How to make the most of a short trip to Denmark, Western Australia
We never knew there was a Denmark in Australia until we moved to Perth. I saw some stunning photos on a Western Australia Instagram page and googled to see where this Denmark was. When we found out it was just a five hour drive south of Perth we had to check it out.
Denmark is a charming town surrounded by unforgettable coastal and forest scenery. We only had one full day to explore it as we’d based ourselves 45 minutes away in equally beautiful Albany. In that one day we managed to see the spectacular coastline, go on some short bush walks, taste the local produce and have loads of fun with our boys.
I would suggest spending a long weekend or week here to see all that this gorgeous region has to offer. Regardless of how long you’re visiting for, here are our must-do’s in Denmark, Western Australia.
But first coffee
First stop! We grabbed a booth for brekkie at the little gem of a cafe, Ravens Coffee. They have great service, delicious food and fantastic coffee. Afterwards, our boys ran wild at leafy Berridge Park right across the road. If you’re lucky enough to visit during Summer or Easter you can check out the Denmark Arts Markets at this park.
Chocolate for morning tea? Why not?!
Our next stop was the Denmark Visitor Centre where we picked up a map of the local area and attractions. The staff couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful. Right next door you’ll find Dark Side Chocolates who specialise in handcrafted truffles, caramel creams, chocolate lollipops and much more.
My dairy intolerant son was excited to find a few dairy-free chocolate options as well as dairy-free hot chocolate. A mini block of white chocolate ended up as his morning tea and snacks for the remainder of our road trip. I couldn’t resist trying quite a few of the chocolates from the cabinet and as you’d expect they are devine. Don’t forget a photo on the giant chair outside the visitor centre.
A piece of paradise
Greens Pool is famous for its turquoise water, white sandy beaches and large granite boulders providing protection from the ocean. Despite a grey and drizzly Summer morning we took the short drive here from Denmark town centre. There were a few brave people swimming in the water however we decided to stay on land! If you’re lucky enough to be here on a warm Summers day definitely bring swimmers and a picnic to enjoy all that this stunning spot has to offer.
Spot the elephants
Just a few hundred metres from Greens Pool you can find Elephant Rocks. This gorgeous spot is named after the large boulders which from certain angles actually look like a herd of elephants. Again it was drizzling when we came here but we enjoyed the short bush walk from the carpark, spotting the ‘elephants’ and the scenery alone makes this trip a must-do.
Platters for days
When we were at the Visitor Centre we picked up a food and wine trail map because tasting the local produce was a priority for me! We stopped at The Lakehouse Denmark Vineyard for lunch, where you can literally sit lakeside in the rustic restaurant. Our choice of a share platter of meats, cheeses, dips and breads for hubby and I was delicious.
Kids can order a special Cubby House kids platter including leg ham, tasty cheese, fruit, raw veggies, freshly baked bread and a choice of drink. This was a big hit with our little man but not so much with our fussy eater. There’s some grass for the kids to run around and lots of yummy chutneys to try before heading to the next stop.
A game of golf with a difference
Head to The Toffee Factory home of Denmark Soccer Golf. It’s basically the same concept as golf where one kick of the ball equals one stroke and no dribbling the ball!! We were unable to play due to the rainy weather but it looks like the perfect way to get active as a family.
Instead, our boys enjoyed the cubby with a slide, playing quoits and a few games of hopscotch. While you’re here you could grab a burger for lunch and tasting the yummy toffee being made right in front of you is a must. Tip: Save this spot for the cooler months as there’s limited shade and quite a lot of flies in Summer.
Bond with nature
When the sun finally came out in the afternoon we headed to Denmark Thrills Adventure Park. Owned by a passionate New Zealand couple, they’ve replicated the nature adventure parks popping up all over New Zealand.
Hidden away in the hills, with a gorgeous view, it’s well set up for the whole family. You’ll find tree trunk climbing and abseiling, long flying foxes, tree rope swings, bubble soccer and Australia’s only Hydro-orbing!
Our boys were strapped in safely and fully supervised on all the activities. Their faves would have to be the flying foxes and climbing up the hay bales to jump on to the rope swings. This is great way to spend a few hours outdoors amongst nature.
Last but not least
Make sure you don’t leave Denmark without a locally made gelato from Denmark Gelato Co, right in the centre of town. There’s loads of yummy flavours to choose from and again we were excited to see they have vegan gelato. This was the perfect way to finish off our amazing trip to Denmark.
We really loved visiting this beautiful pocket of Western Australia and would love to come back one day to see more of Denmark and the surrounding area. I hope you found these tips useful. Please feel free to ask any questions in the comments below. Next up will be our tips for visiting Albany, Western Australia.
Belinda x
Sharee @ Inspire Family Travel
This is certainly an area of Western Australia we would love to explore, particularly Green Pools. It really seems like an area where you can enjoy the great outdoors.
Belinda
Hi Sharee, thank you for taking the time to read our Denmark blog. It’s definitely somewhere you can spend a lot of time exploring the outdoors. Such a beautiful region. I hope you can make it here one day! Belinda