6 Most Underrated Towns in Western Australia
Encompassing nearly a third of the country, Western Australia beckons with its expansive size and tremendous beauty, attracting visitors from far and wide. While Perth is often dubbed the heart and soul of the state's tourism industry, the true essence of Western Australia extends far beyond the city lights. For a different but equally enthralling side of the state, consider venturing to some of its underrated small towns. These often-overlooked communities may not draw the same crowds as the state capital, but that is precisely why they are worth exploring.
Revel in the tranquility of uncrowded beaches and gorgeous trails unspoiled by heavy foot traffic. From plunging winter waterfalls to rare moonlit illusions, these towns boast remarkable attractions that should not be underestimated. Seize the opportunity to experience them now, before they take off.
Yanchep
While the suburb of Yanchep earns its fair share of visitors, it is often overshadowed by the wonders of Perth. Less than an hour apart, visiting the state capital may feel like the more obvious choice, but this coastal suburb has its own sights and experiences you will not want to overlook. One visit to the town’s anchor, Yanchep National Park, will show you that busier does not always mean better. Away from the commotion of city life, the adventure here is quieter yet nonetheless exhilarating.
Animal lovers can take the Koala Boardwalk to see these Australian icons in their natural habitats, or zipline with Treetops Adventure to spot another animal icon, the Western grey kangaroo. Beachgoers on the other hand, will love the calm, clear waters at Yanchep Lagoon. Ideal for swimming and snorkeling, the turquoise waves and sheltered reefs make this worth the trip alone. But for the ultimate Yanchep experience, adventure belowground. Although the ever-popular Crystal Cave is currently undergoing maintenance, the Yonderup Cave offers an equally exciting glance at the park’s fascinating limestone cave system. If you would prefer to stay aboveground, there are endless scenic walking trails. The Wetlands Walk Trail is an easygoing lakeside path, while more strenuous hikes like the Ghost House Walk Trail rewards travelers with the moss-covered ruins of a historic stone structure.
Green Head
Green Head is another coastal community bordering the mighty Indian Ocean. With just under 300 residents, it could be easy to disregard this tiny seaside town, but the natural landmarks are definitely bucket list worthy. If you are up for a coastal road trip, the journey from Yanchep to Green Head follows Indian Ocean Drive the entire way, so the scenic 3-hour drive will be half the fun–especially if you lengthen it with a few beachy stops. And once you get to Green Head, there is still a world of beachside beauty to discover.
Sheltering beachgoers with its limestone headlands, Dynamite Bay in Green Head is beloved for its white sandy shores and tranquil waters. Out on the ocean, windsurfing conditions are perfect, but swimmers prefer the mellow breeze of the sheltered bay, which keeps the water amazingly still. Snorkeling conditions are the real star; the lack of harsh waves makes views of the coral and marine life crystal clear. After a day of beach thrills, before you leave Green Head behind, consider one final stop on your way out. A little over 20 minutes from town, Lesueur National Park is a must-see pitstop, especially in spring when the wildflowers take bloom. With over 900 species of flora in this botanic haven–along with sand dunes and salt lakes–you will be happy you stopped by.
Karratha
Karratha is a fairly new coastal town, established in the late 1960s to accommodate a growing iron ore industry. It is also fairly isolated, so keep that in mind if you plan to visit. And although you will have to travel out of your way to get here, its gateway to extraordinary natural surroundings makes the trip beyond worthwhile. One major attraction includes its proximity to Dampier, a port granting access to the Dampier Archipelago. This collection of 42 islands features traditional recreation like snorkeling, fishing, and sailing, but the wildlife sightings are what takes the experience to a whole new level. Sea turtles, manta rays, and bottlenose dolphins can be spotted offshore and if you visit between July and September the humpback whale migrations are breathtaking. Alternatively, Dampier offers a four hour boat trip to the nearby Montebello Islands, whose pristine, undisturbed beaches are some of the prettiest in Australia.
Visitors may want to schedule their visit from March to November during a full moon, for views of the infamous Staircase to the Moon. Karratha is one of the only places to view this stunning illusion, a reflection of ethereal steps leading to the moon at low tide. The town is also home to the annual FeNaCING Festival. Paying homage to the town’s main commodities (Fe standing for iron ore, NaCl for salt, and NG for natural gas), the two-day festival takes place in August. With live entertainment, carnival rides, and tons of local food and drinks to sample, this is a great time to visit Karratha.
Serpentine
While Western Australia is beloved for its coast, perhaps you would prefer a different side of the region. Back toward Perth, the rural town of Serpentine offers a break from beaches. Just under an hour from the state capital, pastoral charm is Serpentine’s selling point, along with its endless natural beauty. Driving into town, the surrounding landscape sets the scene for your visit, orchards and farm houses lining the way. For a postcard scene, restaurants like Bistro by the Dam offer delicious bites with exquisite views overlooking the lake adjoined to the majestic Serpentine Dam.
For a closer look at the lake, you will want to head to Serpentine National Park. Lakeside picnics and barbeques are a staple here, while hiking enthusiasts can explore the park’s picturesque paths. The Falls Walk Trail is the most popular by far, leading to Serpentine Falls. You can choose between a short stroll to the base of the waterfall or climb to the top where a viewing platform awaits. It is worth noting that wintertime is when the 49 foot cascade is at its grandest, heavy rains plunging the overflowing Serpentine River to the rocky pool below. During warmer months though, the rock-rimmed crater transforms to a swimming hole, so it all depends on what you are looking for during your stay.
Bridgetown
Much like Serpentine, Bridgetown, a quaint rural community straddling the Blackwood River, earns a spot as an underrated town with its country charm. Located in the rolling hills of the Blackwood River Valley, for avid hikers, Bridgetown is a hiking haven. Among the town's favored hiking trails is the Bridgetown Jarrah Park Walk, an easygoing journey through towering jarrah trees. Starting at Blackwood River Park, the River Walk trail is a close second, looping along the river and across a bridge for really pretty views of the waterway. Locals recommend visiting in the wintertime when the river is at its peak.
Speaking of winter, this self-proclaimed "winter capital of Western Australia" truly comes alive during the season. Fridgetown Fest is the town’s claim to wintertime fame, hosted annually. The family-friendly festival will take place from June 1st to August 31st of 2024, hosting craft shows, art exhibitions, and the town’s infamous Banquet on the Bridge. Later in the year, Bridgetown will also host its annual Blues at Bridgetown Festival in November, a 3-day music festival that draws in thousands from across the region. Coupled with its natural beauty, the town's vibrant cultural scene makes Bridgetown a year-round destination worth exploring.
Denmark
On Western Australia’s southern coast, the welcoming riverside town of Denmark is an underrated homebase for some of the best natural attractions in the region. Akin to Bridgetown, the area is alive with towering trees, many climbing 200 feet and some dating back 400 years. The Valley of the Tree Top Walk is a magical way to experience them atop a suspension bridge strung through the forest, and although the attraction is a 40 minute drive from town, it is well worth the trip.
Closer to town (around 15 minutes away) you will find William Bay National Park. Famous for its headlands and sheltered beaches, Denmark is the perfect gateway to this popular park. The Greens Pool beach is one that fills up especially fast, famous for its boulder-shored turquoise waters, and Denmark allows its locals and visitors to beat the crowds. Nearby, the Elephant Rocks are another remarkable landmark, best viewed overhead from a lookout above the cove.
Whether you dedicate an entire getaway to one of these underrated towns or make a pitstop at their attractions en route elsewhere, each community promises unimaginable splendor. From the depths of Yanchep’s fascinating caves to the highest trees in Denmark’s forests, beauty often unveils itself in the most unexpected places. And contrary to the belief that less-traveled paths may be less-traveled for a reason, this claim could not be further from the truth when it comes to these Western Australian towns. If you are yearning for somewhere new to discover or simply seeking a less crowded getaway spot, rest assured that each of these communities will exceed your expectations.
