Pemberton and Walpole in running for WA’s tiny tourism town title

Two lower South West destinations are again in the spotlight, with Pemberton and Walpole named finalists in the tiny tourism town category of the 2026 7News Top Tourism Town Awards.

Thirteen towns from across Western Australia have been shortlisted this year, with three competing for the top tourism town title, four in the small tourism town category, and six battling it out in the tiny tourism town division.

Joining Pemberton and Walpole in the tiny tourism town category are Coral Bay, Gascoyne Junction, Kalbarri and New Norcia.

For Pemberton, the nomination continues a run of recognition in the awards program, with the former timber town also named a finalist in the tiny tourism town category in 2024.

Shire president Donelle Buegge said the recognition was a proud moment for the region and its communities.

“We are absolutely thrilled and incredibly proud that Walpole and Pemberton have been selected as finalists for the tiny tourism awards,” she said.

“These awards shine a spotlight on the incredible value tourism brings to towns and communities across Australia, celebrating the richness and diversity of our regional destinations.

“To have our shire’s very own cherished havens recognised in this way is both a privilege and a true honour.”

Chief executive of Tourism Council WA, Evan Hall, said the awards provided an opportunity for travellers and locals alike to recognise destinations that make a lasting impression.

“The 7NEWS Top Tourism Town Awards gives everyone the chance to recognise towns for the way they welcome and look after their visitors — it’s a wonderful way to give back to the places that mean so much to us,” Mr Hall said.

“It might be somewhere you stumbled across on a recent trip and instantly felt at home, or it could be the town you return to year after year because it never lets you down. Either way, now’s your chance to have your say.”

The South West town of Harvey was also announced as a finalist for the 2026 7NEWS Top Tourism Town Awards in the small tourism town category.

The public can vote at the Tourism WA website, with voting to close at 5pm on May 1.