Along the Denmark coastline there is a forest that literally meets the sea in spectacular fashion with karri growing right to the waters edge of some inlets. William Bay National Park is a mix of forest, sheer headlands, sheltered bays and unusual flora.
There are pockets of karri forest, extensive areas of peppermint trees and open woodlands of sheoak and eucalypts. Some of the coastal heathlands are home to a range of plants usually found in karri forest. In the William Bay National Park however, they grow shorter and in a more shrub like fashion to suit the coastal conditions.
The beach at William Bay is narrow and it is backed by high coastal sand dunes some of which is colonized by dense scrub and trees. Other areas of bare sand are actively taking over stands of karri forest as they move.
There is a wide diversity of plants within the park's spectacular scenery. Over just a small area a vast range of plants can be found. Karri trees with a thick undergrowth of plants such as karri hazel, sedges and chorilaena. The peppermint, a common understorey tree in karri and jarrah forests, is one of the most widespread trees in William Bay National Park. Dense thickets can be found close to the coast. This hardy plant can grow into a spindly tree but in exposed areas takes the appearance of a dense low shrub. From one of the most spectacular coastal spots in the park, Greens Pool you can see the dark green bands of peppermints that inhabit the swales of the sand dunes.
The much photographed Greens Pool is a sheltered bay where large granitic rocks meet the water. A safe swimming beach, Greens Pool has a narrow beach and shallow water interrupted by large boulders. A short walk from Greens Pool is Elephant Rocks, a series of exposed rocks which from several angles resembling a herd of elephants. This remarkable attraction is worth a visit while in the park.
Like many of the south coast National Parks, it is not unusual to find varieties of wildflowers in flower all year round. Flowering does peak in spring but even in the height of summer flowers can be found, especially concealed in the undergrowth within stands of karris.
Facilities within the park include toilets and picnic tables.
To plan your holiday adventure
phone: 08 9840 2055
email: touristb@denmarkwa.net.au
