Bushwalking in Denmark

For the keen bushwalker, or the holidaymaker who simply wants to get a bit closer to nature, Denmark's cool climate is ideal for a range of experiences.

The wide range of landscapes in Denmark includes granite outcrops, tall eucalypt forests, wildflowers in spring, endless pristine beaches, mountain views and the beauty of Wilson Inlet. All are accessible by formal walktrails and paths, many of which start in town.

The Bibbulmun Track

The Bibbulmun Track (all maps) is one of the longest, continuously marked trails in Australia covering 964 km from Kalamunda to Albany. It is suitable for groups, individual recreational walkers (day or weekend walks) committed bushwalkers and people of all ages who have a love of the bush - from hour long rambles to several weeks trekking.

The Track is named after a distinct Aboriginal language group known as the Bibbulmun, who inhabited some of the areas on the south coast through which the track passes. It is marked by a stylised image of the Waugal (rainbow serpent), a spirit being from the Aboriginal Dreaming.

Wilson Inlet crossing - please check current situation with Denmark Visitor Centre.

For more details about track conditions, please visit the Bibbulmun Foundation website.

When arranging your accommodation, your hosts will be happy to assist with transport arrangements to and from the track.

Denmark-Nornalup Rail Trail

Ideal for mountain bikes, horses and walkers, this section of former railway reserve features renovated bridges, steep embankments and cuttings, and constantly changing views.

Three stages of the trail have been completed to date -

• Denmark River mouth to Hay River (about 12km) - Walkers, Hybrid Bikes, Mountain Bikers. The section to Rudyard Beach Road is of high quality surface (suitable for families), with the remaining section soft or uneven in places, and suitable for walking and keen bikers.
• Denmark River mouth to Parker Road (33km) - Walkers, Horse Riders, Mountain Bikers. Sections are boggy in winter and soft sandy sections make it recommended for keen cyclists.
• Peaceful Bay Road to Station Road (about 14km) - Walkers, Mountain Bikers. The surface is still rough and/or sandy in places and suitable for walkers and keen bike riders only.

See more information, in print-friendly PDF format, about the Denmark-Nornalup Heritage Rail.

You may also like to visit the Railtrails Australia website.

Other walk trails

You can enhance your Walk Trails experience with reference to the accompanying brochure prepared by Greenskills, titled "Plants of Denmark's Walk Trails". It also has a handy map.

The Mokare Heritage Walk - a 3 km circuit from the town traffic bridge is named after Mokare, an Aboriginal leader from the Albany area, who accompanied Wilson on his 1829 expedition. Suitable for cycling. Enjoy the view from the old railway bridge to where the river meets the inlet, also an excellent spot for launching small boats, or just watching the many waterbirds. Town Centre Map and Inlet Map F4/G5

The Karri Walk winds through a reserve of paperbark, yate and karri, to the inlet. It can be walked one way, or in conjunction with the Mokare trail. Take your picnic basket and enjoy peace among the trees. Inlet Map F5

The Community Park - formerly an agricultural research station, the main entrance is a boardwalk which begins at Thornton Park. A meandering path follows the river foreshore past oak trees, leading to Scotsdale Road and, across a footbridge over the Denmark River, to South Coast Highway. The park is still under construction, with ongoing plantings of native species. Town Centre Map

Wilson Inlet Heritage Walk Trail - a 6 km walk explores early Aboriginal life, flora and fauna, railway construction techniques, and provides unsurpassed views of Wilson Inlet. It starts at the old railway bridge near the river mouth and meanders along the inlet, to Crusoe Beach. District Map East S4/U4

Poison Point Lookout - from Inlet Drive, walk down a firebreak to the inlet foreshore. In the vicinity is a dolerite dyke from which Aborigines obtained stone for tools. The area's name derives from the local wildflower Gastrolobium Bilobium from which the poison '1080' is derived. Inlet Map F9

Little River Walk Trail - this section of the Bibbulmun Track runs along the wooded inlet foreshore and is ideal for wildflowers and birdwatching, especially at the Little River footbridge. Inlet Map C10

Sheila Hill Trail - a reasonable degree of fitness and suitable footwear is required for this walk, which forms part of the Bibbulmun Track and winds through mixed woodlands, large boulders and across open rock surfaces to the summit of Mt Hallowell, which has superlative panoramic views. District Map East Q6/R6

Monkey Rock - a signpost on Lights Road indicates the walk track to this spectacular granite outcrop on the south slope of Mt Hallowell, offering 270 degree views over the surrounding karri forest, southern coastline and Wilson Inlet. District Map East Q6

The Mt Lindesay Walk climbs about 4 km from the Denmark River to a 400 metre high granite dome, visible from town. At the summit a spectacular panoramic view sweeps Mt Frankland, the Porongurups, Stirling Ranges and Mt Manypeaks. District Map East P1

Harewood Forest Walk - a short, easy 1.2 km walk through forest, with signs explaining the days of axe and crosscut saw. The birdlife is wonderful - take a picnic, rest along the walk and listen to their song. District Map East O3

Enjoy a walk around Denmark townsite, taking in some historic sites

New, for your enjoyment, is a short, self-guided walk which takes in some of Denmark's historical landmarks. To accompany you on your walking tour, Denmark Tourist Bureau staff and volunteers have compiled some brief notes on your route and what you will see along the way.

See more images of Denmark