Top 7 Hidden Western Australia Towns 2025

Western Australia, a land of immense beauty and diverse landscapes, beckons travelers with its iconic landmarks and vibrant cities. From the sun-drenched beaches of Perth to the ancient wonders of the Kimberley, this vast state offers an abundance of experiences. However, beyond the well-trodden tourist trails lie a collection of hidden gems – charming towns that offer a unique glimpse into the authentic spirit of Western Australia. These lesser-known destinations provide an opportunity to escape the crowds, immerse yourself in local culture, and discover breathtaking natural beauty. In 2025, as more travelers seek genuine and off-the-beaten-path adventures, these hidden towns in Western Australia are poised to become the next must-visit locations. This article will guide you through seven such towns, each offering its own distinct allure and unforgettable experiences.

Collie: The Green Heart of Western Australia

Nestled in the South West region, Collie, a town with a rich coal mining history, has successfully reimagined itself as a vibrant hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Once the epicentre of Western Australia’s coal industry, Collie has embraced a new identity, focusing on its stunning natural assets and a burgeoning arts scene. This transformation makes Collie a fascinating destination for those seeking a blend of history and adventure in Western Australia. Visitors can delve into the town’s past at the Coalfields Museum & Historical Research Centre, where artifacts dating back to the early 20th century tell the story of its industrial heritage. The Coal Discovery Site offers a glimpse into where coal was first found in 1882, providing a tangible connection to the town’s origins. Furthermore, the impressive Wellington Dam Mural, painted by renowned artist Guido Van Helten, adds a contemporary artistic touch to the historical landscape, reflecting Collie’s evolving character.

Collie is a paradise for nature lovers, boasting an array of natural wonders and opportunities for outdoor activities. The nearby Wellington National Park is a prime location for watersports and paddling, with its expansive reservoir inviting visitors to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. A true highlight is the breathtaking Black Diamond Lake, famous for its alluring turquoise waters that create a stunning visual spectacle. This picturesque lake is a popular spot for swimming and photography, offering a serene escape.

For those who prefer land-based adventures, Collie offers access to sections of the iconic Bibbulmun Track and the Munda Biddi Trail. These world-class trails are perfect for hiking and mountain biking, winding through diverse landscapes and providing an immersive experience in the natural beauty of Western Australia. After a day of exploration, the charming Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast, set by the tranquil Collie River, provides a perfect retreat, embodying the peaceful essence of this part of Western Australia.

Green Head: Coastal Charm and Aquatic Wonders

Located on the Coral Coast, approximately three hours north of Perth, Green Head is a small yet captivating town that offers an idyllic coastal escape in Western Australia. Its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters make it a haven for those seeking relaxation and aquatic adventures. Dynamite Bay, a sheltered cove with remarkably still waters, is particularly renowned for swimming and snorkeling. Beneath the surface, a vibrant underwater world awaits, with diverse hard and soft corals and an abundance of marine life. This makes Green Head a prime destination for underwater exploration in Western Australia.

Just south of Green Head lies Fisherman’s Island, a significant Australian sea lion breeding colony. While access is restricted during the August mating season, visitors can embark on sea lion viewing tours from Green Head or nearby Jurien Bay at other times of the year, offering a unique wildlife encounter in Western Australia.

For those who prefer to explore on foot, the Three Bays Walkway provides a scenic journey along the coastline. This series of walking trails and footpaths meanders past tranquil spots like Anchorage Bay, Dynamite Bay, and other secluded beaches. Along the way, informative signposts offer insights into the rich Aboriginal and European history of the region, adding a cultural dimension to the natural beauty of Western Australia. In spring, the nearby Lesueur National Park transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors, making it an ideal spot for wildflower hunting. The park is home to over 820 native flowering species, including leschenaultia, orchids, and pearl flowers, and is also a significant bird-watching destination, with over 100 species, including the rare Carnaby’s black cockatoo, making it a truly special part of Western Australia.

Horrocks: A Laidback Beachside Gem

Further along the Coral Coast, approximately 22 kilometers west of Northampton, lies Horrocks, a small town exuding a wonderfully laidback vibe. This charming destination boasts a picture-perfect beach that has even been crowned one of Australia’s best mainland beaches, a testament to its pristine beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Horrocks offers a serene escape for those seeking sun, sand, and sea without the bustling crowds often found in more popular coastal destinations in Western Australia. Its accessibility makes it an ideal side trip for those traveling to Geraldton or Kalbarri, providing a refreshing stop along the North West Coastal Highway.

The natural reef running parallel to Horrocks Beach creates ideal conditions for snorkeling, allowing visitors to explore a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life. At low tide, the exposed reef becomes a fascinating landscape for exploration on foot, revealing hidden pools and diverse ecosystems. For fishing enthusiasts, Horrocks offers excellent opportunities for both beach fishing and jetty fishing, promising a rewarding experience. The Horrocks Beach Caravan Park, conveniently located right by the beach, provides a range of dog-friendly accommodation options, from powered camp and caravan sites to comfortable chalets, making it a welcoming spot for all travelers exploring Western Australia.

Hopetoun: The Overlooked Coastal Escape

Situated 190 kilometers west of Esperance, Hopetoun is a picturesque coastal town that, despite its undeniable beauty, is often overlooked by travelers. This hidden gem offers the same breathtaking squeaky white-sand beaches and mesmerizing turquoise waters that have made Esperance famous, but in a more intimate and charming package. Hopetoun provides a tranquil alternative for those seeking pristine coastal landscapes without the larger crowds, making it a truly special destination in Western Australia. The town features a groyne extending into the ocean and a delightful foreshore area at Jim McCulloch Park, complete with a playground and perfect spots for picnics and barbecues, ideal for families and individuals alike.

Hopetoun serves as an excellent base for exploring the expansive Fitzgerald River National Park, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot. This national park, known for its stunning coastal scenery, diverse flora, and unique wildlife, offers numerous opportunities for day trips and immersive nature experiences. Visitors can venture out to discover hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, and an incredible array of plant species, many of which are endemic to Western Australia. Within Hopetoun itself, a good selection of dining options, a supermarket, and various accommodation choices, including caravan parks, tourist parks, hotels, and self-contained chalets, ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for all who visit this enchanting part of Western Australia.

Deanmill: A Quaint Timber Town with History

Nestled a few kilometers west of Manjimup in the South West region, Deanmill is a quaint timber town steeped in history. Its origins trace back to 1913, when the town’s mill played a crucial role in producing sleepers for the Trans-Australia railway. The town itself was named after Alfred Dean, the mill’s first long-term manager, a testament to his significant contribution. Today, Deanmill retains much of its historical charm, featuring a football oval, original mill houses, the famous sawmill, and a section of a popular heritage trail. This offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience a piece of Western Australia’s industrial past.

The Manjimup to Deanmill Heritage Trail, a 5.5-kilometer path, is a highlight for visitors. This trail, originally an old rail line, has been thoughtfully converted into a walking and cycling route. It offers a moderately flat and easy journey through picturesque bush and farmland, forming an integral part of the renowned Munda Biddi Trail. For those planning a visit, spring is an especially rewarding time, as the trail comes alive with an abundance of wildflowers, showcasing the vibrant flora of Western Australia. Deanmill provides a peaceful and historically rich stop for those exploring the South West.

Borden: Small Town Charm at the Foot of the Stirling Range

Situated on the edge of the majestic Stirling Range National Park, Borden is a small town with a population of less than 200 people. It serves as a vital service center for the surrounding wheat and sheep farming community, largely due to its substantial grain handling facility. The town’s establishment as a siding on the railway line between Gnowangerup and Ongerup further cemented its role in the region’s agricultural landscape. Interestingly, Borden is named after Sir Robert Laird Borden, who served as Prime Minister of Canada from 1911 to 1920, a naming choice that often piques the curiosity of those passing through this part of Western Australia.

One of Borden’s most charming and quirky attractions is the locally-built ‘magpie flight path.’ This unique pathway features several magpie sculptures perched on poles at the town entrance, each pole recounting a local story about the area’s history. It’s a delightful way to learn about the community and its past. Borden offers a genuine taste of rural Western Australia.

The neighboring Stirling Range National Park is a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts, renowned for its plentiful bushwalking trails and epic peaks. Among the most prominent are Bluff Knoll (a challenging 6.8km return hike), Mount Talyuberup (a moderate, three-kilometer return trail), Mount Hassell (a hard, four-kilometer return trail), and Mount Toolbrunup (a hard, four-kilometer return trail), which provides sweeping 360-degree views of the park. These trails offer varying levels of difficulty, ensuring there’s an adventure for every hiker, all set against the stunning backdrop of Western Australia’s unique mountain range.

Ongerup: A Malleefowl Haven in the Great Southern

Founded in 1848, Ongerup is a small service town in the Great Southern region with a rich agricultural history. Its name, meaning “place of the male kangaroo” in the local Noongar language, reflects its deep connection to the land. Despite a modest population of around 90 residents, Ongerup is a self-sufficient community, boasting a pub, general store, primary school, caravan park, golf course, sports oval, and a war memorial. Its closest neighboring town, Jerramungup, is a 40-kilometer drive away, highlighting Ongerup’s tranquil and somewhat isolated charm within Western Australia.

Ongerup has gained significant attention from bird enthusiasts due to its Yongergnow Malleefowl Centre. This unique facility serves as an aviary, sanctuary, and information center dedicated to the conservation of the endangered malleefowl. Visitors to the center have the rare opportunity to observe these fascinating birds in their natural environment. For those who enjoy bushwalking, the surrounding trails offer a chance to spot newly hatched malleefowl chicks during the breeding season, providing an unforgettable wildlife experience in Western Australia.

Another notable attraction in town is the Ongerup and Needilup District Museum, a charming folk museum that showcases local memorabilia, historical farming equipment, and displays on the area’s natural history. The museum is particularly renowned for its annual wildflower display, a tradition upheld since 1978, where visitors can admire up to 400 species of labeled wildflowers between late September and early October, making Ongerup a vibrant cultural and natural hub in Western Australia.

Broomehill: A Historic Hub in the Great Southern

Nestled between the towns of Katanning and Albany, Broomehill is a historic town whose very existence is owed to the completion of the Great Southern Railway in 1889. Originally, the town’s economy was predominantly driven by wheat and sheep farming, reflecting the agricultural backbone of much of Western Australia. Today, Broomehill has evolved into a thriving hub, offering visitors a delightful array of charming museums, well-maintained gardens, and accessible bushwalking trails. This transformation makes Broomehill an appealing destination for those interested in history, horticulture, and gentle outdoor pursuits, providing a quieter alternative to more bustling tourist spots in Western Australia.

One of Broomehill’s most recognizable attractions is its connection to the historic Holland Track. This challenging 600-kilometer four-wheel drive trail stretches from Broomehill all the way to Coolgardie. The track was originally forged to facilitate the transport of gold from the Coolgardie goldfields to Albany, playing a crucial role during Western Australia’s gold rush era. For adventurers planning to tackle the Holland Track, it is essential to download a map, carry sufficient fuel and water supplies, and meticulously plan ahead to ensure local service stations are open along the route. Beyond the track, Broomehill is also home to a number of well-preserved historic buildings, each telling a story of the town’s past and contributing to its enduring charm within Western Australia.

Why Explore Hidden Gems in Western Australia?

Venturing beyond the well-known tourist hotspots in Western Australia unlocks a world of unique and authentic experiences. These hidden towns offer a chance to connect with the true essence of the region, far from the commercialized attractions. Imagine discovering a tranquil beach where kangaroos roam freely, exploring ancient landscapes shaped by millions of years of geological activity, or delving into the rich history of pioneering communities. Each hidden town presents its own distinct character and charm, providing opportunities for genuine cultural immersion and unforgettable memories. From the rugged beauty of the outback to the serene coastal havens, these destinations showcase the incredible diversity that defines Western Australia.

Choosing to visit these lesser-known towns also plays a vital role in supporting local communities. Tourism in these areas directly contributes to the livelihoods of residents, helping to sustain small businesses, preserve local heritage, and maintain the unique character of each place. By exploring these hidden gems, you become a part of a sustainable travel movement that values authenticity and community well-being. Your presence helps these towns thrive, ensuring that their charm and natural beauty can be enjoyed by future generations of travelers to Western Australia.

Planning Your Western Australia Adventure

Embarking on a road trip to discover Western Australia’s hidden towns requires some preparation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Firstly, always plan your route in advance, especially when venturing into more remote areas, as mobile phone coverage can be limited. It’s advisable to carry physical maps and download offline maps on your devices. Secondly, ensure your vehicle is in good condition and consider carrying spare fuel, especially for longer stretches between towns. Water is also crucial; always carry more than you think you’ll need. Finally, be mindful of wildlife, particularly at dawn and dusk, as many native animals are active during these times. Respect local customs and environmental guidelines to preserve the pristine beauty of Western Australia.

Conclusion

Western Australia is a land of endless discovery, and its hidden towns are a testament to its diverse beauty and rich heritage. From the re-invented mining town of Collie to the tranquil coastal havens of Green Head and Horrocks, and the historic timber town of Deanmill, each destination offers a unique narrative and an invitation to explore. These towns provide an escape from the ordinary, allowing you to immerse yourself in authentic local experiences, breathtaking natural landscapes, and the warm hospitality of regional communities. Embracing the spirit of discovery means venturing beyond the familiar and allowing yourself to be surprised by the unexpected wonders that await in every corner of Western Australia.

Are you ready to uncover the secrets of Western Australia? The time is now to plan your unforgettable journey to these hidden gems. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection with nature and history, these towns offer something for every traveler. Pack your bags, hit the road, and let the magic of Western Australia’s lesser-known destinations captivate your senses. Your next great adventure in Western Australia awaits!