When you think of Western Australia’s Great Southern corner, you should picture endless turquoise seas, windswept granite shores and forests thick with ancient giants.
Albany and Denmark might not always top the Western Australia bucket list, but once you breathe in that salty air at Two People’s Bay or sip an award winning chardonnay at a hilltop cellar door in Denmark, you’ll wonder why they weren’t your first stop.
These twin coastal gems are perfect for nature lovers, history buffs and anyone craving fresh air and wide-open skies. Expect dramatic hikes, wild beaches and unexpected moments that’ll end up as lifelong memories.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up 20 amazing things to do in Albany and Denmark, plus handy tips on how to get there, where to stay and our favourite wineries and beaches to visit.
Table of Contents
FAQ:
Where is Albany and Denmark located in Western Australia?
Albany sits on the southern coast of Western Australia, about 420 km southeast of Perth. Denmark is just 55 km west of Albany, making it easy to explore both in one trip.
How to get to Albany and Denmark?
By car: Around 5 hours from Perth to Albany via Albany Highway.
By air: Flights from Perth to Albany take just over an hour, then hire a car.
By bus: TransWA operates services, but a car gives you more freedom to explore.
Compare the best prices for rental cars
How many days should I stay in Albany and Denmark?
At least 4-5 days to enjoy both towns without rushing. Stretch it to a week if you want to fit in more hikes, wineries and enjoy lazy beach days without rush.
Best places to stay in Albany, Western Australia
Hilton Garden Inn Albany – harbour views and central location.
Albany Harbourside Apartments – cosy self-contained options.
Emu Point Motel – budget-friendly and close to the beach.
Best places to stay in Denmark, Western Australia
The Floating Forest Retreat – secluded cabins tucked into the trees.
Chimes Spa Retreat – perfect for couples and special occasions.
Karrak Reach Forest Retreat – eco-friendly chalets with sweeping views.
When is the best time to visit Albany and Denmark?
Spring (Sep–Nov) – wildflowers and perfect hiking weather.
Summer (Dec–Feb) – beach days and long golden evenings.
Winter (Jun–Aug) – whale watching, wineries and cosy nights.
Is it worth visiting Albany and Denmark?
Albany and Denmark aren’t often the number 1 bucket list destination in Western Australia but they definitely shouldn’t be overlooked either. If Australia’s best beaches, incredible nature, lush forests and world class wineries sounds like something you’d enjoy, then Albany and Denmark are must visit destinations.
Best things to do in Albany, Western Australia:
Explore Two People’s Bay
About 40 minutes from Albany, this nature reserve is home to Little Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia.
Powdery white sand, water so clear you can see your toes and a headland that frames it all like a postcard. Bring a picnic and spend the whole day.
Don’t miss Waterfall Beach just a short bush walk from Little Beach.
Whale Watching (Seasonal)
Between June and October, humpback and southern right whales migrate through Albany. Spot them from Ellen Cove and other vantage points around Albany like Discovery Bay and Blowholes.
For a better chance to spot whales consider joining a local tour.
Visit the National ANZAC Museum
Perched on Mount Clarence, this award-winning museum uses personal stories, interactive displays and sweeping harbour views to bring ANZAC history to life.
It’s moving, powerful and well worth spending a couple of hours.
Prebook your ticket to the Anzac Museum online.
Hike Bald Head
A challenging 12 km return trail along a narrow, windswept ridge in Torndirrup National Park. It’s not for the faint hearted but you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping ocean views on both sides.
Alternative and dog friendly options: Try Luke Pen Walk along the Kalgan River or the coastal Uredale Point Heritage Trail.
Relax at Misery Beach
Don’t let the name fool you, this was crowned Australia’s Best Beach 2022.
It’s often empty, the water sparkles in every shade of blue and the dramatic cliffs around the beach are the cherry on top.
Visit the Whaling Museum
Once a working station, the Historic Whaling Station is now a fascinating museum.
Learn about Albany’s whaling past, wander the old processing plant and see the skeleton of a giant sperm whale.
Explore Torndirrup National Park
Don’t miss The Gap and Natural Bridge, one of Albany’s most iconic spots.
Known for its dramatic rock formations where waves smash into the cliffs.
You’ll also find the Blowholes nearby but make sure to check whether the swell is right.
Hike Granite Skywalk
An adventurous climb up Castle Rock in Porongurup National Park.
The final section is a scramble up big rocks and an enclosed steep ladder, but the panoramic views at the end make the effort worth it.
It’s a class 4 hike, 4.4 km return and we’d recommend setting 2-3 hours aside.
Bring lots of water, avoid the heat and bring a little jumper or jacket for the skywalk at the end as it can get a little windy and cold.
If you’re after something even more challenging, Bluff Knoll is for you.
Go fishing at Salmon Holes
Famous during the annual salmon run (autumn) but scenic year-round.
Even if you’re not fishing, the lookout above offers incredible coastal views.
Fish and chips + sunset at Middleton Beach or Emu Point
Grab fish and chips from Hooked On Middleton Beach Fish & Chips and enjoy a sunset and a quiet moment at Middleton Beach or Emu Point.
Sunset and dolphin spotting at Albany Windfarm
We always get a few looks when we recommend visiting Albany Windfarm but the sunsets here are beautiful.
It’s our favourite place to watch the sunset in Albany and if you are lucky, you might even spot wild dolphins along the coast!
Visit the best beaches in Albany
Albany is spoiled for choice when it comes to beaches and you can’t really go wrong with any of them.
Some of our favourites include Frenchman Bay, Whalers Cove and Goode Beach.
Best things to do in Denmark, Western Australia
Visit the local wineries in the Denmark region
Denmark’s cool-climate wines are exceptional – think chardonnay, riesling, and pinot noir.
There are many amazing wineries to choose from but some of our personal favourites include Singlefile Wines and Castelli Estate.
We also enjoyed Wignall’s Winery closer to Albany for a more personalised experience.
Sunset at Monkey Rock
A short but steep climb through peppermint trees to a granite outcrop with panoramic views of William Bay and the surrounding forest.
We recommend doing this in the afternoon so you can watch a magical sunset.
Visit the iconic Elephant Rocks
Just around the corner from Greens Pool, massive rounded boulders rise from the water, resembling a herd of elephants wading through the shallows.
There are 3 trails to choose from when visiting Elephant Rocks, one leads down to the beach, one leads to a lookout and one leads to the top of the rocks.
Relax at Greens Pool
No trip to Denmark is complete without exploring William Bay and the iconic Greens Pool.
Calm, clear waters protected by granite boulders make this one of WA’s most iconic swimming spots.
Tip: Get here early if you visit during summer, it gets very busy and the car park fills up quickly.
Enjoy the turquoise waters at Madfish Bay
This spot is still popular amongst tourists but might be a little less crowded compared to Greens Pool if you are lucky.
The water here is stunning and you can see the two bays meet at low tide.
If you are walking and/or swimming over to the little island nearby, please be mindful of snakes as they are known to nest here.
Visit Cosy Corner
A beautiful halfway point between Albany and Denmark, perfect for a picnic or a quick swim if you are driving from Albany to Denmark.
Take in the stunning views of Shelley Beach
Known for its wild beauty and as a launch point for hang gliders.
Even if you’re not flying, it’s worth driving down the scenic dirt road or stopping in at the lookout.
It’s also a popular spot for fishing and camping.
Walk amongst the tree tops at Valley of the Giants
About 40 minutes west of Denmark, you’ll find Walpole, home to the famous Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk.
The walk stretches for about 600 meters but 40 metres above the forest floor, so you’ll get to experience the ancient forest from a stunning perspective.
Don’t miss the Ancient Empire walk included in the price of the tree top walk tickets.
Final Words:
Albany and Denmark are two of the most spectacular destinations in Western Australia, offering a mix of adventure, history and natural beauty.
Whether you’re into hiking in the most breathtaking scenery, sipping wine in a vineyard or relaxing on a white sandy beach, this part of Western Australia is absolutely worth adding to your travel itinerary.
You’ll leave the Great Southern with a heart full of memories.
Read these next:
- 5-Day Albany & Denmark Itinerary
- 10 Things to do in Busselton
- 3 or 5 Day Margaret River Itinerary
- 10 Southwest Hidden Gems
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