean Gallery, where they can browse a variety of creative paintings.

Denmark

Denmark is a coastal town on Wilson Inlet, filled with fascinating and irresistible outdoor charms to explore without the crowd. Start by visiting its top beaches, like Ocean and Light beaches, to surf, sunbathe, swim, boat, and fish. Don’t forget to climb Monkey Rock at Lights Beach to capture scenic views of the town and Williams Bay. Continue with water sports at Wilson Inlet, a charming and massive water body featuring birds and black swans.

For more adventures, head 8.7 miles outside town to Williams Bay National Park, where the beauty of Greens Pool beckons swimmers and kayakers for indulgence. While in the park, visit Elephant Rocks to marvel at nature’s incredible artistry. Wrap up with a dose of history at the Denmark Historical Museum and exceptional dining at The Lake House.

Hyden

The beautiful town of Hyden deserves a spot in the limelight for its magnificent outdoor attractions that draw tourists from far and wide. This town is home to the iconic Wave Rock, an imposing 50-foot-tall granite cliff weathered by wind and water erosion, resembling a series of whirling ocean waves. Nearby, the Hippo’s Yawn is another stunning attraction visitors will love, characterized by an irregularly shaped rock that resembles the mouth of a yawning hippo. As if that’s not enough, just 11 miles from the town, another incredible granite formation rises out of the woodlands, known as The Humps, within its namesake nature preserve. Also be sure to visit the nearby Lake Magic, where the water changes color depending on sunlight and mineral content. When done exploring the outdoors, settle into one of the town’s restaurants, like the Bush Bakehouse or The Gimlet, to enjoy a palatable meal.

Explore the Hidden Gems of Western Australia

Western Australia, the largest state on the continent, boasts vast natural landscapes and extensive landmass. With only two million residents, it offers plenty of space for adventures and exploration. Outdoor enthusiasts will find Western Australia ideal, with numerous quirky towns to discover, some with populations under one hundred. From oceans, beaches, caves, mountains, and rocks to forests, rivers, and streams, these unique towns have a knack for captivating visitors.