Bibbulmun Track
Difficulty : Moderate
Distance Varies | Time Varies
Known for Hiking, Sightseeing
Lace up your boots for a coastal adventure on the Bibbulmun Track in Denmark, Western Australia. This section boasts some of the track's most captivating scenery. Hike through towering Karri forests, the tallest hardwood trees in the world, and vibrant coastal heathlands. Breathe in the fresh ocean air as you take in sweeping views of the Southern Ocean and turquoise waters crashing against rocky cliffs.
The Denmark section is a chance to spot unique Australian wildlife like kangaroos, emus, and possums, and a dazzling array of wildflowers. Keep an eye out for the "Waugal," the Bibbulmun Track symbol, as you navigate the path.
This unforgettable trail is perfect for multi-day hikes or shorter walks. Enjoy the tranquility of river crossings on picturesque wooden bridges and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the Denmark community.
Harewood Forest Trail
Difficulty : Easy
1.6 km return | approx 45 minutes
Known for Hiking
Spending time in nature, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest, can have profound effects on both physical and mental health, promoting relaxation, boosting mood, and fostering a sense of connection with the natural world.
Indulge in a serene session of forest bathing along the Harewood Forest Trail, where towering trees and tranquil streams invite you to reconnect with the natural world and find inner peace.
Mokare Heritage Trail
Difficulty : Easy
3.6 km return | approx 1h 10 mins
Known for Hiking, Biking
The picturesque Mokare Heritage Trail meanders along the eastern bank of the Denmark River, spanning from the Denmark Traffic Bridge on South Coast Highway to the Denmark Heritage Rail Bridge, where the river converges with the Wilson Inlet.
This enchanting, paved trail offers a tranquil riverside stroll or ride from Denmark Town to the mouth of the Denmark River. Plan your journey with the Mokare Heritage Trail Map, covering approximately 1.8 kilometers one-way. For a round trip, simply cross the river at either end and retrace your steps, totaling a 3.2-kilometer return journey.
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty as you traverse the banks of the Denmark River. Towering paperbarks create a serene ambiance, their reflections dancing upon the water's surface, transporting you to a bygone era. Keep a look out for the whimsical fairy houses, animal sculptures, rabbits engraved in the stones and water lilies hidden along the path.
Commence your exploration either at the traffic bridge in town or at the southern end near the Mokare Heritage Rail Bridge. Access to the Rail Bridge is convenient from Denmark Town, following Hollings Drive southward, where you'll find ample parking, picnic spots, and a tourist gazebo.
Cross the bridge to embark on the trail along the inlet's northern side, treating yourself to scenic vistas along the river's edge. You may also opt for a delightful riverside stroll from town or venture towards the river mouth.
At the river mouth parking area, marvel at the sight of black swans and Western Australian pelicans gracefully navigating the waters.
Monkey Rock Trail
Difficulty : Moderate
1.6 km return | approx 45 mins
Known for Hiking, Mountaineering, Sightseeing
A favoured destination for rock climbers, Monkey Rock offers similar panoramic vistas to Mount Hallowell's summit, making it an appealing option for those seeking a shorter excursion. With its proximity to the road, it provides an accessible alternative for those not inclined to tackle the full 5.5km trail Mount Hallowell Trial.
Perched high above Lights Beach, Monkey Rock stands as a breathtaking natural wonder. This magnificent rock formation offers visitors a spectacular view of the surrounding coastline and lush countryside, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
The hike to Monkey Rock is a moderately steep ascent, taking around 30 minutes or less, and can be accessed from Lights Beach Road.
Follow Ocean Beach Road out of Denmark Town, then turn right onto Lights Beach Road, where you'll find the sign and car park for Monkey Rock on your right. Be sure to keep an eye out for the turnoff, as it's easy to miss – if you reach the Lights Beach turnoff, you've gone too far.
The hike itself follows either a vehicle access road or a winding footpath through the trees, part of the renowned Bibbulmun Track that stretches from Albany in the east to Perth in the north. Once you reach the summit, a pathway leads you over the rocks, complete with stairs to assist on the more challenging sections.
Monkey Rocks can be a dangerous place as there are no guard rails and the granite slippery when wet. Please be always extremely careful.
Mount Hallowell Trail
Difficulty : Moderate
5.5 km one-way | approx 2h 20 mins
Known for Hiking, Sightseeing
Mount Hallowell, though unassuming from the South Coast Highway, boasts impressive granite heights veiled by the surrounding Karri Forest. A hike up this rewarding summit offers an array of breath-taking panoramas from various viewpoints.
The Sheila Hill Memorial Track, a 5.5km one-way trail tracing the Bibbulmun Track, will guide you over Mount Hallowell's summit. Beginning amidst a blend of Karri and She-Oak forests, the ascent commences gently (from the Cotswald Drive end), offering abundant natural wonders along the way. Marvel at moss-covered rocks, hidden fungi, and a tapestry of wildflowers from late winter to early summer, adorning the forest floor. Encounter towering granite boulders, some reaching heights of 30 meters, scattered throughout the trail.
Emerging intermittently from the forest, relish clear vistas encompassing Wilson Inlet, Nullaki Peninsula, Southern Ocean, and Mount Lindesay from the granite platforms. Journeying deeper into the woods, the ascent persists until you encounter a fallen sign, signaling the side trail leading to the summit. At the peak, be greeted by awe-inspiring views overlooking Peaceful Bay before descending to the second car park near Monkey Rock.
Wilderness Ocean Walk
Difficulty : Moderate
14.5km return | approx 3h 35 mins
Known for Hiking, Sightseeing, Biking
Affectionately known as the "WOW" Trail, the Wilderness Ocean Walk is a 6.2-kilometer sealed shared track tailored for the adventurous spirit. While labelled as having an "undulating gradient," it's crucial to note that this trail is not suited for casual family biking. With steep uphill and downhill sections, sharp turns, and a predominantly uphill trajectory towards Lights Beach, we strongly advise that only experienced individuals embark on this exhilarating journey.
Lights Beach (WOW Western trail end) welcomes adventurers with an inspiring lookout at the carpark, boasting a paved walkway along the ridge behind the beach, offering breath-taking views of the coastline and heathland. From the carpark, veer left facing the ocean to find the trailhead leading due east towards the Denmark Community Wind Farm.
Traversing through Monkey Rock (inland) and Back Beach (shore), the WOW Trail meanders through one of the most picturesque stretches of the south coast.
At the WOW Eastern trail end lies the Denmark Community Wind Farm, where visitors can park near the entrance gates and embark on a challenging uphill journey to the turbines. Notably, this ascent is not suitable for individuals requiring walking assistance, making it more of a fitness endeavour than a leisurely stroll. However, it offers a rewarding opportunity to stay active while revelling in the coastal scenery.
The trailhead for the WOW Trail at the Denmark Wind Farm is conveniently marked near the right-most turbine, guiding adventurers on their unforgettable coastal exploration.
Standing tall at 50 meters with impressive 22.8-meter blades, the Denmark Wind Turbines contribute significantly to the region's sustainable energy initiatives, supplying between 40 – 50% of Denmark's annual electricity demand.
Wilson Inlet Heritage Trail
Difficulty : Moderate
12km return | approx 2h 40 mins
Known for Hiking, Sightseeing, Biking
The Wilson Inlet Heritage Trail offers a leisurely exploration opportunity, suitable for walking, cycling, or horse riding, providing enchanting vistas of the Denmark River, the Wilson Inlet, and the picturesque surrounding landscape. Delight in the remarkable floral diversity lining the trail, while birdwatching enthusiasts will find ample opportunities for observation.
Tracing the path of the Denmark-Nornalup Heritage Rail Trail and the Munda Biddi trail, the Wilson Inlet Heritage Trail stretches from the heritage rail bridge over the Denmark River to the Hay River, encompassing a variety of ecosystems along the way. Wander through paperbark, banksia, and eucalypt bushland bordering the Wilson Inlet, with convenient resting spots and shelters dispersed throughout the trail. Certain sections are designated for horse riding, enhancing the trail's accessibility to all nature enthusiasts.
Commencing at the heritage rail bridge near the river mouth, the trail meanders gently through scenic paperbark, ti-tree, and eucalypt river flats, following the northern shore of the Wilson Inlet until reaching Springdale Beach. From there, it traverses through open shrublands to Rudyard Beach.