The Great Southern is another little secret of Western Australia. Located along the south coast, south east of the Margaret River region and west of the Esperance Goldfields.
The major town in the area is Albany, and Denmark is a smaller settlement 50km west of there.
Albany is the oldest first settled town in Western Australia. Like a lot of exploration in the 17th century, the Dutch were passing the great southern coastline. Then in the late 18th century the British sailed into the King George sound, named after the then King George III. Followed in 1802 by Mathew Flinders, who resurveyed the coastline. Around the same time the French were busy exploring the area too. Led by Bruni D’Entrecasteaux. As a result of all this exploration, regions of Western Australia and South Australia are named after these early surveyors.
Albany has a lot of historical buildings dating back to the early settlers. The post office, the court house, numerous churches, the cottage hospital, and the old farm on Strawberry hill. The farm helped feed new settlers and soldiers stationed around King George Sound.
The high street is also a lovely walk down from the top to the bottom. With views down to Princess Royal Harbour and King George sound.
Walks around Albany
However, this is just the start of what this the area has to offer. Firstly, you have some of the most amazing walks. The surrounding national parks and coastline offer some spectacular scenery. One of our favourite walks is from Middleton beach starting near the surf club. Heading in a north easterly direction, past the cafe, you’ll see the coastal path. It navigates up over the headland of Port Albany, with constant views down to the water. Along the path there’s a trail off to the side, which leads down to the old light keepers cottage. Now in a state of disrepair but still worth a look at the old building.
There is also Torndirrup National Park. A beautiful stretch of coastline, and home to the gap and natural bridge, along with the blow holes and salmon holes beach. All through this national park there are walks and trails to explore the area.
On our to do list is bald head trail, it’s a 12km out and back trail, on to a narrow peninsula into the King George Sound. It’s definitely something we will explore in the cooler months.
Albany town
Albany town has a lot to offer too. With lots of lovely cafes and bars dotted along the high street. With many boutique shops and traditional businesses all lining the high street. So if you’re in Albany for a few days, there’s plenty to keep you in supplies and fed with beautiful local food.
There is also the National ANZAC Centre, paying tribute to the ANZACs who left Albany to fight in Gallipoli. A place to learn the personal stories of soldiers who left to fight. With interactive film, media, audio and photographs. Gaining a real connection with these brave young souls.
Another place of interest is the historic whaling station. It’s sad to think that once upon a time these beautiful creatures of the deep blue were hunted for their meats and blubber. However, it’s history and we can’t change it but learn from it to make sure things like this never happen again. With displays and interactive accounts of the practise of whaling, it’s interesting to go and see.
Denmark
Just 53km west of Albany, is the beautiful coastal town of Denmark. In our opinion, we’d spend a good couple of days here, there’s a fair bit to see and do, rather than driving backwards and forwards to Albany. There is a caravan park in town but we much prefer Riverbend caravan park, just slightly out of town. You can still walk into town from here, but the sites are so much bigger than its competitors in town. Plus the owners are very accommodating and helpful. For more info https://riverbend-caravanpark.com.au/
William Bay National Park
Fifteen minutes west of Denmark is William Bay National Park. All we can say is wow….. some of the most spectacular scenery you will ever see. For starters, Greens Pool. As the Indian Ocean smashes into off shore rocks, the calm waters of Greens Pool make for a perfect spot to cool off in the water. The off shore boulders and rocks create a serene sheltered environment, therefore protecting the beach and stopping the big waves crashing in. These boulders also continue onto the beach creating more pools of water.
Also within William Bay National Park is Elephant Rocks. Aptly named because of the boulder formations in the bay. These gigantic rocks, as a result of wind and sea erosion have created a smooth rock surface, shaped like the body of elephants. To get to the small bay where the elephants linger in the water, just walk along the trail from the car park.
Another beautiful site just East of Elephant rocks is Waterfall Beach. The water cascades through the heathland of the National Park, then pours down on to the beach below before meeting the Indian Ocean. The nutrient rich water is so heavy. However, It’s not a powerful waterfall and doesn’t have a long way to fall, maybe a few meters. But, when we placed our hands under the water, it felt so heavy.
Scotsdale tourist drive
From Denmark, head inland to Scotsdale Road. It’s a loop that runs from Denmark town heading north into the countryside. With rolling pastures and forrest’s along the way, passing so many beautiful wineries and breweries to call in at. Plus a cheese factory. There are lots of paddock to gate set ups too, with locals offering their produce from the farm gate with an honesty box. There are lots of walks to do through here too. We did Harewood Forest walk trail with Tilly, a beautiful shaded walk through the canopies of the trees.
A 40 minute drive out of Denmark is the Valley Of The Giants tree top walk. A walk through the tree tops, with a gentle gradient to 40 meters above the forrest floor, so accessible for everyone. The walk is 600 meters long, exploring the trees from another perspective. For more information https://www.valleyofthegiants.com.au/
Denmark Town
Denmark town is a beautiful little town, with an award winning bakery….. we can say the meat pies are gooood. We also had the most amazing breakfast at Mrs Jones cafe. A definite must visit if you’re in town. There’s a decent IGA in town for groceries, a bottle shop for alcohol, numerous eateries and your usual town services like the post office, a petrol station and chemist amongst other things.
Finally, If you haven’t already, the Margaret River Region is also another stunning region of the south west. Read more about it here https://www.chrisveeandtillysbiglap.com/exploring-the-margaret-river-region/
