Denmark WA - 10 Sights and Things to Do

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About 400 kilometers from Perth in Western Australia lies the small town of Denmark. The small town on the south coast of the state is still a hidden gem for many people, especially if you like green hills, ancient forests, dreamy beaches and relaxed vibes. That does not mean it is boring there though, because Denmark also has sights to offer.

Our Tips and Attractions for Denmark in Australia

On a stop in Denmark you will find a great mix of outdoor adventures, cozy cafés and a local creative scene. In this article we show you our Denmark tips, from beautiful beaches to unusual rock formations and giant, centuries-old trees.

Accommodation in Denmark WA – Our Hotel Tip

The Karri Aura is located a little outside Denmark, quiet, green and with a fantastic view. Surrounded by nature, right in a lovely wine region, it is the perfect place to find peace and quiet. The studios and apartments are modern and cozy, with everything you need. From air conditioning, a small kitchenette with a microwave, kettle, toaster and fridge to a terrace with a view of the greenery. Wi-Fi and parking are also included free of charge.

The well-kept grounds of Karri Aura also offer barbecue facilities, a garden and even a small playground for children. By car you can reach Denmark in just a few minutes, where you will find some restaurants and shops for groceries. Self-catering is also very easy.

If you are looking for more hotels or accommodation in Denmark and the surrounding area, then the best place to look is this overview.

1. Conspicuous Cliff

About 30 kilometers west of Denmark lies a beautiful stretch of coastline called Conspicuous Cliff. Here you will find a parking lot and toilets where you can leave your car to visit this highlight. A path leads over a boardwalk down to the beach and the dunes, already giving you the first fantastic views.

Once at the bottom, you have a view over the long beach from a small platform. But be careful: the surf is rough, so swimming is not really recommended. The natural scenery more than makes up for that, though. With a bit of luck, you can even see whales passing by from here between June and October.

We made a stop here on our way to sightseeing in Albany and can only recommend Conspicuous Cliff. A real natural highlight you should not miss.

2. Peaceful Bay

Another tip is Peaceful Bay, which lies between Walpole and Denmark. It is not far from Conspicuous Cliff, so you should stop by here as well. The stretch of beach is a bit smaller, but especially if you are traveling with a camper, it is perfect, as Peaceful Bay Caravan Park is located almost directly on the beach.

There is not much hustle and bustle here, but if you like it quiet and cozy, this is the right place for you. Lots of natural idyll, eucalyptus trees, dunes and a mostly calm sea, as Peaceful Bay is sheltered. The beach is ideal for swimming, paddling or simply dipping your feet in the water. Depending on the time of year, the sea can be quite chilly, though. Peaceful Bay is also a popular spot for fishing among locals.

3. Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk

You will find the next of our Denmark tips a bit inland, and it has nothing to do with Western Australia’s beautiful coastline for a change. The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk is an absolute must if you are traveling in the Denmark region. Here you can walk up to 40 meters high on a 600-meter-long walkway through the ancient red tingle trees. It is also suitable for children or wheelchair users, as it is barrier-free.

In addition to the Tree Top Walk, there is the Ancient Empire Walk, a loop trail on the ground that leads you right past the mighty trunks of trees that are up to 400 years old. It is open daily from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM and costs 21 AUD for adults and 10.50 AUD for children. You can easily spend an hour there without getting bored.

4. Greens Pool

Greens Pool is another truly fantastic place. It is located in William Bay National Park, about 15 kilometers west of Denmark. Many people consider it one of the most beautiful beaches on the south coast of Western Australia. Surrounded by huge granite boulders, you can swim here in what is essentially a natural ocean pool. Crystal-clear water, white sand and even in windy weather you can swim here without worry.

You do not have to pay an entrance fee for Greens Pool. On-site there is also a parking lot with public toilets and picnic tables. Take your time here, as you can walk along the coast to the next highlight. A few minutes later you will reach the Elephant Rocks, which are located in the next bay. Our opinion: do not miss it!

5. Elephant Rocks

Large, smoothly rounded granite boulders on the beach and in the water. These are the Elephant Rocks. With a bit of imagination, they look like a herd of elephants. As just mentioned, they are only a few minutes’ walk from Greens Pool. The best photo spot is from the rocks above, where you can look down at the beach and the vastness of the ocean.

There is also a dedicated parking lot here that leads you via boardwalks and a small staircase down into a narrow rock crevice. And then you suddenly find yourself in a hidden, almost mystical little bay with turquoise water and gigantic rocks all around. You can swim here too, but it is not as well sheltered as Greens Pool. Definitely one of the highlights in William Bay National Park and among the Denmark attractions you should not miss.

6. Madfish Bay/Waterfall Beach

Also not far away you will find Madfish Bay with Waterfall Beach. Madfish Bay is a small bay that is very quiet and unspoiled. At low tide you can even walk over to a small offshore island. But be careful: the island is known for being home to snakes. It is better to keep your distance.

You can witness a special spectacle here at high tide. The waves then meet from two directions and create a fascinating natural show. Madfish Bay is also very popular with anglers, who catch various fish and even salmon in the bay.

Right next door is Waterfall Beach. A highlight is the small waterfall that crashes over the rocks directly into the sea in winter. Otherwise, it is also very quiet here and Waterfall Beach is an ideal place to relax by the ocean.

There is a parking lot on site, with a path leading to the beach and Madfish Bay, but no other facilities such as toilets or a kiosk where you can buy something. If you are looking for a somewhat quieter stop after visiting the two Denmark attractions, Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks, do not skip this spot.

7. Lights Beach

A little further to the southwest, and therefore another of the Denmark attractions, is Lights Beach. What makes this place so special is that you get three beaches at once, each cove with its very own character. The eastern section is known for the Princess Pool, a natural rock pool that fills with seawater at high tide and then flows over the beach like a small waterfall.

The middle cove offers spectacular views of the Southern Ocean and the coastline of William Bay National Park. To the west you will find a slightly wilder section, with an offshore rock island and a small creek that winds its way through the sand.

You can reach the small coves via short paths from the free parking lot. There is also a beautiful lookout point there. If you love nature and want to experience some peace and quiet, Lights Beach should definitely be on your list.

8. Ocean Beach

The classic among the beaches of the Denmark attractions is Ocean Beach. This is because you can reach it just about 5 kilometers south of the center. It is nestled between the calm Wilson Inlet and the open Southern Ocean. Ocean Beach is ideal for beginner surfers. The waves are usually moderate, and there is even a surf school with experienced instructors.

But you can also do everything else here, from swimming to stand-up paddling. Or you do not go into the water at all and simply spend a lovely day on the beach in the sun. In summer, from December to March, there are even lifeguards on site and a small kiosk with snacks and drinks. There are also free parking spaces and toilets.

If you would like to spend a relaxed day at the beach, then you should head to Ocean Beach, at least in the summer months. On-site you will also meet some locals and can mingle with the Australians.

9. Monkey Rock

Do you love spectacular views of the coastline? Then you should visit Monkey Rock, one of Denmark’s attractions that most people skip. You could still call it a hidden gem. You get to Monkey Rock via Lights Beach Road, where there is also a parking lot. The path includes a short hike of about 2.2 kilometers round trip.

From the summit you have a great view of the karri and marri forests, Ocean Beach (see previous point), Wilson Inlet, the Nullaki Peninsula and large parts of William Bay National Park. If you are reasonably fit, you can reach Monkey Rock in about 30 minutes from the parking lot. You can visit it all year round and it is free of charge.

Note: There are no railings or anything similar at Monkey Rock. Especially when it is wet outside, you should be careful, as it can get slippery. Sturdy footwear is a must!

10. Denmark Town

Denmark itself is a charming little town located between the Denmark River and Winson Inlet. All around you will find lots of greenery, dense forests and an overall relaxed atmosphere. In the center there are some small boutiques, cozy cafés and local galleries. Every second Sunday, a market is held in Berridge Park, where you can discover fresh produce, handicrafts and local specialties.

Furthermore, Denmark is known for its wineries and numerous hiking trails, such as the Mokare Heritage Trail, which runs along the Denmark River, or the famous Bibbulmun Track, which passes through the region. For us personally, the highlights of the Denmark attractions are outside the town, but it is an excellent base for exploring them all.

Denmark Western Australia: Tours and Tickets

Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know Denmark in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Denmark.

How to Get to Denmark, Western Australia

In the south of Western Australia lies Denmark, roughly 400 kilometers from Perth. The best way to reach the town and its surroundings is by car. This works particularly well on a road trip along the south coast, where you can take in many more highlights. There is also a direct route through the inland that takes about 5 hours of driving.

Alternatively, you can travel from Perth by bus. Transwa offers a connection with a transfer in Albany. However, this journey takes around 8 to 9 hours and is more suitable for patient travelers.

Denmark does not have its own airport, but you can fly to Albany with Regional Express Airline (REX) (for example from Perth) and then continue from there by bus or rental car to Denmark in about 40 minutes. There is currently no train connection. For that you would have to travel from Perth to Bunbury and then continue by bus.

Have you ever visited the Denmark things to do in Western Australia? What was your highlight there? Feel free to leave us a comment.

Photos: Photo 8 (Ocean Beach): Dylan Alcock/shutterstock.com, Photo 9 (Monkey Rock): ian woolcock/shutterstock.com