Walks Along the Rainbow Coast
Albany, Denmark and Walpole, Western Australia
There are walks almost everywhere throughout the South Coast in Albany, Denmark and Walpole. In fact, you can walk from Albany directly to Walpole and continue on to Perth along the Bibbulmun Track. But more likely you'll want to explore shorter, more well travelled paths. We've selected our favourite walks from along the coast to see if we can inspire you to get out and enjoy the walking and nature trails the coast has to offer... and have a good walk in this beautiful corner of Australia, the Rainbow Coast on the Great South West Edge.
The Walk of Walks
The Bibbulmun Track is one of the world's great long distance walk trails, stretching nearly 1000kms from Kalamunda (Perth Hills) to Albany (South Coast) through the heart of the scenic South West of Western Australia. The Bibbulmun Track stretches from Kalamunda in the Perth hills to Albany, in the heart of the Rainbow Coast.
The track was officially opened during Western Australia's 150th year celebrations, included involved over 1000 walkers on different stages.
There are almost fifty campsites along the Track which are spaced one day's walk apart. The track passes through most of the beautiful places along the Rainbow Coast.
It is common to come across the 'Waugal' the symbol and trail marker of the Bibbulmun Track. For MORE information visit the Bibbulmun Track page of our site.
The Bibbulmun Track passes through Albany, Denmark and Walpole.
Albany: Walks in Albany, Western Australia
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
Two Peoples Bay Heritage Trail Heritage Trail from the Visitors Centre to Little Beach Visit Two Peoples Bay Heritage Trail
Shelley Beach Lookout A beautiful scenic lookout with hang gliding and paragliding platforms. Visit Shelley Beach Lookout
Mount Clarence Visit the ANZAC Desert Corps Memorial and view the coast from Padre White Lookout or Apex Lookout at the summit. Visit Mount Clarence
Middleton Beach The most popular beach in Albany. Swim or relax under the trees. Cafes and amenities. Visit Middleton Beach
Little Beach This gorgeous beach is approximately 25 kilometres north east of Albany in Two Peoples Bay National Park. Visit Little Beach
Albany Wind Farm Beautiful and productive green energy from the wind of the Torndirrup, just outside Albany City towards Frenchman Bay. Visit Albany Wind Farm
Ataturk Channel Ataturk Channel connects King George Sound and Princess Royal Harbour allowing safe access to the Port of Albany. Visit Ataturk Channel
Ataturk Memorial Ataturk Memorial stands prominently above Point King overlooking Ataturk Channel. The memorial offers amazing views of the channel. Visit Ataturk Memorial
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
Cable Beach In the middle of the beach is a giant boulder which was lifted by the sea and placed onto the beach by the force of the waves. Visit Cable Beach
Ellen Cove Ellen Cove, Ellen Cove Boardwalk and Ellen Cove Pier are at the far southern end of Middleton Beach, Albany. Visit Ellen Cove
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
Princess Royal Fortress One of the best outdoor military museums in Australia. The Fortress is within the Albany Heritage Park, atop Mount Adelaide. Visit Princess Royal Fortress
Stony Hill Stony Hill has a fabulous 500m fairly level circular walk which offers spectacular 360 degree views. Visit Stony Hill
The Blowholes The Blowholes are crevasses in the granite stretching down to sea level far below. With each wave the holes blow air and water up the channel. Visit The Blowholes
Torbay Inlet Many people find Torbay to be one of the most relaxing and peaceful places along this stretch of coastline. Visit Torbay Inlet
Denmark: Walks in Denmark, Western Australia
Elephant Rocks Giant rocks shaped like elephants stand together facing into the waves of the Great Southern Ocean Visit Elephant Rocks
William Bay National Park Visit Greens Pool, Elephant Rocks, Mazzoletti Beach, Tower Hill, Madfish Bay and Waterfall Beach! Visit William Bay National Park
Ancient Empires Walk The Ancient Empires Walk takes you through the forest at the base of the Giant Tingle Trees at the Treetop Walk. Visit Ancient Empires Walk
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
Conspicuous Cliff Beach Accessing Conspicuous Cliff Beach is via a boardwalk, small stairway, and a hop across a shallow waterway. Visit Conspicuous Cliff Beach
Crusoe Beach A commercial fishing site, the beach is best visited after 3.30pm as advised by the sign. Visit Crusoe Beach
Denmark Windfarm The Denmark Community Windfarm sits atop Wilson Head just a bit south-west of Ocean Beach and the Wilson Inlet. Visit Denmark Windfarm
Giant Tingle Tree This Giant Tingle Tree is special because it the oldest living eucalypt in the world. It is an 800 metre walk from the car park to the Giant Tingle and back. Visit Giant Tingle Tree
Harewood Forest Walk Harewood Forest is an almost 1.5k walk through the forest. The stream at the end is the turn-around point. Filled with information on history, flora & fauna. Visit Harewood Forest Walk
Heritage Rail Bridge The Bridge is easily accessed by driving south along the river on Hollings Drive where you will find parking spaces, picnic tables and a gazebo. Visit Heritage Rail Bridge
Lights Beach Inspiring lookout and beach offering spectacular views of William Bay from the east. A favourite local beach. Visit Lights Beach
Mazzoletti Beach Mazzoletti Beach stretches from Greens Pool in the East by foot to Parry Beach in the West by car where it crosses the Parry Inlet at Parry Beach Visit Mazzoletti Beach
McGearys Rock McGearys Rock is a popular rock fishing location close to Ocean Beach. It offers panoramic views of the bay and Nullaki Peninsula to the east. Visit McGearys Rock
Mokare Heritage Trail Named after an aboriginal tracker and chieftain, the Mokare Heritage Trail winds along the east side of the Denmark River. Visit Mokare Heritage Trail
Monkey Rock Spectacular elevated views over William Bay Nat. Park, Ratcliffe Bay, Ocean Beach and the Nullaki Peninsula. Visit Monkey Rock
Peaceful Bay Peaceful Bay beach is split in two by the Irwin Inlet as it discharges into the ocean. Sand dunes abound. Visit Peaceful Bay
Tower Hill Located a kilometre north of Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks at the eastern side of William Bay National Park. Visit Tower Hill
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
Walpole: Walks in the Walpole Wilderness Area
Walpole-Nornalup National Park Expansive covering over twenty thousand hectares of the Walpole Wilderness Area. Visit Walpole-Nornalup National Park
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
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
Ancient Empires Walk The Ancient Empires Walk takes you through the forest at the base of the Giant Tingle Trees at the Treetop Walk. Visit Ancient Empires Walk
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
Broke Inlet Broke Inlet is located in Dentrecasteaux National Park approximately 40km west northwest of Walpole Town. Visit Broke Inlet
Circular Pool Family friendly swirling pools. Access via steps or a gentle paved pathway. Viewing platforms close to carpark. Visit Circular Pool
Conspicuous Cliff Standing high above the surrounding heathland, the Cliff-top lookout gives fantastic views of the beach and river flowing into the sea. Visit Conspicuous Cliff
Conspicuous Cliff Beach Accessing Conspicuous Cliff Beach is via a boardwalk, small stairway, and a hop across a shallow waterway. Visit Conspicuous Cliff Beach
Fernhook Falls Located along the Deep River Fernhook Falls is a popular swimming and picnic spot in summer, and during winter is a truly magnificent sight! Visit Fernhook Falls
Giant Tingle Tree This Giant Tingle Tree is special because it the oldest living eucalypt in the world. It is an 800 metre walk from the car park to the Giant Tingle and back. Visit Giant Tingle Tree
Hilltop Lookout On Hilltop Road, east of Walpole. Overlooking the Nornalup Inlet and Frankland River. Rocky Head and Saddle Island can be seen in the distance. Visit Hilltop Lookout
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
Mandalay Beach Spectacular views to Chatham Island, gorgeous white sandy beach it is a must-see... sometimes the shipwreck is visible too. Visit Mandalay Beach
Nornalup Inlet The Nornalup Inlet is serene. Fed from the Deep and Frankland Rivers it connects to the Walpole Inlet via a natural deep water channel. Visit Nornalup Inlet
Rockwood Trail at Mt Frankland Walk amongst the towering Karri trees around Mount Frankland. Visit Rockwood Trail at Mt Frankland
Sappers Bridge Re-built October 1982 for the National Parks Authority by 22nd Construction Squadron RAE following flood damage January 1982. Visit Sappers Bridge
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
Wilderness Lookout From the Mount Frankland car park you will find signs for the Wilderness Lookout, and easy walk with grand views over the Wilderness Area. Visit Wilderness Lookout
South Coast Walks with admission costs:
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
Current Weather on the Coast
Weather in Albany
Weather in Denmark
Weather in Walpole
Additional resources for visiting the Rainbow Coast:
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
Videos of walks
Rainbow Coast Regions:
Albany Region The Albany Region of Western Australia is a land of mountains and waterways. An amazing region to explore. Visit Albany Region
Denmark Region The Denmark Region is gorgeous. Trees, hills, beaches, rocks, wildlife around the river and the inlet. Visit Denmark Region
Walpole Region Walpole is the western end of the Rainbow Coast and is surrounded by National Park and forested wilderness. Visit Walpole Region
Main Attractions on the Coast:
Ocean Beach Ocean Beach is set between the Wilson Inlet and the Great Southern Ocean, and is the closest beach to Denmark Town. A popular surfing spot and lookout.. Visit Ocean Beach
Greens Pool Almost completely sheltered from the waves of the Great Southern Ocean, Greens Pool is a paradise. Visit Greens Pool
Elephant Rocks Giant rocks shaped like elephants stand together facing into the waves of the Great Southern Ocean Visit Elephant Rocks
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
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
Shelley Beach Turquoise waters, verdant surrounds and ocean breeze make this beach a popular yet remote destination. Visit Shelley Beach
Natural Bridge The Natural Bridge is a granite formation caused by the gradual wearing away of the rock by the Great Southern Ocean. Visit Natural Bridge
Brig Amity Replica Experience the first settlers arrival in Albany, the first settlement in Western Australia, from onboard a replica of the Amity. Visit Brig Amity Replica
Middleton Beach The most popular beach in Albany. Swim or relax under the trees. Cafes and amenities. Visit Middleton Beach
Little Beach This gorgeous beach is approximately 25 kilometres north east of Albany in Two Peoples Bay National Park. Visit Little Beach
Albany Wind Farm Beautiful and productive green energy from the wind of the Torndirrup, just outside Albany City towards Frenchman Bay. Visit Albany Wind Farm
Ancient Empires Walk The Ancient Empires Walk takes you through the forest at the base of the Giant Tingle Trees at the Treetop Walk. Visit Ancient Empires Walk
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
Denmark Wineries Denmark Wineries and Vineyards to visit while on holiday along the Rainbow Coast. Wineries with restaurants, music, cellar doors and more! Visit Denmark Wineries
Frenchman Bay Located on the southern side of King George Sound this beautiful setting has a grassy picnic area, BBQs and boat launch. Ideal beachfront location for a great day out! Visit Frenchman Bay
Giant Tingle Tree This Giant Tingle Tree is special because it the oldest living eucalypt in the world. It is an 800 metre walk from the car park to the Giant Tingle and back. Visit Giant Tingle Tree
Lights Beach Inspiring lookout and beach offering spectacular views of William Bay from the east. A favourite local beach. Visit Lights Beach
Mandalay Beach Spectacular views to Chatham Island, gorgeous white sandy beach it is a must-see... sometimes the shipwreck is visible too. Visit Mandalay Beach
Misery Beach Albany Misery Beach is a hidden gem on the southern coast of Western Australia known for stunning natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere. Visit Misery Beach Albany
Monkey Rock Spectacular elevated views over William Bay Nat. Park, Ratcliffe Bay, Ocean Beach and the Nullaki Peninsula. Visit Monkey Rock
Princess Royal Fortress One of the best outdoor military museums in Australia. The Fortress is within the Albany Heritage Park, atop Mount Adelaide. Visit Princess Royal Fortress
South Coast Beaches Map South Coast Beaches from west of Walpole to East of Albany all on one map! Visit South Coast Beaches Map
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
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