9 Offbeat Towns to Visit in Western Australia

Western Australia is an incredible part of Australia, representing the largest state in the country and the second-largest subdivision of any region in the world. In such a vast landmass, there are so many things to discover, from beautiful and spectacular to weird and offbeat. To name just a few, Western Australia is home to numerous ancient Aboriginal sites, jaw-dropping rock formations, an almost endless coastline, and the largest fringing coral reef, among others. And that’s not all. These spectacular features lie close to or within laid-back, offbeat towns, where the atmosphere feels otherworldly. From the Coral Coast to the Wheatbelt region, these quirky towns offer alternatives to the norm and invite tourists to enter into a new world of adventures. Without further ado, here are nine towns in Western Australia you have to visit to immerse in the uniqueness of Australia’s outback.

Margaret River

Margaret River is a relaxing town in the valley of its namesake river, best known for its wineries and vineyards. As one of the most famous wine regions in the world, a visit here will not be complete without exploring some of its finest wineries, such as Voyagers Estates, Stella Bella Wines, and Cape Mentelle. Visitors are also welcome to explore the surrounding areas renowned for their surfing breaks, especially Surfers Point, which has incredible waves. The nearby Gnarabup Beach is also a great spot to visit to admire the deep blue ocean, bask in the sun, and stroll. For wildlife lovers, visit Eagles Heritage Raptor Wildlife Centre, a bird sanctuary featuring bald eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons. Don’t miss the nearby 150-year-old Busselton Jetty, the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere and home to an underwater observatory worth a tour.

Bridgetown

Bridgetown is a small, adorable town along the Blackwood River in the state’s Southwest region, perfect for an adventure-filled getaway. First off, the town is home to several parks and nature preserves like Blackwood River Park and Bridgetown Jarrah Park. These destinations invite visitors to spend time in nature, hiking through forests, camping, and taking beautiful photos. For some history, the town hosts the Bridgetown Police Station Museum, which tells the story of the area’s early policing days. Art lovers can head to Jigsaw Gallery to marvel at detailed crafted jigsaw puzzles or visit Tinkahill Studio and Gallery to admire stunning paintings and artworks.

Beverley

Beverley stands out as one of the oldest towns in Western Australia, founded in 1868 along the Avon River in the state’s Wheatbelt region. On a trip here, visitors can stroll to the Avon River to enjoy its charming natural views or picnics. Meanwhile, the town is very artsy and hosts several galleries and art centers like East End Gallery, Kelly D Studio, The Art Garden, and Beverley Station Arts and Theater. Visitors are also invited to roam the town to capture some of its murals and architectural heritage. On the side of history, visit the Dead Finish Museum to browse through its collection of settler’s tools, memorabilia, furniture, and handmade clothing, all reflecting life in its early pioneer days. When hungry, fill up with pastries and snacks at Beverley Bakery, or enjoy a sumptuous lunch at the Red Vault.

Porongurup

Porongurup is a lesser-known mountain town that punches more than its weight in tourism. For starters, it is home to the jaw-dropping Granite Skywalk - a suspended walkway built on top of a gigantic rocky outcrop in Porongurup National Park. Access the walkway via a 1.2-mile walk from the Castle Rock picnic area to enjoy panoramic views of the park and vast lands beyond. Devil’s Slide is another mesmerizing rock formation for hikers and rock climbers in the area. At 670 meters (2198 feet), it is the highest point in the Porongurup range, and views of the Indian Ocean are possible from here on a clear day. Hike to Nancy Peak, another imposing granite elevation with more views of enticing ocean scenery, and enjoy a picnic at Tree in Rock under Karri trees.

Bremer Bay

Bremer Bay is a small, charming coastal town along the South Coast of Western Australia and at the mouth of its namesake river. Once here, one of the finest and most exciting things to do is to hop on a boat and cruise on the bay to spot killer whales and sea lions. Nature enthusiasts can hit the 2.5-mile loop Wellstead Estuary Walk to enjoy views of an estuary and surrounding vegetation. Next, history buffs can kick back at the Wellstead Museum and Café, exploring various farm antique tools alongside cottages, farmhouses, and stables made of stone. Meanwhile, the Bremer Bay lookout points are must-visit attractions for every visitor as they offer breathtaking views of the town and bay. Don’t miss the gorgeous beaches in the area, such as Blossoms, Native Dog, and John Cove.

Yallingup

Yallingup is a gorgeous town in the Southwest region of Western Australia that sweeps every tourist off their feet with magical beaches and caves. Smith’s Beach, Three Bears, and Yallingup are some of the town’s top beaches, and they offer windsurfing, fishing, kayaking, boating, and swimming adventures. From Yallingup Beach, visitors can head to the nearby ancient Ngilgi Caves and explore its interiors of stalactites and stalagmites via a guided tour. Next, visit the Canal Rocks and capture its stunning views from a footbridge. Hikers can take on the Cape-to-Cape Trail that runs through Injidup, Yallingup, and Smith Beaches, including Canal Rocks, among other sensational attractions that reveal the scenic landscapes of Yallingup. Visit the Yallingup Galleries before leaving to explore extraordinary paintings, art exhibits, and sculptures.

Green Head

Green Head is another unsung seaside gem in the Coral Coast region, where its serene beaches, coves, and turquoise-blue waters captivates every visitor. Some of its top beaches include South Bay, Dynamite Bay, and Anchorage Bay, all perfect for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, sightseeing, kayaking, and picnicking. Away from the beaches, embark on the Three Bay Walkway, which is 1.7 miles long and encompasses the three bays, to savor the magical coastal scenery of Green Head, especially from several overlooks. For similar experiences, head to the nearby Leseur National Park to hike incredible trails such as Spur Trail to Mount Lesuer 2.5 miles and the 1.5 miles Gairdner Loop Trail. Elsewhere, art lovers can have a fun time at Blue Ocean Gallery, perusing creative paintings.

Denmark

Denmark is a coastal town on Wilson Inlet, filled with fascinating and irresistible outdoor charms to explore without the crowd. Start by visiting its top beaches, like Ocean and Light beaches, to surf, sunbathe, swim, boat, and fish. Don’t forget to climb Monkey Rock at Lights Beach to capture scenic views of the town and Williams Bay. Continue with water sports at Wilson Inlet, a charming and massive water body featuring birds and black swans.

For more adventures, head 8.7 miles outside town to Williams Bay National Park, where the beauty of Greens Pool beckons swimmers and kayakers for indulgence. While in the park, visit Elephant Rocks to marvel at nature’s incredible artistry. Wrap up with a dose of history at the Denmark Historical Museum and exceptional dining at The Lake House.

Hyden

The beautiful town of Hyden deserves a spot in the limelight for its magnificent outdoor attractions that lure tourists from far and wide. This town is home to the iconic Wave Rock, an imposing 50-foot tall granite cliff weathered by winds and water erosion, resembling a series of whirling ocean waves. Nearby, the Hippo’s Yawn is another stunning attraction visitors here will love as it is characterized by an irregularly shaped rock resembling the mouth of a yawning hippo. As if that’s not enough, just 11 miles from the town, there’s another incredible granite formation rising out of the woodlands known as The Humps, inside its namesake nature preserve. Also be sure to visit the nearby Lake Magic, where the water changes color depending on sunlight and mineral content. When done exploring the outdoors, settle into one of the town’s restaurants, like the Bush Bakehouse or The Gimlet, to enjoy a palatable meal.

Explore the Hidden Gems of Western Australia

Western Australia, the continent’s largest state, is rich in natural landscapes and landmass. With a population of just two million people, its oversized landmass leaves a lot of room for adventures and exploration. For outdoors lovers, Western Australia is the place to be as there are many offbeat towns to explore, with some populations below a hundred people. From oceans, beaches, caves, mountains, and rocks to forests, rivers, and streams, these offbeat towns know a thing or two about stealing the hearts of visitors.