On the breathtaking south coast of Western Australia, Denmark is a popular tourist destination. It is bordered by a varied range of scenery, from a forest hinterland to a rocky coastline with immaculate beaches.
Travelling from Perth to Denmark will take about four and a half hours. Summer months bring more sunny days, although the climate is moderate all year round. We recommend visiting between December and March if you’re a sun worshipper, though it can get busy during the school holiday period.
If you’re planning to visit Western Australia, make sure to have Denmark on your bucket list. Read on to learn more about the cool nearby spots to check out, where to eat, where to stay, and more!
Places To Visit in Denmark, Western Australia
William Bay National Park
One of Western Australia’s natural treasures is William Bay National Park, which features windswept headlands, turquoise waterways, and white sand beaches. This national park, 18 km southwest of Denmark, is a great place for swimming, snorkelling, and bushwalking. While you’re there, explore the distinctive Elephant Rocks formations or stroll along portions of the well-known Bibbulmun Track. There are two locations where you can park – one by Greens Pool, and the other by Elephant Rocks. You can park at either of the two beaches because a track connects them.
As one of Western Australia’s National Parks, you’ll need to pay a National Park fee to enter – $15 per vehicle. If you’re visiting multiple National Parks in WA it’s also worth checking out the WA Park Pass. The annual pass ($130) gives you unlimited entry to National Parks for the year, and you can buy it here.
Greens Pool
Greens Pool is well-known for its big granite rocks, turquoise water, and white sand beach. It is located on the border of William Bay National Park. The pool is surrounded by boulders that shield it from the power of the Southern Ocean, which makes for gorgeous calm waters. Greens Pool is attractive year-round, although summertime is when it’s most crowded. Relax and unwind on the beach or on the rocks that front of the water. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also swim or grab a snorkel to explore the amazing underwater scenery, taking in the multitude of fish and marine life that call the tranquil waters home.
Elephant Rocks
Elephant Rocks are massive, fractured oval rocks that overlook the Great Southern Ocean. The formation is so beautiful that it seems like a herd of elephants playing in the ocean. Situated adjacent to the serene Greens Pool beach, this spot is like the Seychelles of Australia.
Elephant Rocks has its own parking lot within William Bay National Park, or you can walk there in about ten minutes from Greens Pool by climbing over the rocks on the left side of Greens Pool beach. You’ll pass several small coves and swimming spots before going down a staircase that lowers between the rocks. Stroll through a small gap in the rocks to reach the secluded beach. Just be prepared to get your feet wet at high tide! Climbing over the magnificent rocks is an exciting experience, but be cautious of the Great Southern Ocean, which can be rough during certain times of the year.
Madfish Bay and Waterfall Beach
Waterfall Beach is just located just 3km east of Greens Pool on Madfish Bay Road. There are two parking areas there – one for Madfish Bay and one for Waterfall Beach. The waterfall is on the left side of the parking lot. In winter, Waterfall Beach showcases a powerful cascade over weathered rocks, flowing down to Madfish Bay. Inside the bay the clear water forms a sheltered channel to the ocean, which is perfect for kids to splash around. At low tide you can also walk across the channel to the reefs across the bay.
Lights Beach
Visit Lights Beach, where you’ll discover three stunning beaches all conveniently accessible from one location. Each beach has its own unique charm, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. At Princess Pool, the rock pool on the eastern beach, you can watch the waves crash and form a captivating ocean waterfall. Alternatively, hang out at the clothing optional area if that’s more your style! There are various other activities you can enjoy at Lights Beach, such as surfing, fishing or canoeing out in nature.
A flat walkway about 10 meters long leads from Lights Beach Carpark to the Lookout. From there, take in stunning views of Wilson Head and the Denmark Community Windfarm windmills. If you look east towards Mount Hallowell you might also spot Monkey Rock looming over Lights Beach – which resembles a monkey’s face if you tilt your head and use your imagination! Monkey Rock is a popular hiking spot, with an easy 2km hike to the rock and back from a small dirt parking area here: (-35.0146950, 117.2950652).
Shelley Beach
A 30 minute drive outside of Denmark, Western Australia, is Shelley Beach, a stunning coastal spot in the West Cape Howe National Park. With turquoise waters, lush surroundings, and refreshing ocean breeze this secluded destination attracts visitors year-round. It’s a popular destination for beach lovers, campers, fishermen, and bushwalkers alike, accessible even by two-wheel drive vehicles.
Swimming and fishing are made safer by the massive granite rocks that encircle Shelley Beach, which formed over 1,100 million years ago. To pursue Australian salmon, mulloway, whiting, and herring, throw in a line from the beach. During the summer moths of December through March, Easterly winds also provide ideal flying conditions for hang gliders. Walk along the boardwalk to see them take off from the Lookout parking lot.
Since Shelley Beach is part of the West Cape Howe National Park, which fringes the coastline, you’ll need to pay a National park Fee of $15 per vehicle.
Ocean Beach and McGeary’s Rock
Ocean Beach is a charming beach boasting breathtaking views. The fine white sand of this roughly 100-meter-long beach stretches from the base of the imposing cliff to the stunning blue waves. It’s the ideal spot to unwind and breathe in the fresh sea air. This is a crowd favourite because of the grassy space with a view of the waves, an undercover pavilion, Surf Club, restrooms, and showers.
If you’ve always wanted to become a surfer, Ocean Beach is the best spot to begin your journey! This beach provides an excellent learning environment, regardless of your level of experience. You’ll be riding the waves in no time with the help of knowledgeable instructors and calm waves.
The lookout at McGeary’s Rock is a great place for fishing, and if you’re lucky you might spot dolphins or sea lions!
Visit the Wineries
One of our favourite things to do in the South has to be exploring wineries. While Margaret River is known for having an extensive array of cellar doors, a short drive further south to Denmark leads you to some of the best cooler climate wines and hidden gem wineries. If you want to have a glass of chardonnay outside or grab a Malbec to bring back to your Airbnb, make sure to stop by one (or several) of the best cellar doors in Denmark, Western Australia.
Singlefile Wines
The name Singlefile Wines comes from the local geese, who walk elegantly in single file every day at nightfall on their way to the lake underneath the vineyards. The family’s global background features in the crest found on the Singlefile Wines label. The national animal of South Africa, the springbok, is depicted on the nation’s coat of arms. With a selection of quality wines that are produced as naturally as possible to highlight the subtleties of the environment, Singlefile Wines provides customers with an enjoyable tasting experience at the cellar door. Feel free to meander around the lovely grounds, where you might spot the family of geese that calls the area home.
The Lake House
Wine, food, breathtaking views, and more await you at The Lake House Denmark, a five-star winery, cellar door, café, and restaurant that is a popular destination due to its rustic charm and natural beauty. It’s only five minutes from town and is open daily from
10 am to 5 pm. It’s the ideal spot to take a break for a bite to eat, peruse the gourmet shop, or have a complimentary taste of their fine wines. You can also arrange a gourmet picnic hamper, to enjoy while admiring the gorgeous gardens and trout-filled lake. The hampers cost $79, which you should pre-order before your visit.
Rockcliffe
Rockcliffe Vineyard is nestled among majestic Karri trees, less than 15 kilometers from the Southern Ocean. It’s known for producing cool-climate wines, celebrated for their slow-ripening style typical of the Great Southern wine region. When the weather is dry in the summer, you can also park your van or set up your tent in the paddock across from the cellar door, or reserve one of its recently levelled bays surrounded by vines. Despite being in a rural area and approximately 4 miles from Denmark town, the location is quite peaceful. This is a great place to stay if you ride a bike, so make sure to bring it with you! You should also bring your own toilet as there are no facilities available here.
Bartholomews Meadery
Bartholomews Meadery is well-known and highly regarded across the globe. They specialise in the age-old skill of producing mead, which is the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage. All-natural honey used to make the mead comes from Western Australia’s South-West. The honey is pure and straight from the hive; it has not been heat-treated or processed. At the Sydney Royal National Honey Show, the honey most recently took home a Gold Medal.
Don’t forget to enjoy their ice cream and explore the glass bee hive. Everyday hours for Bartholomew’s Meadery are 9:30 am to 4.:30 pm, with extended hours during the school holidays from 9 am to 5 pm.
Forest Hill Wines
With the oldest vines in both Denmark and the Great South, Forest Hill Winery is a must-visit location. Come taste the delectable dishes at Forest Hill, complemented by an extensive selection of wines that have won numerous awards. The wines of Forest Hill are subtle and refined, with a delicate and distinct style that uniquely captures the spirit of the mature vineyard. The guiding principle of Forest Hill aims to produce wines of the greatest calibre, each with a unique geographical identity.
Denmark Animal Farm
Marg & Laurie Binks, along with their daughter & son-in-law Debbie & Stephen Maddams, founded Denmark Animal Farm and Pentland Alpaca Stud in 1990. The Bink family have owned and run the business since. It now houses about sixty alpacas, along with highland cows and many other animals, which visitors can feed in the paddocks. They also sell raw fleeces in the shop along with various alpaca products, and all shearing is done on the farm. In addition, it offers alpacas for pet and sheep guarding.
The farm is open every day except Tuesday from 10am – 4pm, with bottle feeding at 3pm. Entry costs $16 AUD per adult and $9 AUD for children between 3-15, which includes a feed bag for the animals.
Best places to Eat and Drink in Denmark, Western Australia
Denmark has an array of culinary experiences, ranging from gourmet gelato and cellar doors to freshly baked pastries and coffee. Cuisine created from locally sourced products is served in cafes, restaurants, and wine bars. Denmark has something to offer everyone, so don’t pass up the opportunity to sample their cuisine when you’re next visiting Western Australia.
Flame Trees
At Flame Trees, savour handcrafted cocktails, local craft beer, and Great Southern wines paired perfectly with Mediterranean-style tapas. Step into the 1920s with atmospheric lighting, artful décor, and ambient music. The comfortable sofas and chairs are ideal for gatherings, or a cosy den for intimate occasions.
Open Thursday to Monday from 4 pm onwards. Book your spot for a unique dining experience in Denmark, to enjoy their welcoming atmosphere and exceptional menu.
Pepper & Salt
At Pepper & Salt Restaurant, enjoy fine dining and breathtaking vistas. Since it is part of the Forest Hill Winery, the restaurant boasts vineyard views. On the menu you’ll find not just traditional cuisine made from local produce, but also tasty cocktails and Forest Hill wines. The restaurant is open Thursday to Sunday for lunch, as well as Friday nights for dinner.
Boston Brewing Co.
Being one of the first craft breweries in the Great Southern Region, this is a great spot to hang out with friends and family, share a dish, or just enjoy a delicious meal. It even has a large playground for kids and a beer garden, among other amenities. Enjoy the warm, vibrant ambiance of this dog-friendly business, which also offers a menu that includes pub favourites like pizza and burgers.
The Green Pantry Cafe
Visit The Green Pantry on Stickland Street for fresh groceries from their store, or to enjoy a drink and a snack from their cafe. A variety of savoury and sweet options, such as freshly baked cakes, slices, buddha bowls. You can either bring your own cup or use one of its many other options. As of 2020, the café takes pride in having eliminated single-use cups.
Where to Stay in Denmark, Western Australia
Regardless of your needs and circumstances, Denmark offers an amazing selection of high-quality lodging options in a variety of stunning settings. These are just a handful of my top picks:
Stillwood Retreat
Stillwood is an adults-only studio with an architecturally planned atmosphere – a private haven tucked away in the treetops. It invites you to slow down, unwind, and escape. Situated on five acres and including two jetties with views of private dams and the magnificent karri forest in the background, this spot is ideal to get lost in nature while listening to the sounds of birds.
Enjoy a glass of wine while you curl up on the sofa and watch the fireplace flicker, or toast marshmallows. You can lose yourself in the pages of one of the many books on architecture or interior design, as well as a variety of competitive games kept under the chest coffee table.
You can book to stay at Stillwood here from $435 AUD per night.
Shelley Beach Camp
Shelley Beach, the most accessible area in West Cape Howe National Park for two-wheel drive vehicles, is a popular spot for camping, fishing or hang-gliding. The beach features a wide expanse flanked by massive granite boulders, which were formed alongside the Porongurup Range 79 km north. Campers can set up tents at Shelley Beach Campground, equipped with barbecue facilities, a long drop toilet and million-dollar views. Just be aware that only tents and small camper-vans (without side awnings) are permitted for overnight stays, and campfires are strictly prohibited.
Bookings are not available, so simply show up and nab one of the spots. A ranger usually comes by in the evenings to collect the camping fee, which is $15 per adult and $5 per child (plus the $15 National Park Fee per vehicle).
Before You Go
Bushfires are a possibility if you’re travelling in the summer, so be aware of local fire regulations and abide by them. To stay updated, visit the My Fire Watch website frequently.
Remember that Denmark is home to a wide range of wildlife, including spiders and snakes. When trekking in areas such as Monkey Rock or Mount Lindesay, exercise caution and wear closed-toe shoes! Although this part of the nation has some very beautiful beaches, the ocean can be erratic – particularly on unpatrolled beaches. As a result, make sure to exercise caution while near strong currents and rips.
How Many Days to Stay in Denmark, Western Australia?
To fully take advantage of all the exciting things to do and see in Denmark, I advise spending at least three nights there. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the region’s stunning national parks, spotless beaches, and charming town centre.
You can also add two to three more days if you would like to see more, such as Walpole and Albany. Furthermore, the possibilities for exploring the Margaret River region are endless! Check out my other Australia travel guides here.
