9 Of The Friendliest Towns In Western Australia
What comes to mind when you are asked about Western Australia? Is it kangaroos munching on leaves in an open savanna? Or cute Quokkas smiling for selfies and stealing hearts? Well, the idea is certainly not wrong. Western Australia is known worldwide for its incredible wildlife, vast landscapes, and vibrant culture. Still, its true beauty can be attributed to its towns, where the locals welcome tourists with open arms. These places can feel like a home away from home for travelers seeking genuine hospitality and a sense of belonging.
Towns like Busselton, Pemberton, Exmouth, and many more create a unique blend of traditions, events, and resident warmth that makes visiting them a lifetime memory. Let’s wander through the nine friendliest towns in Western Australia.
Busselton
The crown jewel of Western Australia's towns, Busselton is known mainly for its laid-back vibe and family-friendly atmosphere—it takes the cake as possibly the West Coast’s friendliest town. They host recurring markets where residents come together in support of Western Australia's produce farmers. The Busselton Jetty is a focal point for community gatherings and conversations. If you want to check out Busselton’s art, food, and music, the Festival of Busselton, held annually in January, is a must-visit. Local businesses are worth exploring, and to experience the real taste of Busselton, visit local cafes like The Urban Coffee House, which guarantees personalized service, warm smiles, and hot coffee.
Denmark
A rural and coastal town; that’s right, town, not country. Welcome to Denmark, one of Western Australia’s friendliest towns (with a dash of eccentricity sprinkled in). Denmark’s historical and natural heritage creates a sense of belonging in its visitors. The local community members also relish sharing stories about Denmark’s history and nature. To witness their hospitality, visit the Denmark Bakery, where the helpful staff makes every visit feel personal. For nature lovers, the Greens Pool is a serene beach location that is the perfect spot to converse with visitors. If you want a unique shopping experience, visit the Denmark Markets, the monthly artisan markets where the community comes together for business and one-on-one interaction.
Albany
Another coastal town on the Southern coast of Western Australia, Albany prides itself on its rich history and strong communal values. To find this area’s history, head to the National Anzac Centre, where the staff goes above and beyond to share the center’s historical significance. Locals frequent the Albany Farmers Market. A town’s sense of friendliness can be seen in the local shops and restaurants. Domes Coffee provides an all-day menu if you fancy breakfast for dinner or a sweet stack of pancakes in the middle of the afternoon—there are no judgments here!
Margaret River
Margaret River, or as the locals call it, “Margs,” is a town where natural beauty and a close-knit community blend seamlessly. World-class wineries and a strong eco-conscious ethos bring together a diverse and welcoming crowd. Voyager Estate, one of the leading wineries in the region, offers the Origins Tasting & Cheese Board experience, where tourists and locals can share in a cabernet masterclass and extensive (and exclusive) tasting. For a fine dining experience, visit the Settlers Tavern, where the staff is known for their relaxed service. If you fancy a nice walk, talk, or trek through the Cape to Cape Track—guides are always willing to give trekkers a hand. You cannot know entirely about a town until you have visited its market, and for a casual marketplace experience, you must visit the Margaret River Farmers’ Market. This place creates a lively and inclusive environment for locals to chat with the visitors.
Pemberton
Named after botanical collector Pemberton Walcott, Pemberton is celebrated as one of the most welcoming towns in Western Australia. A quiet timber town, Pemberton is a place that exudes a positive “welcome to the family” vibe. Train trips are nostalgic, and if you were yearning to hear the rhythmic sound of a train, you would love the Pemberton Tramway, where the conductors frequently provide informative commentary, creating a unique experience. While in town, you can enjoy a personalized dining experience at cafes like the Millhouse Café, which provides cozy spots to rest and eat. The staff is so welcoming that they’re genuinely interested in your day. The trip will be incomplete without a visit to the iconic Gloucester Tree, where locals often share tips on how to climb it safely.
Exmouth
A hidden gem on the coast of Western Australia, Exmouth is a town where people welcome all visitors with open arms. It's known mainly for its breathtaking natural experiences, such as the flawless Turquoise Bay, home to 500 species of tropical fish, turtles, and manta rays! Exmouth is one of Western Australia's ideal destinations for lovers of the great outdoors. The town is a gateway to the Ningaloo Reef, where the local community thrives on helping visitors observe the marine life. For more information on the Ningaloo Reef, visit the Ningaloo Visitor Centre, where the staff provide personalized recommendations. Try out the Turtle Tours, where the locals warmly involve guests in the conservation efforts. If you fancy a pleasant dining experience, visit the Whalebone Brewing Company, which serves delicious pizzas in a casual yet fancy atmosphere.
York
Western Australia’s oldest inland town, York, offers a unique combination of rich history with genuine community hospitality. You'll find this little window into the past about 60 miles east of Perth, Western Australia's capital city. York offers its visitors a complete bouquet of experiences and memories to be. From historical landmarks to natural landscapes and a plethora of events and festivals, the town has something for everyone. Visit the York Motor Museum to immerse yourself in the region’s automobile history, where the staff often goes out of their way to share stories about the exhibits. To see the town’s community events, check out the York Festival, which is held to celebrate the lively art culture. Local boutiques and shops are major tourist attractions, and to buy locally crafted items, you can visit The Old York Mill. The owners of the local shops love a good chat, so don't worry about hanging around for a while and getting in a great conversation.
Kalbarri
Located at the mouth of the Murchison River, Kalbarri is a coastal paradise that captivates visitors with its stunning landscapes and thrilling outdoor adventures. It is not just the views; Kalbarri is known up and down the coast as one of Western Australia's friendliest towns. The residents of Kalbarri take exceptional pride in their spectacular surroundings and are always willing to go the extra mile to make visitors feel at home. Anyone who feels inspired by a bit of nature immersion must visit the Kalbarri National Park, where guides and locals are always eager to share tips on exploring Nature’s Window. Kalbarri is a hotspot for pelicans, seeing it as a coastal town. Make sure you partake in the pelican feeding, a daily tradition conducted by volunteers. If you’re looking for incredible food and a nice view, visit the Gorges Cafe, which offers friendly service as you dine with stunning views.
Esperance
Named after the French ship the “Esperance” (meaning “hope” in French), this pleasant little town is renowned its stunning beaches and a tight-knit community. Famous for its white sands and crystal clear water, nearby Lucky Bay is a stop that needs to be on every itinerary. If that’s enough to impress you, then visit the Taylor St Quarters restaurant to get a deeply personal feel for Esperance's hospitality. The place combines terrific food with some of the warmest and most attentive customer service you will ever experience. And, if you want to learn a bit more about the town’s history, be sure to visit the Esperance Museum, where the volunteers are willing to go the extra mile to personalize the experience and guide you through the exhibits in detail.
A Warm Welcome Awaits in Western Australia’s Friendliest Towns
Whether you seek a short trip or are a home away from home, these Western Australian towns and their folks will surely welcome you with wide arms and open hearts. From the exceptional flavors of Margaret River's wineries to the kaleidoscope of fish in Exmouth's Turquoise Bay, each of these towns is hiding its own special, sparkling treasure trove of experiences. Visitors will palpably feel the towns' “Welcome Home” vibes, which help put them at ease when exploring new and unusual destinations. For the tourists, the people here are almost as memorable as the towns themselves. So, pack your bags! Western Australia, your second home awaits.
