The Denmark Region is filled with natural beauty. Tall trees, green hills, sandy beaches, rounded rocks, natural wildlife... Even the town of Denmark sits astride the beautiful curving Denmark River as it gracefully flows into the Wilson Inlet. The Denmark Coast is spectacular, and each beach, forest, or walk shows you another unique side of the beautiful Denmark Region. Find out more about Denmark Town.
The town of Denmark is the heart of the region. It sits astride the Denmark River (the town was once called Denmark River) just as it curves, flowing into the Wilson Inlet, an untouched sanctuary for the Black Swans for hundreds of years.
The Denmark region is known to the aboriginal community as 'Koorabup' meaning 'place of the Black Swan' and is home to many species of waterbirds including the Western Australian Pelican, Black Swan and of course the Blue Wren, the symbol of Denmark Shire.
The Wilson Inlet covers almost fifty square kilometres of water and is separated from the sea by a sandbar, at Ocean Beach. A channel is opened to the ocean each year, and Prawn Rock Channel is a popular swimming spot. Get your bearings with our Denmark Town & Inlet MAP
The Town of Denmark (once called 'Denmark River') is a wonderfully vibrant culturally-rich town filled with as Wikipedia puts it (and we agree): "... a colourful mix of different characters, individualists, followers of natural care, spiritualists, naturalists, artisans, artists and retired people from all parts of the world. Some of them see Denmark more or less as a sanctuary."
Some of our favourite locations in Denmark:
We have a special place in our heart for Denmark. The moment we rolled into the valleys and tree-covered hills we knew we found the place we would call home. And though we'd never been to Denmark before, we bought our home that very same weekend and have been enjoying the beautiful changing colours of the seasons of the Rainbow Coast ever since. If you are thinking of taking a holiday or vacation in Denmark... come on down. But be aware; you might not want to leave. ~ Editor
There are many beautiful beaches along the Denmark coast. We have included a page on each of them as well as a very cool Denmark Beaches Map (if we do say so ourselves!) Visit the Denmark Beaches MAP to get your bearings and to choose your beach!
Denmark WA is surrounde by many beautiful beaches that will challenge your ideas of what beautiful beaches are like. Greens Pool and Elephant Cove in William Bay National Park are outstanding for their natural beauty. Ocean Beach and Lights Beach are great surfing and beachwalking beaches. Prawn Rock Channel is popular in the middle of summer for a wave-less swimming experience. Every choice is a winner.
The William Bay National Park is located only a short drive west out of Denmark town. This is where Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks can be found. Find out where this is on the William Bay National Park Map.
A magnificent walkway takes you into the canopy of Ancient Tingle Trees at the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk. Truly amazing and worth a visit... The Valley of the Giants is the most visited place on the south coast. That's because of the Giant Tingle Trees and the architecturally designed pathway which takes you gradually into their giant forest canopy. At about forty metres, the view is breathtaking. It's not often you get to stand, head height, among these ancient giants.
The treetop walk is a series of lightweight steel trusses built on steel pylons to form a circut 420 metre long leading over a deep red tinge gully. As the gully descends, you ascend. It's a gradual climb into the treetops. The Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk, the Ancient Empires Walk & The Walpole Wilderness Discovery Centre is a must-see when down on the Rainbow Coast.
There are a large number of indigenous bird species, including Splendid Bue Fairy-wrens (the emblem of Denmark), Western Australian Rosellas, Australian White Ibis, Australian Pelicans, Australian Ringnecks... etc.
This region of WA is in the top nine terrestrial habitats for terrestrial biodiversity in the world, with a higher proportion of endemic species than other equivalent regions.
Thanks to the offshore Leeuwin Current the area numbers in the top six regions for marine biodiversity, containing the most southerly coral reefs in the world.
The air is fresh and clean. Many people travel from all over the world to experience the natural beauty of this magnificent part of the world.
Many species of reptiles including snakes and skinks can be found. Marsupials such as the Western Grey Kangaroo, the Quokka, the Southern Brown Bandicoot and the Common Brushtail Possum also live in the Denmark area.
Dolphins: "The abundance of fish, squid and other marine life in the Denmark estuaries and along the coastline attracts Bottlenose Dolphins and seals, and every year Southern Right Whales rest there during their long migrations to the north." ~ Wikipedia
Adventuring at Lights Beach we watched the dolphins chase fish INSIDE the enormous turquoise waves as they were crashing close to the shore! Wow! A truly memorable experience.
Western Australia is bounded by South Australia and the Northern Territory to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the west and north. In Australia, the body of water south of the continent is officially gazetted as the Southern Ocean, whereas the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) designates it as part of the Indian Ocean.
The southwest coastal area has a Mediterranean climate and was originally heavily forested, including large stands of the karri, one of the tallest trees in the world.
This region of Western Australia is in the top nine terrestrial habitats for terrestrial biodiversity. Thanks to the offshore Leeuwin Current the area numbers in the top six regions for marine biodiversity, containing the most southerly coral reefs in the world.
The first European to explore the district was Dr Thomas Braidwood Wilson (photo) in 1829. A surgeon with the Royal Navy, Wilson decided to explore the land to the west of Albany while his ship was laid up in King George III Sound. His guide, a native named Mokare led Wilson and four other men up the Denmark River from the Wilson Inlet. He noted the locals called this place Koorrabup, meaning "place of the black swan" which live in the Denmark waterways.
The Wilson Inlet was named after him by Governor Stirling and Wilson named Denmark after a colleague, Dr Alexander Denmark.
More information on the south-west coast in our other Western Australian travellers guides:
The Rainbow Coast is a national biosphere area and deserves our care and respect, please try to reduce your environmental impact when visiting the coast. Your safety while visiting the region iis your responsibility, please obey the signs and be careful. THANKS FOR VISITING!
Fremantle, the Port City, is located south-west of Perth at the mouth of the Swan River. Fremantle's vibrant nightlife, music scene and cafe' culture make Fremantle a perfect getaway from the bustle of Perth. Beaches, history, shopping, dining out, and more. VISIT FREMANTLE
The Margaret River Region is an area of magnificent beauty on the western coast of the south west of WA. From the expansive shores of Busselton on Geographe Bay, through Dunsborough & Margaret River to Augusta, the Margaret River Region is fantastic. VISIT MARGARET RIVER
Denmark WA is one of the most beautiful places along the south coast as it has forests, beaches, rivers and waves. Everything you need for the perfect south coast holiday. Denmark Wineries are popular too! Info on Denmark Town including shopping, dining & history, VISIT DENMARK WA