10 Best Downtowns In Western Australia

Looking for something a little more exotic than that cross-country road trip you had in mind? Western Australia’s breathtaking landscapes guarantee that you will see something better; its downtown areas are active hubs of culture where you can experience something new every time. As Australia's largest state, there is always some new adventure waiting to be had. Explorers, including the first Europeans, arrived on this land over 400 years ago, but it had already been home to the Indigenous Malgana people for thousands of years before the Dutch arrived. Today, visitors come from all over to explore Ningaloo Reef, see the Pinnacles Desert, and experience Rottnest Island. If you are planning to make the trip, get ready to explore the 10 best downtowns in Western Australia.

York

Known as Western Australia’s oldest inland town, its historic downtown still maintains its 19th-century architecture. If you cross the bridge over the Avon River, you will first notice The Great Wall of York, a popular tourist attraction where you can also go picnicking. Several of these attractions are along Balladong Street, including the Residency Museum. If you head north from there, you will also come across the York Motor Museum, which prides itself on its automobile history, as well as classic cars and motorcycles. It is right next to the York Courthouse Complex, which offers a glimpse into the history of York and its courthouse.

Toodyay

Toodyay also boasts a historic downtown as a result of its colonial history. Its 19th-century architecture is quite beautiful, and the Toodyay Convict Depot is a great place to check out the region’s convict history. It currently stands as the Newcastle Gaol Museum and used to be an old prison with a courthouse. The Avon River passes through the town, so you can find a number of eateries nearby, like the Cola Café and Museum near Connor's Mill, now also a museum where you can take a look at a famous working mill and its old equipment.

Denmark

Not to be confused with the country, Denmark is a coastal town located in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. The South Coast Highway passes through town as the Denmark River feeds into the Wilson Inlet, and you will find the busiest streets around the intersection of the two. The bridge that goes over the river has a couple of things to do around it, like seeing the Fairy Door as you make your way to the Denmark War Memorial. A few hotspots like Ravens Coffee and Madfish & Chips keep this area lively, and if you keep heading west, you should come across some interesting local history at the Denmark Historical Museum.

Augusta

Augusta’s proximity to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse makes it a prime location, especially with the Water Wheel — a Cape Leeuwin historical landmark — along the way. This coastal town along the Hardy Inlet enjoys busy streets, especially along the Bussell Highway, where you can stop to admire the Ellis Street Jetty or just relax to the soothing sound of water lapping against the shore at the nearby Town Park. The Augusta Historical Society & Museum, located along the same road, is a must-visit for history buffs. It houses a diverse collection of fascinating historical artifacts, giving you a rich glimpse into the past.

Dongara

A view of the Indian Ocean awaits in Dongara. On Moreton Terrace — the busiest street — the relative hustle and bustle create a great atmosphere and it is the perfect place to grab a meal before exploring the best this town has to offer. Eateries like Sunset Takeaway Diner & Rosie's Chicken are a great stop before heading to Irwin District Museum or the Russ Cottage if you head a bit south from there — another must-see history museum. The "cottage" is not far from the Denison Arts House if you are looking to make a fun detour; it sits south of the Irwin River Lookout, another great tourist attraction.

Cervantes

The Pinnacles Desert is a 15-minute drive from this small coastal town on the Indian Ocean — a famous tourist attraction. Most of the activity happens around Serville Street which ends at Thirsty Point lookout, where breathtaking sights await. It is a good idea to stop by the Cervantes Museum on the way there to explore Cervantes’ rich heritage first. If you head back up to Catalonia Street, many great eateries like The Lobster Shack await along the coast, ready to welcome ocean and seafood lovers near Lookout Point — another scenic spot where the ocean meets the sky over the horizon.

Katanning

A multicultural downtown awaits in Katanning. Clive Street is closest to all the action, so you can start your day at the Katanning Historical Society Museum after a pleasant morning ritual at The Daily Grind cafe. From there, you can head southwest, and, if you are a fan of trains, you will come across the Katanning Miniature Railway, a sort of museum where you can also ride the mini trains. A great way to end the day here is by spending time around Lake Louise, but the streets of Katanning themselves are also a treat to stroll down.

Nannup

Nannup is a small town surrounded by forests and rivers, specifically the Ellis Creek State Forest. The area is largely dominated by forest, but in the heart of Nannup, along the busy streets around the Vasse Highway that cuts through town, a number of attractions await. The Nannup Historical Society & Museum is where you can explore local history. West of that sits the Nannup Arboretum, a historical landmark and considerable collection of large, mature trees where you can get a closer look as you make your way through the Amphi Theatre Park where you can also find The Nannup Totems nearby (aboriginal art installations).

Bridgetown

The Blackwood River flows through Bridgetown, which is convenient for any sort of fishing or boating activities, but busy places like Hampton Street are where all the action happens. To the north of that are the Bridgetown Police Station Museum and Bridgetown Historical Society, both great options for learning more about the town and its people. Stopping by Little Henry's Diner is a must, if only for the atmosphere of this lovely place. West of there, you can find a very tranquil park and a peaceful walkway called Peace Labyrinth, which is a go-to spot for unwinding after a long day.

Greenough

A small community with an understandably quiet downtown, but that hardly means Greenough is uneventful. The Brand Highway and Greenough River cut through town, and there are so many great spots to see along the way. Starting from its northernmost point, the Devlin Pool Lookout near Walgen Lakes is a great way to get a first impression here. Aside from scenic spots like Ray Bay, there are historical landmarks like Boolungu Spring where you can book at the nearby Greenough Nature Stay, which is exactly what it sounds like: a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. There is also a remarkable tourist attraction to the south called the Leaning Trees, which sounds like what it really is — leaning trees that appear to be lying down.

A trip Down Under definitely offers something new that few other places can. It is important to try new things while one is still young and explore all hemispheres, instead of just one. Western Australia is a big place with a lot to explore. From its endless coastlines overlooking the ocean to its vast outback, every corner can be an adventure. Whether it is discovering its rich marine life or marveling at ancient rock formations, there is always something that can turn a trip there into an unforgettable experience, especially when visiting the 10 best downtowns in Western Australia.