These Towns In Western Australia Have The Best Main Streets

While the state of Western Australia is a popular tourist destination for its vast, rugged landscapes, its many small towns are also worth getting to know. The best of these communities have their own fascinating stories to tell, whether about local culture, historical events, or simply their attractive old main streets (or, as Aussies like to call them, “high streets”).

Whatever you like to call them, these picturesque streets continue to serve important roles in each of the communities we’ve featured here, whether it’s as a place to host local festivals, enjoy first-rate shopping experiences, or simply chill and enjoy the surrounding scenery. Whether you’re looking for a fun family vacation spot, a place for a romantic getaway, or even a great day trip, these towns in Australia’s biggest state have some of the best main streets (sorry, high streets!) in the Southern Hemisphere.

York

Founded in 1831, York is the oldest inland town in Western Australia and is located 60 miles east of Perth, the state capital. Its main street, Avon Terrace, is a well-preserved area featuring an impressive collection of buildings dating from the mid-19th century, including the picturesque York Town Hall. Built in 1911, this historic building often hosts local exhibitions and events and serves as an important hub for the community. Another must-visit is the York Motor Museum, established in 1979 and boasting a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s motoring past.

Avon Terrace’s cafés, antique shops, and trendy art galleries also add to the town’s charm and provide plenty of opportunities to explore local culture. They also serve as a backdrop for events like the annual York Festival, held in September and October as a celebration of the town’s artistic heritage with art installations, live music, and workshops, and the Avon Descent, a two-day white-water event along the Avon River that draws both participants and spectators to town every August.

Busselton

Busselton lies 136 miles south of Perth on a stunning stretch of coastline, ensuring its appeal to travelers. Founded in 1832, it’s also one of the best places to visit in Western Australia for those who enjoy exploring historic main streets. Queen Street, the heart of the town, leads visitors directly to the famous Busselton Jetty, built in 1865 and the longest timber-piled jetty in the country. It also houses the wonderful Busselton Underwater Observatory, a unique attraction that allows visitors to view over 300 species of marine life in their natural habitat from a depth of nearly 30 feet.

The ArtGeo Cultural Complex is another Queen Street attraction worth visiting. Situated near the waterfront in a complex of heritage buildings that includes the town’s former courthouse (built in 1861) and an old bank, here you can enjoy national and international art exhibits, participate in workshops, as well as enjoy world-class performances in the stare of the art theater. It also serves as a venue for the CinefestOZ Film Festival held each August.

Margaret River

Wine lovers will want to include Margaret River on their Western Australia travel itinerary. Located mid-way between Busselton and Augusta, this attractive town was established in 1913 and is well-known for its winemaking, with some 95 wineries located here. While the best of them, including Voyager Estate, Vasse Felix, and Redgate Wines are located on the outskirts of town, visit any one of the many excellent restaurants along the town’s Bussell Highway, the main street, and you’ll find they serve up these and many other local vintages.

The town’s also home to the Gourmet Escape, a fun-filled food and wine festival held each November that draws culinary talent (and foodies) from around the world. Other downtown highlights include the Margaret River Bakery, serving locals and visitors since the 1960s, and the Margaret River Hotel, built in 1936 and still offering first-rate tourist accommodations.

Geraldton

Founded in 1850 and located 250 miles north of Perth, Geraldton’s main street reflects this attractive town’s rich maritime history. Appropriately named Marine Terrace, Geraldton’s main drag is where you’ll find the elegant old Geraldton Courthouse, built in 1897 and a great backdrop for a selfie; and the HMAS Sydney II Memorial commemorating the tragic loss of the Australian warship and its crew of 645 in 1941.

The town also hosts the Geraldton Sunshine Festival every October, the longest-running community festival in Western Australia. In addition to exploring its main street and downtown area, Geraldton’s coastal location is a big draw for beachgoers, windsurfers, and kite surfers.

Denmark

Way down at the bottom of Western Australia and overlooking the Great Australian Bight, a vast open bay that encompasses the state’s entire southern coastline, the small town of Denmark is well-known for its laid-back vibe. Denmark’s main street, Strickland Street, is where you’ll find an array of charming cafés, art galleries, and specialty shops, many of them housed in heritage buildings that date back to the early 20th century. One of the best examples, The Denmark Hotel, was built in 1913 and continues to be a great place to stay for those here on a weekend getaway or extended stay.

A great time to visit is during the Denmark Festival of Voice in June. Now in its 21st year, it’s one of the state’s most anticipated celebrations of both the spoken word and music. Strickland Street’s proximity to the surrounding natural beauty, with notable landmarks like Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks just a short drive away, makes it especially appealing.

Kalgoorlie

Established in 1893 during the gold rush that brought countless prospectors to the state, Kalgoorlie is located 370 miles east of Perth and is a delight to explore. Start your adventure on Hannan Street, the town’s main drag that was named after gold discoverer Paddy Hannan. Other references to the town’s rich mining history include the majestic Kalgoorlie Town Hall, built in 1908, and the Palace Hotel, built in 1897, and still a great place to stay nearly 130 years later.

Kalgoorlie hosts several major events that revolve around the main street, too. These include December’s St. Barbara’s Festival, which celebrates the town’s mining heritage with a parade and other festivities. The town’s location near the Super Pit, one of Australia’s largest open-cut gold mines, adds to its significance, making Hannan Street an ideal place to begin exploring this historic mining region.

Albany

Founded in 1826 and the oldest European settlement in Western Australia, Albany makes for a great getaway from Perth some 250 miles to the north. Stirling Terrace, Albany’s historic main street, is the place to hang out here and features many beautifully preserved buildings from the 1800s. Examples include the Old Post Office, built in 1869, and the Albany Courthouse, built in 1898. They also serve as a backdrop for important events like the Albany Agricultural Show each November, one of the oldest agricultural shows in the state.

Albany is also known for its magnificent coastal scenery, including nearby Torndirrup National Park which features stunning natural landmarks like The Gap and Natural Bridge rock formations along with exotic vegetation and wildlife.

The Final Word

If a visit to “Down Under” is on the cards, it’s well worth considering the beautiful state of Western Australia for your “Ozzie” adventure. These seven towns in Western Australia offer visitors the opportunity to experience the very best the state has to offer, with some of the best main streets to be found anywhere in the country. Whether you’re exploring York’s heritage, Busselton’s coastal attractions, or Albany’s historic architecture, these towns in Western Australia have the best main streets to explore.