The Best Hiking Trails in Denmark WA

Hiking around Denmark WA is one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Western Australia’s Great Southern region.

From towering karri forests and peaceful rivers to dramatic coastal lookouts and granite peaks, the area offers an incredible range of walking trails suited to both leisurely walkers and experienced hikers.

The landscape changes beautifully throughout the year. From wildflowers in spring to misty forest mornings and dramatic coastlines during winter. Whether you’re planning a relaxed nature walk or a full day exploring the Bibbulmun Track, Denmark WA offers some of the most scenic hiking trails in Western Australia.

If you're planning a walking trip through the region, it’s also worth exploring our guide to the best time to visit Denmark WA to experience the Great Southern throughout the seasons.

Harewood Forest Walk

Distance: 2.8 km loop
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1–2 hours
Trail Type: Forest loop walk
Best Time to Visit: Spring, autumn and winter

The Harewood Forest Walk is a peaceful trail located just outside Denmark WA along Scotsdale Road. Winding through towering karri forest and lush undergrowth, the walk follows a small brook through one of the region’s most atmospheric forest settings.

Spring brings wildflowers throughout the trail, while the cooler months offer misty mornings and flowing creeks beneath the forest canopy. Interpretive signs along the walk also share the history of Denmark’s timber milling industry, making this trail ideal for visitors wanting both nature and local history.

Useful links:

• Harewood Forest Walk: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Lz4n9h4hL6xLh1C87

After your walk, explore some of the best wineries in Denmark WA throughout the nearby Scotsdale Valley.

Mokare Heritage Trail

Distance: 3 km loop
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1–2 hours
Trail Type: Riverside heritage walk
Best Time to Visit: Year-round

The Mokare Heritage Trail begins at Berridge Park in Denmark town and follows the Denmark River through peaceful bushland, paperbark trees and riverside scenery.

The trail offers insight into the region’s rail and settlement history, crossing the heritage railway bridge and linking with sections of the Wilson Inlet Heritage Trail and Munda Biddi Trail. Families walking with children can also look out for the small fairy doors hidden throughout the riverside path.

Useful links:

• Mokare Heritage Trail: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G8c7bzwG8dG5rN5o8

Wilderness Ocean Walk

Distance: 6.5 km one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2–3 hours
Trail Type: Coastal walk
Best Time to Visit: Spring, summer and autumn

The Wilderness Ocean Walk, commonly known as the WOW Trail, traverses the stunning coastline between Lights Beach and the Denmark Community Wind Farm near Ocean Beach.

Following sections of the Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail, the walk offers sweeping views across the Southern Ocean, coastal heathland and rugged granite headlands. Benches positioned throughout the route make it ideal for slower walks and scenic rest stops along the way.

For more experienced hikers, a return walk between Lights Beach and the wind farm offers one of the most spectacular coastal hiking experiences near Denmark WA.

Useful links:

• WOW Trail Information: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/western-australia/wilderness-ocean-walk-wow-trail

Coastal views along the Wilderness Ocean Walk near Denmark WA.

Monkey Rock

Distance: 2 km return
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 45–60 minutes
Trail Type: Granite summit walk
Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or sunset

Monkey Rock is one of the most popular short hikes near Denmark WA. Following part of the Bibbulmun Track through karri and marri forest, the trail leads to a dramatic granite summit overlooking the coastline.

The final climb is moderately steep, but the reward is panoramic views across Lights Beach, William Bay National Park and the Southern Ocean. Sunset is one of the most beautiful times to visit, when golden light moves across the surrounding coastline and granite landscape.

Useful links:

• Monkey Rock Trailhead: https://trailswa.com.au/trails/trail/monkey-rock-trail-denmark

Bald Head Trail

Distance: 12.5 km return
Difficulty: Difficult
Time: 4–6 hours
Trail Type: Coastal ridge hike
Best Time to Visit: Autumn, winter and spring

Located within Torndirrup National Park near Albany, the Bald Head Trail is one of the most spectacular coastal hikes in Western Australia.

The trail follows the narrow ridge line of the Flinders Peninsula, surrounded by dramatic views across the Southern Ocean and King George Sound. Boardwalk sections, limestone paths and exposed granite rock require a good level of fitness, but the reward is an unforgettable headland experience framed by rugged coastal scenery.

Useful links:

• Bald Head Trail: https://trailswa.com.au/trails/trail/bald-head-walk-trail

Mount Hallowell Reserve

Distance: 3.5 km loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1–2 hours
Trail Type: Granite and forest walk
Best Time to Visit: Spring and winter

Located just outside Denmark town, Mount Hallowell Reserve combines towering karri forest with giant granite boulders and elevated coastal views.

The walk gradually climbs through forest before opening onto expansive granite outcrops overlooking Wilson Inlet, Ocean Beach and the surrounding coastline. During spring, the reserve becomes especially beautiful with native wildflowers emerging throughout the bushland.

Useful links:

• Mount Hallowell Reserve: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/western-australia/mount-hallowell-trail

Bibbulmun Track Sections Near Denmark

Distance: Various
Difficulty: Easy to difficult
Time: Flexible
Trail Type: Long-distance hiking trail
Best Time to Visit: Autumn, winter and spring

The Bibbulmun Track is one of Australia’s most iconic long-distance walking trails, stretching more than 1,000 kilometres through Western Australia’s south-west.

Several scenic sections pass near Denmark WA, weaving through towering karri forest, coastal heathland and granite outcrops overlooking the Southern Ocean. Shorter sections can easily be explored as half-day walks, while experienced hikers may choose to complete longer overnight sections throughout the Great Southern region.

Useful links:

• Bibbulmun Track: https://www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au/

Choosing the Right Hiking Trail in Denmark WA

With so many beautiful walking trails throughout the region, choosing the right hike often comes down to the type of scenery and experience you’re looking for.

• Harewood Forest Walk: Best for peaceful forest scenery and beginner-friendly walking trails. Very family friendly for all ages.

• Mokare Heritage Trail: Ideal for riverside walks close to Denmark town. Take the kids and find the Fairy Doors hiding along the walk

• WOW Trail: Perfect for dramatic coastal scenery and longer walks.

• Monkey Rock: Short but rewarding summit hike with panoramic views.

• Bald Head Trail: One of Western Australia’s most spectacular coastal hikes for experienced walkers.

• Mount Hallowell Reserve: Combines granite landscapes, forest and coastal outlooks.

• Bibbulmun Track: Ideal for visitors wanting longer hiking experiences through the Great Southern.

Where to Stay in Denmark WA

After a day exploring Denmark’s coastline, forests and hiking trails, return to quiet evenings overlooking rolling pasture and native bushland at Upland Farm.

Located along Scotsdale Tourist Drive, Upland Farm offers architect-designed luxury accommodation on a 107-acre working cattle farm within Western Australia’s Great Southern region, providing a peaceful base to experience the very best of Denmark WA.

A peaceful base to explore the hiking trails and coastline of Denmark WA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hiking trails in Denmark WA?

Some of the best hiking trails in Denmark WA include sections of the Bibbulmun Track, Monkey Rock, Harewood Forest Walk, Mount Hallowell and the coastal trails surrounding William Bay National Park.

Is Denmark WA good for hiking?

Denmark WA is one of the best hiking destinations in Western Australia, offering coastal walks, granite peaks, towering karri forest and scenic sections of the Bibbulmun Track.

What is the most scenic hike in Denmark WA?

Monkey Rock is one of the most scenic hikes near Denmark WA, offering panoramic views across the Southern Ocean, coastline and Wilson Inlet.

Are there family-friendly hikes in Denmark WA?

Yes. Many walks throughout Denmark WA are suitable for families, including Harewood Forest Walk, Mokare Heritage Trail and shorter coastal walks near William Bay National Park.

When is the best time to go hiking in Denmark WA?

Hiking in Denmark WA can be enjoyed year-round, though autumn and winter offer cooler temperatures, flowing creeks and lush forest conditions.

Last updated: May 2026

This guide is regularly updated by the team at Upland Farm to share our favourite hiking trails, coastal walks and local experiences throughout Denmark WA and Western Australia’s Great Southern region.