Beyond the Farm: Unforgettable Day Trips in the Great Southern

It is tempting to spend your whole stay within the quiet rhythm of Upland Farm, moving only between the warmth of the fire, your private deck and the nearby shores of Greens Pool. Our cabins were intentionally designed to invite slower days and lingering evenings.

But one of the greatest joys of staying in Denmark WA is how easily the wider Great Southern unfolds around you.

When you feel ready to venture beyond the local wineries and beaches, there are remarkable day trips in every direction. From rugged southern coastlines to ancient mountain ranges, towering forests, and cool-climate wine country. Best of all, each destination is close enough that you can leave after a slow morning coffee and still return to the farm in time for sunset.

Here are four of our favourite Great Southern day trips from Denmark WA.

1. Albany: Rugged Coastlines and Rich History

Just a scenic 45-minute drive east of Denmark, Albany is where dramatic natural beauty meets deep history. While Denmark is known for its sheltered coves and forests, Albany feels proudly exposed to the raw power of the Southern Ocean.

Begin your day at Torndirrup National Park, home to The Gap and Natural Bridge. Here, the ocean surges against towering granite cliffs, sending salt spray high into the air below the suspended viewing platform. It is wild, humbling, and unforgettable.

After exploring the coastline, head into Albany’s historic centre. As Western Australia’s oldest permanent European settlement, Albany carries a strong sense of heritage throughout its streets and waterfront. We highly recommend visiting the National Anzac Centre, perched above King George Sound, for a deeply moving insight into Australia’s military history.

For those interested in the region’s maritime history, Albany's Historic Whaling Station at Discovery Bay offers a thoughtful and uniquely Western Australian experience along the coastline.

For lunch, wander York Street, visit the marina precinct, or stop for fresh local oysters before making the easy drive back to Denmark.

Wild Southern Ocean energy colliding with the granite coastline at The Gap, Albany. Image: Peter Buck

A powerful glimpse into Albany’s maritime history along the dramatic coastline of Discovery Bay. Image: Peter Buck

2. The Porongurups: Ancient Granite and Cool-Climate Wine

Around 50 minutes northeast of Denmark lies Porongurup National Park. An ancient mountain range rising dramatically above the surrounding farmland.

The Castle Rock Granite Skywalk is one of the region’s most iconic walks. The trail winds through tall Karri and Marri forest before climbing through massive granite formations toward the suspended skywalk. From the top, sweeping views stretch across the Great Southern landscape all the way to the coastline on a clear day.

After the hike, slow the pace with a visit to one of the region’s cellar doors. The Porongurups are especially renowned for Riesling, producing elegant cool-climate wines with incredible clarity and freshness. Local favourites such as Duke's Vineyard and Castle Rock Estate offer intimate tasting experiences surrounded by rolling countryside.

For lunch, Karribank is a wonderful stop, particularly for families, with a relaxed restaurant setting, playground and friendly farm animals to feed among the gardens.

On the drive back toward Denmark, make time for a stop at Mount Barker Country Bakery. A much-loved local institution known for its generous array of pastries, cakes and classic country bakery treats.

It is the kind of day that pairs perfectly with returning to the cabin, opening a bottle by the fire, and settling into a quiet evening.

Rolling farmland giving way to the ancient granite peaks of the Porongurups. Image: Peter Buck

3. Walpole and the Wilderness Coast

Heading west from Denmark takes you deeper into some of Western Australia’s most ancient wilderness. The drive toward Walpole winds through towering forests, where long stretches of road are framed by dense Karri trees and filtered light.

The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk is the highlight of the journey. Suspended high within the canopy of towering red tingle trees, the walkway offers a rare perspective through one of the oldest forest ecosystems on Earth. Moving quietly through the treetops feels unexpectedly calming, less like a tourist attraction and more like an immersion in the landscape itself.

On your return toward Denmark, consider stopping at Conspicuous Cliff to watch the Southern Ocean rolling onto the coastline below. During winter, this stretch of coast is also one of the region’s best whale-watching spots.

For a late lunch, the Peaceful Bay Fish and Chips shop is a favourite local stop. Simple, relaxed and known for beautifully fresh fish enjoyed just moments from the beach.

Alternatively, the Denmark Good Food Factory is another favourite for burgers, local cider, handmade sweets and giant ice cream cones enjoyed amongst the gardens.

4. Mount Barker and Frankland River: Great Southern Wine Country

For those drawn to food, wine and open countryside, heading north into Mount Barker and Frankland River makes for a beautifully slow day trip.

This inland landscape feels distinctly different to the coast. Rolling farmland, historic homesteads, vineyard rows and wide country skies. In spring, bright yellow canola fields transform the region entirely.

Mount Barker is considered the birthplace of the Great Southern wine region, and cellar doors such as Plantagenet Wines showcase the area’s exceptional Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling.

If you feel like venturing further, Frankland River is around an hour and fifteen minutes from Upland Farm and home to some of Western Australia’s most respected wine producers. Wineries such as Frankland Estate are known for organic farming practices and exceptional cool-climate wines.

Part of the charm of this region is its quietness. Many cellar doors still feel personal and unhurried, where conversations often happen directly with the people growing the grapes.

Golden light settling across the landscapes of Mount Barker countryside.

The Best Part of Leaving

There is something deeply rewarding about exploring the wider Great Southern. Discovering rugged coastlines, ancient forests, mountain ranges and hidden cellar doors throughout the region.

But perhaps the best part of any day trip is the return.

As the late afternoon light stretches across the paddocks and the roads begin winding back toward Denmark, Upland Farm awaits again. Warm showers, quiet cabins, slow evenings and a fire ready to be lit.

You spend the day exploring some of Western Australia’s wildest and most beautiful places, before returning to complete stillness.

That balance is part of what makes staying in the Great Southern so special.

Last updated: May 2026

This guide is regularly updated by the team at Upland Farm to share our favourite cellar doors, winery experiences and local discoveries throughout Denmark WA and Western Australia’s Great Southern region.