We were driving across the Great South West Edge, the name given to the drive between Esperance and Perth in Western Australia, and were intrigued by a little town called Denmark. The town with a villagey vibe, was named ofter the naval surgeon Alexander Denmark, Physician of the Fleet that discovered the river in 1829. We heard it was a pretty little town located on Wilson Inlet and the Denmark River with a rugged stretch of coastline and towering forests. Plus we also heard that a must-see is the 15 km drive out to William Bay National Park spectacular beaches.
Denmark River in Denmark
But firstly I recommend you take a drive out to Ocean Beach that is set between Wilson Inlet and the Great Southern Ocean, a popular surf spot. Ocean Beach is a must-visit while in Denmark and from the look-out there are majestic views of the surf beach as well as the calm darker waters of the Wilson Inlet.
Views of Ocean Beach and Wilsons Inlet Image Credit: www.australiassouthwest.com
William Bay National Park is characterised by the turquoise green waters of Greens Pool, white sandy beaches and the towering granite rocks of Elephant Rocks. The turquoise green waters are edged by huge granite boulders with Greens Pool being the centrepiece of the park. This ‘green’ crystal clear water does not compare to any other beach I’ve ever visited. It is the perfect place for swimming, snorkelling, relaxing or exploring the granite rocks. Although on the day we visited the water was icy cold!
Greens Pool in William Bay National Park
William Bay National Park is accessible via the South Coast Highway between Denmark and Walpole. The national park comprises of 1734 hectares including coastal terrain and vegetation, with:
The walk to Elephant Rocks
As far as ocean swimming spots go, Greens Pool could not be surpassed, especially for families with young kids. It is basically a huge, natural ocean swimming pool of crystal clear water, edged by a pristine beach of pure white sand and enclosed by rows of dome-shaped granite boulders.
Greens Pool large granite boulders contrasting against the green water
The off-shore rocks, along with the tall headland behind the beach, provide perfect shelter against the wave swell and wind. The ocean water remains calm, tranquil and perfectly safe during all types of weather conditions.
Greens Pool deeper waters
With a small stretch of the imagination, these tall rounded boulders of Elephant Rocks resemble a herd of elephants bathing in the cold Southern Ocean waters. To get the best angle they are best viewed from up on the headland.
The large Elephant Shaped Boulders at Elephant Cove
From here, you can walk out onto the tops of the rocks where you can sunbake and gaze down into the clear green water of Elephant Cove. But make sure you descend the staircase and walk between two massive boulders (elephant sized boulders) out onto the beach. On the shores of Elephant Cove beach, you can view the rocks from a different angle, and go for a swim between them.
A Squeeze through the huge boulders to Elephant Cove
Views over William Bay from the Bibbulmun Track Image Credit: www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au
No it’s not a Scandinavian country! Denmark is located 423 kilometres south-east of the state capital of Perth in South Western Australia.
Sometimes it is the out of the way places that take your breath away and make a short detour from your intended path worthwhile. William Bay National Park was one such experience that we were glad we stopped, even for a few short hours, to enjoy the majesty of this breathtaking stretch of coastline.
Linking up with Travel Photo Thursday
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Julie
March 24, 2017What gorgeous beaches!! That far southern corner of Australia has always fascinated me. I also want to go to the Bunda Cliffs off the Nullarbor in the bight….so many places, not enough time. Doesn’t help that this country is damn big!! 😊
Kathy
March 24, 2017These beaches took my breath away. It was a shame we had an overcast day and the water was like ice as I would have loved to have a swim in Greens Pool. Yes there are way too many fascinating parts of Australia, particularly over in the West. I could easily see it all again! :)
Anne
March 24, 2017This has to be my favourite beach in WA.
Kathy
March 24, 2017They must be a bit of a hidden secret because we didn’t know much about them until we were camped in Albany for a week. They are definitely worthy of being one of the top beaches in Australia. :)
Jo
March 24, 2017Ssshhhh! I think we need to keep this area secret! It is so beautiful and your photos really do it justice. It’s so remote, so pristine and just stunning at every turn. I can’t wait to visit again.
Kathy
March 25, 2017I would want to keep this gorgeous spot secret too if I were you! It was absolutely breathtaking. I can’t believe how stunning beaches there are in the south west of Western Australia. :)
budget jan
March 25, 2017We both love the s-w corner of W.A. We explored a lot of it when we spent 2 years in Perth. I remember the white sand of Denmark and camping in amongst grassed sand dunes. Loved your photos. What a beautiful area.
Kathy
March 25, 2017The South West corner of WA was spectacular. I don’t I’ve seen more beautiful beaches anywhere in Australia that compare. Shame about the cold water though! The Southern Ocean does have icy water. I’m so glad we stumbled across this national park. :)
Lyn aka TheTravelling Lindfields
March 26, 2017When people think about Western Australia they tend to focus on the outback and forget the south-west corner. We did a roadtrip from Perth to Esperance last year and passed through Denmark. Like you, we though it was lovely.
Kathy
March 27, 2017It was lovely Lyn. I particularly enjoyed the beaches around Esperance and Albany. They were stunning and mostly untrodden. I would highly recommend this area in Western Australia. :)
Ruth
March 27, 2017I have heard about this town before but still smile when I think about that name. Find it amusing when a town in a country is named after another country. The beach, the rocks are so beautiful! #TPThursday
Kathy
March 27, 2017Yes it is strange that is has the same name as the Scandinavian country, but it was named after a person on the ship that discovered the place and not the country! The beaches here were spectacular. It is a gorgeous part of Australia. :)