The 8 Friendliest Little Towns In Western Australia

Road tripping in Western Australia’s 2.5 million square kilometre expanse is filled with endless possibilities, from outdoor adventures to foodie delights and compelling galleries to historic sites. While Western Australia’s sparsely populated areas can feel quite desolate and lonely, there are many welcoming stops to discover along the way.

Here are the eight friendliest towns in Western Australia where weary road trippers are sure to find a warm welcome.

Margaret River

Discover the food, wine, and stunning scenery in a town so friendly that many of its most passionate locals came for a visit and never left. One day in Margaret River might have you considering a move yourself.

Free of pretensions, Walsh & Sons is a winery that thinks of its cellar door more as a farm door. Here, wine is a source of joy, welcoming wine enthusiasts to gather in a casual space where top-shelf vintages are paired with a selection of artisanal smallgoods, cheeses, and locally made crackers and relishes. Relaxed conversation, a tranquil setting, and a passionate team make your visit complete.

Miki’s Open Kitchen is all about tasting experiences with an inspired farm-to-plate crafted menu. Prime seats at the counter offer a front-row view of the chefs at work in the kitchen, preparing innovative dégustations in the inviting space.

If you prefer your restaurant food and vibe to be ultra casual, follow the sounds of laughter and music coming from The Margaret River Brewhouse. The green lawn and shady trees are as inviting as a close friend’s backyard, where cold beer and conversation run freely. When you're feeling peckish, this brewhouse serves food hot and fresh, accompanied by a heaping helping of genuine warmth.

Collie

Tranquil Collie is surrounded by shady jarrah forests in the Collie River Valley, where lakes and waterways are made for lazy days of paddling, and trails welcome mountain bikers and hikers to discover the area’s most beautiful scenery.

Expect the warmest of welcomes at Harris River Estate, where you can sample their trilogy of tipples, including site-made beer, wine, and gin. The owners invite guests to enjoy not only their food and drinks but also the diverse landscape of the estate, as well as two fully contained chalets for overnight stays.

Browse the collections at the Collie Art Gallery, where the works of renowned Australian artists include Norman Lindsay, Elizabeth Durack, Arthur Boyd Sr, and Guy Grey Smith, along with rotating special exhibits.

Minningup Pool is a vast stretch of the Collie River ideal for cooling swims, paddling, or fishing. Relax on the impossibly white sandy shore or find a spot on the lawn for a picnic under a shady tree.

Pop into the heritage-style hotel, the “Feddy”, for drinks, friendly conversation, and traditional pub grub. The Federal Hotel is a town landmark built in 1901, where generations of innkeepers have offered warmth and hospitality to guests and locals for over 150 years.

Bridgetown

This riverside town sits on the Blackwood, where peaceful country living feels like a warm embrace. Bridgetown is filled with gracious experiences that visitors will not soon forget.

One of Western Australia’s most interactive experiences, Secret Picnics are all about the scenery, food, and meeting local makers. Follow the digital clues to discover foodie destinations ready to fill your picnic basket with local delights. With your basket brimming, find the secret location to indulge in your tasty rewards. So fun!

Challenge yourself at the Bridgetown Jigsaw Gallery, where puzzles are art, and visitors discover the most extensive jigsaw puzzle collection in the Southern Hemisphere. Join fellow puzzle enthusiasts, test their skills, and learn about the gallery from the enthusiastic staff.

Sample potables running the gamut of cider, beer, spirits, and liqueurs at The Cidery. A red brick path leads through a cheerful garden in the summer, and a cosy fire awaits in the winter. This sociable spot serves an assortment of award-winning tipples paired with a scrumptious menu of tantalising dishes. You can also enjoy live music on Fridays and Sundays.

Settle in for an overnight stay at The Bridgetown Hotel or enjoy drinks and dinner on the veranda. The 1920s Federation-style hotel is renowned for its traditional pub classics, welcoming staff, and cozy rooms with access to a communal verandah overlooking the tree-lined streets of Bridgetown.

Dunsborough

Dunsborough is a lovely coastal town on the shores of Geographe Bay, where you can meet the locals and rub elbows with fellow tourists at a selection of idyllic spots.

Explore authentic Aboriginal art at Yungarra Gallery, where you can experience the cultural heritage of not only the Wadandi Yunungjarli people but also several other cultures sharing the gallery space. Contemporary and traditional pieces welcome visitors to discover the art of storytelling and the meeting of diverse cultural identities that make up the artistic community.

Nothing is friendlier than complimentary wine tastings at Wayfinder. This welcoming cellar door is made for winers and diners. A wide range of wines from their brand, as well as selections from around the world, are served alongside a palate-pleasing yet straightforward menu designed for curated pairings.

Immerse yourself in the whole Dunsborough experience at the eclectic newcomer, Southcamp. Have a beer in the brewhouse beer garden, soak up the local vibe at the café, or enjoy a stay in one of their gorgeous cabins or apartments. This unique gathering place was designed for visitors and locals to relax in good company, surrounded by the beauty of the Southwest.

York

York is tucked away in the Avon Valley, surrounded by peaceful countryside. Although its location on the Avon River surrounded by rolling hills is popular with outdoor enthusiasts, it is also an excellent shopping destination where friendly antique shop and gallery owners encourage visitors to browse their selections.

An exceptional introduction to local creatives, Pantechnica Gallery Art & Artefacts features an intriguing mix of artisanal craftsmanship and artistry, ranging from wood furniture to ceramics, paintings, drawings, and textiles. Chat with the staff to learn more about the collection and discover a truly unique piece to add to your collection. The Flour Mill Emporium offers an eclectic selection of antiques, collectibles, and vintage items, along with the work produced by the local arts and crafts collective. Spend hours lost in your search and meet the artisans and vendors who helped bring the space to life.

A fall visit times your arrival perfectly to experience the spectacle of wildflowers in bloom at York Bushland Garden. When the gardens are filled with vibrant flowers, it's not easy to imagine that the site was once a clay pit for brickmaking.

A town landmark since 1831, The Imperial Homestead is a historic pub and hotel offering unexpected luxury in the heart of town. Whether you treat yourself to a scrumptious meal or stay in their rustic-chic rooms, there is no doubt the attentive staff will make you feel right at home.

Broome

With its views of the Indian Ocean on Roebuck Bay, Broome is a coastal town extraordinaire, boasting red cliffs, turquoise waters, and a rich pearling history. The laid-back beach town is known for its hospitality, vibrant Chinatown, and endless beaches.

Chinatown is a colourful place with rustic, corrugated-iron buildings and a cheery atmosphere, inviting strolls and exploration. Pop into local shops to meet friendly sellers and take in the sweeping views of the ocean from Roebuck Bay Lookout.

Explore the natural beauty of the shoreline on a companionable kayak tour from Gantheaume Point beach; no paddling experience required. Spot local marine life and birds while listening to insightful facts from your guide.

Grab a table in the beer garden at Matso’s Broome Brewery to get a taste of local beer and some taqueria-style street food. Friendly staff can help you put together a tasty flight, including their famed ginger or mango beer. If you fancy something heartier with a touch of elegance, their main menu features everything from duck to burgers and fresh seafood, as well as shareable plates.

Combine Broome’s pearling history and epic hospitality at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. Stay in a restored pearlers’ shack or a glamping tent nestled in the private mangroves, complete with a luxurious bed and outdoor soaker tub. The farm also offers educational pearl experiences and tours, serving fresh, chef-prepared meals overlooking the ocean.

Fremantle

Fremantle is ideally situated where the Swan River meets the Indian Ocean. The town's vibe is a blend of hipster, culture, and history, with ties to Australia’s notorious convict past.

Since 1897, the Fremantle Market has been a meeting place for traders, buskers, and locals seeking fresh produce, goods, and entertainment. The Victorian building is one of two surviving municipal market buildings in Western Australia. Whether you shop the stalls or follow the Heritage Trail to learn more about Fremantle’s history, you will encounter the genuine warmth of the market traders.

Stroll the campus at Fremantle Arts Centre, where contemporary visual arts exhibitions share space with multidisciplinary performances, and education encourages ongoing conversations about the arts. Purchase a creation at the shop or take in the latest exhibitions and events.

Discover the hidden culinary world of Emily Taylor in a secret courtyard behind the market at the Warder’s Hotel. The welcoming space is designed for communal dining, where guests explore authentic local flavours over drinks. Once the accommodation for the Warders of the Fremantle Prison, the historic hotel reflects the town’s Colonial heritage with thoughtfully designed rooms. The newly opened corner bar is a nod to classic gin joints, where you can enjoy drinks and nibbles.

Geraldton

Bustling Geraldton is considered the gateway to the Coral Coast. It also boasts a rich history, with local heritage sites shared by friendly volunteers eager to share their knowledge about the community.

History buffs will discover what many might consider the most impressive regional military museum in Western Australia at the Birdwood Military Museum. Ex-service personnel are ready to answer questions, share compelling facts, and highlight unique items in the collection.

If you prefer something a little more charming, Greenough Museum & Gardens is a lovely homestead built for John and Elizabeth Maley. Chat with the museum staff about their lives, tour the home, take a stroll through Elizabeth’s gardens, and immerse yourself in the interactive displays.

Spend time at one of Geraldton's many beaches to surf and swim or laze on the shore as a spectator. April to October offer prime swell conditions for surfers, but you can also take advantage of higher winds from November to March to windsurf.

After getting a healthy dose of local history or beach time, drop into one of the local watering holes for drinks and friendly conversation. Batavia Brewing is a microbrewery pub where you can sidle up to the bar to sample the latest offering on tap, tuck into a pizza or burger, or sink into a comfy lounge chair and relax.

Western Australians are a welcoming bunch, ready with a witty story, a cold glass of beer, and comfortable accommodations. From lively riverside towns to casual beach communities and sheltered valley retreats to rural oases, the eight friendliest cities in Western Australia offer welcome stops along the way. Whether you're looking for a quick local drive or a days-long journey, Australia's largest state is a hospitable place worth exploring.