9 Prettiest Small Towns In Western Australia
There is no place like Australia. The landscapes and seascapes in the Western region match the vast and gorgeous atmosphere that the rest of the country offers. Travel through the dunes of the Great Sandy Desert. Or take a stroll by the rocky coastlines of the Indian Ocean. Maybe even explore the animal kingdom and meet a kangaroo or two. There is no limit to what Australia can offer, especially in the west, where the prettiest little towns lie. Whirl through world-famous surf spots and ancient Indigenous histories. Get to know the intricacies of Western Australia on a personal level by indulging in the beauty of these small towns.
Broome
A place where the ancient and modern combine, the portside town of Broome is an oceanic spectacle. Situated on the shores of Roebuck Bay, this small town revels in a history of pearls. Visitors can see red ochre rock, camel rides, and visible dinosaur footprints on the way to Broome. Pearl diving and trade became the defining theme of this small Australian town, becoming known as the “Pearl of the North.” Willie Creek Pearls offers a marvelous selection of pearl-related experiences. Traverse Broome's pearling history from pearl farming to jewelry showrooms. Learn about a prominent trade that contributed to Broome’s tourism growth.
The highlights are the pearl beds, but the surrounding beaches are also breathtaking. Cable Beach, for instance, offers stunning sunsets right by the Indian Ocean. White sands, translucent waters, and its famous camel train make the beach a tropical marvel. Nearby is Gantheaume Point, a beach where dinosaur footprints remain preserved from over 125 million years ago.
Busselton
Located near Geographe Bay, the town of Busselton thrives in its agricultural setting. The town offers a charming seaside community in addition to its farming heritage. The fig trees and Norfolk pines by the water provide a lovely getaway, especially around the Busselton Jetty. Once a port for timber exports, the jetty is now a peaceful spot for a walk. Visitors can explore the waters aboard the red Jetty Train or visit the Underwater Observatory to see native marine life. Learn Busselton’s history at the Busselton Cultural Precinct, a line of distinguished buildings significant to the town’s early days.
Together with the Old Courthouse, these structures reveal stories of the town's most infamous members long ago. Gain insight into how major events in Western Australia’s history have shaped Busselton by visiting the Busselton Museum at the Old Butter Factory. The factory survived the Great Depression, World War II, and the subsequent economic boom. The museum showcases photographs and artifacts that tell the story of the town’s social, economic, and maritime past.
Fremantle
As one of Australia’s largest ports, Fremantle takes pride in its bustling portside charm. With historic buildings and quaint fishing boats, this small town holds a variety of intricate tales. Awarded Australia’s Top Tourism Town 2025, Fremantle is a place of cherished makers, artists, and growers, creating a community that charms people country-wide. The best place to soak up the local splendor is the Fremantle Markets. Stalls lining the streets, where residents pick up their morning coffee or go shopping, are an iconic place for local artisans.
Alongside its small-town character, Fremantle is home to some deep-rooted snippets of history. The Fremantle Prison is a building built entirely by convicts. A World Heritage site today, the prison has been open to the public since 1992. Building on interesting histories, the WA Shipwrecks Museum is a great stop for some maritime stories. The exhibitions on Australia’s oldest shipwrecks tell tales of mutinies, riches, and dangerous coastal encounters.
Geraldton
Jambinu, or Geraldton, reflects its proud maritime and Aboriginal history. A town of stunning seascapes and exciting adventures, Geraldton welcomes all. The surrounding countryside is filled with pretty wildflower meadows and spectacular coastal beaches. Many prominent events have taken place on these lands, which can be explored at the Museum of Geraldton. It features Yamaji history, Dutch shipwrecks, and marine environments, showcasing a wide range of the area's history. The HMAS Sydney II Memorial, Geraldton, focuses on a specific shipwreck from World War II.
It honors the sailors of the war and shares the stories of the HMAS Sydney II. Geraldton's rich heritage is highlighted at the Monsignor Hawes Heritage Centre. Monsignor John Cyril Hawes was a priest, architect, and collector of Australia’s arts and crafts. Get a glimpse of Hawes’s architecture, art, and other creations at the heritage centre, appreciating his significant contributions.
Port Hedland
The Warlu Way shares legends of the warlu, or Dreamtime sea serpent, as it moves through the land, creating waterways. Similarly, Port Hedland is renowned for its most majestic stories rooted in Indigenous culture and history. It also hosts many naturally occurring sights, such as the Staircase to the Moon, an illusion of a staircase reaching to the moon during low tide. A land of mysteries and legends, Port Hedland also functions as a busy port for ships and trains. The Dalgety House Museum explores much of Port Hedland's settlement history, with displays of the settlers' tales and their impact on the Kariyarra Aboriginal people of the Pilbara. Formerly a residence, the Dalgety House showcases turn-of-the-century architecture and records of the Dalgety and Co. company.
If trains are of interest to you, the Don Rhodes Mining Museum may be appealing. Home to a collection of restored locomotives and transportation history. Learn about railroad technology, the development of the manganese and iron ore industries, and how mining operated in Port Hedland. A must-visit spot is the Cemetery Beach Park, a lovely beach teeming with a diverse ecosystem. After a day of exploring museums, wander the sands and grab a glimpse at the peeking reef at low tide. Or view the flatback turtles, which usually nest in the area, a wonderful and rare sight to behold.
Denmark
Rugged but fervently beautiful, the town of Denmark knows no bounds when it comes to the wonders of the outdoors. Denmark is covered in knee-high wildflowers, deep green lagoons, and tall trees. With waters so stunning, turning from aquamarine to jade green, the seaside has never looked more wonderful. The Greens Pool can attest to that. This pool has earned the title of the most inviting waters of Mother Nature, as one of the most iconic beaches in Western Australia. If visitors continue to stroll from the pools along the sculpted rocks, they will eventually meet the Elephant Rocks. A mesmerizing cove with tall boulders guarding it, it is a must-see sight. With strong currents and black dolerite lining the area, this cove is a nicely tucked-away alternative to traditional beaches.
A sanctuary and playground for Denmark’s native fauna, the Wilson Inlet is home to over 240 bird species. Their most well-known species is the black swan, Western Australia’s emblem. The Nyoongar Aboriginal people call the inlet Koorabup, which translates to “The Place of the Black Swan,” which shows how significant the swan is to the area. Catch a fish or two, drive a boat across the water, or hike the heritage trail.
Albany
For 18,000 years, Albany was occupied by the Minang Noongar Aboriginal people. Residing alongside the coast, the Minang Noongar people fished with stone traps within the harbour. After European settlers arrived, Albany thrived as a whaling base in the 1840s. Today, tourists can revel in these majestic creatures by whale watching from cruises. The harbour, currently known as King George Sound, is a fantastic vision of marine life. From July to October, Humpback whales are a rare sight that cannot be missed, along with dolphins and seals, via cruise.
To learn about Albany’s history, the National Anzac Centre is the perfect place. It tells the tales of how over 40,000 Australians and New Zealanders left to fight in the First World War. In dedication to the Anzac legend, visitors explore this as honorary Anzac members. They get to see what it was like for soldiers from recruitment to being battle-ready. Finally, Albany is home to the Torndirrup National Park, an open natural wonder. With views of rugged coasts, the park is a terrific place for a walk through the wildflowers or a quiet moment away from the town.
Dunsborough
A haven of coastlines and community, Dunsborough is a pretty seaside town for those summer lovers. Dunsborough is a place where people and nature are one, combining forces to create a delightful lifestyle amidst nature. It is a place for morning swims, picnics for lunch, and drinks on beachfront balconies. Many residents adore Meelup Beach, a sweet, white-sanded beach for families to enjoy. Visitors can make the rounds: take a boat across the water, go for a swim, pick a place for a picnic, or roam through the sand.
Coming in as the next favorite is Castle Rock Bay. Claim refuge within bushels of wildflowers, Cape orchids, Pimeleas, Hooded Lilies, Acacias, and more. Become entranced by the turquoise waters and head in for a swim or surf. Or venture off into Sugarloaf Rock, a paradise for animal lovers. Home to a variety of birds and whales ready to be photographed, like the red-tailed tropic bird and humpback whales.
Yallingup
Tucked away into a hillside, the town of Yallingup is known for its terrain of jagged cliffs. With a dramatic coastline, this town is known for its world-famous surf beaches. Yallingup is guaranteed to be a great place for adventure-seekers. It is home to tall karri tree forests, lengthy beaches, and strong granite headlands, as well as a network of caves. These caves are viewed best through the Ngilgi Cave Ancient Lands Experience, an immersive adventure into the past. Learn about the native flora and fauna, the Indigenous population’s impact, and the formation of the caves.
The rocks of Yallingup can also be seen above ground, through the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. Home to a variety of fish and birds for watching, surfing, and bush walks. With a lighthouse to guide visitors, the trails are easy to navigate, as well as the whale lookout. Finally, for a little bit of family-friendly action, the Yallingup Maze and Mini Golf is the perfect place to bring friends or family, featuring an 18-hole mini golf course and a timber maze.
Western Australia, situated in the Southern Hemisphere, is famous for its sunny weather and pretty landscapes. Enjoy endless summer-like experiences, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, and visit Aboriginal-owned campgrounds and cultural tours. The region also offers ancient dinosaur fossils and tracks, along with many other remarkable discoveries. With a settlement history spanning 50,000 years, there is always a new discovery or hidden story to unearth.
