Forget the big names, sometimes the best weekends are hiding in plain sight. Tucked between coastlines, forested ridgelines, and wheatbelt skies are small WA towns that may not make every guidebook, but they’re bursting with charm, creativity, and local flavour. These are the places where time slows down, strangers wave from their verandas, and a single street can hold more personality than an entire postcode.
Whether you’re chasing art trails, quirky pubs, or magical tree parks, these are some of the best small towns in Western Australia to move to the top of your weekend travel list.
Nannup
The fairy tale forest town.
A favourite among gardeners, creatives, and those in search of a quiet winter escape, Nannup feels like something out of a storybook. Wrapped in forest and perched on the banks of the Blackwood River, it’s the kind of small town where nature and nostalgia collide in the best way.
Its main street — Warren Road — is lined with cute cafés, vintage finds, and shopfronts selling handmade wares. If you’re there in winter, grab a coffee and wander through the misty mornings before heading to Golden Valley Tree Park, a 60-hectare arboretum surrounded by towering karri forests and heritage trails that come alive with colour in the colder months.
For local produce, stop in at Nanna’s Pantry, a must for preserves, jams, and all things truffle-related (this is prime truffle country). Stay the night at Holberry House, a classic guesthouse nestled in an English-style garden, or book a secluded river-view cottage.
Quindanning
Where the pub is the heart of everything
This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it dot between Collie and Williams is built around its historic pub — and what a pub it is.
The Quindanning Hotel, established in 1900, is a timber-lined beauty that feels equal parts country homestead and bush outpost. On Sundays, it’s the town centre, serving up roast lunches, cold beers, and local live music with a view over the paddocks.
There’s not much else here, and that’s exactly the point. It’s a great place to unplug, reset, and soak in a version of Western Australia that’s rustic, warm, and authentic.
Goomalling
The art-filled wheatbelt gem
Just under two hours from Perth, Goomalling might not be on your weekend radar yet, but it should be. It’s a classic wheatbelt small town in WA with a twist: bold murals, vibrant sculptures, and historic buildings that hum with unexpected creative energy.
Start your visit at Slater Homestead, a lovingly restored 1850s stone building that’s part museum, part café, and part open-air gallery. The town’s art trail features a diverse range of installations and murals, many created by locals and schoolchildren, making it a unique stop for art and history buffs.
Balingup
WA’s most magical small town
If you like your weekends with a side of whimsy, Balingup is calling. Known for its deep green hills, craft shops, and spiritual scene, this South West town doesn’t just embrace the alternative, it leans all the way in.
Wander through the town centre and you’ll stumble across stores selling crystals, candles, and enchanted gifts. The annual Balingup Medieval Carnivale transforms the entire region into a colourful escape, drawing visitors from Perth and beyond.
Nature lovers should head to Golden Valley Tree Park, especially in spring and autumn when the changing leaves paint the hills in spectacular shades. You can also lace up your boots and walk a section of the Bibbulmun Track, one of WA’s great trails.
Pingelly
Pingelly surprises not with how much is there, but with how thoughtful it all is. This is a small town reinventing itself, blending wheatbelt roots with design-forward thinking.
At the centre of it is the Pingelly Recreation and Cultural Centre, a striking piece of architecture built from local timber and celebrated for its sustainability. It’s unexpected, and a little bit brilliant.
Make time to explore the nearby Dryandra Woodland, one of the last habitats of the elusive numbat. For stays, look to rustic cottages or farmstays where you can grab fresh eggs, enjoy night skies, and wake to the land around you.
Why Visit These Small Towns in WA?
These small towns in WA aren’t about big-ticket attractions. They’re about people, stories, and moments. Whether you’re walking a quiet heritage trail, sharing a pint in a historic pub, or wandering a forest where every turn feels enchanted, they’re the kind of Western Australia weekend trips that stay with you long after you’ve driven home.
So next time you’re planning a spontaneous escape from Perth, consider swapping the usual hotspots for one of these hidden gems. You’ll find good reasons to linger, and even more to come back.
