The Denmark region combines a beautiful setting with an intriguing history and a growing cultural awareness. The environment is of major importance and acts as a major stimulus to the creative talents of a growing number of fine artists.
HISTORY
The
Aboriginal history of the region is preserved through distinctive place
names. To Denmark, via the;)
Albany Highway, the Kodja Place in Kojonup
provide visitors with the opportunity to experience Aboriginal life and
to learn their history past and present
The Denmark area was
known to aborigines as Kurrabup and signs of their culture can still be
seen in the area. Albany was the first European settlement in Western
Australia three years before the Swan River Colony in 1829. Then
settlers, late 1895 moved into the Denmark region seeking the
magnificent timber that once grew throughout the region. In the 19th
century streets in London were paved in timber blocks cut from trees
that grew here.
Parts of the former railway tracks that
carried timber into the in Albany port are now walking tracks that
meander through delightful scenery and places of historic interest. In
some parts country can be seen as it was before the coming of white
settlers. The numerous Millars tracks are, in the main, now used as
road alignments. The only one used as part of a walking track is in
Harewood forest. The later 1927 WAGR line has had much of it now
adapted for walking, horse riding and cycling. Denmark has a unique
story to tell. The Denmark Historical Museum is a good place to
explore stories of early settlement.
DENMARK HISTORICAL MUSEUM
This delightful small museum is worth a visit and is only a couple of minutes walking from the Denmark Visitor Centre. It is situated in the old Police Station on Mitchell Street near the centre of town.
Open Tuesdays 2pm - 4pm. Thursdays 10am - 12am and 2pm - 4pm. Sundays 2pm - 4pm. Access: gold coin donation. Phone: 9848 1539.
Read more about Denmark's history on Wikipedia in several languages.
ART
Galleries and workshops throughout the region promote and showcase the Arts cultural diversity in the theater, movie production, wearable art, food art, open gardens, music, wildflower and festivals are among events in the district. The stunning backdrop of sky, sea and forests provides inspiration to a variety of exceptionally talented artists, artisans and craftspeople almost always in settings of natural magnificence. An exciting day can be spent touring the different venues.
The Southern Art and Craft Trail is an initiative of Artsouthwa Inc., an organisation that promotes and markets fine art and craft in Western Australia's Great Southern. A booklet with maps of artist's studios, galleries and other venues will be available at regional visitor centres, libraries and participating venues from mid-September. Trail Coordinator, Annette Grant, telephone 0400 215 196 or email annette.grant5@bigpond.com.
DENMARK CENTRE
Old Butter Factory Galleries -North Street, has interesting and varied collection of local artist’s artworks; pottery, glass and woodwork.
Robyn Lees ceramics, -Fig Tree Lane, audacious ceramic sculptures, tea pots jugs and paintings inspired by the female form. Illusions Jeweller Studio -Kingston Court, diverse Jewellery styles using freshwater pearls and semiprecious stones. Denmark Art Studio -in Redgum Lane, has originals works in all media. Djarilmari Timber Products specialist in native timbers for fine woodworking. Things Wild -Industrial Road, has Western Australian wildflowers dried and preserved. Ulyquin Fine Jeweller -Strickland Street, Todd Moore, an award winning jeweller. Denmark Gallery -Strickland Street, Fig Tree Square
WESTWARD
Ulla Zettergren Studio -Lapko Road, Ulla’s Intriguing sculptures seduce the eye and tease the mind. Ambiguous human forms, rounded horses, angels, cheeky birds 
and dignified fish on rammed earth bases will delight!
Jonathan Hook Studio Ceramics Lantzke Road, off Redman Road showcase contemporary tableware and sculptural ceramics. His studio gallery is where you can purchase from the complete range of his dinnerware and decorative pottery.
Old Dairy Craft Gallery and Alpaca Boutique- Scotsdale Road, artworks by Wendy Binks, Santalia cosmetics, jewelery, soft toys, woodcraft and Australiana souvenirs. Alpaca fleece, yarn and knitwear and a coffee shop.
VALLEY OF THE GIANTS
Robert Fairclough South Coast Highway, Old Kent River, 
professional sculpture. large works in timber, stone, steel and ice.
Spiral Studio Parker Road Kentdale, The Gallery has an extensive range of hand thrown pottery, individually crafted porcelian bowls and a large range of high quality tableware .
Valley Of The Giants Gallery
off Valley of the Giants Road, exhibits established, emerging and indigenous Artists. Des Brennan, the resident Artist has captured in various medium the local fisherman, pastoral, forest scenes and more. $6 entry includes a gift print and coffee.
The Bridge Art Gallery South Coast Highway, Bow Bridge, near the Bow Bridge Road House. An eclectic collection of artworks and craft form Artists in the Valley Of The Giants area. Coffee available.
EASTWARD
South Coast Woodworks Gallery South Coast Highway, showcase fine woodwork, furniture, sculpture and an amazing range of beautifully crafted, decorative articles, many by regions finest crafts persons.
To plan your holiday adventure
phone: 08 9848 2055
email: accommodation@denmark.com.au
