9 of the Quirkiest Towns in Western Australia
Western Australia is a treasure trove of magnificent landscapes and unique adventures, offering something for every explorer. This vast region is full of surprises, from ancient Aboriginal sites to crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine wildlife. Among the many hidden gems is a selection of quirky small towns, each with its eccentric charm and outlandish attractions. Visitors can find life-sized cow statues in Cowaramup, explore Pink Lake's bubblegum waters in Esperance, or marvel at Fremantle's historic port and prison. Whether it's quirky sculptures or ancient landmarks, these nine towns showcase the whimsical side of Western Australia’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Wickham
Tucked along the red-earthed coast of the Pilbara region, Wickham offers striking views of turquoise beaches and premier fishing spots. This town is the traditional land of the Ngarluma Aboriginal people, who have called it home for over 30,000 years. Wickham was originally established as a mining town, built alongside the iron ore-rich Pannawonica, and is now a gateway to Cape Lambert Jetty—one of Australia’s longest and tallest jetties.
A must-see is the Tourist Information Bay, housed in a massive 70-tonne haul truck, symbolizing the scale of the town’s mining operations. Here, visitors can explore exhibits on the town's iron ore history and its Indigenous heritage. Additionally, there's a striking iron ore carrier anchor and a sculpture of the ore ships that sail from the area. For a breathtaking view, head up to Water Tank Hill Lookout, which offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding land and sea, particularly mesmerizing at sunset.
Bencubbin
Located in the heart of the northeastern Wheatbelt, Bencubbin sits on the border between wheat country and station country. The town was initially opened up by grazing sheep and sandalwooders, before the areas fertile farm land became a hub for cereal crops, legume and livestock enterprise. Renowned for its wide variety of wildflowers, thanks to good winter rains and its diverse birdlife, Bencubbin is a haven for birdwatchers and photographers.
Visitors can explore the Sandalwood Interpretation Centre at the Bencubbin Community Resource Center to learn about the area's thriving sandalwood industry, which played a key role in its development. Bencubbin also has a much larger claim to fame as the discovery site of the Bencubbinites, two meteorites that a farmer found in 1930 and 1959, three-quarters of a mile apart. The Smithsonian cut and polished the two meteorites, and are on display in the Museum of Western Australia in Perth. For a birds-eye view of the rolling landscape, photographers can head to the top of Marshall Rock, which offers 360-degree panoramic views.
Borden
With a population of less than 50 people, Borden is a wheat and sheep farming community that is a common stopover on the way to Stirling Range National Park. The park offers mountain walks and spring fields filled with wildflowers, boasting over 1,500 plant varieties and more than 100 bird species. Stirling Range is also home to the beautiful Lily Dutch Windmill, one of Australia’s largest windmills. Built in the 16th-century traditional “ground sail” style, it was constructed utilizing recycled bricks and timber sourced from a variety of buildings in Albany. The windmill specializes in wholemeal stone-ground flour and is the only one of its kind ever built in Australia. It even offers self-contained accommodations to rent.
One of Borden's most quirky attractions is the locally designed Magpie Flight Path, featuring magpie sculptures mounted on poles at the town's entrance. Each magpie recounts a local story about the area's prominent history. Borden also features a modern grain storage facility, with a total capacity of 107,100 tonnes, and ships from all over the world.
Menzies
Originally a gold mining town, Menzies is the entryway to one of the quirkiest and largest galleries on earth. The Lake Ballard Sculptures, also known as the “Inside Australia” exhibit created by Antony Gormley, features fifty-one sculptures in an outdoor gallery and includes heritage buildings comprised of local sandstone. The collection is scattered across 2,400 acres of Lake Ballard’s white salt bed and is considered one of the most extraordinary exhibits. Menzies is also home to Goongarrie National Park, which features mulga and mallee, which are characteristic of Australia. The park includes the Goolgarrie Cottages, remnants of one of the region's many abandoned old mining towns in the region.
In town, visitors can admire gold rush-era architecture along Main Street, including the Town Hall, built in 1896 and famously without a clock in its clock tower until 2000. Another landmark is the Lady Shenton Hotel, named after the nearby Lady Shenton Mine. While no longer a hotel, the building contains the Menzies Visitor Information Center, the local library, and a post office agency.
Kambalda
Nestled in the bushlands, Kambalda is renowned for its rich gold and nickel mining history, and it’s also home to one of the world’s best locations for land sailing. The town’s Memorial Garden in the center pays tribute to those who dedicated their lives to the mining industry, which put Kambalda on the map. Lake Lefroy, a vast salt lake just outside the town, houses a processing plant that produces nickel concentrates containing copper, cobalt, palladium, and platinum, adding to the town’s economic significance.
For nature lovers, Kambalda offers access to vast outback landscapes, including reserves, conservation parks, and ancient Indigenous sites. One standout is Red Hill Lookout, where visitors can take in panoramic views of Lake Lefroy and watch land sailors race across the dry salt pans at thrilling speeds of up to 62 miles per hour. Adventurous visitors can even book lessons and rent land yachts to experience this unique sport firsthand. Kambalda is also a prime destination for botanists and nature enthusiasts. The Kambalda Herbarium showcases the region’s largest collection of flora, giving visitors an intimate look at the area’s biodiversity.
Cocklebiddy
Found in the southern side of Australia’s sheep grazing belt, Cocklebiddy is home to more sheep than people. During its pioneer history, the town hosted an Aboriginal Mission that now stands in stone ruins. Cocklebiddy is also famous for one of the world’s most extensive water-filled cave systems and is renowned for cave diving at Cocklebiddy Cave. One of Nullarbor's most famous caves, with a collapsed roof that revealed a massive system of underwater passages sweeping 3.75 miles long. For decades, teams have embarked on cave diving expeditions, setting new world records for cave diving as they pushed deeper into the cave’s labyrinth.
Cocklebiddy is also home to the Eyre Bird Observatory, the first bird observatory to be established in Australia. It is housed in an old stone building tucked in the woodlands, just far enough inland to remain within walking distance of the white sand beaches. Set in the Nuytsland Nature Reserve, originally owned by the Aboriginal people, the observatory contains a natural history library and a small museum. The Nature Reserve also offers a range of interactive workshops on bird photography and watching techniques, as well as activities like birding and bushwhacking.
Esperance
Esperance, located on the southern coast of Western Australia, is renowned for its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an array of quirky attractions. One of the most iconic features is its Pink Lake, which, though no longer pink, still draws visitors curious about its former bubblegum hue. However, Lake Hillier, located on Middle Island, remains a stunning bright pink and can be admired during scenic flights. Another must-see is the Esperance Stonehenge, a full-scale replica of England’s famous monument. Constructed from 137 locally quarried pink granite stones, it is precisely aligned with the summer and winter solstices, offering a majestic and mystical experience for visitors.
Esperance also boasts unique wildlife experiences, such as kangaroos lounging on the sun-soaked shores of Lucky Bay. For those looking for something more unconventional, Esperance is home to Australia’s only specialty fish and shark leather tannery, where visitors can tour the facility and browse a variety of handcrafted leather goods made from species like Barramundi and shark.
Cowaramup
Nestled in the heart of Margaret River wine country, Cowaramup is a whimsical stop surrounded by vineyards and dairy farms. This charming town, locally known as “Cowtown,” gained its fame not for the purple-crowned lorikeet it was named after but for the 42 life-sized fiberglass Friesian cows scattered throughout its streets and shops. Installed in 2012, these quirky cows have since become a beloved feature of the town, celebrated annually during the “Deja Moo - A Legendary Country Fair.” During this event, hundreds of visitors gather dressed in cow onesies to break the world record for the largest gathering in cow costumes, adding to the town’s playful spirit.
Apart from the cow-themed festivities, Cowaramup also offers a unique blend of gourmet dairy delights, such as handmade cheeses, yogurts, and chocolates. Visitors can explore boutique shops, often adorned with cow-themed memorabilia, making for a fun and quirky shopping experience. This whimsical charm and the town's rural beauty make Cowaramup a delightful stop in the Margaret River region.
Fremantle
Fremantle, a vibrant port city near Perth, boasts a rich blend of history and unique attractions. At the heart of the city is the iconic Round House, a twelve-sided gaol built in 1831, which now offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and the chance to walk through its historic tunnel leading to Bathers Beach. Nearby, the UNESCO-listed Fremantle Prison reveals dark tales of Australia’s convict past, with underground tunnel tours and eerie night experiences that take visitors deep into its history.
The Fremantle Markets, dating back to 1897, are a bustling hub for artisan crafts, local produce, and live performances, perfect for soaking in the local culture. Fremantle Arts Centre, a historic Gothic-style building that once served as an asylum, now hosts exhibitions, concerts, and creative workshops, offering a glimpse into the city’s thriving arts scene.
Stroll through the West End district, filled with well-preserved Georgian and Victorian buildings, where quaint cafés and boutiques line the streets. This area showcases Fremantle's rich architectural heritage, with convict-built structures offering a window into its colonial past. With its fascinating blend of history, art, and lively atmosphere, Fremantle is an ideal destination for curious travelers.
Closing Thoughts
Western Australia’s quirky small towns offer a rich tapestry of experiences, blending history, nature, and eccentric charm. From Wickham’s coastal vistas and Borden’s magpie sculptures to Esperance’s iconic Pink Lake and Cowaramup’s whimsical cow statues, these towns reflect the region’s diverse cultural and natural heritage. Whether you’re exploring outdoor art at Lake Ballard, diving in Cocklebiddy’s caves, or soaking in Fremantle’s historic port atmosphere, there’s no shortage of surprises. These nine towns showcase Western Australia's unique character, making them perfect destinations for travelers seeking something off the beaten path.
