10 Extraordinary Experiences

Whale Watching

The southern coastline is a great place to look for migrating southern right and humpback whales from July until the end of October. There are several viewing areas along the coast which provide wonderful vantage points from which to spot these great mammals. Whales sometimes spend hours in the cove at OceanBeach directly in front of the surf life saving club. LightsBeach is another good location with an elevated viewing platform above the beach on a section of the Bibbulmun Track.

Fishing

Whether you’re after the big ones or just enjoy dangling a line as the sun sets, Denmark has fishing locations to suit everyone. Wilson Inlet is easily accessible for boat fishing and, if the weather’s right, you can drop a line from the smallest dinghy. Species can include king george whiting, snapper, cobbler, flathead, salmon trout, tailor, and bream. Denmark Rivermouth or Poddyshot Boat Ramp off Ocean Beach Road are good boat launching areas with covered areas for cleaning fish. The rocks around Ocean Beach and Lights Beachcan be good for sand whiting, mulloway, skippy, Samson, herring and salmon. Extreme caution is advised – beware of sudden waves and swell. Parry Beach and Hilliers Beach are popular spots for beach and rock fishing. You can launch a boat from ParryBeach in the right conditions. Boat Harbour (4WD only) is a spectacular spot, east of Denmark in Quarrum Nature Reserve. Peaceful Bay offers a wide expanse of beach and rock fishing, as well as boat launching the right weather.

Birdwatching

The Denmark area is rich in birdlife with more than 160 species recorded. Many migratory birds visit WilsonInlet whish is a breeding area for Western Australia’s black swan. Sea eagles, ospreys, and hawks, and many migratory waders can also be seen around the inlet and nearby coast. The Shire symbol, the male splendid wren, in his incandescent blue breeding plumage brightens any day. You may catch a glimpse of the splendid wren of the stunning fire-tail finch along the Little River trail or Mokare Heritage trail. Blacks of white-tailed black cockatoos, western rosellas, Port Lincoln parrots, purple-crowned lorikeets, and red-capped parrots can also be seen in the local forests.

Wildflowers

Blooming marvellous! Denmark is home to some of the region’s most incredible wildflowers. Each year from September to November the area explores into colour. With different plants in bloom at different times of the year, there is always something to see in the region.

Take a drive

Nornalup on the Frankland River to Circular Pool (unsealed roads). Drive east on the South Coast Highway to Hill Top Road. From Hilltop Lookout there are magnificent views of the majestic FranklandRiver. A short walk through the forest leads to the Giant Tingle Tree. Circular Pool is also well worth a visit. It is splendid in winter when the tannins in the water froth like a cappuccino. Structured platforms and trails meander through the forest and along the river banks.

Nornalup to Conspicuous Cliff and Ficifolia Tourist Drive. Nornalup, on the South Coast Highway, started as a railhead and farming settlement nestled on the majestic Frankland River. You can fish from the banks, launch a boat or hire a canoe and paddle to Monastery Landing. Drive east to Station Road into Ficifolia Road to Conspicuous Cliff beach. From Conspicuous Cliff lookout, whales can be seen between May and October. Steps and a boardwalk provide easy access to the magnificent beach, ideal for beachcombing or surfing for the more energetic. Return to the South Coast Highway via Ficifolia Road (unsealed road) where, in late spring, the ficifolia trees (Corymbia ficifolia) are ablaze with pink, orange and red flowers. One of the most widely planted ornamental eucalyptus trees, yet its natural range is about one square kilometre and can be seen on Ficifolia Road tourists drive.

Don’t be restricted to the main tourist drive – there are numerous attractions just off the main road. You can’t get lost – and even if you did, what a perfect place to lose yourself for an afternoon.

Bert Bolle Barometer

The International Guinness Book of Records officially recognises the Bert Bolle Barometer as the largest in the world. This unique instrument was donated by Bert and Ethne Bolle to the community of Denmark in 2007. The barometer isn't tall just for the sake of it - it wouldn't work if it was any shorter. The water barometer is constantly 'on the move'. The Barometer Tower was specially built to house the barometer and a collection of antique barometers from Europe. In the reading room atop the tower is a tribute to the pioneers of the barometer, Galileo and Torricelli. Visitors can enjoy the views and children can squeeze a ball to activate an aneroid barometer. The Bert Bolle Barometer is housed in the Denmark Visitor Centre. Entrance is free of charge. Open 7 days (except Christmas Day), 9am - 5pm.

Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk

Explore Western Australia's world famous forest of gigantic tingle trees and take a bird's eye view of the towering forest form the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. The Tree Top Walk is a spectacular lightweight bridge through the forest canopy. The bridge gently ascends into the tree tops 40 metres above the forest floor. All ages can view the canopy of the magnificent tingle forest and get a different perspective on the shapes, sounds and movement of the forest.  Descend to the boardwalks below and explore the Ancient Empire Walk - a grove of impressive veteran tingle trees, some over 400 years old. These are the giants that gave the forest its name - they are some of the most enormous trees in the world and are only found in the surrounding Valley of the Giants. The first part of the Ancient Empire is suitable for people in wheelchairs. There is a carpark, picnic facilities and toilets conveniently located nearby.

Snorkel at Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks

Greens Pool is a large sheltered rock pool set in William Bay National Park.  It offers excellent swimming and snorkelling and great views over the turquoise waters.  Nearby to Greens Pool is Elephant Rocks, a shallow cove surrounded by large boulders, Madfish Bay, a sheltered bay with a small island, and Waterfall Beach.

Hike the Bibbulmun Track

Opened in September 1998, the track stretches 964km from Kalamunda in Perth to Albany. It is now considered one of the world’s great long distance walk trails. The Denmark section of the track provides spectacular coastal and forest walks. The Bibbulmun Track caters to everyone, whether you prefer a gentle half-day or full-day walk or an eight week adventure. Camping areas and huts for overnight stays have been established at regular intervals for the serious trekker. Day walkers can also enjoy these facilities. For information on Bibbulmun walking trails in the Denmark area, including pick-up and drop-off services, and guided walks, contact the Bibbulmun Track Foundation.

Cycle around Denmark

Denmark is home to a number of wonderful bike trails - gentle grades for families, and mountain bike trails for those who like a bit of adventure. The Heritage Rail Trail is a bike trail along the old railway line once used to carry timber. Part of the trail meanders around WilsonInlet offering magnificent views of the rural landscape and distant hills. There are more than 33km to explore over renovated bridges and through railway cuttings. The Denmark to Ocean Beach Bike Trail is a dedicated bike track from the town centre to Ocean Beach – a safe and enjoyable ride on a dedicated sealed track. And, the Munda Biddi Trail is coming to Denmark soon!

Indulge in local produce

Indulge in cuisine made with the freshest local produce - fruits, fish, marron, home-grown meats and dairy products. You'll find there is something for everyone at the Denmark Community Market, held on alternate Sundays at the Scout Hall in Brazier Street.  Whether you are looking for fresh local fruit and vegetables, a gift for someone special, a chance to watch local musicians perform, or just catching up with some of the locals, you will enjoy the fun and friendly atmosphere of the market. The ever popular Denmark Markets attract people from far and wide to enjoy a day browsing amongst unusual and interesting stalls, listen to musical entertainment and experience what makes Denmark such a special place to live. And then there are the vineyards and local farm gates to explore...