The Wilson Inlet is fed from the Denmark and Hay Rivers and is less than a kilometre south of town. Embraced by the Nullaki peninsula on the southern side, this majestic water is divided from the ocean by a sandbar which covers the opening much of the year.
Known as Koorabup "The Place of the Black Swan" by the Noongar, the Wilson Inlet is a haven for these majestic birds which are the Icon (on the flag) of Western Australia.
The Wilson Inlet is over twenty kilometres long. Home to a variety of fish and bird life, the quiet and peaceful Inlet has many places to sit and enjoy the view.
It is periodically opened by digging a channel. Ocean Beach Lookout is great for seeing the sand-bar opened or closed offering spectacular views of the Wilson Inlet and the Great Southern Ocean.
Click play below to view a video of the open channel:
Many species of land and water birds can be seen around the Wilson Inlet including the Western Australian Pelican (above), and the Black Swans (above right). You can see a pelican flying in the video below...
The natural biodiversity of this sanctuary should always be respected.
Map of Denmark Town and The Wilson Inlet and Surrounds. Visit Denmark and the Wilson Inlet Map
Crusoe Beach, (above) on the northern side of the Inlet, is along the Denmark Heritage Rail Trail which is part of the Munda Biddi Bike Trail. This trail can be followed by foot or bike 6.5 kilometres to the mouth of the Denmark River.
The trail hugs the northern side of the Wilson Inlet and leads to Crusoe Beach at the eastern end. More information can be found about the Rail Trail at: www.railtrails.org.au
The sandbar, for most of the year, divides the inlet from the Southern Ocean (below).
Channel Closed (above), Channel Open (below)Denmark is located a few kilometres up-river on the northern side of the Inlet. Click here to see a Map of Denmark and the Wilson Inlet
In the heart of the Rainbow Coast on the north side of the Wilson Inlet, along the beautiful Denmark River. Visit Denmark Town
More information on the south-west coast in our other Western Australian travellers guides:
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.
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
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
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