Jam-Packed 3-Day Denmark WA Itinerary!
So, you’ve got only 3 days in one of my fav spots, Denmark, Western Australia? Ideally, you’ll want to spend as long as you can, but this itinerary is jam-packed with all my top things to do in Denmark.
Think stunning coastlines, towering trees, delicious food and drink, and much more! It doesn’t matter if you visit in Summer or Winter, Denmark, WA is a top spot.
We’ve pulled all our best insider tips from our years of travelling this region, including how to beat the crowds at the famous Elephant Rocks and where to cozy up for the night. This local’s guide will focus on adventure, stunning sights, and making the absolute most of your three days in this magical corner of the Great Southern.
Want the full list first? Check out our guide to the 23 Amazing Things to See and Do in Denmark WA.
Our Fav Resources
– Book your accommodation with Booking.com
– Need a super comfy camper? Star RV!
– Maybe just a hire car? Best rates are here: Discovery Cars
Quick Tip: Plan Your Tours Want to make sure you tick off the best experiences? Book your day tours and adventures on Viator before you arrive!
Quick Reference Guide: 3-Day Denmark Itinerary
For those who want to jump right into planning, here is a breakdown of the highlights for each day:
| Day | Theme | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Coastal Wonders | Elephant Rocks & Greens Pool (Beat the crowds!) | Ocean Beach walk & Monkey Rock Cider Tasting |
| Day 2 | Forest & Gourmet | Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk | Scotsdale Road Wineries & Denmark Chocolate Co. |
| Day 3 | Town & Local Gems | Denmark Animal Farm & Maze Fun | Fairy House Tour & Town Centre Exploration |
Getting There & Accommodation: Setting Up Basecamp
First things first: you’ll need wheels. Public transport isn’t really an option for exploring the Great Southern, so plan on doing the long (approx. 5-hour) scenic drive from Perth, or fly Perth to Albany and hire a car from there.
Need a car for the road trip? Book your rental car with DiscoverCars for the best rate.
To make the most of your itinerary (and get that early-morning car park!), we highly recommend staying in or around Denmark town.
Prefer to camp? Check out our guide to Denmark WA Camping for the best free and low-cost campsites in the area.
Where to Stay
We use and recommend Booking.com to secure the best rates on accommodation in the region.
📍Best Budget Spot: 31 on the Terrace
For a budget-friendly stay with awesome character, check out Thirty-One on the Terrace in Denmark!
This cool, unfussy guesthouse offers river views and free Wi-Fi, right in the heart of town. Experience friendly service in a historic art deco building. Book your Thrifty adventure here!
👉🏻 Book your stay at 31 on the Terrace today
📍Best Mid Range Spot: Karri Aura
Escape to the awesome Karri Aura near Denmark! Choose from self-contained studio suites or powered caravan sites in a beautiful rural setting with lovely views. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and a BBQ area.
It’s a fantastic mid-range base for your Denmark adventures.
👉🏻Book your stay at Karri Aura to be amongst nature!
📍Best Luxury Spot: Upland Farm Luxury Cabins
Escape to the awesome Upland Farm Luxury Cabins near Denmark! Imagine stunning views from architecturally-designed, adults-only cabins with kitchens and gardens. (We drove past this farm and it looked awesome – adults only also sounded awesome! 😛 as you know, we travel with kids, so this will be on our list for next time!)
It’s the perfect serene countryside escape amongst vineyards.
👉🏻Book your amazing, peaceful stay today!
Looking for Luxury on Wheels? Ready for the road less travelled? Explore with Star RV! They have camper vans to suit all budgets.
Day 1: Coastal Wonders and Granite Boulders
Today is all about Denmark’s world-famous beaches. We’re heading straight to William Bay National Park, and to do it right, you need an early start!
Morning: Conquer Elephant Rocks
The key here is getting there before 9 AM. The car park fills up fast, especially during summer school holidays, and an early start guarantees you beat the crowds.
Don’t follow the main crowd to Greens Pool yet. Instead, take the path to the left, signposted for Elephant Rocks. The adventure is the walk, especially the “Gap,” where you squeeze between two massive boulders and navigate the staircase down to the beach.
If the tide is high, be prepared to get your feet wet (the kids love timing the waves!).
Relax at Greens Pool
After you’ve snapped your photos and had a quick dip at Elephant Rocks, head over to Greens Pool. Protected by massive granite boulders offshore, this is a natural swimming pool that’s perfect for families with small kids, has zero waves, and is the best spot for snorkelling in the area.
Midday: Lunch and Play
You’ll have worked up an appetite. Either pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at the William Bay area or head back towards town for a quick and easy refuel.
Our Tip: Stop by the Denmark River Playground in Berridge Park. It’s a great spot near the town centre where the kids can burn off energy while you grab an ice cream or coffee across the road.
Afternoon: Beach Time and Brewing
Head closer to town for a different coastal experience at Ocean Beach. This wide stretch of sand is perfect for a long walk, wave watching, or an easy swim (it is even patrolled during peak times).
Finish the day’s adventures at Monkey Rock Cider on Scotsdale Road. With stunning views over the valley, grab a tasting paddle of their delicious wines and ciders while the kids enjoy the cubby house and sandpit. Grab a few to takeaway for later!
Evening: Riverside Cozy Up
Enjoy a meal out in Denmark Town, focusing on the region’s excellent local produce and wine. Settle into your accommodation, relaxing after a big day of sun and sand. Find the best deals on Denmark accommodation tonight!
Day 2: Forest Giants and The Scotsdale Road Loop
Today, we trade the coast for towering forests and the region’s famous gourmet trail.
Morning: Scale the Heights
The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk is an iconic WA experience and definitely worth the 50-minute drive east toward Walpole/Nornalup. You’ll wander 40 metres high through ancient tingle trees on a gentle, wheelchair-accessible walkway. It feels like you’re literally walking through the clouds!
Afterwards, make sure to spend time on the Ancient Empire Walk on the forest floor, where you can hug the massive 400-year-old Tingle trees. If you want a view closer to Denmark, skip the drive and tackle the local hiking trail up Monkey Rock for epic coastal panoramas instead.
Midday: The Gourmet Wine Trail
The Scotsdale Road loop is the heart of Denmark’s tasting experiences. Plan your lunch at a local winery cellar door to sample the region’s famous award-winning, cool climate Chardonnay.
Want a fully immersive experience? Book a Cool Climate Chardonnay Masterclass in Denmark, Australia
Afternoon: Chocolate and Scenery
Continue your gourmet journey with a stop at the Denmark Chocolate Company for coffee, garden games, and exquisite chocolate. You can also visit Duckett’s Mill Wines for wine tasting and a delicious cheese board.
Finally, even if you skip the walk, the Valley of the Giants scenic drive itself is a free and breathtaking activity, winding through the giant Karri and Tingle forests.
Evening: The Peaceful Retreat
Take it easy tonight. Head into town for a good old pub meal at the Denmark Tavern. If you’re looking for something fancy, and open times allow, Pepper and Salt Restaurant is amazing.
Day 3: Town Charm and Local Secrets
Your final day is dedicated to experiencing the local charm and the fun activities Denmark town has to offer before hitting the road.
Morning: Family Fun and Nature
Start your morning getting playfully lost at the Denmark Maze. Follow this with a visit to the Denmark Animal Farm and Pentland Alpaca Stud just minutes down Scotsdale Road, where you can pat and feed loads of friendly animals. Check the details here
Midday: Exploring Denmark Town
Spend time wandering through the quaint Denmark Town centre, checking out the local shops, galleries, and soaking in the relaxed atmosphere. A favourite hidden gem is the Fairy House Tour trail along the river. Pick up a map at the Visitor Centre and keep your eyes peeled for the charming little Fairy Doors.
Before you leave, the IGA is well stocked for grabbing any last-minute local produce, honey, or a cool-climate wine to take home.
Afternoon: Farewell Coast or Scenic Drive
Make a final visit to Shelly Beach Campground (West Cape Howe National Park) to see a different, more rugged side of the coastline, or take your time leaving the region, utilizing the scenic drive through the forests and rolling hills on your route toward Albany or back toward Perth.
Insider Tips for Your Denmark Adventure
For the walk to Elephant Rocks, leave your massive beach umbrella and giant esky in the car. It’s not worth hauling them through the rock gap! Always prioritise safety: the granite rocks at Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool can be extremely slippery when wet, so stick to marked paths.
Finally, embrace the local charm by stopping at the roadside stalls and producers along Scotsdale Road for delicious home-made jam, honey, and other local treats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we get asked about visiting Denmark, WA.
How many days do you need in Denmark, WA?
You could easily spend 2 to 4 days in Denmark. A quick two days allows you to hit the highlights (William Bay and the Tree Top Walk), but three full days (as detailed in this itinerary) is the perfect amount of time to explore the stunning coastline, hike the ancient forests, and properly enjoy the Scotsdale Road gourmet and winery trail without rushing.
Given its peaceful vibe, many travelers, including us, end up staying longer than planned!
Is Denmark, Western Australia worth visiting?
Absolutely, yes! If my family lived closer to Denmark, I would seriously be considering a move there! It is consistently named among the must-see destinations in the Great Southern region.
Its unique appeal lies in the rare combination of the towering Tingle and Karri forests meeting the pristine, turquoise waters of the Southern Ocean. If you love a relaxed, cozy atmosphere, Denmark is 100% worth the road trip.
Where to stop on the way to Denmark, WA?
Assuming you are driving the 5-hour route from Perth via the Albany Highway, here are a couple of great pit stops:
- Williams: The Williams Woolshed is a fantastic place to break the journey, grab some fresh baking, and stretch your legs.
- Kojonup: Stop at The Kodja Place to visit the Storyplace and the beautiful Australian Rose Maze.
- Mt Barker: Just before you turn off toward Denmark, consider a quick detour to Rockcliffe Winery for a final tasting or to pick up some artisan gelato.
If you take the alternative route through the South West:
- Pemberton/Walpole: These towns are great stops for more forest experiences, including the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk itself (if you want to break up Day 2’s driving).
What is the prettiest town in Western Australia?
That is a tough question, as WA is full of ridiculously beautiful spots! While Margaret River is world-famous and Esperance has the squeakiest white sands (like Lucky Bay), Denmark holds its own as one of the prettiest towns in Western Australia due to its unique setting.
It’s the meeting point of the lush green of the Karri and Tingle forests and the dramatic coastline, creating an awesome contrast. Other contenders often named are Broome (for the Kimberley), Coral Bay (for the reef), and the heritage streets of Fremantle, but for ‘forest meets the sea’ beauty, Denmark is unbeatable.
