Elephant Rocks, Denmark WA: How to Beat the Crowds (A Local’s Guide)

What do you expect when the local Western Australian attraction is called ‘Elephant Rocks’? You get awesome beaches, an adventure to get there, and massive rocks that resemble elephants. Yep. Elephants!

But, there is much more to it than big rocks on the beach. While all the visitors usually gravitate towards Greens Pool, some turn left at the entrance path and make their way to a more secluded, less-travelled beach.

We’ve been visiting Elephant Rocks so many times over the past few years, it is one of our highlights. Don’t get me wrong, I love Green Pools, but if you’re looking for peace with a unique view, head to Elephant Rocks.

This guide is everything to do with Elephant Rocks, from what it is, to how to get there and make the most of your beach day. I’ll also let you know some tips to the best times to go, which season and also where we recommend staying.

Jump to the section you want to read, or grab a cuppa and start from the top.

What Exactly is Elephant Rocks?

I don’t really want to give much away, but photos just don’t do this place justice. It is a unique beach with a cluster of giant granite boulders that look like a herd of elephants frolicking about!

On the next cove, you’ll find the world-famous Greens Pool, but Elephant Rocks is a smaller, quieter place that needs a little bit of adventuring to get to. If you’re wondering which beach to visit, I’ll answer that question shortly.

How to Get to Elephant Rocks: Parking, Paths, and Stairs!

Getting there is part of the adventure.

Location & Parking:

Elephant Rocks is about 15km west of Denmark town. You’ll follow William Bay Road to the main car park for Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks.

Here’s some insider knowledge: the car park is not big enough for the crowds it gets in peak times. In summer, it gets crazy busy by 10 AM. We’ve seen cars lined up all the way back down the road. To avoid driving around in circles for ages, get there before 9 am on a weekend during the summer school holidays.

Otherwise, midweek is a great time to visit if that’s a possibility. It’s much quieter in winter, and although you’ll probably not swim, it is a lovely, peaceful place to visit.

The Walk:

From the car park, don’t follow the main crowd down to Greens Pool. Instead, take the path to the left, signposted for Elephant Rocks. It’s a short, scenic coastal walk (maybe 5-10 minutes) that gives you breathtaking views over the ocean.

You’ll come to a lookout platform first—this is where you get that classic “overview” photo of the “elephants” in the water.

The track itself is rocky and uneven. Nothing too difficult, but it would be challenging for prams, pushers, eskies… There are also areas that have a steep drop off on the side, so we’ve told the kids this is a ‘hand-holding’ track.

The “Gap” / Staircase:

This is the impressive part! The path ends at a set of stairs built into the rock face. To get to the beach, you have to walk between two massive boulders.

Is it tight? Yes. Is it steep? A little. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

Insider Info:

We’ve been here at all different tides. At high tide, or if there’s a big ocean swell, water can rush right through this gap. Be prepared to get your feet wet! If it looks too rough, don’t risk it—just enjoy the spectacular view from the top.

The Beach Itself: What to Do at Elephant Cove

Once you’re through the gap, you’re rewarded with a small, dramatic, and perfectly enclosed beach.

Swimming:

The water is generally calm and sheltered, making it a lovely place for a dip. It’s got that bright blue that I’ve only seen in Western Australia. You can find small waves, which are rare, over at Greens Pool, but it’s almost always a beautiful, safe spot for a swim.

Like usual, just use common sense when swimming in the ocean.

Snorkelling:

You can snorkel here, but in our opinion, Greens Pool is better for it. The enclosed bay at Greens Pool is more protected and has more fish!

Photography:

This is a photographer’s dream. Everyone takes the photo from the top, looking down (check the drone rules at the time), or from the viewing area. But our favourite shot is from the water level, looking back at the ‘entrance’ gap. It makes you feel tiny and really captures the magic of the place.

Relaxing:

This is more on our wish list than something we’ve done. We do have 2 young kids!! However, I could imagine that lying on the sand with a good book would be awesome!

Elephant Rocks vs. Greens Pool: Which is Better?

And the answer is… they both are great, for different things. I would suggest visiting both, but if you don’t have time, here’s our suggestion

Go to Greens Pool for:

An all-day beach session. It’s perfect for families with small kids, with easy-access swimming and almost zero waves. It’s the best place for snorkelling and lazing on the sand. It’s a beach day.

Go to Elephant Rocks for:

The “wow” factor. It’s for the adventure of the walk, the incredible photos, and a quick, stunning swim in a dramatic cove. It’s an experience.

The full day plan:

This is what we always do. We get there early, park, and visit Elephant Rocks first. We do it while we have the energy, get those amazing photos in the morning light, and have a quick swim before the crowds arrive.

After an hour or so, we walk the short trail back to Greens Pool, find our spot, and set up there for the rest of the day. Best of both worlds.

Want to fit Elephant Rocks into a bigger trip? Follow our jam-packed 3-day Denmark itinerary for the full plan.

Amenities

At the car park, you’ll find a toilet block with toilets and hand-washing facilities. They’re new, and spacious if you do need to get changed.

During the busy times of the year, we’ve seen local food vans park in the car park and serve all types of food. Ask at the local visitors centre in Denmark for the latest open times.

Our Insider Tips

Best Time to Go

Time of Day: Before 9 AM. It gets busy. You’ll get the car park, and you might even get the cove all to yourself. Late afternoon is the next best option.

Time of Year: For swimming, the shoulder seasons (February/March and November) are perfect—still warm, but fewer people. But don’t discount winter! It’s stunning to watch the ocean from the lookouts when it’s wild and stormy (from a safe distance, of course!).

What to (and What Not to) Bring

Do Bring: Camera, water, towel, sunscreen.

Don’t Bring: Your massive beach umbrella, giant esky, and full family setup. We’ve seen people trying to haul it all down those stairs, and they always regret it. Pack light for this part of the adventure.

Safety

Official Advice: The official advice from Parks and Wildlife is spot on: rocks are slippery when wet, and the ocean is powerful.

We’ve seen people climbing high on the boulders for an Instagram photo. It’s just not worth it. The view is just as good from the path, and a rogue wave can be dangerous. Stick to the marked paths and the beach.

Getting to Denmark & The Region

Public transport isn’t really an option for exploring this part of WA. You will need a car to get to William Bay National Park and all the other amazing spots around Denmark and Albany.

Book your rental car with DiscoverCars for the best rate.

From Perth: Most visitors do the long (4-5 hour) scenic drive from Perth. Pick up your hire car from the airport, or any of the pickup locations around the region. You can also fly Perth to Albany, then hire a car from Albany to Denmark. If you’re limited on time, this can be a good option.

From Albany: The closest airport is Albany, about a 45-minute drive from Denmark. You can hire cars from here, but be sure to book well in advance as the options are much more limited.

Where to Stay Near Elephant Rocks

To make the most of your trip (and get that early-morning car park!), we highly recommend staying in or around the town of Denmark. It’s a beautiful, central base for the whole region.

It is also the perfect spot to hire your own camper and explore on your own terms.

Ready for the road less travelled? Explore with Star RV!

We recommend Star RV, they have camper vans to suit all budgets (and even a price match pledge), everyone we spoke to on our travels in a Star RV simply love their experience.

Denmark WA Camping Guide: 10 Campsites & Parks Locals Love

📍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!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where are Elephant Rocks in WA?

Elephant Rocks is located in William Bay National Park, which is about 15 kilometres west of the town of Denmark in the Great Southern region of Western Australia.

Can you swim at Elephant Rocks, WA?

Yes, absolutely! The beach, Elephant Cove, is very sheltered and calm, making it a stunning place for a swim in the turquoise water.

Where is Elephant Rock located?

“Elephant Rock” (and the other “elephants”) are the giant granite boulders that sit in the water of Elephant Cove. You’ll walk through a gap in the boulders to get down to the beach.

Is Elephant Rocks open?

Yes, Elephant Rocks is part of William Bay National Park which is open all year. Access to the beach itself (through the rock gap) can sometimes be tricky at high tide or during a big ocean swell, but the lookouts are always accessible.

Our Thoughts

Elephant Rocks is a great destination. It’s a bit of an adventure to walk down the steps to the beach; the gap that you walk through is a heap of fun. Especially if the tide is just right and you need to time your walk as the waves go out. The kids thought this was great!

Looking for more to do while you’re in the area? Check out our full guide to 23 amazing things to see and do in Denmark, WA.

The rocks do look like elephants just walking in the water, and the beach is a secluded area that usually doesn’t get as busy as Greens Pool. Make the most of your visit and spend at least half a day relaxing and enjoying this part of the world.