It's official: these are WA’s top town finalists for 2026

Spanning the state from coast to country, these 13 WA towns are vying for top honours.

The Top Tourism Town Awards are shining a spotlight on Western Australia, whittling the state’s bounty of remarkable destinations down to 13 finalists across three categories: Top Tourism Town, Small Tourism Town and Tiny Tourism Town. Each of the finalists is deserving in its own right, but there can only be one winner for each category – and your vote matters.

Top Tourism Town

There are three finalists in the running to win the WA’s Top Tourism Town Award for 2026. From coastal hubs to country heartlands, these towns all offer something unique. But who does it best?

1. Geraldton

Hutt Lagoon in Geraldton, WA — A trip to Geraldton isn’t complete without visiting Hutt Lagoon. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)

Roughly 415 kilometres north of Perth, the coastal city of Geraldton has been a holiday hotspot for decades. Ideal for families, it boasts a range of museums, stunning beaches and oceanside stays, as well as easy access to Hutt Lagoon, one of Australia’s most mesmerising pink lakes.

2. Kununurra

Ord Valley Muster in KKununurra, WA — Kununurra hosts the annual Ord Valley Muster. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)

As the gateway to the Kimberley, Kununurra is the perfect base for exploring the region’s ancient landscapes, from Purnululu National Park and the Bungle Bungle Range. Each year, the town also comes alive for the Ord Valley Muster (15–24 May), an iconic event on the country’s cultural calendar.

3. Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Kalgoorlie-Boulder, WA — The town’s heritage streetscapes ooze country charm. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)

Nestled in WA’s regional south, Kalgoorlie-Boulder oozes country charm. It’s a place where heritage streetscapes give way to red dirt, mining folk mingle with friendly locals and the past and present happily coexist. Deep dive its rich gold-rush history at the Museum of the Goldfields .

Small Tourism Town

Good things often come in small packages – and these WA towns are proof. From inland gems to beachside hideaways, these are our Small Tourism Town finalists.

1. Carnarvon

Carnarvon, WA — The coastal town of Carnarvon has long been a favourite for holidaymakers. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)

Where the winding Gascoyne River meets the sea, Carnarvon offers everything from tropical fruit farms to cascading coastal cliffs. Known for its rich agricultural past, it offers visitors a relaxed slice of regional WA with plenty to discover.

2. Harvey

The Big Orange in Harvey, WA — Catch the Big Orange at Harvey River Estate. (Credit: Harvey Region)

Harvey is a small country community surrounded by rolling farmland, where citrus has long been at the heart of local life. Today, this legacy lives on thanks to the huge orange mounted atop a 10-metre tower, part of Australia’s famed Big Things.

3. Jurien Bay

Seal at Jurien Bay, WA — Meet the local marine life that call Jurien Bay home. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)

A mecca of marine life, the laid-back town of Jurien Bay is a top spot for whale watching, seal spotting and world-class snorkelling. Whether you’re cruising offshore or diving beneath the surface, you’re bound to meet plenty of friendly ocean-dwellers.

4. York

Canola fields in York, WA — York’s canola fields burst to life every spring. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)

If WA’s wildflower season were an artist, York would be its canvas. Each spring, the town is painted yellow as the surrounding canola fields come into bloom. Beyond this patchwork of petals, York charms with friendly locals and a relaxed country pace.

Tiny Tourism Town

Mini in name but not in nature, our top Tiny Tourism Town finalists pack a mighty punch. From remote outposts to off-the-radar escapes, these places reward those willing to venture further.

1. Coral Bay

Stay in an eco-luxury safari tent at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Fringing the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay is a dream for water babies and wildlife lovers. Experience the region at its best with a stay at luxurious Sal Salis, with its guided tours, whale-shark encounters and safari-style glamping tents.

Please note that the region was recently impacted by Tropical Cyclone Narelle. Exmouth Airport was still closed at the time of writing. We are looking forward to seeing travellers return to support recovery as soon as possible.

2. Gascoyne Junction

Gascoyne Junction, WA — Experience WA’s outback at its best in Gascoyne Junction. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)

Gascoyne Junction is a remote town perfect for off-grid getaways, where red dirt meets wide open skies. Rich in pastoral history, it offers a quiet, authentic glimpse into life among WA’s rugged outback landscape.

3. Kalbarri

Kalbarri, WA — The river meets the sea in Kalbarri. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)

Perched where the Murchison River flows into the Indian Ocean, the breezy town of Kalbarri is a place of dramatic contrasts. Here, the raw landscape shifts from river to reef, with dramatic gorges and coastal cliffs defining this under-the-radar region.

4. New Norcia

New Norcia, WA — New Norcia is Australia’s only monastic town. (Credit: Getty Images/Photon Photos)

As Australia’s only monastic town, New Norcia is steeped in a fascinating blend of history, architecture and outback living. Founded by Benedictine monks, its peaceful atmosphere makes it a truly unique stop in regional WA.

5. Pemberton

Pemberton Pools in Pemberton, WA — Take a cooling dip among the karri trees at Pemberton Pools. (Credit: Tourism Western Australia)

Pemberton is a nature-filled escape in WA’s South West, perfect for outdoor adventures like swimming, kayaking, bushwalking and mountain biking. Don’t miss tranquil Pemberton Pools, a swimming hole hidden by towering karri trees.

6. Walpole

WOW Wilderness EcoCruises in Walpole, WA — Explore the region with local tour operator, WOW Wilderness. (Credit: Tourism Australia)

If you’ve never heard of Walpole, consider this your official introduction. Here, you can either slow things down at quiet stays, or get amongst it with tour operators like WOW Wilderness , who know this natural playground inside out.

The fine print

So, the finalists have been revealed – but how are the winners decided? Well, that’s where you come in! Aussies nationwide can now cast their vote, which will combine with scores from an industry panel to determine the champs. Be sure to have your say before voting closes at 5pm on 1 May.

The Top Tourism Town will receive a $20,000 regional television airtime package to promote its destination, while the Small Tourism Town and Tiny Tourism Town will receive $10,000 and $5,000 packages, respectively. Each category winner will also go on to compete against other state winners for the national title.

Delivered by Tourism Council WA and Visitor Centres WA, the official awards ceremony takes place in Carnarvon on 26 May. May the best towns win!

Time your visit to Margaret River just right, and you can spend the ultimate weekend wining, dining and exploring the region with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

Wine, world-class produce, surf, sun and beaches: it’s an alluring combination. And the reason so many pin the Margaret River region high on their travel hit-lists. There’s drawcard after drawcard to the southwestern corner of Western Australia, and the Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover food and wine festival showcases the best of it over the course of one weekend in November. It’s never been easier to sip, see and savour the Margaret River region.

In partnership with Pair’d Margaret River Region, Range Rover invites you on a seven-day itinerary of refined adventure, where luxury and exploration go hand in hand. It’s the perfect WA road trip, and there’s no better way to do it than in a Range Rover.

Day 1

the pool at Pullman Bunker Bay — Check into Pullman Bunker Bay.

There’s no more popular West Australian road trip route than that between Perth and the Margaret River Region. It’s an easily digestible, three-hour drive, with worthy pit stops along the way.

Make the first of them one hour and 15 minutes in, at Lake Clifton. Here, find a 2000-year-old living thrombolite reef. Drive for a further 40 minutes and chance meeting some of Bunbury’s dolphin population at Koombana Bay.

Pullman Bunker Bay is the final stop, just over three hours south of Perth. This beachfront, five-star resort is the ultimate base for exploring the Margaret River Wine region.

Day 2

After a leisurely morning breakfast with an ocean view, start your Range Rover and head towards the Dunsborough town centre. Browsing the decidedly coastal-themed goods of the town’s many independent boutiques is a great way to while away the hours, breaking up the sartorial with an artisan gelato snack stop, or some good old-fashioned Australian bakery fare.

Leave room; you’ll need it for the Good Natured Gathering dinner at Wayfinder. Indulge in a four-course feast by chef Felipe Montiel, which uses produce from the winery’s market garden to enhance a selection of sustainably sourced seafood and meat. But food is just the support act. It’s organic wine that’s the star of the show, generously poured and expertly paired to each dish.

Day 3

Settle in for cabernet at Cape Mentelle Winery.

With a grand total of 20 wines from vintage 2022 to try, it’s a good thing Cape Mentelle’s International Cabernet Tasting kicks off early. Make your way to the estate for a 10:00 AM start, where a global selection of wines will be poured blind, before a long lunch by Tiller Dining is served.

Given that the Margaret River is responsible for more than 20 per cent of Australia’s fine wine production, it’s only right to delve into it while in the area.

Continue exploring the region via taste and terroir aboard Alison Maree, a whale-watching catamaran, as you cruise Geographe Bay . Admire the rolling green hills and crisp white beaches of Quindalup in sunset’s golden light, all the while sipping through the Clairault Streicker catalogue and dining on canapes.

For a more substantial dinner, venture into Busselton for a seven-course British x Australian mash-up , courtesy of Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion) and Oliver Kent (Updown Farmhouse, UK). They’ll be putting their rustic yet refined spin on the likes of local marron, wagyu and abalone – championing the simple beauty of the world-class ingredients.

Day 4

Wrap your fingers around a wine glass and wiggle your toes into the sand at Pair’d Beach Club x Range Rover on Meelup Beach. Sit down to an intimate wine session with sommelier Cyndal Petty – or a four-course feast by Aaron Carr of Yarri – and revel in the open-air beach club, bar and restaurant’s laidback coastal vibe. It’s a whole new way to experience one of the region’s most renowned beaches.

Follow up a day in the sun with a casual Italian party at Mr Barvel Wines . Purchase wines –including the elusive, sold-out Nebbia – by the glass and enjoy canapes with the towering Karri forest as a backdrop.

If you’d prefer to keep it local, head to Skigh Wines for the New Wave Gathering , where the region’s independent wine makers and their boundary-pushing wines will be on show. Street-style eats, a DJ and complimentary wine masterclasses complete the experience.

Day 5

pair'd Grand Tasting — Taste your way through Howard Park Wines. (Image: C J Maddock)

Spend the morning at your leisure, driving the winding roads through the Boranup Karri forest in your Range Rover. Soak in the views at Contos Beach, and call into the small cheese, chocolate and preserve producers along the way.

Make your next stop Howard Park Wines for The Grand Tasting presented by Singapore Airlines . Numerous wine labels will be pouring their catalogues over four hours, accompanied by food from chefs Matt Moran and Silvia Colloca, with live opera providing the soundtrack.

Cap off a big weekend with one last hurrah at Busselton Pavilion. Six ‘local legends’ – chefs Brendan Pratt (Busselton Pavilion), Mal Chow (Chow’s Table), Aaron Carr (Yarri), Ben Jacob (Lagoon Yallingup), Corey Rozario (Dahl Daddies) and Laura Koentjoro (Banksia Tavern) – will be preparing a dish each. Dance the night away as vinyl spins and the sun sets on another day.

Day 6

Ngilgi Cave western australia — Head underground. (Image: Tourism WA)

After a busy few days of wining and dining, it’s wise to observe a rest day. There’s no easier task than unwinding in the Margaret River Region, also famous for its high concentration of world-class beaches.

Relax on the grassy knoll as you watch the region’s most experienced surfers braving the World Surf League break at Surfer’s Point, or don your own wetsuit and try out one of Gracetown’s more beginner-friendly waves. Swimmers will find their Eden at Meelup Beach, Eagle Bay, or Point Piquet, where the sand is brilliantly white and the water as still as a backyard swimming pool.

Not into sun, sand, and surf? Head underground at Mammoth Cave, just one of the region’s many stalactite-filled caves.

Day 7

Burnt Ends event at Pair'd — Farewell the Margaret River.

Pack up your Range Rover with new favourite wines and newfound memories, ready for the three-hour journey back to Perth.

Prebook your discovery journey through the south-west corner of Western Australia with Pair’d Margaret River Region x Range Rover.

It’s official: these are WA’s top town finalists for 2026