Date of Visit: 9-25 Mar 2021
Western Australia Rainbow Coast
Western Australia Rainbow Coast stretches over 150 km from Walpole in the west, through Denmark, to Albany in the east.
Why called Rainbow Coast? It is because visitors see rainbows very often in the wetter months of Autumn, Winter, and Spring. Rainbows can appear in sunsets, sunrises, on a misty morning, and when there are rains out in the ocean.
The Rainbow Coast is a natural paradise with beautiful coastlines. This region offers visitors spectacular swimming and surfing beaches, ancient forests, historic sites, dramatic cliffs, rocky climbs, bush walking, cycling trails, and scenic inlets and rivers.
The Rainbow Coast is a 3-hour drive southeast of Margaret River or a 5-hour drive south of Perth.
Walpole
Coming from Margaret River, Walpole is the first town on the Rainbow Coast, and is in the Shire of Manjimup. The town, named after the Walpole River, has a population of just over 400 and is surrounded by the Walpole-Nornalup National Park and the Walpole-Nornalup Inlet System.
Visitors come here for Walpole’s ancient forests and gorgeous inlets, as well as cliffs and beaches on the coast of the Southern Ocean.
Mandalay Beach
Mandalay Beach is at the end of Mandalay Beach Road, a 7.5 km-long unsealed road suitable for 2WD vehicles. A 1.5-hour drive from Point D’Entrecasteaux or Manjimup on the way to Walpole, Mandalay Beach is a visually stunning beach by the spectacular Southern Ocean.
The beach is named after the Norwegian sailing vessel Mandalay which was wrecked there in 1911. Chatham Island, 3 km off the coast can be seen from the beach.
Mandalay Beach is definitely worth the stop just to enjoy the spectacular views and cool ocean breeze.
Walpole Inlet and Nornalup Inlet
Walpole Inlet is shallow, with a depth of no more than 1 m, and is fed by Walpole River.
Nornalup Inlet, at the south of Walpole Inlet, is larger and deeper than Walpole Inlet and is connected to Walpole Inlet by a 1 km long channel. Nornalup Inlet is fed by the Frankland River and Deep River and is open to the Southern Ocean in the south.
Fishing, boating, sailing, and swimming are popular activities in the 2 Inlets.
Visitors can explore some scenic spots such as Sandy Beach, Rest Point, and Coalmine Beach around the 2 inlets on Sandy Beach Road, Rest Point Road, and Knoll Drive. Walpole town, located by the north shore of Walpole Inlet, is where visitors can access shops, restaurants, and a visitor centre.
Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk
Tree Top Walk consists of 6 60m-long lightweight bridge spans rise gently to a height of 40m in the air and amongst the trees that allow visitors, including wheelchair users, to walk on these connected bridges, immerse in the forest and connect with nature, and yet minimise visitor impact on the forest. The total length of the walk is 600m.
The new experience, which includes visitor information and forest system interpretation area, and a short walk on the ground in the forest, provide visitors with a better understanding of the forest.
Conspicuous Beach, or Conspicuous Cliff Beach
Conspicuous Beach is at the end of Conspicuous Beach Road, a 7 km-long unsealed road suitable for 2WD vehicles. A 15-minute drive from Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk, Conspicuous Beach is another visually stunning beach by the spectacular Southern Ocean.
Conspicuous Beach is also known as Conspicuous Cliff Beach because it is just below Conspicuous Cliff.
From the Conspicuous Cliff lookout, the spectacular views of the Southern Ocean, the rugged coastline, and Conspicuous Beach are well worth the stop.
Conspicuous Beach is popular for fishing and surfing. Walkers will enjoy a coastal walk to take in the beauty of spectacular limestone cliffs and feel the cool ocean breeze.
There is a boardwalk and wooden stairway to lead visitors down to the beach. A small stream flows into the ocean at Conspicuous Beach.
Peaceful Bay Beach
A 15-minute drive from Conspicuous Beach, Peaceful Bay beach is a curving 600 m long east-facing beach within Peaceful Bay. As the name suggests, Peaceful Bay beach is peaceful with low waves suitable for swimming, snorkelling, and kite surfing. There is a small jetty and a boat ramp for boat launching.
Parry Inlet and Parry Beach
Parry Beach is accessible by 2WD vehicles via the unsealed Parry Beach Road off the Great Southern Highway. A 25-minute drive from Peaceful Bay Beach, Parry Beach is located at the far western end of William Bay National Park.
As you drive on Parry Beah Road to Parry Beach, you will drive past Parry Inlet on your left. To get to Parry Inlet, you will need a 4WD vehicle.
Greens Pool, Elephant Rocks, and Elephant Cove
A 15-minute drive from Parry Beach on the way to Denmark, Green Pool, Elephant Cove, and Elephant Rocks are among the top beaches around Denmark, and the must-see-to-believe places. Many visitors would put them among the top beaches in Australia.
White fine sand, crystal-clear water, and with rocks jutting from beneath the water almost completely block away the waves creating a pool of calm water perfect for swimming and children playing water sports. Most people who visit Greens Pool find it a beautiful and truly amazing piece of creation by nature.
Greens Pool, Elephant Rocks, and Elephant Cove are within the William Bay National Park at the eastern end.
Greens Pool is a popular snorkelling beach with many fish to be seen amongst the rocks.
Elephant Rocks and Elephant Cove are just 100m from Greens Pool. Elephant Rocks are rocks that look like a group of elephants, and that was how the place was named.
From Elephant Rocks, visitors can follow the staircase down between the rocks to Elephant Cove. Visitors are advised to be careful when swimming at Elephant Cove, as the waves can be larger as compared to Greens Pool.
Visually, Elephant Cove is stunningly beautiful when viewed from high atop the Elephant Rocks – white sand and clear blue water dotted with round-shaped rocks jutting out of the beach and water.
Click to see a video capturing the amazing Greens Pool with white fine sand, crystal-clear water, and rocks jutting from beneath the water almost completely blocking away the waves.
Madfish Bay
A 5-minute drive from Greens Pool, Madfish Bay is a hidden gem. Shielded by a small island just 100m off the beach, the water was shallow and with very small waves at the beach extending out to the island. During my visit, I have seen visitors, including young kids, enjoying their walk in the shallow water from the beach to the island. This truly brings the beach walk experience to another level.
Waterfall Beach
Just 500 m from Madfish Bay, Waterfall Beach is true to its name. The small 1m tall waterfall by the beach comes out of bushland forming a small stream on the beach flowing into the ocean. The water was refreshing. It was such an interesting surprise.
Click to see a video of the waterfall which forms a small stream flowing into the ocean at Waterfall Beach.
Ocean Beach and Wilson Inlet
A 25-minute drive from Waterfall Beach, Ocean Beach is a surfing beach. Ocean Beach is where Wilson Inlet flows out into the ocean. When the water level in the inlet is low, beach walkers walk from Ocean Beach to Wilson Inlet or across to the beach on the other side of the inlet – Nullaki Peninsula.
Ocean Beach is about 500 m long up to Wilson Inlet entrance. When the Wilson entrance is closed, the beach will extend well beyond 500 m.
Many beach walkers walk their dogs here.
Ocean Beach is a must-visit sight around Denmark, the perfect place to relax and take in the cool fresh ocean air. Ocean Beach Lookout and Lion Lookout are 2 fantastic lookouts to appreciate the stunning beauty of Ocean Beach ad Wilson Inlet.
Although Ocean Beach is a surf beach, visitors will enjoy swimming, beach walking, kayaking, and other sea sports. Or visitors can just chill out and sunbathe at the beach.
Click for stunning views of Ocean Beach, which is about 500 m long up to Wilson Inlet entrance. When the Wilson entrance is closed, the beach will extend well beyond 500 m.
Fed by Denmark River and Hay River, Wilson Inlet is 14 km long from east to west and 4 km long from north to south. There are many scenic spots around Wilson Inlet for visitors to explore, including Prawn Rock Channel which is close to Wilson Inlet’s exit to the ocean, and Crusoe Beach.
Denmark town centre is located is less than 1 km north of Wilson Inlet. Denmark River flows through Denmark town.
Denmark
Denmark town centre is a 10-minute drive from Ocean Beach. Friendly, peaceful, and relaxed, the town centre is a wonderful rest stop where visitors can find restaurants and cafes, as well as grocery and retail shops all within short walks away. Denmark has a population of just under 3000.
Anvil Beach
A 30-minute drive from Denmark town on the way to Albany, Anvil Beach is a beautiful beach you may want to detour before heading to Albany.
Anvil Beach, on the Southern Ocean, is on the southern side of Nullaki Peninsula which is the southern boundary of the Wilson Inlet.
Anvil Beach has white fine sand and constant surf and is usually not crowded, thus providing a good rest stop for visitors to enjoy the fresh cool ocean breeze.
Shelly Beach and Cosy Corner Beach
Have more time and want to visit more beaches before heading to Albany? Then try Shelly Beach in West Cape Howe National Park and the nearby Cosy Corner Beach, which is just north of West Cape Howe National Park. Both beaches are accessible by 2WD vehicles.
Shelley Beach is a 40-minute drive from Anvil Beach, on the way to Albany. From Shelly Beach Lookout, visitors can enjoy magnificent views of Shelly Beach and West Cape Howe National Park, as well as Torbay Head, the most southern point of Western Australia.
A 15-minute drive north of Shelly Beach, you will find Cosy Corner Beach, another beautiful beach to enjoy amazing views of the Great Southern Ocean while having a picnic lunch. Cosy Corner Beach is generally sheltered and so is popular for swimming. Migo Island and Richards Island, just off the coast, are popular scuba diving locations.
Albany
From Cosy Corner Beach, Albany city is just a 25-minute drive away. Albany has a population of just over 38,000.
Beginning in 1826, Albany is the oldest permanently settled town in Western Australia, before Perth and Fremantle were settled. Albany is located around Mount Melville, Mount Clarence, and Mount Adelaide, and is surrounded by water – Shoal Bay in the south, Oyster Harbour in the east, and King George Sound in the southeast. Albany is surrounded by natural beauty – beaches, forests, waterways, bushlands, cliffs – Albany have them all.
Being a historical town and naturally beautiful, it is no wonder Albany is a popular holiday destination for many people living in Perth.
National ANZAC Centre
Opened on 1 November 2014 at the commemoration of the ANZAC Centenary celebrations in Albany, National Anzac Centre is located within the grounds of the heritage-listed Princess Royal Fortress. Australian and New Zealand convoy departed from Albany on 1 November 1914 in the First World War.
National ANZAC Centre uses compelling and emotive stories from the viewpoint of war-related individuals to allow its visitors to have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the impact of war.
Check out the National ANZAC Centre webpage to read more about National ANZAC Centre and the other attractions at Princess Royal Fortress.
Want to find out more about the historical Albany? Check out The Historical Albany webpage.
Middleton Beach
The 6 km-long Middleton Beach is one of the most popular beaches closest to Albany City centre. Sheltered by the islands and headlands of King George Sound, Middleton Beach has small waves and is ideal for swimming and snorkelling. There is a floating platform out in the bay for swimmers to jump into the water. The beach area is lined with pine trees and has picnic benches, a cafe, toilets and showers, and children’s playground facilities. This family-friendly beach is a perfect venue for a family picnic outing.
Emu Point
Emu Point is located around 8 km northeast of Albany City Centre. The south side of Emu Point has views of King George Sound and Middleton Beach. The north side of Emu Point is within Oyster Harbour and is well protected from big waves. The Oyster Harbour side of Emu Point is a great location for relaxing by the beach and swimming in the shallow, clear and calm water.
Emu Point is a lovely, family-friendly location. Emu Point café, with a water view, is a very popular venue for a coffee break or lunch.
Click to see a drone video footage of the Emu Point, Emu Point Beach, and Middleton Beach and Albany town centre can be seen further away.
Albany Windfarm
A 15-minute drive southwest of the Albany city centre and on the Torndirrup Peninsula, Albany Wind Farm has 18 turbines and produces around 75% of Albany’s electricity needs with clean, renewable energy.
This spectacular wind farm is one of the largest wind farms in Australia. The wind farm is open to the public and is free to visit every day of the year. There are Information panels about the wind farm for visitors to have a better understanding of how a wind turbine works. There are also sealed access pathways to allow visitors to get close to the wind turbines.
Torndirrup National Park
Torndirrup National Park is situated on the Torndirrup Peninsula which shelters Albany in the south from the Great Southern Ocean. Only a 15-minute drive from Albany, the park is home to a range of spectacular natural wonders including The Gap, Natural Bridge, and Blowholes, beautiful beaches, and dramatic coastlines and cliffs.
One of the most visited national parks in Western Australia, the drive through Torndirrup Peninsula offers visitors stunning and rugged southern coastlines and cliffs, and beautiful beaches.
The Gap
A 20-minute drive from Albany city or Albany Wind Farm, the Gap is on the south side of Torndirrup Peninsula. The Gap is a 24 m sheer cliff that dropped into the ocean, caused by waves of the Southern Ocean crashing against the granite rocks over hundreds of years.
To allow visitors to have a good view of the gap and the waves pounding on the granite rock below, a viewing platform was built right above the cliff gap. Take a good look at how the viewing platform steel support structure was attached to the granite rock.
Click to see close-up look from The Gap viewing platform of the waves crashing against the granite rocks down below.
Natural Bridge
Within metres of the Gap, Natural Bridge is a large granite rock that eroded gradually to form an archway that looks like a giant rock bridge. Like the Gap, this spectacular creation of nature took hundreds of years to form by the waves of the Southern Ocean.
Cable Beach
Within 1 km from The Gap and Natural Bridge, Cable Beach is known to see huge waves coming directly from the Southern Ocean. Cable Beach is accessible by a staircase and then a fairly long walk descending to the beach.
The Blowholes
A short 5-minute drive from Cable Beach, the blowholes are actually crack lines in the granite rocks where the waves force air out the top. You will hear loud noises and see huge water splashes as the waves blow sea water and air out through the splits in the rocks. On a day when the ocean swell is high, the blowholes make a very impressive loud noise.
Jimmy Newells Harbour
A short 5-minute drive from Blowholes on Newells Road, Jimmy Newells Harbour is a beautiful natural harbour that is a small inlet that provides a protected calm body of water that is ideal for swimming, paddling, and beach fishing. This is a lovely spot to relax, have a rest, and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Stony Hill Lookout
A short 5-minute drive from Jimmy Newells Harbour, Stony Hill lookout offers spectacular 360-degree views of Torndirrup National Park, as well as the Southern Ocean in the south, and in the north, Princess Royal Harbour, King George Sound, and Albany.
Salmon Holes
A short 5-minute drive from Stony Hill on Salmon Holes Road, Salmon Holes is located within Isthmus Bay of Torndirrup Peninsula. There is a winding stairway connecting from Salmon Holes lookout to the beach.
Why Salmon Holes? It was said Salmon Holes was named after the salmon that came here frequently and has made this place an excellent fishing beach location along the coast.
Salmon Holes is gorgeous for its curving white and wide sandy beach, crystal-clear water, and rocky outcroppings.
Misery Beach
A short 3-minute drive from Salmon Holes on the south side to the north side of Torndirrup Peninsula, Misery Beach is only about 200 m long small secluded north-facing beach with pristine white sand. The beach is sheltered in most weather conditions by Flinders Peninsula which extends out to the east from Torndirrup Peninsula, the waves are generally small and are therefore good for swimming, snorkelling, surfing & fishing.
Frenchman Bay Beach and Whalers Beach
A short 5-minute drive west of Misery Beach, Frenchman Bay Beach is on the north side of Torndirrup Peninsula, facing King George Sound in the north. The 1 km curved north-facing beach actually extends from Frenchman Bay Beach towards the west to Whalers Beach. Like Misery Beach, the beach is sheltered by Flinders Peninsula so the waters are calm with small waves. Frenchman Bay Beach and Whalers Beach are white sandy beaches good for swimming, snorkelling, or just relaxing while enjoying spectacular ocean views and cool ocean breeze.
Goode Beach
Just 500m west of Whalers Beach is Goode Beach. This is a long (more than 4 km) east-facing beach with beautiful white fine sand best for beach walking, and calm waters that is good for swimming. The headland just south of Goode Beach has many residential houses with great ocean views. Local residents are often seen walking their dogs on the beach.
Click to read Western Australia South West Edge Road Trip Part 1 – Perth to Gracetown.
Click to read Western Australia South West Edge Road Trip Part 4 – Albany to Esperance
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Western Australia Rainbow Coast stretches over 150 km from Walpole in the west, through Denmark, to Albany in the east.
Why called Rainbow Coast? It is because visitors see rainbows very often in the wetter months of Autumn, Winter, and Spring. Rainbows can appear in sunsets, sunrises, on a misty morning, and when there are rains out in the ocean.