6 of the Most Picturesque Places to Live in Western Australia
These West Australian idylls each have their own distinct charm.
A trip around Western Australia will reveal some of the country’s most picturesque towns and neighbourhoods. With dramatic landscapes of technicolour hues these places are brimming with beauty. Here are six spots for those looking to make a scenic move.
Mandurah
The city of Mandurah is most famous for the Peel-Hervey Estuary – twice the size of Sydney Harbour – along with stunning waterways that encourage myriad aquatic adventures. The beloved holiday spot is less than an hour’s drive from Perth and is known for its quaint townships, teeming with restaurants, galleries and shops. Take a dip within the floating pontoons of Kwillena Gabi Pool, cruise through Venetian-style canals and paddle along hidden spots on the meandering Murray River. Follow idyllic walking tracks, tracing the Serpentine River, or on boardwalks through wetlands and wilderness. Locals enjoy a serene, slower pace of life and Mandurah’s strong community spirit.
Check out our Mandurah suburb guide to explore all of what this beautiful waterside spot has to offer.
Esperance
Nestled on the southernmost tip of Western Australia, the town of Esperance is known for its powder-white sand and glistening blue waters. The tourist hot spot boasts remarkable natural scenery bounded by five national parks, and some of the country’s most beautiful beaches – including photogenic Lucky Bay, famed for its resident kangaroos sunbathing along the shore. Stretch your legs scaling the summit of Frenchman Peak and on the Le Grand Coastal Trail or explore the lesser-known Woody Island off the coast. Locals enjoy a laidback lifestyle with access to schools, community farmers’ markets and shopping facilities.
Green Head
Drive about three hours north of Perth and you’ll arrive at the sleepy coastal hamlet of Green Head. Once a hidden gem luring predominantly retirees, the town has seen a surge in popularity among those looking for a lifestyle address with access to some seriously stunning bays. Swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters of Dynamite Bay and stroll along the series of footpaths and coastal tracks encompassing the Three Bays Walk Way. There’s excellent bushwalking through Lesueur National Park and spectacular wildflower displays each spring. Surfing, scuba diving or fishing, Green Head offers a good mix of both active and passive pursuits.
Busselton
There’s a lot to love about Busselton, at the southwest tip of Western Australia. A vibrant beach town, Busselton is most recognised for its 19th-century original timber jetty, which juts out almost 2km over Geographe Bay. Crystalline waters, talcum white sands and breathtaking sunsets make for a seriously Instagram-worthy setting. Life here centres along the foreshore, with a host of popular festivals and farmers’ markets – and excellent whale watching from June to December. The city has well and truly established itself as a foodie destination with coffee houses, cafes and cellar doors. Not surprisingly, Busselton’s real estate is on the rise, luring everyone from young families to first-home buyers and empty nesters.
Check out our Busselton suburb guide to explore all of what this beautiful waterside spot has to offer.
Exmouth
On Western Australia’s colourful Coral Coast, the rugged natural beauty of Exmouth makes it a beloved spot for snorkelling, boating and hiking. The gateway to World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, its medley of alluring bays, beaches and islands provides endless opportunities for marine discovery. The raw landscape of Cape Range National Park creates a stark contrast to the aquamarine waters of Ningaloo Marine Park, creating a magnificent natural backdrop of earthy reds, greens and blues. In town, things are kept low-key, with a handful of eateries serving the day’s catch. As a well-known tourist destination, many of Exmouth’s properties have been purchased as holiday homes with the opportunity to earn a strong rental income for those who can break in.
Broome
The sun-drenched town of Broome in the Kimberley encompasses pristine wilderness, dramatic sunsets and unspoilt beaches, creating a nature lover's wonderland. From here you can explore the world-renowned Horizontal Falls, journey along the incredible rock formations of Riddell Beach and glimpse the rare natural phenomenon known as Staircase to the Moon (March to October). There’s beach fishing, stand-up paddle boarding on Cable Beach and weekly markets, where you can sample the region’s melting pot of cultures and cuisines. The Kimberley property market is booming, with more and more people seeking lifestyle opportunities in Western Australia’s north.
Loving our pick of the most stunning places to call home in Western Australia? Make sure you also check out 11 Unmissable Bucket List Experiences in Western Australia and our complete Western Australia Suburb Guide.
