Last Updated on 11 March 2025 by Ariana Svenson
Planning a Denmark to Albany road trip? The South Coast of Western Australia has to be one of the most rugged, wild and isolated places on earth… visitors to Western Australia seem to overlook it alongside its far more sophisticated, glamorous… and well-connected cousin, Margaret River.
While the Margaret River Wine Region becomes more populous and even trendier (if that is possible), the South Coast offers that taste of wilderness and life in connection with nature that originally made the Margaret River region famous.
The South Coast is well worth visiting and to prove it, this Denmark to Albany, road trip guide, will showcase the highlights + the best things to do in Albany and Denmark. The guide is split into three parts:
- The best things to do in Denmark and very nearby
- Things to do between Denmark and Albany
- Top things to do in Albany and nearby
How Long Does it Take to Drive from Denmark to Albany?
The fastest route from Denmark to Albany is 39 minutes. The distance is just 54.3 km. However, there are so many things to see and do along the way, so you should create a road trip itinerary. This post is here to help you do that!
The drive will showcase the best of the Great Southern Region. While there are plenty of things to do in Albany and Denmark, there are also lots of things to do along the way. You’ll experience beautiful beaches, stunning wildflowers and much, much more!
Don’t drive from Albany to Denmark, WA, without exploring everything to see and do along the way…
Denmark to Albany Map + Road Trip Stops
This map shows the normal driving route from Denmark to Albany + all the detours and stops you could do along the way. You’ll get a sense of what’s near so you can plan your stops in the right order:
The Best Time of Year to Drive from Denmark, WA to Albany
Whatever time of year you choose to travel, you’ll enjoy some of the best uninterrupted scenery in WA.
It can get cold during the winter, but this depends on the climate you’re used to at home. However, in winter, you’ll have dramatic coastal views, and you can enjoy visiting cosy cafes and restaurants along the way.
Summer can be very hot and busy. If you’re travelling during this time, make sure you book your accommodation in advance.
During autumn, you’ll be able to see the lovely autumn colours and not hit the summer rush. Spring is one of the best times for this road trip because the Western Australian wildflowers are in full bloom, and the mild weather is perfect for outdoor activities.
Things to Do in Denmark, Western Australia
So-called the “next Margaret River,” a few days in this delightful, slightly hippy town is highly recommended. Located roughly between Albany and Walpole, you could base yourself here for an awesome place to explore the little-known South Coast region.
Decide which of these places you’d like to visit, then either visit them before the road trip or factor them into the start of your road trip. If you’re staying in Denmark before your road trip begins, make sure you read my guide to the best Denmark accommodation.
For people who like things to be correct, we have started our post at the western boundary of the Denmark shire, and worked east. We have not started at Denmark town but at Nornalup, the first town in the Shire of Denmark if coming from the west.
- The Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk
Location: Valley of the Giants Rd, Tingledale WA
Distance from Denmark: 41 minutes – 54.3km
Distance from Albany: 1 hour, 8 minutes – 109km
The jewel in the crown of the Walpole area – and certainly the place with the most bang for its buck is the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk.
Walk 40 metres above the forest floor on a canopy walkway through 400-year-old red tingle trees that can measure up to 20 metres around at their base.
This is a place of gigantic proportions and should not be missed!
For hints how to visit, photography and where to stay, read my full guide to the Valley of Giants Treetop Walk.
2. Elephant Rocks, William Bay National Park
Location: William Bay National Park, William Bay Rd, William Bay
Distance from Denmark: 16.2km – 15 minutes
The South Coast is famous for its granite outcrops overlooking the great Southern Ocean. No outcrops are more spectacular than Elephant Rocks.
While in William Bay National Park, make sure you visit Elephant Rocks, a natural formation that resembles a herd of elephants and a fantastic beach. The area is perfect for wandering and exploring the crevasse’s little nooks and crannies year round.
The water is clear, making it an ideal location for snorkeling. The views are stunning! Visit earlier in the day to avoid the crowds It’s a short walk from the car park to Elephant Rock and Greens Pool.
Elephant Rocks can get very busy during summer and school holidays in April and September so make sure you plan your visit accordingly.
3. Greens Pool
Location: Greens Pool, William Bay Rd, Denmark WA
Distance from Denmark: 18km – 16 minutes drive
Greens Pool is a beautiful Bay, sheltered from the sea by rocks. Even on a cloudy day, the water looks tempting! Be aware that the water is actually freezing cold! The best months for swimming are December through March but consider bringing a wetsuit.
Greens Pool is just around the corner from Elephant Rocks, so make sure you visit both as one stop!
4. Eat at the Dam
Location: The Dam Denmark, Wentworth Road
Distance from Denmark: 10.9km – 10 minutes
Located on the scenic Raintree farming estate, The Dam has quickly established itself as a shining example of sustainable tourism, offering a mix of fine dining, casual bites, and live music that draws visitors from near and far.
It offers casual bites and live music in beautiful surroundings. Choose from alfresco options like the deck, rock amphitheatre, or along the dam’s banks—no booking required.
There is also an à la carte menu (available Tuesday to Sunday) showcases the best local produce from the Great Southern region, with ingredients grown on-site or sourced nearby.
Discover more places to eat in Denmark with my guide to the best Denmark restaurants.
5. Denmark Animal Farm
Location: Denmark Animal Farm & Pentland Alpaca Stud, 2019 Scotsdale Rd
Distance from Denmark: 20.2km – 18 minutes
Formerly known as the Denmark Alpaca Farm, this little farm offers a lot of farm animals to pet in a small area. Our kids love the kangaroos and alpacas while the parents can’t help but be charmed… as a bonus, the Denmark Animal Farm is located on the extremely scenic Scotsdale Road which is dotted with a number of world class wineries.
6. Denmark Town & River area
With so much to do in the surrounds, it is worth mentioning that the town of Denmark warrants some time, especially if travelling with littlies. Buskers often play in the streets, and the kids will love the playgrounds, especially the Kwoorabup Community Adventure Park.
Not your conventional playground, this fun and funky nature park challenges your kids to play differently and use their imaginations…
After you wander back into town, older kids might enjoy a paddle on the Denmark River, while smaller kids will be happy with the typical playground located across the road from the Pub.
Make sure you also read about the BEST things to do in Denmark.
7. The Surf Gallery
Location: 50750 South Coast Hwy, Youngs Siding
Distance from Denmark: 12 minutes – 16.7km
The Surf Gallery has the biggest privately displayed collection of vintage surfboards in Australia. If you love surf culture, definitely consider the gallery a stop.
There is an amazingly curated ‘Evolution of the Surfboard’ exhibition that features surfboards, skateboards, photographs, and surfing memorabilia, all beautifully presented.
8. Take in the Great Southern Ocean at the Remote Shelley Beach
Location: West Cape Howe National Park, Lake William Rd, West Cape Howe
Distance from Denmark: 35 minutes – 35.8km
Once you’ve visited Cape Howe National Park, you can tell people you’ve visited the most southern point in WA. At this point, you’ll also be halfway between Albany and Denmark.
While you’re in the national park, Shelley Beach is a must, but you can only visit it with a 2WD. There is a paragliding platform that offers stunning views of the beach.
If the conditions are right, watching the paragliders soaring about in the sky is a lot of fun. Other places in the national park are more inaccessible and require a 4WD. On a windy day, there are huge waves, but they’re beautiful to watch!
There’s also a secluded campsite just next to the beach. If you have time, consider spending the night here! It’s so remote and peaceful!
Amazing Stops Along the South Coast
These are the top stops while driving from Denmark to Albany!
There are plenty of places to hire a car in Denmark or Albany if you’re doing the road trip the other way around. Here are the stops you just can’t miss!
9. Nature’s Natural Palette
Wildflowers in Western Australia are in season from August through October. Just the other day, we drove a 100km stretch towards Walpole and were rewarded with reds, yellows, purples, and whites for most of the trip.
Take the opportunity to enjoy the quieter August- September period and be rewarded colourfully!
10. Experience a Farm Stay
There are several farm stay experiences in the Walpole and Denmark areas. Seriously, what could be better than staying in a villa or cottage and experiencing the fresh air and farm life?
Each rural farm stay offers a different range of farm-style activities, including pony rides and animal feeding. Before booking, you should contact each one directly for availability and details.
Read this guide to discover the best farm stays in Western Australia.
Here’s a rundown of my top recommended stays in the area:
Between Albany and Denmark:
- White Dog Lane Cottage Farmstay
- Kalgan Retreat (15km from Albany)
Around Walpole:
Around Denmark:
Your Destination: Albany
Some of these stops are nearby Albany and the perfect last stops on your drive. Some can be done as day trips while you’re in Albany.
Once you reach Albany, that’s the end of your road trip itinerary, but there are still so many things to do in Albany and nearby. You should factor in a few days to stay in Albany. Make sure you read about the best family accommodation in Albany if you’re traveling with kids.
The biggest city in the area, Albany, has lots to do and see for families, though in our experience, you have to dig a little deeper. Read our guide to the top things to do in Albany for more detailed information on what to do once you’re there!
11. Misery Beach
Location: Misery Beach, Torndirrup WA
Distance from Albany: 23.4km – 23 minutes
Hidden within the stunning Torndirrup National Park. Misery Beach is a slice of secluded paradise. Protected by towering granite outcrops, this cove has spectacular scenery and offers calm, crystal-clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and even fishing.
It’s not just locals who adore this gem—Tourism Australia crowned it Australia’s Best Beach in 2022.
12. Discovery Bay
Location: Albany’s Historic Whaling Station, 81 Whaling Station Rd, Torndirrup
Distance from Albany: 22.7km – 21 minutes
Formerly known as Whaleworld, this complex includes the former Whaling Station, a Wildlife Park and a Wildflower Garden. With a kid’s playground and restaurant, as well as impressive 3d movies that are shown in the converted whale oil tanks, there is plenty for your kids.
Ours particularly enjoyed exploring the old Whaler the Cheynes IV. Depending on the age of your kids, you might want to avoid some of the more grisly explanations of what whaling was all about – our 5 year old was visibly perturbed.
However, for older kids, a visit to the old Whaling Station is a valuable educational experience.
13. Torndirrup National Park – The Gap and Natural Bridge
Location: Natural Bridge, The Gap Rd, Torndirrup
Distance from Albany: 18 minutes – 19.1km
Torndirrup National Park is a must-visit with so many things to see and do. Visit The Gap (where Australia broke from Antarctica), Natural Bridge, Salmon Holes and The Blowhole. Some of the other destinations mentioned in this post are also in Torndirrup National Park.
These stunning rock formations are on the extremely wild and rugged coastline near Albany. Brand new, state-of-the-art facilities mean that you can get close to these fascinating attractions without being at risk (when you see the location of these places, you will see what we mean.) We still held Master 3’s hand tightly, but overall, it was safe for smaller children.
14. The Windfarm
Location: Albany Wind Farm, WQMX+MV, Sandpatch
Distance from Albany: 14 minutes – 13km
We believe that harnessing the power of the wind and sun is vital for the future survival of our planet. A visit to the Albany Windfarm gives you the chance to get up close and personal with huge wind turbines while also learning more about how electricity is made.
15. Middleton Beach & Emu Point
Distance from Albany: 6 minutes – 3.6km
Our kids love to play at both of these popular beaches. With well-equipped playgrounds, stunning beaches and a tasty café nearby, there is plenty to do for at least half a day.
Read this guide to a wrap-up of the best playgrounds in Albany
16. Take A Hike
There are so many wonderful hikes in the Albany area! Here are my top recommendations:
Stony Hill
For those that like stunning views but not so much hiking, this 500m nearly circular walk has fantastic views of Torndirrup National Park, the Southern Ocean and Peak Head!
Bald head
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, this 12.5km trek takes 4-7 hours and meanders through Torrndirrup National Park. You’ll climb Isthmus Hill and pass the Flinders Peninsula on the way back.
The views once you reach Bald Head are even more spectacular. You’ll see King George Sound on one side and the ocean on the other.
Peak head
The Peak Head Track is also within Torndirrup National Park. This shorter 5km hike goes down a sandy path through coastal areas with fantastic ocean views all the way.
17. National Anzac Centre
Location: National Anzac Centre, 67 Forts Rd, Mount Clarence
Distance from Albany: 5 minutes – 3.2km
The National ANZAC Centre is a stunning facility overlooking King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour, dedicated to the history of the ANZACs in World War One – there is good reason that this was voted as Australia’s No.1 Museum
I’d heard that it was a confronting place for kids, so had postponed a visit for years, finally visiting with 6, 11 and 14 year old kids. Each visitor is assigned a Digger who they can follow their journey through the centre by listening to lively recorded information at different stations.
This is complemented by some museum style exhibitions, though they are not numerous or graphic. In fact, the whole centre is not large, and it is the presentation and thought behind the centre which is so impactful. Highly recommended for over 10 years old.
Where To Stay in the Albany Area
As well as the farm stay options listed above, here are some other top-recommended places to stay once you’re in Albany:
- Dolphin Lodge – 4*
- Albany Holiday Units – 3*
- Albany Gardens Holiday Resort – 4*
The Other side of Albany
This stop is not in the Denmark to Albany road trip area, but if you travel past Albany or are looking for an amazing trip, these beaches are perfect!
18. Little Beach
Location: Little Beach, Nanarup WA
Distance from Albany: 37.2km – 37 minutes
Little Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the southwest coast. Think large waves and soft white sand. The water is a beautiful turquoise color because it’s sheltered from the sea!
From the car park, there are stairs + a ramp from the car park all the way to the north end of the beach.
19. Two People’s Bay
Distance from Albany: 54.4km – 45 minutes
The best way to view Two Peoples Bay is by walking along the Heritage Trail. The trail starts at the back of the Visitor Centre and takes you through Peppermint Woodland, then back along the beach.
Other Ways to Get from Denmark to Albany
Tours
There are no overnight road trip tours available but there are plenty of tours that go from Albany to Denmark and back in a day like this food and wine tour from Albany which takes you to a winery, cheese factory and a local cafe.
Bus
TransWA runs a once-daily service from Denmark to Albany and vice versa as part of the GS3 Perth to Albany service. The total journey time is 43 minutes.
View the bus timetables here >>>
Taxi
The journey takes 36 minutes in a taxi. This is the best option if you don’t want to do a road trip and don’t have a car.
Walking the Bibbulmun Track from Albany to Denmark
Another way to travel from Denmark to Albany is to walk via the Bibbulmun Track, a long-distance walking rail that runs 1,003km from Kalamunda just east of Perth and Albany.
The Bibbulmun Track is one of Australia’s most beautiful walks. It follows the section from Peaceful Bay to Denmark. The entire track takes 6-8 weeks, but the Denmark to Albany section is beautiful even if you just want to do part of it.
You’ll walk through part of West Cape Howe National Park, where you can see huge wind turbines and the southernmost point of Western Australia, Torbay Head.
You’ll also pass Kronkup, Elleker, and Grasmere, which may be otherwise missed on a road trip. As you near Albany, there are stunning beaches you can walk along.
Albany to Perth
You can read our full Albany to Perth road trip guide here. The total driving time is 4.5-5 hours. If you’re heading to Perth, make sure you read our guide to the best Perth beaches, the amazing waterfalls in Perth and the best things to do in Perth with kids.
Denmark to Perth
If you’re doing the road trip the other way around, you can continue your road trip all the way to Perth. On a Denmark to Perth road trip, you can visit Albany first and follow this guide before planning your Albany to Perth road trip using our guide above.
The Verdict
Hopefully, you now have some amazing stops in mind, and you’re clued up on how to get from Albany to Denmark and the top things to do in Albany and Denmark.
If you’re planning a longer road trip or a separate one, here are our other road trip guides you may find useful:
More Road Trips to Albany:
Road Trips Starting in Albany:
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