When Explorer Feather told people on the East Coast she was moving to Denmark, they thought she meant the country, not the small town in WA’s South West corner. Which could explain why this stunning coastline is overlooked and not heaving with tourists like nearby Margaret River.

 

I acknowledge that Denmark resides on the lands of the Noongar people, who have occupied and taken care of this land for thousands of years. I thank the Noongar people with immense gratitude for having me as a guest to their place and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

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Quick Overview

Denmark is a town located five hours south of Perth, in the south-west corner of Western Australia. A place where nature takes charge, and every building is integrated within the realms of the mighty gum trees and surrounding Karri forests.

 

Yours truly enjoying Denmark

About Denmark

The great South West corner of Australia is a little secret spot full of the most beautiful hidden gems, found amongst the bush and beach. One of the main towns in the area is Denmark.

The nature walks around here are abundant, with many routes of the Bibbulmun track scattered throughout, as well as bike tracks and stunning beaches. Towns close by include Walpole, which hosts the extremely stunning Tingle trees, and Albany, another town full of a diverse range of nature and water.

Read more: Hiking the Bibbulmun Track: A Thousand Emotions in 1000km

Denmark is famous for the Green Pools and Elephant Rocks, which are showcased as a true representation of the bright greens and turquoise waters of Western Australia.

Denmark is also located on granite country. Expect ancient, giant boulders everywhere you go, both by the ocean and in the bush (and so fun to climb!). I recommend spending around two weeks in this pocket of paradise, in the summer months, but outside of school holidays.

Granite boulders in the ocean

And in the bush

History of Denmark

Denmark’s traditional name is Kwoorabup, and before the Europeans settled here it was a place of cultural interaction between the Pibbulmun and Minang groups. Wilsons Inlet is a stunning inlet that surrounds Denmark, and was utilised by the First Nations people for all its natural resources. There’s evidence that this land was occupied as far back as 10,000 years.

 

Picture-perfect Wilsons Inlet

 

With colonisation also came the spreading of diseases, which, unfortunately decimated many of the original custodians. One of the first European explorers was Dr Thomas Braidwood Wilson, who saw the potential of the fertile land and waters in the area. He named the area Denmark, after a colleague of his, Alexander Denmark.

How to Get to Denmark

By Car

Denmark is around 430km south of Perth, and the easiest route to get there is along the Albany Highway which takes around five hours.

By Bus

Alternatively, if you’re coming from interstate or overseas, it’s possible to take a bus from Perth to Albany, which will get you there in just over six hours. Check out TransWA for bus timetables and costs.

By Plane

It’s also possible to fly from Perth to Albany, which will take just over an hour. Check out Rex Airlines for more information.

Albany is around a 45-minute drive from Denmark, but there are no public transport options, so you’ll have to rent a car in Albany for the last stretch.

 

However you get there, you’ll be hitting the road at some stage

Where to Stay in Denmark

There are a variety of places to stay that range from $150 to $300+ a night. Camping is also available at the two caravan parks, just out of town.

There are a variety of Airbnbs available and small boutique villas. There’s a small hotel right in town called 31 on the Terrace, as well as options to stay in a basic (and probably cheaper) room at the pub.

Where to Eat in Denmark

Tea House Books Denmark

The sweetest cafe run by the sweetest Julie. A very welcoming, ‘sit back and read a book, you’re at home’ kind of vibe! Great big arm chairs, delicious treats, a garden and veg stall out the back on Saturdays, and to top it off, a variety of books and cute trinkets for sale.

 

The Dam

One must not visit Denmark without visiting The Dam at Raintree. A place that really does have it all. Amazing food, with an extensive menu, refreshing beers on tap, and house cocktails made from their own distilled hemp spirits.

Stunning surrounds, and options to sit inside and out. Cosy in winter, with a large fire always on, or sit outside and enjoy the views in summer. The Dam also has a great playground for kids. Don’t forget to check out the shop to take home some locally made hemp products.

 

Flame Tree

A cute, little restaurant in the heart of town. Amazing ambience, in this gorgeous and quirky restaurant. A delightful seasonal menu and a massive list of delicious cocktails. Definitely one of the most trendy places you’ll find in Denmark.

There are also a few pubs and bakeries in town, to get your pie and beer fix.

Things to Do in Denmark

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

Nearby Accommodation

Tiny Matilda – Into The Wild Escapes

 @ 25060 S Western Hwy, Bridgetown WA 6255, Australia
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What It’s Like to Visit Denmark

Denmark is a very sweet town, as are the people. Everyone is approachable, kind, caring, and considerate. It’s a sleepy little place, and beyond 8pm there’s not much happening. But it’s the perfect place to get your nature on and experience stunning bush walks and coastline unique to this area.

Also the sunsets here, from pretty much any coastline or vantage point, are deeply profound to witness.

Plus there’s a sweet little market on every Sunday at the high school.

 

Guessing that AU Denmark has way better sunsets than the EU one

Hiking

There’s a variety of tracks throughout Denmark that are part of the Bibbulmun Track as well as parts of the Munda Biddi Trail. All these trails can be done as smaller day hikes (or rides), and you’ll often find yourself on part of the Bib without even knowing it.

Monkey Rock to Mount Hallowell
Distance: 4.5km one way

This is definitely my favourite walk in the area. Monkey Rock is a giant boulder that looks like a monkey (maybe?), a ten minute drive out of town.

Park your car, then a brisk, uphill climb for around ten minutes will have you scaling the top of the rocks. It’s an excellent place to watch the sunset, with beautiful views of the whole coastline from Denmark all the way to Albany.

 

Perched up

 

Keep walking past Monkey Rock where you’ll encounter a bit more of a rock scramble, which is fun and very achievable. Head up through the impressive bushland and spot the sign that says ‘Mount Hallowell’ and ‘Ocean Beach’. From here climb to Mount Hallowell, and you get views over the whole of Denmark, (including Monkey Rock).

After you’ve enjoyed the view, keep going on to Ocean Beach. This is an easy walk across varying bush landscapes and granite rocks, with views the whole way. It also makes up part of the Bibbulmun Track. When you get to the end, it’s time to turn around and walk back the way you came.

Harwood Forest Walk
Distance: 2.8km

An easy, loop trail, through dense, rich moss-covered Karri forest. Full of wildflowers in spring and fungi in winter.

Heritage Trail Walk to Crusoe Beach
Distance: 7.5km one way

This trek begins at the bridge across from the Denmark Rivermouth Caravan Park. It follows Wilsons Inlet the whole way, with huts to stop off at on the beach as you go. Take your time, go swimming, and enjoy the pristine water of the inlet.

The trek is as long as you want it to be, but I highly recommend walking all the way to Crusoe Beach, and back again, leaving some hours to hang out with the water birds at Crusoe Beach.

 

Bridges and beaches, what more could you want?

WOW (Wilderness Ocean Walk)
Distance: 9.7km one way

A stunning walk from Lights Beach to Sinker Bay, this trail is also excellent for riding bikes. It hugs the coastline the whole way, with views of all the beaches. There are options to end whenever you feel and jump into the ocean, but by the end you’ll be walking under wind turbines. Have a car or someone waiting for you at the end (or just turn around and walk back!).

Mokare Heritage Trail
Distance: 3km

A cute trail that starts in town at Berridge Park and makes a loop, hugging Denmark River the whole way. Mighty big gum trees line the river, and if you look close enough you may find the trail of fairy houses along the way.

Wild Swimming

William Bay National Park

This is definitely the most photographed scene of this area, if not of Western Australia. Bright white sand gives way to iridescent, turquoise water that changes in its hues of startling blues and greens, depending on the weather. Here you’ll find Greens Pools and Elephant Rocks, two pristine beaches, full of snorkelling, fishing, swimming, and of course rock climbing.

 

Matched my hair to the water

Incredible colours

Bouldering

Into climbing boulders? Denmark is on granite country, and throughout the beaches and the bush walks you’ll always find giant granite rocks to climb and explore.

 

‘I like that boulder, that is a nice boulder’ – Donkey

Tips for Visiting Denmark

  • The best time to visit is spring, when it’s not too busy, but the weather is perfect. Summer gets busy, (especially the school holidays). In spring the wildflowers are out, and everything is coming out of its hibernation post-winter
  • It’s a small town, but as there are many accommodation options available, it’ll never be booked out
  • Prepare for the wind! If you wake up and the day is delightful, hit the beach quick, as you never know when it may turn!

 

This piece was brought to you by a real living human who felt the wind in their hair and described their adventure in their own words. This is because we rate authenticity and the sharing of great experiences in the natural world – it’s all part of our ethos here at We Are Explorers. You can read more about it in our Editorial Standards.