Nestled on the banks of the Denmark River, this coastal, forested town encapsulates the natural beauty and restful spirit of the Great Southern region. The pace here is slow: no traffic lights, no rush hour and no need to jostle for a carpark. Once a timber-milling town, Denmark’s focus these days is on conserving the old growth forests and promoting its wealth of eco assets. Wander between the cosy cafes, eclectic shops and interesting boutiques plus community markets offering a bounty of fresh local produce.
EAT
Pepper and Salt Restaurant
The locals will tell you this is one of the best fine dining spots in the region. Run by renowned regional chef Silas Masih, the restaurant is located at Forest Hill Winery, meaning you can taste and choose wines before heading upstairs to eat. Masih brings his Fijian-Indian heritage into his food with elegant, seasonal dishes like fried chickpea palau (a Fijian rice dish) or pandan and prawn curry. Linger by the large open fire and take in the expansive views.
Cnr Myers Road and South Coast Highway, Denmark
(08) 9848 3953
pepperandsalt.com.au
Ajar on Shadforth
With vast views over the hinterland and Wilson Inlet, you may find it hard to focus on anything else here. The large dining room is flanked by floor to ceiling windows, so there’s a view from every table (but we suggest requesting a spot closest to the beautiful vistas). When your eyes do meet your plate, you might find giant tiger prawns; gnocchi with slow-cooked duck ragu; Wagyu or kangaroo sirloin; or cumin-spiced roast cauliflower with house-made labneh. The restaurant is BYO-only ($5 per head), so take that as a green light to pick up an extra bottle or two from the region’s cellar doors, or from the bottle shop attached to The Denmark Tavern.
427 Mt Shadforth Road, Denmark
(08) 9848 1756
ajarrestaurant.com.au
Denmark Good Food Factory
If you’re after something a bit more casual, this deli and diner on a picturesque rural property in William Bay makes the biggest and best burgers for miles. Plus you can sample Elephant Rock Cider (made with 100 per cent WA fruit), The Toffee Factory confectionery, sauces and preserves (think smoky chipotle, chilli onion jam, pasta sauce, chilli salt rub, jams and relishes) and more. It’s situated 15 minutes from town and they’re open seven days a week.
2927 South Coast Highway, William Bay
(08) 9848 9900
denmarkgoodfoodfactory.com.au
DRINK
Silverstream Wines
Wine-lovers are spoiled for choice with dozens of wineries in the area. And if you take a drive along the tree-lined tourist route of Scotsdale Road, you’ll find many of them just a few kilometres from each other – including Rockcliffe, Rickety Gate Estate, Estate 807, Harewood Estate and Ducketts Mill, to name a few. All offer wine tastings and warm hospitality. If you can only pick one, indulge in the wine flight at Silverstream Winery. This leisurely experience includes four generous wine tastings accompanied by a cheese platter and hosted by a member of the winery team. This is a great chance to boost your knowledge of the winemaking process. The sessions last 40 minutes and bookings are recommended (but not essential).
240 Scotsdale Road, Denmark
(08) 9848 2767
silverstreamwines.com
Boston Brewery Co
If you’re looking for an alternative to wine, head to Boston Brewery. This brewpub is a favourite spot for locals and tourists and can accommodate large crowds. Grab an outdoor table on the sprawling lawns, a barstool on the deck, or a booth inside by the large open fire. You can order a bee- tasting rack and choose from more than a dozen locally made craft beers. Then grab a take-home pack for later. The kitchen serves up a selection of wood-fired pizzas, alongside burgers, lamb shanks, a lentil and cauliflower curry, and Boston Beer-battered fish’n’chips, if you plan to linger.
678 South Coast Highway, Denmark
(08) 9848 1555
bostonbrewing.com.au
Ravens Coffee Roasters
This is the most popular coffee spot in Denmark. Located opposite the river in the town centre, you’re likely to find it filled with locals grabbing their morning brew. Owner Nick Raven roasts his own specialty-grade coffee beans using a small batch five-kilogram roaster on the shop floor, so you can watch the action while you wait for your order. The shop also serves cuisine-crossing breakfasts and lunches with a focus on raw and plant-based foods (including pad Thai and pasta made with zucchini noodles), plus laksa and haloumi masala curry.
1/7 South Coast Highway, Denmark
(08) 9848 1163
ravenscoffee.com
Denmark Heritage Cider Company
Since their first harvest in 2013, husband-and-wife team Stuart and Thitikarn Douglass, have grown all their own apples on their Long Orchard Farm (not the usual sweet, juicy eating variety, but traditional cider apples) to make apple cider vinegar, scrumpy (a rough, sometimes pulpy type of cider) and regular apple cider. In 2021 they introduced an eight per cent ABV pet-nat cider – the only WA-made pét-nat cider on the market. The Scotsdale farm is also home to their cellar door – The Cider Shed – where you can stop in to sample the range with a guided tasting led by the Douglass’s.
218 Glenrowan Road, Scotsdale
0407 232 649
realcider.net
DO
Valley of the Giants
You can’t visit Denmark without taking the 40-minute drive to this internationally recognised attraction. Do the Tree Top Walk, which gives you a bird’s-eye view of the canopy of the towering ancient giants. (Editor’s note: it’s temporarily closed for maintenance.) The 600-metre walkway is positioned 40 metres above the ground and fully accessible to those of all abilities and ages. Down on the forest floor is the Ancient Empire Walk, where a trail meanders through the valley filled with 400-year-old red tingle trees. There’s also a Discovery Centre and a gift shop. Take your time and plan a day trip.
Valley of the Giants Road, Tingledale
(08) 9849 8263
treetopwalk.com.au
Denmark Thrills
Take a roll down the world’s longest Globeriding track – the only one of its kind in Australia. Your ride in a giant bubble will last about 15 minutes and takes you down a 600-metre track with five corners designed to make you squeal. You even get the use of a free Go-pro to record the ride. Bookings are essential and the tour only operates during the spring and summer months.
380 Mt Shadforth Road, Denmark
0434 070 434
denmarkthrills.com.au
STAY
Parry Beach Breaks
Grab a few friends and lap up the luxury in one of these stylish, secluded beach houses – a 25-minute drive from Denmark and perched high on a hill with sweeping views of the Southern Ocean and William Bay National Park. Each of the four self-contained houses sleeps six guests and is designed to soak in the stunning vistas.
88 Astartea Glade, Parryville
0426 788 060
parrybeachbreaks.com.au
Aiyana Retreat
Nestled among the bush close to the town centre, these four villas have natural light pouring in from the stained-glass windows and bush views from every room. Each of the self-contained houses is fitted out with beautifully crafted timber features and polished floorboards – even the beds are custom-made from local jarrah. Don’t leave without getting a massage at the on-site massage centre.
22 Anning Road, Denmark
(08) 9848 3258
aiyanaretreat.com.au
Chimes Spa Retreat
Located just a few kilometres from town at the top of Mount Shadforth, this property offers adults-only accommodation. With 10 suites and a choice of garden or ocean views, it’s an ideal spot to start exploring the surrounding wineries. Hit the double jacuzzi or sprawl out on the king-sized bed and take in the views. If you need even more encouragement to relax, you can indulge in a beauty treatment at the retreat’s day spa.
467 Mt Shadforth Road, Denmark
(08) 9848 2255
chimes.com.au
