9 Prettiest Downtown Strips In Western Australia

It is surprising Western Australia is less traveled with all it offers. It has just as many gorgeous beaches, expansive valleys, and vibrant cities as its fellow states, yet it tends to attract fewer crowds. Their loss is your gain when you choose to explore the compelling attractions and towns of this impressive state. Whether you are seeking new destinations for a day trip, want to hunker down for an overnight stay, or are ready to hit the open road, Western Australia is the way to go. Here are nine of the prettiest downtown strips in Western Australia calling your name.

Albany

A major Western Australia attraction for history buffs, Albany’s scenic backdrop of mountain peaks and expansive coastline creates a dramatic contrast against the vibrant city.

Albany boasts several busy thoroughfares, with York Street considered the downtown strip. The grand buildings and historically significant sites along York include the original Albany Hotel, the town hall, and the Treasurer’s building. While admiring the sights, pop in for sweets at The Sugar Boy, or breakfast at Cosi’s Café.

When you hit Albany House at Stirling Terrace, take a detour to explore the more notorious side of the country’s heritage. The Brig Amity at the Museum of the Great Southern is a full-scale replica of the 1826 convict ship that made a perilous 6-week journey from Sydney to King George Sound. Tour Albany’s convict-built Old Gaol Museum to learn about Australia’s unsavory brand of “colonial justice.” Have lunch at Dylan’s on the Terrace or the funky coffee lounge, Kate's Place.

For a more arty experience, take the Albany Street art route to discover 10 brilliant murals by global and local artists scattered about town. Venture along the Chainsaw Sculpture Drive to view intricate wooden sculptures carved by local artist Darrel Radcliffe.

Finish your Albany visit with a classic pub meal at The Earl of Spencer Historic Inn or book a unique stay at a local establishment like Spencer Suites.

Broome

If you love all things that glitter, Broome’s spectacular coastline played a key role in the pearling industry. The self-guided Jetty to Jetty Trail explores that history, starting in the town’s iconic Chinatown. Chinatown is alive with pearl showrooms, art galleries, and eateries that reflect the multicultural heritage of the town with a mix of Colonial and Asian-influenced architecture.

Chinatown’s Johnny Chi Lane connects Carnarvon Street with Dampier Terrace and features 20 panels along the laneway telling the story of the area and pearler, John Chi. Broome’s foodie scene is alive and well, whether it is Belgian Waffles for breakfast at Cable Beach House, lunch and Australia’s original alcoholic ginger beer at Matso’s Brewery, or top-notch Italian at Johnny Sausage with a touch of romance and spectacular views.

Chinatown's Sun Pictures is the world’s oldest operating outdoor picture garden, where you can watch a film under the stars. For a unique adventure, create a surreal silhouette lumbering along the pristine sands of Cable Beach atop a camel to watch the sunset.

Visit Roebuck Bay when the full moon rises at low tide to witness a natural phenomenon. The optical illusion creates a magical stairway ascending from the horizon to the starry skies above. Staircase to the Moon Markets at Town Beach creates a festive atmosphere with plenty of local food, crafts, and entertainers.

Spend the night in a well-appointed private bungalow or apartment at Cable Beach’s Seashells Broome — or pamper yourself in Balinese-style luxury at Bali Hai Resort & Spa.

Bridgetown

Bridgetown sits on the Blackwood River with a downtown strip lined with lovely historic buildings. You can lose yourself shopping the tiny boutiques, sipping coffee at the sweet cafés, and discovering local talent at the galleries.

Hampton Street offers something for everyone, from sweets at OOH LA Lollipop and toys at Puddletown Toyshop for the kids to fashionable finds at Barney & Fleur and Boho Vintage Love for style mavens.

Art lovers can browse for hours at The Rabbit Hole Community Arts Hub and Things We Make, shopping for unique work by local artists, while DIY home decorators hunt for hidden treasures and vintage collectibles at Totem Rustic and Wag Walters Emporium.

Bridgetown's one-of-a-kind experiences include FATS (Food, Art, Toys, Santa), the Christmas- and Santa-inspired art gallery-cum-Christmas shop-cum-café filled with fun eccentric flair. Karma Llama Records & Llama Lounge’s inventive bar combines an eclectic vinyl collection with sippable cocktails and drinks with local live music.

Nelsons of Bridgetown serves up meals a la carte in a rustic 125-year-old building. Its sophisticated approach to dining features locally produced ingredients and premium boutique wines. Soak up the history by spending the night in one of their heritage hotel rooms or enjoy cozy rooms with peaceful river and garden views at Tweed Valley Lodge.

Nannup

Another Blackwood River gem, Nannup’s downtown strip winds along Warren Street, where shops and eateries sit shoulder to shoulder with homes and gardens. It has a parklike feel with its trees and manicured lawns sitting peacefully between local businesses and historic landmarks like the Nannup Hotel. The hotel still operates, making a smart base for your Nannup adventure with its refurbished rooms, exceptional meals, and bonus backyard beer garden.

Many of the downtown boutiques are part shop, part gallery, featuring the crafts, paintings, and handiwork of local artisans. Bonnet & Entrance Eco Store’s quirky selection of vintage finds and work by Australian-based artists, designers, and craftspeople offers everything from clothes to jewelry and home décor to skincare. The Wild Eyed Shop showcases the work of Australian talent in unconventional ways, including greeting cards and books. TigerValley Gallery & Giftware is worth a visit to explore unique home décor finds, including one-off handcrafted timber clocks.

A Taste of Nannup & Beyond is a local creative treasure trove with an added selection of locally produced gourmet food products. And speaking of food, Nannup has diverse dining experiences. The intriguing menu and secret garden patio at Pickle & O are ideal for a quiet lunch. Local microbrewery Nannup Brewing Co. is located in a renovated old garage where locals gather to sample small-batch beers surrounded by beautiful gardens and scenery. If you fancy casual takeout, Nannup Fish ‘n Chips is rumored to have the best burgers in town, if you can resist the crispy fried fish, that is.

Consider a visit during one of the town’s annual events, whether it is the Nannup Music Festival in March or the Flower and Garden Festival during tulip season in August.

Kalgoorlie

Located in the Goldfields-Esperance region, downtown Kalgoorlie's broad boulevard is overlooked by charming wrought iron terraces and historic buildings beyond compare. Even the Kalgoorlie Boulder Visitor Centre sports a stunning façade at the historical Treasury Department of the Kalgoorlie Town Hall.

The distinctive brick buildings and opulent Victorian style are remnants of the town’s gold rush days. Carefully preserved downtown gems include the detailed iron lacework and grand verandas at the Exchange Hotel, the balcony, tower, and distinct chimneys at the Palace Hotel, and the Federation Anglo-Dutch stylings of the York Hotel, complete with twin domed turrets.

The British Arms Hotel's tiny wrought iron balcony, arched main floor doorway, and quaint clock are a different brand of charming. The building is possibly the narrowest pub in the Southern Hemisphere and now serves as The Museum of the Goldfields, featuring three upstairs galleries. An Edwardian parlor captures the opulence and wealth of the time.

While exploring downtown Kalgoorlie, take in the inspired Heartwalk murals showcasing the work of local artists or follow the 2-mile trail. Craft beer enthusiasts can sample cold beer at the Beaten Track Brewery while gobbling down a plate of their killer wings. Coffee addicts can refuel at Gold Bean Coffee before hitting the Gribble Creek Walk and Cycle Trail.

Wind down your day at the historic Kalgoorlie Hotel, where the filling pub fare is sure to satisfy your appetite. Relax in the surprisingly stylish beer garden for drinks before heading up to your simple yet comfortable room.

Donnybrook

Lovely Donnybrook is the apple capital of the west. For a small rural town, the downtown strip is surprisingly expansive, with a tree-lined island running down its center and businesses overlooking a green space. The town is in the early stages of a possible renaissance, which means there are not as many boutiques and eateries to discover.

The Central Arcade showcases locally crafted items and artwork created by Donnybrook Artisans, offering a unique shopping experience if you are looking for one-of-a-kind finds. From jewelry to prints and sculptures to ceramics, this artists’ gathering place is very browse-worthy.

Donnybrook Family Bakery impresses with a tantalizing display of just about any pastry you can imagine, as well as homemade ice cream and gourmet chocolates. Just down the way is The Big Apple Bakery, an ideal lunch spot with yummy sandwiches, savory pies, and classics like sausage rolls and pasties.

Café Tiffanys serves up, you guessed it, Breakfast at Tiffanys as well as freshly prepared sandwiches on Turkish bread, soups, and assorted sweet treats. They are also known for their Donnybrook Butchers famous burgers.

Donnybrook Goods Shed is an interpretive center featuring local history, legends, and agricultural tools. You can also check out their heritage sites map to get a feel for local attractions, including the photogenic, tiny “Shop” building on the main strip.

Nearby wineries include Barton Jones Wines, Barrecas Winery, and Oakway Estate Wines, while popular orchards include The Fruit Barn, Licciardello And Sons, and Orchard 1 Sixty. Just 15 minutes from Donnybrook is the Skating Goose Farm, a unique luxury getaway in the Marri Forest.

Toodyay

Set against the hills of the scenic Avon Valley region, Toodyay’s downtown strip is made for leisurely strolls and exploration. Some of its most beautifully ornate architecture and artfully crafted detailing adorn noted historic sites such as the former Freemason Hotel and Unwin stores.

The award-winning Toodyay Bakery resides in the Unwin building, where their unique offerings include artisanal breads, pies, pastries, and more. It is also a stop along the Toodyay Food & Picnic Trail, a foodie discovery journey exploring growers and producers of dates, olive oil, wine, breads, pastured meats, and condiments sure to fill even the largest of picnic baskets.

The iconic Coca-Cola brand is the inspiration for the nostalgic Cola Café and Museum. The 1950s-style diner takes you back to simpler times when people sipped colas, ate burgers, and listened to rock ‘n roll. You will feel a little misty surrounded by over 45-years’ worth of Coca-Cola memorabilia. Not a fan of the 50s? Dolly Foxgloves immerses you in a whimsical ambience as you fill up on exceptional “jaffers” and coffee or shop the vintage collection of clothes.

Sitting almost kitty-corner to the Cola Café is Connor's Mill historic site, where staff share stories about the hardworking families of Toodyay. The Newcastle Gaol Museum Precinct’s sweet brick cottage is charmingly misleading, as it was the former gaol (jail) and stomping grounds for the famous bushranger Moondyne Joe.

The Toodyay Hotel Restaurant & Tavern is at the historic Freemason site where guests enjoy drinks on the front verandah or retreat to the private beer garden. The pub serves up a list of popular favorites like burgers and pizza, while the newly done rooms offer an affordable stay. Just down the way is the Victoria Hotel, where the balconies of choice rooms overlook the hills and river.

Denham

The downtown strip of bustling Denham runs along the stunning coast overlooking Shark Bay. When it comes to beachy towns, Denham’s Knight Terrace takes the prize with its majestic palms blowing in the sea breeze and collection of historic sites, shops, and eateries offering a wide range of experiences.

The Shark Bay World Heritage Discovery Centre’s modern architecture creates an impressive downtown landmark. Immersive, multimedia displays allow visitors to explore Shark Bay’s cultural and natural history. Shark Bay Marine Park offers diverse wildlife encounters, including dugongs in its vast seagrass meadows and whales and sea turtles in the bay. Diving, fishing, snorkeling, and kayaking, as well as 20 shipwrecks in Shark Bay Marine Park, complete the rousing attractions.

The Denham Discovery Trail takes you to key sites along the Denham Sound, exploring the history of the town and the many cultures that contributed to its establishment, from pioneers to criminals. Steep Point is the westernmost point of Australia, a wild and unruly place where the Zuytdorp Cliffs rise about 550 feet above sea level.

The Old Pearler Restaurant’s distinct façade features stones naturally formed from millions of tiny Hamelin Cockle Shells. If you want to indulge in the restaurant's famous seafood, book ahead! If your trip is more spur of the moment, other Denham eateries will not disappoint, including Shark Bay Pizza and Shark Bay Café.

The Shark Bay Hotel is Australia’s westernmost hotel. It is the best spot if you plan to spend the night, with its front terrace overlooking the water and palm trees, cold beer on tap, hearty meals, and clean, comfy rooms. The hotel’s Old Pub is a popular haunt where you can enjoy conversing and joking with locals.

Guildford

Guildford’s convenient location just 20 minutes from Perth makes it a delightful day trip. Encircled by the Swan and Helena Rivers, this little beauty has an island feel with lavish 19th-century architecture, quaint cottage gardens, and an exciting food and shopping scene.

Antiquers revel in the exceptional finds from main strip boutiques, including Jones of Guildford, George's Furniture Restoration, and Basic Elements. Several self-guided tours explore different heritage areas in town, including the Stirling Square Circuit. The shady sugar gum trees offer a cool place to rest while taking in the picturesque parkland and quaint red brick historic St. Matthew's Church.

The Guildford Hotel is an iconic landmark with its distinct cupola overlooking the streets below. It is the place to dine, with its character-filled design cleverly combining rustic exposed brick, industrial steel beams, and original historic features. The casual menu features pub classics with innovative twists and house-smoked meats along with beer, wine, and creative cocktails.

Padbury's Café Restaurant's 1869 building once served as a store and residence. The space offers an elegant backdrop to indulge in their acclaimed menu. In the evening, sample premium Swan Valley wines under the soft light of sparkling chandeliers when the spot transforms into a chic wine bar.

For a more casual meal, Alfred's Kitchen has been serving up legendary burgers since 1946. Spend the night at Guildford River Retreat on the Swan River in an eco-chic heritage-listed federation house, with period-stylish rooms.

Now that you are in on one of Australia’s best-kept secrets, you can flip the map to tour the Western side of the country. Where will your journey take you? The riverside towns of Guildford, Bridgetown, and Nannup? Coastal beauties like Denham, Albany, and Bloome? The rural splendor of Toodyay and Donnybrook? Maybe the mining town of Kalgoorlie? Wherever you head, Western Australia’s prettiest downtown strips deliver unforgettable experiences.