Luckily for local road trippers, WA is a big place full of different towns just waiting to be explored this summer holiday season.
While the bigger tourist drawcards of Margaret River are popular spots to visit over the summer months, it can be extremely rewarding to scope out some of the State’s lesser-known gems.
So if you’re hoping to try something a little different during your next WA holiday, here are 13 smaller WA towns we think are worth a visit.
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1. Green Head, Coral Coast
The town of Green Head on the Coral Coast is small but mighty. At three hours’ drive from Perth, it offers pristine beaches and incredible fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities, and is a great stop-off on road trips up or down the coastline. The town is perhaps best known for the stunning Dynamite Bay, a sheltered spot with still waters that provide the perfect conditions for swimming and snorkelling. When you’re underwater, keep an eye out for hard and soft corals, and a diverse range of fish and other marine life.
Just south of Green Head is Fisherman’s Island, an Australian sea lion breeding colony. Access is restricted during mating season in August, but at other times of year visitors can hop on a sea lion viewing tour from Green Head or Jurien Bay. Another popular attraction in town is the Three Bays Walkway, a series of walking trails and footpaths that takes you past the peaceful Anchorage Bay, Dynamite Bay and a few other secluded beaches. The walkway is signposted with interesting information about the region’s Aboriginal and European history.
If you’re eager to go wildflower hunting in spring, head to the nearby Lesueur National Park to view leschenaultia, orchids, pearl flowers and more than 820 native flowering species. The national park is also a prime spot for bird watching, as it is home to more than 100 species, including the rare Carnaby’s black cockatoo.
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2. Horrocks, Coral Coast
If you’re after a picture-perfect beach and a small town with a laidback vibe, make a stop at Horrocks. Horrocks is 22km west of Northampton so you could extend your trip to Geraldton or make a side trip on your way to Kalbarri.
Take the turn off from the North West Coastal Highway onto Horrocks Road and spend some quality time on a truly quality beach – once crowned on of Australia’s best mainland beaches.
The reef running along the beach makes it a great place for snorkelling or exploring on foot when the tide is low. You can also try some beach fishing or throw a line in from the jetty.
Horrocks Beach Caravan Park is right by the beach, is dog-friendly and offers a range of accommodation, from powered camp and caravan sites to chalets.
3. Hopetoun, Great Southern
Picturesque Hopetoun is located 190km west of Esperance and right on the doorstep of the Fitzerald River National Park.
Thought it certainly not unknown, it is often overlooked as a coastal escape.
Expect the same squeaky white-sand beaches and turquoise waters of Esperance but in one small but very charming package.
The town has a groyne that juts out into the ocean and a pretty foreshore with a grassed area at Jim McCulloch Park, which has a playground and is perfect for picnics and barbeques.
Once in Hopetoun, you can venture out on daytrips to some of the stunning beaches nearby or explore the expansive Fitzerald River National Park.
There are a good number of dining options, a supermarket and accommodation that ranges from caravan parks, tourist parks, hotels, and self-contained chalets.
4. Deanmill, South West
Located a few kilometres west of Manjimup within the South West region, the quaint timber town of Deanmill dates back to 1913 when the town’s mill was involved in the production of sleepers for the Trans-Australia railway. The town was named after Alfred Dean, the mill’s first long-term manager, and today consists of a football oval, mill houses, the famous sawmill and a section of a popular heritage trail.
The Manjimup to Deanmill Heritage Trail is 5.5-kilometres long, and was originally an old rail line that has now been converted into a walking and cycling trail. It’s moderately flat and easy, takes you through bush and farm land and forms part of the famous Munda Biddi Trail. If you’re planning a visit, try to complete the trail during spring when wildflowers are in abundance.
5. Borden, Great Southern
Situated on the edge of the towering Stirling Range National Park, the town of Borden has a population of less than 200 people and provides services for the surrounding wheat and sheep farming community; namely thanks to its huge grain handling facility. The town was established as a siding on the railway line between Gnowangerup and Ongerup, and is named after Sir Robert Laird Borden, Prime Minister of Canada from 1911 to 1920 – though the town bears no direct relation to this North American country. As such, the naming of this town has baffled many who pass through it.
One of the quirkiest attractions within the Borden township is the locally-built ‘magpie flight path’. The pathway features several magpie sculptures positioned on poles at the town entrance, with each pole recounting a local story about the area’s history.
The neighbouring Stirling Range National Park is renowned for its plentiful bushwalking trails – and in particular, its epic peaks. Four of the most prominent peaks are Bluff Knoll (a challenging 6.8km return hike), Mount Talyuberup (a moderate, three-kilometre return trail), Mount Hassell (a hard, four-kilometre return trail) and Mount Toolbrunup (a hard, four-kilometre return trail), which provides sweeping 360-degree views of the park.
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6. Ongerup, Great Southern
Founded in 1848, the small service town of Ongerup has a rich agricultural history. Meaning “place of the male kangaroo” in local Noongar language, the town is only home to only around 90 residents but hosts a pub, general store, primary school, caravan park, golf course, sports oval and war memorial. The closest town to Ongerup is Jerramungup; a 40-kilometre drive away.
Ongerup has received a lot of attention from local bird enthusiasts because of its Yongergnow Malleefowl Centre; an aviary, sanctuary and information centre devoted to the conservation of the endangered malleefowl. At the centre, you’ll see the malleefowl in its natural environment. Take a stroll on one of the many surrounding bushwalking trails, and you may see newly born malleefowl chicks (if you visit during breeding season).
Another attraction within the town is the Ongerup and Needilup District Museum. This folky museum displays local memorabilia, farming equipment and displays that showcase the natural history of the area. It’s renowned for its annual wildflower display; a tradition the museum has upheld annually since 1978. Between late September to early October, visitors can view up to 400 species of labelled wildflowers within the grounds of the museum.
7. Broomehill, Great Southern
Nestled between Katanning and Albany, the town of Broomehill owes its creation to the Great Southern Railway, which was completed in 1889. The town’s predominant industries were originally wheat and sheep farming, but today, the town is a thriving hub of charming museums, gardens and bushwalking trails.
One of Broomehill’s most recognisable attractions is the Holland Track. This four-wheel drive trail travels 600 kilometres from Broomehill to Coolgardie, and was originally forged to help gold-miners transport their findings from Coolgardie to Albany. Before setting off, download a map, carry enough fuel and water supplies, and plan ahead to ensure local service stations are open when you pass through.
The town is also home to a number of historic buildings that visitors can tour or explore today. Stop by the Broomehill Post Office, the Broomehill Museum, St Elizabeth Church or the Henry Jones Building for a dose of local history and nostalgia. The Henry Jones Building, in particular, is a great starting point – as what once was a general store selling everything from flour to bullets, is today a winery, café, restaurant, bed and breakfast and art gallery.
8. Dumbleyung, Wheatbelt
In 1964, this small Wheatbelt town was put on the map when Britain’s Donald Campbell broke the world water speed record on Lake Dumbleyung. Campbell hit a blistering speed of 444km/h.
A replica of his boat, the jet-propelled Bluebird, now stands proudly in the town, along with the Bluebird Interpretative Centre where you can learn more about this historic feat.
Also in town is a more contemporary attraction. The Dumbleyung Mini Mall is providing a space for locals to set up pop-up shops to sell their wares, with quite an eclectic range on display.
Of course, one of the main attractions for those visiting is the lake on which the water speed record was set. Lake Dumbleyung, the South West’s largest open lake, is 13km in length and 6.5km wide making it the perfect runway for a powerful jet boat.
Nowadays when the lake is full after good rains, you’ll likely see stand-up paddle boarders and kayakers plying its waters.
While in Dumbleyung, other interesting attractions in nearby Kukerin include the yabbie farm, Cambinata Yabbies, and Emu Essence where emu products are made and sold.
Accommodation in the town includes two caravan parks, a designated free RV campground where self-contained caravanners can stay for up to 72 hours, cabins, cottages and hotel accommodation.
Lesser-known towns to explore in the cooler months
When the countryside turns from golden-brown to green, here are five other lesser-known WA towns to consider on your winter road trip from Perth.
9. Menzies, Goldfields
The old gold mining town of Menzies is perhaps best known for its close proximity to the Lake Ballard Sculptures – the largest outdoor gallery on Earth, displaying 51 sculptures created by artist Antony Gormley. With a population of 108, the town is located 133 kilometres from Kalgoorlie, and contains numerous historic buildings that are a drawcard for tourists travelling through the Golden Outback region.
In its heyday, the town of Menzies boasted an array of thriving hotels, breweries and a 40-bed hospital. Today, you can view and walk around heritage buildings built from local sandstone, including the nursing post and railway station.
If you’re up for a day trip from the Menzies township, the Niagara Dam Nature Reserve is a 40-minute drive away, and is a great spot for picnicking, swimming or even waterside camping. From the dam, travel another hour and a half to reach Kookynie; one of the most prolific ‘ghost towns’ along the Golden Quest Discovery Trail. The township was once home to 3,500 residents, a public swimming bath, a town hall for Saturday night dances and multiple restaurants, soft drink factories and a brewery. Today, it’s home to 10 people and one hotel where you can grab a drink and spend the night.
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10. Kambalda, Goldfields
The small mining town of Kambalda was established during a mining boom, its first modern settlement located at the base of nearby Red Hill in 1897. The town is 60 kilometres out of Kalgoorlie, and is split into two townsites: Kambalda East and Kambalda West.
One of the most popular attractions within Kambalda is the Red Hill Lookout, which is best reached by the easy Red Hill Walking Trail. Once you reach the top of the vantage point, you’ll be treated to a bird’s-eye-view of the 510 square-kilometre salt lake, Lake Lefroy. The lake is one of the world’s best locations for land sailing, and has been the location of many Australian speed record attempts due to its sheer size.
The Kambalda Memorial Garden in the town centre is a touching tribute to the town’s gold and nickel miners. If you’re a floral enthusiast, stop in at the Kambalda Herbarium to view the Goldfields’ largest collection of regional flora. Once it’s time to hit the hay, take your pick from the town’s variety of camping areas in local reserves and conservation parks.
11. Beverley, Wheatbelt
A peaceful one and a half hours’ drive from Perth, the town of Beverley is nestled amongst State forest and is home to quirky shops, country pubs and an incredible variety of architecture. Believed to be named after the market town of Beverley in Yorkshire, this quaint WA town has a population of just over 800 people and was founded in 1838 – making it one of the oldest towns in the State.
A stroll down the main street is a treat, with several cosy cafes, vibrant art galleries and colourful murals painted by artist James Giddy to enjoy. If you’d rather something more adventurous, there’s a nearby airfield with plane gliding tours, or a motorcross track. Wildflowers are also abundant in the area in season, particularly at Yenyening Lakes and County Peak.
The Beverley Agricultural Show is an annual drawcard, featuring a grain trail, sheep dog demonstrations, a cattle show, live entertainment and a fireworks display.
12. Popanyinning, Wheatbelt
Originally named ‘Popaning’, (which means ‘waterhole’ in local Noongar language), the small Wheatbelt town of Popanyinning is located 17 kilometres from Pingelly, and was founded around 1893 during the construction of the Great Southern Railway. During this time, the town was a hub for supplies that surrounding settlers could visit to stock up on goods for the month.
Today, 'Popo’ has a general store and a population of approximately 150 people – and though it’s predominantly utilised as a rest stop for passing travellers, the town has upheld the fun-filled tradition of monthly dances that are attended by locals and passers-by alike. If you’re passing through, keep an eye out for the many types of orchids that blossom around the town in late winter.
13. Wickham, Pilbara
Located within the City of Karratha, the historic town of Wickham in the North West region boasts fantastic swimming and fishing spots. A prominent mining town, Wickham was established in 1970 to host a processing plant for the iron ore mined nearby at Pannawonica. Although the town is still utilised for mining, today it’s home to a large shopping centre, scenic lookouts and a wide range of other amenities. Wickham is located 33-kilometres from Karratha.
The nearby Point Samson Peninsula is a big drawcard for tourists visiting Wickham’s corner of the Pilbara region. Like Wickham, this coastal region is famous for its pristine beaches and great fishing spots, and is also a must-visit destination for fresh seafood, restored heritage buildings and underwater coral gardens. If you’re visiting Point Samson, bring a picnic and enjoy the views at Honeymoon Cove.
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