These towns in Western Australia all offer something special that makes them worthy additions to any Western Australia itinerary.

Western Australia is Australia’s largest state, covering an area of 2,917,000 square kilometres (1,130,000 sq mi). Its population of just 3.5 million people makes it one of the least populated places in the country.

The west coast of Australia is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Filled with places to surf, fish, dive, camp, hike, drink wine, or just relax.

And while many consider its coastline the best in the country, if you head inland you will find old gold mining towns, historic buildings, stunning desert landscapes and mesmerising national parks.

If you like to get away from the crowd and enjoy nothing more than a road trip, you may have just found Nirvana. Read on for some of West Australia’s gems that you should add to your visit. 

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Must see Towns in Western Australia

Geraldton

Geraldton is a coastal town four hours north of Perth. Tucked between the popular Western Australia road trip towns of Jurien Bay and Kalbarri, Geraldton can be overlooked, but with a diverse range of attractions, Geraldton is a must see town Western Australian town. You could easily spend 3 or 4 days here relaxing on the beaches, delving into the town’s history, or exploring the parks, reserves and scenic drives.

A cruise to the Abrolhos Islands is one of the best things to do in Geraldton. The once quiet fishing islands are now recognized for their natural beauty and getting out there for a snorkel is a must for nature lovers. Back on land, from July to October Geraldton is a wildflower spotters paradise. Nearby Chapman River Regional Park and Greenough River Nature Park are full of colour.

The HMAS Sydney II Memorial is perched above the town on Mount Scott. There are several parts to the memorial including the eye-catching dome, and it is a fascinating and moving place to walk around. The Geraldton Museum has many more stories of the area’s past and fantastic interactive displays that kids will enjoy. There is also a good short 3D movie about the HMAS Sydney II and HSK Kormoran.

One of the best things to do in Geraldton is explore the foreshore. Dotted with street art, cafes, playgrounds, picnic and BBQ areas and views of the Indian Ocean, it is a fun place to explore. The art is especially good and includes the Horizon Sphere, a giant water-filled acrylic ball. Make you see it at sunset, it is spectacular. Geraldton also has great beaches, there are half a dozen to explore with a few minutes from the town centre.

Recommended by Steve and Natalie from Curious Campers.

If you want to stay awhile and enjoy all Geraldton offers, we recommend Zebra’s Guesthouse at Tarcoola Beach, as a great value option that is super comfortable.

Kalbarri

Kalbarri is a small coastal town in Western Australia, located approximately 6 hours north of Perth, where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Kalbarri is the perfect road trip stop when heading north.

The town is bounded by the Murchison River and is the perfect base to explore Kalbarri National Park which is home to the iconic Nature’s Window rock formation and the Kalbarri Skywalk.

Both attractions can easily be visited during a day visit to Kalbarri National Park. It costs $15 per car for a day pass to the national park and you can easily fill a full day or two with the many walking tracks within the park.

For an easy walk, Pot Alley is just 200 metres from the car park and the giant boulders and ocean views are incredible!

You will also find beautiful beaches that are perfect for cooling down during the hot Kalbarri summer. The Blue Holes are a popular option for snorkelling and exploring the shallow rock pools.

The Kalbarri Foreshore is an ideal place to spend a day, especially if visiting with kids. You will find calm waters for swimming, picnic tables, water activities for hire and one of the best natural playgrounds in Western Australia. There are also morning pelican feedings down at the foreshore just before 9 AM.

Kalbarri is a great stop to spend two to three nights exploring the natural attractions. If you are looking for a great place to stay, Red Bluff Tourist Park is a fantastic choice, just a short walk from Red Bluff Beach.

Suggested by Holly Connors from Four Around The World

Coral Bay

Coral Bay is situated around 1200km north of Perth and represents one of WA’s most famous holiday destinations, for good reasons! It is hard not to fall in love with this pristine paradise listed as a World Heritage site primarily thanks to its beautiful coral gardens, endless white sandy beach, and picturesque town.

If you are a marine lover, you will be able to swim with some of the most fascinating sea creatures including whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays, dugongs, turtles, and over 500 different species of fish.

The most amazing thing is that you are able to swim in the Ningaloo Reef, which is just meters from the shore. The water is relatively calm and even if you are not a strong swimmer, an expert snorkeler, or diver, you will still be able to live the aquatic adventure of a lifetime! And there is always the glass bottom boat if you really don’t want to get wet.

If you are not a water fanatic, you can enjoy the Coral Bay coastline, through the Pioneer and Naturalist Parks, by feet and gives you the unique opportunity to see dolphins, manta rays, and a large variety of fish swimming through the crystal clear waters from several vantage points. This walk takes you where you can see kangaroos, emus, and an array of bird life.

There are plenty of accommodation to choose from with campgrounds, hotels, and holiday rentals all available within walking distance of the beach!

Coral Bay is the perfect spot to enjoy a Western Australia sunset, with striking shades of orange, pink and purple in the most laid-back atmosphere. If you love being surrounded by nature and wildlife, Coral Bay is the perfect spot, so what are you waiting for?

Recommended by Francesca at Travel Heal Love

Visit Kalbarri, Coral Bay and Exmouth on a 7 Day/6 Night Exmouth Explorer Tour – Departing Perth

Exmouth

The small town of Exmouth is on WA’s Coral Coast, 12 hours north of Perth. The biggest draw to this area is the UNESCO listed Ningaloo Reef which lies just off the coast of Exmouth.

Between the months of March – July, tourists flock to Exmouth for the bucket list experience of swimming alongside whale sharks. In addition to whale sharks, the Ningaloo reef is home to an abundance of marine life such as manta rays, turtles, humpbacks, reef sharks and plenty of fish. No matter the time of year you visit, the snorkelling and scuba diving is world class.

Exmouth is also known for its stunning beaches and spectacular canyons. Take a drive into Charles Knife Canyon Gorge for some dramatic views, looking through the gorge toward the coast. No visit to Exmouth is complete without spending a chilled out day at Turquoise Bay. Relax in the soft white sand and hop in for a snorkel to be surrounded by turtles and fish only metres from the shore. 

With year round warm weather, Exmouth is ideal as a winter holiday destination. There are enough activities to keep you occupied in Exmouth, making it easy to spend 5 days to a week there. You can either fly there from Perth or include it as a stop on a road trip along the west coast. 

Contributed by Ann from The Road Is Life 

Fremantle

Fremantle is a small town located just a quick drive from Perth and can be accessed by public transport, which makes it easy and affordable to reach even if you don’t have a car. Fremantle is known for its arts, colonial history and architecture.

The Fremantle Markets are great for buying artisanal products, souvenirs, arts and even fresh fruit and vegetables. There is also a wide selection of coffee shops located close by where you’ll be able to rest and enjoy yourself before heading to the next stop.

Fremantle is also known for its breweries and pubs where you can enjoy a pint with a view. Don’t miss out on the museums that Fremantle has to offer, such as the historic Fremantle Prison which is no longer in use today but can be visited as part of an exciting tour – even at night! There is also the Maritime Museum or the Shipwreck Museum which are well worth a visit.

Spend at least two to three days in Fremantle, which will be plenty of time to see the beaches and do some sightseeing. If you’ve got time, you can even head to Rottnest Island which is a fantastic day trip from Fremantle.

Contributed by Victoria from Guide Your Travel

Fremantle has a fantastic food scene book a food tour, you won’t be disappointed.

Margaret River

Visitors to Western Australia shouldn’t miss exploring the delights that await in the Margaret River Region. Margaret River is a small town located in the South West of Australia that is renowned for its amazing coastline, towering karri forests and delightful wineries.

It is a great place to visit all year round – summer is a popular time to visit to make the most of the crystal-clear swimming beaches, but winter is also very cosy sitting by a log fire while drinking a glass of red from one of the local wineries.

Some of the best things to do in Margaret River include exploring the many natural wonders that await nearby. The Margaret River Caves are a must-see for visitors of all ages. There is a vast network of over 100 limestone caves, with four of these opened to the public as show caves that you can tour through and learn more about these fascinating below-ground spectacles.

Visit a winery or two and learn more about the famous wines in the region. Some of the oldest and most famous estates in the region include Vasse Felix, Leeuwin Estate and Voyager Estate. Most wineries do free wine tastings, or for a small fee that is reimbursable against a purchase.

Another must-do is a visit to the Saturday morning Farmers Market in town. The markets showcase local producers, food trucks and handmade arts and craft stalls with a real local, community vibe.

Join a Margaret River food and wine tour and experience the regions best in one day.

Finally, make sure you explore some of Margaret River’s beautiful coastline. The closest beach is a 10-minute drive from Margaret River at Prevelly. At Surfers Point, watch surfers catching waves before enjoying a memorable sunset from this popular viewpoint. 

Contributed by Tess of Tessomewhere

Denmark

You have got to go to Denmark when you go to Western Australia! Yes, it sounds incongruous, but Denmark Western Australia, 4.5 hours south of Perth, should be on any WA road trip itinerary. This cute little town on nestled on the South Coast is sometimes described as “Like Margaret River was 30 years ago!”

The comparison is made with the better known Margaret River because both spots have sublime white sand beaches with turquoise water, pretty drives through groves of karri forest, and a really relaxed vibe. Also important in Denmark WA is the up-and-coming wine and food scene, which is part of the up and coming Great Southern Wine Region. With a Mediterranean climate and wonderful grape growing conditions wine lovers “in the know” are talking about the wines made in this beautiful area.

It is possible to spend just a couple of days in Denmark itself (or a long weekend) and get what is so special about the place; but you can also use it as a base to explore other areas along the South Coast – historic Albany is just 30 minutes away and a fascinating historical centre, as well as home to some incredible national parks. 

In the other direction, Walpole is a nature based playground and home to the world-famous Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. North of Denmark, anyone who loves a challenge should head to the Granite Skywalk at Castle Rock in the Porongorup Ranges. 

Contribute by Ariana from Western Australian Travel.

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