Rainbow Coast
Welcome to the Rainbow Coast, the South Coast of Western Australia!
The Rainbow Coast, along the South Coast of Western Australia, stretches over 150km's. It is one of Australia's most beautiful coastlines and offers a natural paradise. Spectacular swimming and surfing beaches, ancient forests, historic sites, sheer cliffs, rocky climbs, bush walking, cycling trails, inlets, waterways and stunning sand dunes, this region has it all.
Only a five hour drive south from WA's capital city Perth, the Rainbow Coast overlaps with the Southern Forests and is sometimes called the Great South West Edge, and encompasses Albany City, home to 30,000, Denmark Town, home to 5,000 and Walpole Town, home to 500.
The Rainbow Coast, on the South Coast of Western Australia offers a return to nature, a sensory sanctuary for your mind, body & spirit and truly is the perfect holiday destination!Take time to imbibe the renown 'Down South' Lifestyle. The South West Australian vibe is relaxed and the locals are fun-loving and friendly...come experience The Rainbow Coast for yourself!
We acknowledge the Noongar people, the traditional custodians of the land and thank them for their continued connection to their land. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We extend our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
3 Regions of the Rainbow Coast:
- Albany Region, Western Australia
WA's first 'settlement' is a historic area. There is a wide range of shops, restaurants and entertainment in Albany City. The beaches, ports, whale watching and beautiful coastline make this an ideal destination for all the family. Visit the Torndirrup Peninsula. - Denmark Region, Western Australia
Beautifully set along the Denmark River & Wilson Inlet. Visit Greens Pool in the ancient William Bay National Park & the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk. The quaint and charming Denmark Town is surrounded by forest and ocean. - Walpole Region, Western Australia
Explore the ancient forests of the Walpole Wilderness Area including the Giant Tingle Tree . Climb Mount Frankland for views that must be seen to be believed! Picnic at Frankland Falls or stroll along the boardwalk at Mandalay Beach.
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Forests along the South Coast of Western Australia
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Inlets of the South Coast of Western Australia
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Rainbows & The Rainbow Coast
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Whales of the Rainbow Coast
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Wildflowers along the South Coast of WA
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Walks, Walking Trails and Hikes on the South Coast
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Birds of the South Coast of WA
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National Parks of the South Coast of WA
Awe inspiring, the coast has it all:
- National Parks & Reserves
- White sandy Beaches
- Ancient Forests
- The Bibbulmun Track World-Class Walking Trail
- Local Albany Farmer's Market
- Wildflowers
- Whales and Whale Watching
- WA's Southern-most point and western end of the Great Australian Bight
Visitor and Tourist Information:
Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk, Denmark
Stay on the Rainbow Coast!
The Rainbow Coast offers a huge range of accommodation types to create your ideal holiday. CONNECT DIRECT with the owners and managers and save yourself time and money. The Tourism Providers we recommend are friendly, fair and focused on you having a great visit.
National Biosphere Reserve
With over a dozen National Parks and Reserves, the Rainbow Coast encompasses an international biosphere reserve with species of plants and animals which you will find no where else in the world.
An internationally recognised wetland area the Rainbow Coast is home to thousands of migratory water birds.
It is also home to many shipwrecks including the sand-covered wreck of the Mandalay at Mandalay Beach in Walpole.Also the naval ship in the King George Sound in Albany. The Albany Region is a divers playground. Explore the white beaches of Flinders Peninsula on the Possession Point Heritage Trail, past Frenchman Bay.
Don't be fooled by the name! The yearly average rainfall along the coast is the same as Perth and Broome!
The name comes from the angle of the sun as it hits the rain coming off the Great Southern Ocean during winter. [Read more about Why it's called the Rainbow Coast]
Albany Tourist and Visitors Information
Albany City & Surrounds Map Map of Attractions and places to visit in Albany City & surrounds. Visit Albany City & Surrounds Map
City of Albany Located between the hills of Mount Melville and Mount Clarence, the Nestled along the Princess Royal Harbour & King George Sound. Visit City of Albany
Albany WA History Albany, is the oldest permanently settled town in Western Australia. Visit Albany WA History
Top 10 Places to Visit Filled with many magical and majestic natural wonders, the best places are on the coast to enjoy... Visit Top 10 Places to Visit
Top Beaches Pristine, clean and just like paradise. Swim in the rock pools, swim in clear waters, secluded bays, or snorkel around giant boulders all on the Rainbow Coast. Visit Top Beaches
Top Biking Locations Top locations along the coast to start a bike ride. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Biking Locations
Top Historical Locations The Rainbow Coast is a historical destination. These are the most historical places to visit. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Historical Locations
Top Picnic Spots Looking for a nice picnic spot, try these favourite picnic locations along the coast. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Picnic Spots
Top Places for Dogs If you have brought your four legged friend with you on holiday then you will need to know when you can take them for exercise and fun. Visit Top Places for Dogs
Top Places for Elders Accessible and elder-friendly locations along the south coast. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below. Visit Top Places for Elders
Top Places to Take Kids Kids love it on the Rainbow Coast. The spectacular coastline is family friendly and welcoming. Visit Top Places to Take Kids
Top Surf Spots The waters of the spectacular Rainbow Coast are very tempting and there are quite a few places to catch the waves. Visit Top Surf Spots
Denmark Tourist and Visitors Information
Denmark Region Map Map of the Denmark Western Australia Region including Denmark Town and National Parks. Visit Denmark Region Map
Denmark Town In the heart of the Rainbow Coast on the north side of the Wilson Inlet, along the beautiful Denmark River. Visit Denmark Town
Denmark Region The Denmark Region is gorgeous. Trees, hills, beaches, rocks, wildlife around the river and the inlet. Visit Denmark Region
Denmark Town Map A map of Denmark Town and surrounds. A good map to get your bearings if you are visiting Denmark, WA. Visit Denmark Town Map
Walpole Tourist and Visitors Information
Walpole Town At the northern edge of the Walpole Inlet, Walpole is one of the few towns on the path of the Bibbulmun Track. Visit Walpole Town
Walpole Regional Map Map of the Walpole Region including places to visit and National Parks. Visit Walpole Regional Map
Knoll Scenic Drive A five kilometre circular drive on the peninsula between the Walpole and Nornalup Inlets. A distinctly well-kept rest area with picnic tables & toilets. Visit Knoll Scenic Drive
Stay in Walpole An inspiring selection of quality accommodation of all types. Friendly service. Choose from a variety of great accommodation in and around Walpole, WA. Find Accommodation in Walpole! Visit Stay in Walpole
National Parks on the South Coast
Walpole-Nornalup National Park Expansive covering over twenty thousand hectares of the Walpole Wilderness Area. Visit Walpole-Nornalup National Park
William Bay National Park Visit Greens Pool, Elephant Rocks, Mazzoletti Beach, Tower Hill, Madfish Bay and Waterfall Beach! Visit William Bay National Park
Torndirrup National Park Including The Gap, Natural Bridge, The Blowholes, Jimmy Newells Harbour, Stony Hill, Cable Beach & Stony Hill. Visit Torndirrup National Park
Two Peoples Bay NP Located approximately 25 kilometres north-east of Albany. Rediscovery of the presumed extinct noisy scrub-bird. Visit Two Peoples Bay NP
West Cape Howe National Park Containing the southernmost point of Western Australia this national park is astounding. Visit West Cape Howe National Park
Dentrecasteaux National Park Dentrecasteaux National Park is filled with beaches, dunes, cliffs and forests west of Walpole. Visit Dentrecasteaux National Park
Gull Rock National Park 25k east of Albany, Gull Rock National Park is a reserve for many endangered animals, trees and birds. Visit Gull Rock National Park
Quarram Nature Reserve The Quarram Nature Reserve, a haven for birds and wildlife. Visit Quarram Nature Reserve
Natural Attractions of the South Coast:
Walpole-Nornalup National Park Expansive covering over twenty thousand hectares of the Walpole Wilderness Area. Visit Walpole-Nornalup National Park
Mount Frankland Starting in the karri trees you wind up and through towards the summit of Mt Frankland way above the tree top canopy. Visit Mount Frankland
Beaches of the Coast The beaches along the southern coast of Western Australia are as diverse as the land surrounding them. Every one is beautiful. Visit Beaches of the Coast
Bibbulmun Track The Bibbulmun Track stretches from Kalamunda in the Perth hills to Albany, through many locations in the heart of the Rainbow Coast. Visit Bibbulmun Track
Inlets and Waterways The inlets and river systems support a vast variety of birds, reptiles and water creatures. They are a vital part of the southern ecosystem. Visit Inlets and Waterways
National Parks The south coast has an abundance of National Parks each distinct and unique. Wonderful walks, amazing views and gorgeous natural beauty. Visit National Parks
Southern Forests Along the South Coast you will find some of the most fascinating forests in the world including jarrah, karri, red and yellow tingle forests. Visit Southern Forests
Valley of the Giants The Valley of the Giants Wilderness Discovery Centre at the Treetop Walk is the most visited place on the Rainbow Coast. Visit Valley of the Giants
Walks and Trails World class walks through Albany, Denmark and Walpole. Walk over mountains, forests, beaches, rugged coastline and wilderness. Visit Walks and Trails
Whale Watching The sheltered waters are ideal for young whales preparing to take the journey south to the southern ocean surrounding Antarctica. We recommend Whale Watching Visit Whale Watching
Wildflowers Wildflowers along the south coast tend to appear between August and December each year, although other varieties bloom throughout the year. Visit Wildflowers
South Coast Vistor and Tourst resources:
Seasons of the Coast You will find a Seasons Calendar with Wildflower and a Whales to help you plan your visit to the South Coast - The Rainbow Coast! Visit Seasons of the Coast
South Coast Beaches Map South Coast Beaches from west of Walpole to East of Albany all on one map! Visit South Coast Beaches Map
South Coast Weather The climate of the Rainbow Coast is considered to be "the best in the world," according to those who live here. Visit South Coast Weather
Broken from Antarctica
The Gap is a thrilling experience, standing on the state-of-the-art viewing platform places you right over the crashing ocean as it smashes into the sheer cliff edges where Australia broke off from Antarctica!
The Natural Bridge is an impressive example of water sculpting rock, over thousands of years, this is viewed from a pathway further away from the Natural Bridge itself and is much more accessible to everyone.
Why is the South Coast of Western Australia called the Rainbow Coast?
Geographically, this region is perfectly placed for making rainbows (mostly in winter, of course!)
The angle of the sun, in relation to the Southern Coast of Western Australia, is less than 42 degrees above the horizon, so when the sun shines from the north on the rain that comes off the water from the south, you see Rainbows throughout the day!
Our #1 ranked tourism website aims to give you the most information about our glorious coastline, come on down and stay for a while!
We acknowledge the Noongar people who are the traditional custodians of this land and pay our respects to Elders, both past and present. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to this region.
Other amazing locations in the South-West of Western Australia!
More information on the south-west coast in our other Western Australian travellers guides:
Albany Tourist Information:
Albany WA
The Albany is the oldest settlement in Western Australia. Filled with history, surrounded by beaches and waterways, and a great place to visit while on holiday on the south coast of WA. Visit Albany today.
Have you visited?
Fremantle WA
Fremantle, the Port City, is located south-west of Perth at the mouth of the Swan River. Fremantle's vibrant nightlife, music scene and cafe' culture make Fremantle a perfect getaway from the bustle of Perth. Beaches, history, shopping, dining out, and more. VISIT FREMANTLE
Have you visited?
Margaret River, WA
The Margaret River Region is an area of magnificent beauty on the western coast of the south west of WA. From the expansive shores of Busselton on Geographe Bay, through Dunsborough & Margaret River to Augusta, the Margaret River Region is fantastic. VISIT MARGARET RIVER
Have you visited?
Denmark WA
Denmark WA is one of the most beautiful places along the south coast as it has forests, beaches, rivers and waves. Everything you need for the perfect south coast holiday. Denmark Wineries are popular too! Info on Denmark Town including shopping, dining & history, VISIT DENMARK WA