Denmark, Walpole & Albany 2026

The Great Southern region of Western Australia, with its towering karri forests, tranquil inlets, rugged coastline and rolling green hills, seems untouched by the rush of modern life. Every winding road reveals another spectacular view.

This gallery is a collection of moments from one small corner of this remarkable region that we revisited in April 2026.

Our friends’ farm provided endless photo opportunities.

Denmark is a colourful town full of life, yet it somehow encourages you to slow down, take a breath and reflect.

Starting at Wilson Inlet, we followed the Mokare Heritage Trail along the banks of the Denmark River, enjoying the peaceful scenery and learning a little about the area’s rich history.

The Harewood Forest Walk was another tranquil surprise. As the afternoon sunlight filtered through the towering karri trees, the forest was transformed into a magical landscape that was impossible to rush through.

Walpole is tucked between dense forest and calm waterways, the kind of place where everything moves at a slower pace. We visited the tourist information centre and spent a little time reading about the history of the area along the trail behind it, which added a nice sense of context to the landscape. From there, we headed down to the boat ramps—easy places to linger and take in the mix of birdlife, reflections on the water, and that quiet atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer than planned.

Monkey Rock rewards the climb with some spectacular views once you reach the top. The landscape unfolds in every direction, with rolling valleys stretching into the distance, Elephant Rocks and the rugged coastline to the west, and the tranquil waters of Wilson Inlet to the east.

Lights Beach is a wide stretch of white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water and weathered granite boulders that combine to create a landscape that feels both rugged and peaceful.

We also explored several other scenic spots around Denmark. A drive along the edge of Wilson Inlet took us to Inlet Drive Lookout, where we enjoyed views across the water towards Ornifaecio Island and Honeymoon Island. We continued to Prawn Rock Channel, where a footbridge built by the local council provides easy access for fishing and visits to Prawn Rock Island.

From there, we headed to the Ocean Beach Lookout to see where Wilson Inlet meets the Southern Ocean. During our visit, a sandbar had closed the inlet mouth, leaving the inlet separated from the ocean—a natural occurrence that changes over time and may reopen with seasonal conditions.

Our final stop was Black Hole Rock. Although rain cut our visit short, it was still worth a quick look before continuing on our journey.

Our last stop in this area was Nullaki Peninsula, where we got some wonderful views from the east side of the Wilson Inlet.

On the way to Albany we wanted to drive to West Cape Howe but we couldn’t enter as it’s a national park where dogs are not allowed.

Our accomodation in Albany was very close to Mutton Bird Beach. We went for a walk and it greeted us with the full force of the Southern Ocean. A strong wind was whipping up the waves and filling the air with salty spray. Even in these blustery conditions, the beach and rugged coastline were stunning, with its rugged cliffs and white sand and deep blue water showcasing the raw beauty of Albany’s coastline.

As the day drew to a close, we took a leisurely walk along the Ellen Cove Boardwalk before dinner. It offers sweeping views of King George Sound, with turquoise water, granite outcrops and the rugged coastline stretching into the distance. In the soft evening light, the scenery was nothing short of spectacular.

The rain didn’t stop us from exploring Albany—it simply gave the town a different kind of atmosphere. We crossed the pedestrian bridge to the Boatshed Markets, where we picked up some delicious feijoas and admired beautiful artwork created from pressed seaweed. From there, we wandered along the marina and seawall, watching the boats bobbing in the harbour despite the grey skies, before making our way to the Brig Amity. The drizzle added a quiet charm to the waterfront, proving that Albany is just as enjoyable to explore on a rainy day as it is in sunshine.

We made our way up to Mount Clarence and took a walk that offered sweeping views across the surrounding sounds, a fitting vantage point to take in the scale of the landscape.