People from Perth love a weekend trip down south and tourists visiting Western Australia are also missing out if they don’t venture out of the city to the beautiful sites both north and south along the coast.
While the go-to destination is Margaret River and surrounds, if you are willing to venture a little further south then there are some absolute gems that have all of the beauty of more popular destinations and less of the crowds.
Denmark, WA is one of those places and has beauty in droves. The town is located on the banks of a picturesque river and surrounded in beautiful forest, on the outskirts you will find top-class wineries and vineyards as well as beaches that will make your jaw drop.
The town itself has all the charm of a small country town and has the kind of laid back and relaxed vibe that just seems to soak away all that city stress. Read on for your guide to a perfect long weekend in Denmark, Western Australia.
The stunning Greens Pool in William Bay
Table of Contents
How to Spend 3 Perfect Days in Denmark – Western Australia
The Perth to Denmark drive is 422 km from the city centre, which is mostly all down the Albany Highway. This will take you about 4.5 hrs of driving time.
When visiting somewhere as beautiful and unique as Denmark then you really should pick somewhere to stay which equals the destination. Luckily there are some really beautiful and unique accommodation options available.
Built atop huge granite boulders and blending perfectly into the surrounding forest, a stay here will be one to remember for some time. The blend of beautifully finished wood and stone in the interior makes the rooms almost as beautiful as the surrounding views.
Those of you who want a little pampering on your holiday will find yourself more than satisfied with this pick. Forest and inlet views, beautiful rooms all replete with spa baths, an outdoor pool surrounded in ferns and an amazing breakfast included. Who could say no to that?!
Another beautiful property perched high among the trees. The large deck offers forest views and you get the entire house to yourself so you can get a little crazy after one too many bottles of the amazing local wine.
For those who love camping or are travelling in a camper van then you should check out Parry’s Beach campsite. Right on the beach yet still quite close to town. It is volunteer managed with a fee of $17 per 2 people, payable on site.
There are showers and toilets but no drinking water and no camp kitchen so come prepared. The site also has some other limits on height and large vehicle so check the website via the above link for details.
Epic views from the Tree Top Walk near Denmark
Day 1
Set off early from Perth so you can make the most of your time down south. If you leave just after breakfast then you’ll probably be arriving in town right around lunch time.
As this is often too early to check in to most accommodations, it gives you a perfect window of time to grab lunch at one of the delicious eateries in town.
Lunch
Boston Brewery is a great choice as it is right near the town centre and has something for everyone. The beer garden sits amongst rows of vines and is surrounded by flowers and trees, there’s also a playground for the kids.
They brew some great beers and there’s also a top notch wine list of local drops. The food menu is extensive and everything is delicious. The perfect food and atmosphere to re-energise after the drive and start your trip off the right way.
Following lunch you should check in to your accommodation and then get ready for your next stop.
Holding a python at the Denmark Dinosaur World
Stop 1
Option 1 – Denmark Dinosaur World
This place is so cool and such a surprising find for a small town like Denmark. They have far more than just dinosaur models here, with a whole menagerie of native wildlife including birds, snakes and kangaroos.
A lot of the wildlife can be interacted with and there is a reptile handling at 11am and 2pm daily. This is a great option for families or overseas tourists who want that classic Australian shot holding a snake!
Denmark Dinosaur World is open from 9:30am to 4:30pm daily (Oct to Apr) and 10am to 4pm daily (May to Sep). It costs $14 for adults and $7 for children with discounts for families and children. There is a café on-site and also BBQ/picnic facilities.
A beautiful black cockatoo at Denmark Dinosaur World
Option 2 – Hit the beach
If it’s a nice day and you’re craving those beautiful crystal clear waters then hit the beach. You can’t go past Greens Pool which is one of the most beautiful beaches in Western Australia. Nearby Waterfall Beach and Lights Beach are also nice and will probably have less crowds.
Right next to Greens Pool, the amazing natural formations of Elephant Rocks make for a unique and awesome place to go for a swim. The large elephant shaped boulders rising out of the clear turquoise waters of the bay are truly a wonderful sight that cannot be missed on your trip to Denmark!
If you head past the shops in town you can pick yourself up some fresh baked goods from the local bakery and a nice bottle of local wine and turn your beach trip into a sunset picnic.
Of course if you have chosen to stay at Parry’s Beach then you’re already at the beach and can probably check out Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks tomorrow.
The spectacular Elephant Rocks
Option 3 – Wine tastings and pure relaxation
If you’ve come to Denmark for the amazing wine and just pure relaxation then I can’t say I blame you! A lot of the wineries close at 4 or 5pm however that gives you a solid few hours to drive around and try some wines before purchasing a bottle or two of your favourites for tonight.
The wineries are all quite close to town so it’s an easy afternoon to visit two or three. Remember however not to drink too much if you are driving! A great option is a couple of sturdy bicycles to really earn that sunset drink!
Tomorrow involves a special lunch at the beautiful Lakehouse Winery so try to avoid that one today. Some top wineries to try near to town include: Rockcliffe, Singlefile Wines, Forest Hill Wines and Rising Star wines.
Hopefully you didn’t enjoy those amazing Denmark wines a little too much yesterday and ready to get up and have an amazing full day exploring. The forest is really magical first thing in the morning so it’s great to get going early however you are on holiday so don’t stress, there’s plenty of time to see the sites!
Have a hearty breakfast either at your accommodation or one of the lovely cafes in town. My favourite has to be the Denmark Bakery, you just can’t beat a good country bakery.
Stop 1 – Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk
Head west down the highway about 50km to the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk. The drive itself is beautiful, winding through towering forests with the light filtering through and greenery all around. There are a few different ways to get there but they are all about the same length so just follow your GPS.
This attraction is exactly what it says on the box, you get the opportunity to ascend to the tree-tops on a solid steel walkway and walk among the towering, beautiful tingle trees. I have been here many times personally and always look forward to coming back.
Enjoying the amazing scenery from the Tree Top Walk
At the end of the tree top walk you can continue to follow the ‘Ancient Empire’ trail which is a raised walkway along the forest floor to the ground up view of the 400 year old trees. The environment here is completely unique to the South West of Australia and is truly beautiful.
On your way into or out of the Valley of the Giants Loop Road, consider dropping past the Valley of the Giants Gallery to see some amazing indigenous art inspired by the surrounding area.
Optional Extra Stops Near the Tree Top Walk
There are a lot of great sights near Walpole, the town closest to the tree top walk, however they will involve more driving to the west. If the forest is your thing and you want to spend more time exploring it then read on, otherwise skip to the following section to travel back to Denmark for an amazing winery lunch.
Giant Tingle Tree
This fantastic 400 year old tree has been hollowed out by fire and you can walk right through the inside of the trunk, as the massive old tree continues to reach toward the sky. This is the oldest and largest surviving Eucalyptus tree in the entire world!
From the carpark you will find an 800m wooden boardwalk that takes you through the forest and to the tree itself. You’ll notice a few other large, hollowed out trees along the walk.
The incredible Giant Tingle Tree near Walpole
Hilltop Lookout
Along the same road as the above is a lookout offering amazing views out over the tree-tops and all the way to the ocean, coming from Denmark you will first pass the giant tingle then the lookout and the road will then loop back to the highway.
Swarbrick Art Loop
You start to push a little further away from Denmark to visit this site. Following the highway west for a few minutes you will pass through town then turn off onto North Walpole Rd. After 10km you will find the Swarbrick Art Loop which is an art installation among the forest designed to promote thinking about forest conservation and the impact of past and current logging operations.
Mount Frankland Wilderness Lookout
Another 20km along North Walpole Road (becoming Mt Frankland Rd) will take you to this sight. This impressive lookout sits atop Mt Franklin, next to the large granite peak. There are a number of walk trails to reach it depending on what difficulty you desire. The lookout offers sweeping views over the surrounding forest.
A friendly cockatoo at the Denmark Dinosaur World
Stop 2 – Denmark Dinosaur World
Previously mentioned as an option for day 1, if you didn’t go then this is your opportunity. It is located on the way back to Denmark along the highway so is a convenient stop as you make your way back to town.
(Information repeated from above)
They have far more than just dinosaur models here, with a whole menagerie of native wildlife including birds, snakes and kangaroos.
A lot of the wildlife can be interacted with and there is a reptile handling at 11am and 2pm daily. This is a great option for families or overseas tourists who want that classic Australian shot holding a snake!
Denmark Dinosaur World is open from 9:30am to 4:30pm daily (Oct to Apr) and 10am to 4pm daily (May to Sep). It costs $14 for adults and $7 for children with discounts for families and children. There is a café on-site and also BBQ/picnic facilities.
Making friends with a sweet cockatoo!
Lunch at The Lake House Denmark
If you’ve just been waiting for an excuse to get back to the wineries then now is your chance! The Lake House Winery is the perfect place to take a break and enjoy lunch in the beautiful surrounds.
Choose from a selection of gourmet platters and sharing boards featuring locally made cheeses and fresh produce sourced directly from their organic garden on site. Of course, you can pair that with a glass of the incredible Lake House Denmark Wine.
Sitting over the lake surrounded by beautiful gardens and forest makes for some great memories and will have you dreaming about coming back to Denmark for years to come. They are open daily from 10am to 5pm and it’s a good idea to book your lunch online ahead of time, especially during those busy summer months!
We never miss a Lake House lunch when visiting Denmark!
The Lake House also provides the option of booking a take-away picnic hamper. This is a great idea for special occasions or just because picnics in beautiful places are awesome! These hampers are jam packed full of delicious cheeses, olives, cold meats, fresh bread and more.
You can pick up a hamper along with a bottle of wine and enjoy your picnic near the lake on their property, or take it away and find another, equally beautiful spot of your choice.
About to dig into this delicious sharing platter!
Strolling through the lush gardens of The Lake House Denmark
Stop 3 – Hit The Beach
After a busy morning and a delicious lunch what better way to end the day than relaxing on one of the many beautiful beaches in William Bay National Park.
Greens Pool Beach and the nearby Elephant Rocks are both beautiful and amazingly photogenic spots. This is the most popular beach destination for good reason and you definitely shouldn’t miss it.
Nothing but shades of turquoise in Greens Pool, William Bay National Park
If however you are willing to go a little further into the national park there are two more great spots. Waterfall Beach has a small waterfall cascading down a rock face creating a stream that flows down the beach into the ocean.
Lights Beach is the furthest along and you can often enjoy this spot if not to yourself then with a lot less people than Greens Pool. Both beaches are accessible by 2wd but are less sheltered than Green’s Pool so the surf is a little rougher.
If you have taken advantage of the winery trips to buy some bottles then consider bringing a picnic and watching sunset over the ocean whilst you enjoy and early dinner.
Elephant Rocks, William Bay National Park
Day 3
Today is the day you must sadly depart back to Perth. You can choose to spend half a day in and around Denmark catching anything you might have missed from above or just relaxing in the beautiful surrounds. There are however some great things to see and do on the way back depending on whether you are willing to do a little more driving.
The centre of Denmark to the centre of Perth is 423km, the below options will tell you how much extra driving is involved and what you can do on the way back to make the most of your day. Pick your favourite or if you are super motivated and an early riser then maybe you can do all three!
Hiking up to the Granite Skywalk in Porongurup National Park
Option 1 – Porongurup National Park/Granite Skywalk – 61km detour
This place is well worth the trip for just an extra 40mins or so of driving. You head back to Albany Highway the same way as you would returning to Perth and the Porongurup Range is just west of the highway.
There are several great climbs here with the Granite Skywalk hike being the most popular. The hike is fairly challenging following a steep 4.5 km trail through the forest and emerging at the top of Castle Rock for fantastic views over the surrounding countryside and southern coast.
If you are in good shape and feeling adventurous you can try Devil’s Slide as well for a great hike.
Have a picnic lunch at the tree in the rock rest area if it’s around that time. There are plenty of wineries surrounding the range also if you accidentally finished everything you picked up in Denmark!
Option 2 – Black Diamond Lake/Lunch in Collie – 64km detour
Have a look at this amazing lake situated near Collie along an alternate route back to Perth. The intense blue hue of the water looks great in pictures as well as being super refreshing to take a dip in. Who needs coffee on a long drive when you could just jump in a cold lake?
If you time it right you can pick up some lunch in Collie and have a picnic at the lake however keep in mind there are no facilities on site. Town is only a short distance away and has public toilets if needed.
Elizabethan Village Pub
Option 3 – Lunch at the Elizabethan Village – 3km detour
If you really just want to get the driving done and dusted or you want to spend as much time as possible in Denmark before leaving then there’s still a final stop you can make to stretch that holiday out as much as possible!
Located just outside of Armadale on the outskirts of Perth, the Elizabethan Village is a themed pub/restaurant that is built in the half-timbered Tudor style. They’ve done a really great job styling the place and it looks true to form.
They brew their own beers which are quite good and also have an extensive and pleasant beer garden. The meals are big and hearty and perfect after a long drive. If you can hold off on lunch or want an early dinner then it would be a great end to your holiday.
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