Denmark: River Trails and Regional Heritage

Discover Denmark along trails that connect river landscapes, outdoor activities and local history. Choose from short routes for hiking or cycling, a self-guided walk, a paddling trail and a long heritage rail trail. If you like spending time outdoors when choosing a destination, you can use the different routes and their specific features to guide your choice.

Trails for hiking and cycling

The Mokare Heritage Trail is an easy, three-kilometre trail for hiking or cycling. It starts at Berridge Park in the town of Denmark. Beneath karri and paperbark trees, the trail offers river views and opportunities for birdwatching. The historic Railway Bridge is also part of this route: the trail offers a glimpse into Denmark’s railway and settlement heritage and crosses the bridge.

The Inlet Drive Cycle Path is also described as an easy route, but it combines a cycle path and a walking path. It runs from the mouth of the Denmark River to Ocean Beach Road near Weedon Hill. At Poison Point, you can enjoy views of Wilson Inlet. The Mokare Heritage Trail is listed as three kilometres long and combines river views with a specific historical connection. The Mokare Heritage Trail, by contrast, is listed as three kilometres long and combines river views with a specific historical connection.

If you prefer a self-guided walk, the Kwoorabup Walk Trail offers just that. It runs for 2.5 kilometres along the banks of the Denmark River, between the footbridge at the end of John Glade Lane and East River Road. Signs with QR codes provide access to local stories about Denmark; along the walk, you can also discover aspects of the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

By the river: paddling and small details

The Denmark River Paddle Trail is a nine-kilometre return paddling route. It runs from the mouth of the Denmark River to the weir, 4.5 kilometres upstream. The total route length and the upstream distance refer to different measurements of the same route. Karri and paperbark trees line the banks along the trail. The river landscape provides habitat for wildlife and birds, including pelicans, ducks and other waterbirds.

The Denmark Fairy Doors Trail offers a different way to experience the river area: this 3.8-kilometre loop runs along the Denmark River. About twenty tiny wooden doors can be found along its eastern and western sides. Their approximate number and distribution along the river make for a special detail to look out for as you walk.

Railway heritage and a longer route

At 68 kilometres, the Denmark to Nornalup Heritage Rail Trail is considerably longer than the local walks and loop trails. This scenic coastal trail offers views of forest, farmland and coastal heathland; its trail hub is at the mouth of the Denmark River. The trail includes Denmark Station. The Old Denmark Post Office has photographic exhibitions.

For orientation, it is important to apply the accessibility information precisely to the section it refers to: the section of the Denmark to Nornalup Heritage Rail Trail from the Denmark River Mouth along Wilson Inlet is wheelchair accessible. This statement applies to the specified section, not automatically to the entire 68-kilometre route. The short river routes, the combined cycle and walking path, and the long Heritage Rail Trail therefore differ both in length and in the experiences described.

Nearby natural attractions

Greens Pool is located nearby in William Bay National Park. Swimming, snorkelling and diving are possible there. Elephant Rocks is also in the park and near Denmark; a short walk over the headland leads there from Greens Pool. The Monkey Rock Trail adds a hiking route through karri and marri forests to Monkey Rock, which offers coastal views.

The Denmark Wetlands Trail is another nearby attraction. The 300-metre trail leads to an ornitharium birdwatching hide on the edge of the wetland. This means that, alongside the river and coast, wetlands and birdwatching are also specific nature themes to choose from. Together with the local trails and railway heritage, they offer a varied picture of the activities you can consider for your trip to Denmark.

For the broader travel overview: Shire of Denmark.