Scenic drives around Denmark

Popular scenic drives around Denmark offer changing views of pastured farmland, forest and ocean vistas, with distant views of the Porongurups and Stirling Ranges.

Scotsdale Tourist Drive

This scenic drive follows the route of early timber cutting days. Allow at least a half day for this 34 km route, which starts in town by the Denmark River and follows Scotsdale Road for 20 km.

You might like to stop and enjoy the beautiful Harewood Forest walk trail and call in at the many wineries, art galleries, local producers and attractions along the way.

Then turn left into McLeod Road, which brings you to South Coast Highway, where you turn right and, after a short distance, turn left into William Bay Road - and so on to the end of the drive at the famous Greens Pool in the William Bay National Park. This wide, tranquil bay is sheltered by giant granite boulders and is ideal for swimming, snorkelling or just relaxing. While you are there, walk around to Elephant Rocks and Madfish Bay.

You may return to Denmark via Mount Shadforth Road or South Coast Highway.

Mount Shadforth Scenic Drive

This scenic drive starts in town, from North Street. Visit wineries and galleries along the way, and enjoy a photographic panorama on Mohr Drive looking over Wilson Inlet, the Nullaki Peninsula and the Southern Ocean.

Full day drive westwards, taking in the Tree Top Walk

Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch at Greens Pool - or drive another 30 km west to Peaceful Bay, where you can cool off with a swim or a spot of fishing. After lunch, keep heading west on South Coast Highway and follow the signs, which will take you to Valley of the Giants Road. This will lead you through the towering karri and red tingle forest to the world famous Tree Top Walk. The walkway climbs very gently to a height of 40 metres and is suitable for the elderly and disabled. Don't miss the Ancient Empire walk, which meanders around and through a grove of veteran red tingle trees.

Return to Denmark, perhaps taking in some of the other attractions along the way.

Or eastwards

From Denmark, head east along South Coast Highway. Then turn right onto Lower Denmark Road, the scenic route to Albany, where you can call in at The Bushfood Cafe and sample unique Australian food. From there, visit some of the beautiful beaches along this part of the coast - watch for whales at Lowlands Beach, see parasailing at Shelley Beach, or have a picnic at sheltered Cosy Corner. If your vehicle is 4WD and you are feeling adventurous, you might follow the tracks to Torbay Head, the southernmost point on the Western Australian mainland.

... and slightly further afield - to Albany, Walpole, the Stirling Ranges, Mt Barker and the Porongurups

Denmark is centrally located on Western Australia's south coast to allow comfortable day trips to interesting inland and coastal areas.

Albany - the site of the first settlement in Western Australia - is just a half hour drive away. Visit The Gap and Natural Bridge in Torndirrup National Park, Whaleworld where Australia's last whaling station is now a living monument to the past, the Old Convict Gaol, as well as cinemas, gallops and harness racing, and much more. More about Albany ...

Walpole - a peaceful little town, just ten minutes beyond the Tree Top Walk. More about Walpole ...

The Stirling Ranges - dramatic mountain scenery, for scenic drives, climbing, bushwalking and fabulous wildflowers. More about Stirling Range National Park

Mt Barker and the Porongurups - country atmosphere, wineries, scenic drives and great bushwalking. More about Mt Barker and the Porongurups

See more images of Denmark

Denmark's scenic forest drives

Denmark River road bridge

The road to Shelley Beach

Day trip to the Stirling Range

... or Porongurups