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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

2. Gascoyne Junction

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

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

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 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

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!