Last Updated on 23 January 2026 by Ariana Svenson
We’re sharing with you one of our favorite places in the whole world, Peaceful Bay.
When you truly love a place, it’s hard to know if it’s the right thing to do or share. I mean, we love Peaceful Bay the way it is; we don’t want to see it too busy!
Peaceful Bay is a totally chilled-out and relaxed holiday spot about 30 kilometres east of Walpole, Western Australia when you are heading towards Denmark.
As the name suggests, the swimming beach here is peaceful and very gorgeous! This little-known beach is not far from the world-famous Greens Pool in William Bay National Park and has a similar look without the crowds.
Kwallup is the Noongar word for Peaceful Bay. It means “Place of Sand” . It’s part of what used to be a large coastal grazing lease used by landowners in the Warren and Cranbrook areas. It was mainly used for summer grazing.
The people of Noongar Boodja (Noongar People’s Country) are the traditional owners of the South West of Western Australia, and we recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present and continue a commitment to the amplification of their voices.
Disclosure: Through my site there are links to affiliates, which means that I might receive commission if you buy something after clicking them. This costs you no more, and you definitely don’t pay extra. However, I do get a small amount which contributes to the upkeep of this blog. Thanks so much for all of your support – and we hope you have a ball in Western Australia!
Peaceful Bay is on the eastern side of a headland. The swimming beach is located near the Peaceful Bay Caravan Park and has toilets, showers, and a carpark. Technically, Peaceful Bay runs for miles and is split by the Irwin Inlet as it enters the ocean.
There is a sizable permanent population in Peaceful Bay and a wonderful collection of eclectic shacks owned by farming families from the southern areas, including Manjimup and Cranbrook.
Wondering if there are things to do in Manjimup? Absolutely! Check out our guide for all the details.
Peaceful Bay was once part of a coastal grazing lease used by farmers from these areas to graze their cattle during the summer.
Peaceful Bay Weather
Peaceful Bay has warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. During summer (December to February), temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C, perfect for relaxing on the beach and swimming, snorkelling, and paddleboarding.
In winter (June to August), temperatures drop to between 10°C and 18°C and there’s more rain. It’s still worth visiting in the winter and the scenery is stunning.
MAP of the Top Things to Do in Peaceful Bay + Stays and Where to Eat
10 Things to Do in Peaceful Bay and Around
1. Swimming at Peaceful Bay Beach: Enjoy the Southern Ocean!
Location: Peaceful Bay Rd, Peaceful Bay, WA 6333
Our favorite thing to do at Peaceful Bay is swim in the protected waters around the rocks in the swimming area. There is also some nice snorkeling, though it is not a coral reef, so it is somewhat ‘brown.’
Our family has a stand-up paddleboard, and this is the perfect area for beginners to learn to paddle.
For learning surfers, some small breaks on the beach run towards Irwin Inlet. However, be careful, as there are also some rips.
Always take care and be aware when near the powerful southern ocean. Large waves are common. Your safety is your responsibility.
2. Peaceful Bay Beach Walks
As mentioned above, the Bibbulmun Track runs right through Peaceful Bay, so there are great walks in either direction. If you just fancy a leisurely walk, join the Bibbulmun Track at Peaceful Bay and enjoy the rugged south coast scenery on the way to Point Irwin.
Not that long ago, we enjoyed the 12 km from Conspicuous Cliffs to Peaceful Bay via the Rame Head campsite!
3. Wildflowers Around Peaceful Bay
In spring, the dunes and coastal bushlands are carpeted in the colorful blooms of wildflowers. They are some of the BEST wildflowers in Western Australia.
The Ficifolia is a red flowering gum tree synonymous with the Walpole area. The Corymbia Ficilfolia only grows around Walpole naturally, though it is now one of the most commonly planted ornamental eucalypts.
The tree itself is not that attractive, being small with rough, fibrous bark. However, boy, the colors of the Ficifolia are amazing! From deep reds to pinks and apricots.
Can you guess where the Ficifolia grows naturally around Peaceful Bay? On Ficifolia Road! They tend to flower in late January and February, not at the same time as the bulk of the other wildflowers in Peaceful Bay.
4. Fishing At Peaceful Bay
Locals rave about the fishing at Peaceful Bay. If you are looking for tips, you should ask around when you are there.
Be reminded that fishing from rocks is hazardous, and there are often a couple of deaths each year from fishermen being washed away.
The Southern Ocean often has large wave surges, so be extremely cautious when climbing, driving, or walking close to the waterline.
There are boat launching facilities at Peaceful Bay and a Sea Rescue manned by volunteers.
5. 4-Wheel Driving At Peaceful Bay
If you prefer to explore on four wheels, many tracks are leading through the Walpole-Nornalup National Park. Look for the signs to Rame Head. You will need 4-wheel driving experience to do this activity.
6. Relax
One of the main attractions of Peaceful Bay is that it is an old-fashioned beachside village where time has stood still. The phone reception is not great, so it’s a great time to unplug and have a digital detox. Why not read a book, toast marshmallows, or play cards?
If you are keen for a more active relax, there is a great yoga teacher named Jenny who does twice-weekly classes in Nornalup and Walpole.
Attractions Near Peaceful Bay, Denmark
Some of the top things to do in Denmark are nearby Peaceful Bay!
7. Denmark Dinosaur World
Location: 51 Bandit Rd, Bow Bridge
Conveniently located between Bandit Road Bow Bridge and Denmark, Walpole, the Denmark Dinosaur World is worth a visit.
You can get up close and personal with the only T-Rex in Australia (a model, of course), explore the Kangaroo Paddock, or walk in open-air aviaries and meet the birds.
We’ve not been to the Denmark Dinosaur World in many years (it was formerly the Parrot Place), so we plan to go back soon!
8. Conspicuous Cliff, Walpole Nornalup National Park
Location: Nornalup WA
Just along the coast from Peaceful Bay is the truly spectacular Conspicuous Cliff Beach. If you have a 2WD car, you can access it via Ficifolia Road. We love walking on the beach at Conspicuous Cliff, but there is also a fabulous lookout on top of the cliff.
Remember to take your binoculars between July and October. While the whales aren’t close, you can see them if you watch for spouting, breaching, and tail slapping.You can read more of the top things to do in Walpole here.
9. Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk
Location: Valley of the Giants Rd, Tingledale
In addition to some beautiful beaches, the world-famous Valley of the Giants is nearby, about a 20-minute drive from Peaceful Bay, Australia.If you want to check out the Valley of the Giants, we suggest reading our guide to the Valley of Giants Treetop Walk.
10. Greens Pool at William Bay National Park
Location: William Bay Rd, Denmark WA
The nearby beaches at the Insta-famous Greens Pool in William Bay National Park are protected by large rocks out to sea and are declared safe for swimming. Nearby are the very special Elephant Rocks. En route to Greens Pool, you could visit the Sly Fox Diner, the Good Food Factory (home to the Giant Cone and Denmark Soccer Golf.
How to Get to Peaceful Bay: The South Coast Highway and Peaceful Bay Road
Peaceful Bay is 50 km west of Denmark, just after the Bow Bridge Roadhouse. As the roads are quite winding in this area of the world, that’s about 40 minutes. Alternatively, it is 5 hours south of Perth.
Some people come to Peaceful Bay via the epic Bibbulmun Track. One of the world’s greatest long-distance hiking trails, the Bibbulmun Track, runs from Perth to Albany and takes about six weeks if doing it end to end. You can have a welcome rest in Peaceful Bay if you arrive on foot!
NOTE: Visiting Perth? Make sure you read our Perth family holiday itinerary and the top things to do in Perth with kids.
Peaceful Bay to Denmark
Although Peaceful Bay is officially in Denmark, it’s actually located a 39-minute drive from Denmark’s town centre.
Peaceful Bay Accommodation
As expected of a place that has stopped in time, there are only two Peaceful Bay accommodation options, and they are not for people looking for modern facilities.
However, if you are looking for a laid-back, friendly place, Peaceful Bay is the place for you.
Peaceful Bay Caravan Park
Location: 10 East Ave, Peaceful Bay WA
The Peaceful Bay Caravan Park is at the heart of the Peaceful Bay settlement and houses the General Store, Fish and Chip shop, and Caravan Park reception.
In general, the caravan facilities are quite dated. Some of the ablution blocks are very old, and some definitely better than others.
We haven’t stayed, but our family has, and they did have preferences. Also, the camping sites aren’t level and quite random.
However, therein lies the charm – you feel like you have some privacy, even though the ground isn’t quite flat!
The Peaceful Bay Caravan Park is dog-friendly, and the beach is so close that you can hear the surf at night. This is great for those who love a chilled old, fashioned experience love Peaceful Bay.
Check out their website for current rates to stay at the Peaceful Bay Caravan Park.
Peaceful Bay Chalets
Location: Peppermint Way, Peaceful Bay WA
The other accommodation option in Peaceful Bay is the chalets. They have a random collection of units with different owners; some are recently renovated and others not so much.
Read the reviews online before booking, as this experience won’t suit everyone. Also, note that the Peaceful Bay chalets are quite far from the beach. The chalets are just a short drive from Denmark WA.
Check for current rates to stay at the Peaceful Bay Chalets on Booking.com
Check for current rates to stay at the Peaceful Bay Chalets on Agoda.com
Tree Elle Retreat
Location: 4993 South Coast Hwy, Bow Bridge
For those looking for a 4-star stay near Peaceful Bay, the gorgeous Tree Elle Retreat is located just 10 minute’s drive from Peaceful in the nearby locality of Bow Bridge.
With spacious two-story chalets, Tree Elle is most famous for its spectacular gardens, which are extremely popular as a wedding venue. The gardens also provide plenty of playing space for kids if you are traveling with them.
While not technically a farm stay, Tree Elle has a lovely collection of animals our children have loved to play with.
Check Booking.com for current rates to stay at the Tree Elle Retreat, Bow Bridge.
Check Agoda.com for current rates to stay at the Tree Elle Retreat, Bow Bridge.
Check Expedia.com for current rates to stay at the Tree Elle Retreat, Bow Bridge.
For more ideas, read our guide to the top places to stay in Walpole.
Places to Eat at Peaceful Bay
Peaceful Bay Fish n Chips
Location: 10 East Ave, Peaceful Bay
Inside the General Store and Caravan Park reception is a fish and chip shop serving up pretty good fish n chips!
Bow Bridge Roadhouse
Location: 1707 South Coast Hwy, Bow Bridge
The Bow Bridge Roadhouse is located next to the Bow River, just 10 minutes from the Peaceful Bay Settlement.
Like Peaceful Bay, a stop at Bow Bridge is like a step back in time. Service tends to be relaxed. There is also a limited general store and fuel is available.
The Bow Bridge Burger (or the Bow Burger) is worth the wait! It is massive, fresh, and handmade—just like burgers used to be.
Also, keep in mind that no coffee is available at the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk, so if you are coming from Denmark or Albany,, the best stop to get your caffeine hit is Bow Bridge.
You can read more about getting from Walpole to Albany and vice versa here.
The Marron Tale, Bow Bridge
Location: 5284 South Coast Hwy, Bow Bridge
A newly built café located at Bow Bridge, close to the Peaceful Bay road, The Marron Tale Café and Farm is all about showcasing Western Australian Marron to the world.
The menu looks fabulous and includes not just marron or innovative dishes like Marron Fettuccini but a range of old favorites, tea, coffee, and drinks. You can also buy marron to take home and cook yourself.
It’s definitely worth checking out. It’s one of the BEST restaurants in Denmark.
Sly Fox Diner, Kent River
Location: 4341 South Coast Hwy, Bow Bridge
Located at the Kent River, near Bow Bridge, WA, the Sly Fox Diner opened at the end of 2021. Wow, we love the décor: an eclectic collection of numberplates and memorabilia housed in an old hall.
This place has an awesome vibe and SUCH a fun feel. We just had hot chips and a milkshake, but we can’t wait to get back and soak up more of the retro vibe and have a full meal.
Top Tips To Be Prepared At Peaceful Bay
- Like everywhere in Australia, Peaceful Bay can be very hot in summer. The Australian sunburns are brutal. We take a tent for sun protection, especially for the baby. You can buy a similar one here.
- Don’t be fooled – the ocean at Peaceful Bay is cold year-round. Wetsuits are necessary for the cooler months or all year round for skinny kids.
Check out our guides:
- Best Wetsuits for Kids
- Best Thermal Rashies in Australia (I swim most of the year at Peaceful Bay in my thermal rashie!)
- Which Boogie Board to Buy for Kids?
Do you want to discover more about Western Australia? Explore exciting getaways near Perth and dive into our blog post for some extra inspiration for your next adventure!
There are plenty of things to explore, like the best beaches in Esperance, and much more!
- If an Easterly is blowing, then Peaceful Bay is NOT peaceful! Haha! It’s rough, and the sand blows around. A much better option is Greens Pool or the river at Nornalup.
- If you are going to drive up to the mouth of the Irwin Inlet, let down your tires to drive up the beach. Keep an eye on the tides as the tide can come up fast and catch unsuspecting folk.
- This entire coast can be dangerous. Exercise caution when doing any ocean activity at Peaceful Bay.
The Verdict – Peaceful Bay WA
If you are looking for a laid-back southern coastal holiday like the good old days, Peaceful Bay, Australia, is for you. We love the stunning white sand and turquoise waters of the swimming beach, and the children love to play in the sand.
This is an excellent alternative to Greens Pool at William Bay on a busy day!
We realize that things change all the time, and so it’s really important to us that we provide the most up to date information possible! That’s why we go through our pages annually making sure they are as current as possible.
As always, if you notice something that’s not quite right, please let us know in the comments!
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