Four things to know about this part of WA
- Denmark's river was named after a doctor. In 1829, explorer Thomas Braidwood Wilson named the Denmark River after his colleague Alexander Denmark. The name does not refer to the European country.
- Elephant Rocks takes its name from the shape of the granite. Seen from the right angle, the rounded rocks look like a group of elephants standing in the water.
- You can walk 40 metres above the forest floor. The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk reaches that height on a 600-metre elevated walkway near Walpole, between the two towns.
- Gloucester Tree was part of a fire lookout system. Selected for the role in 1947, the karri tree helped observers spot smoke above the forest. Its visitor lookout reopened at a height of 37 metres in June 2026.
On this page
Current access: check these before you go
William Bay National Park: Elephant Rocks' access path and beach are closed during construction that began on 27 July 2026. The lookout about 200 metres along the shared-use trail from the Elephant Rocks car park remains an alternative. Greens Pool generally remains accessible by alternative routes, but short full closures are possible. Weather and high tides can also affect access. Works are expected to finish in December 2026; this is a target, not a confirmed reopening date. Read the DBCA project update and signs on arrival.
Pemberton's climbing trees: Gloucester Tree reopened on 27 June 2026 with a new lookout at 37 metres. The Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree site is closed until 2 October 2026, with the grounds expected to reopen on 3 October. Climbing there is scheduled to remain closed until the end of November 2026. Diamond Tree is permanently closed to climbing. Recheck the climbing trees project update before travelling. An expected reopening date does not mean a site has reopened.
Denmark or Pemberton: where should you stay?
Choose Denmark for beaches, coastal scenery, wineries and a town with cafés and shops. Choose Pemberton for forest walks, waterfalls, a tram ride and quieter days among the karri trees. They are separate destinations, with Walpole and its tingle forests between them. Driving back and forth each day uses time you could spend outside.
For a first visit, split your nights between the two towns. Two nights in Pemberton and three in Denmark works well for the itinerary below. If you have only two nights, choose one base and save the other for another trip. Add Walpole if you want more time in the tingle forest.
These places are on Noongar Country. DBCA recognises Menang Traditional Owners at William Bay and Walpole-Nornalup, and Bibulmun/Piblemen Traditional Owners around the Pemberton parks. Follow local guidance, stay on marked paths and leave cultural places and natural objects undisturbed.
Getting there and getting around
A car makes this trip much easier. Beaches, forest walks, wineries and accommodation are spread out. For planning, allow roughly four hours from Perth to Pemberton, five hours from Perth to Denmark and two and a half hours between the towns, before stops. These are broad driving allowances; check your exact route and current road conditions.
The main route between Pemberton and Denmark uses South Western Highway towards Walpole, then South Coast Highway. Make this a transfer day and stop at the Valley of the Giants. A normal two-wheel-drive car is suitable for the main sealed roads. Forest detours may be gravel, and dune tracks need a different vehicle and experience.
Transwa runs coaches to the region. Check SW2 and SW3 for Pemberton, and GS3 for services linking Pemberton, Walpole, Denmark and Albany. Routes and days vary. Check the actual journey for your date, reserve your seat and arrange transport from your stop. Coaches do not provide a local shuttle to every beach or trailhead. Pemberton's tourist tram is a separate attraction.
Download maps before leaving town. Allow for slower forest roads, logging trucks and wildlife, especially around dawn and dusk. Fill up before a long detour and check the Main Roads Travel Map for disruptions.
When to visit
| Season | What to expect | How to plan |
|---|---|---|
| Summer, December to February | Beach weather, busy holiday periods and some very hot days | Book accommodation early. Keep a forest or town option for windy beach days and follow fire restrictions. |
| Autumn, March to May | Cooler walks and a good mix of coast, forest and food stops | Bring layers. Warm days do not guarantee warm sea water. |
| Winter, June to August | Rain, green forest and a better chance of flowing waterfalls | Pack waterproofs. Avoid forest outings in damaging winds and check for storm closures. |
| Spring, September to November | Wildflowers, walking weather and changeable conditions | Carry a rain layer and leave room to swap your beach and forest days. |
School holidays and long weekends can fill smaller accommodation properties and tours. Book your beds first, then build the days around the weather.
Denmark: Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks
Greens Pool is the main reason many people come to Denmark. Granite boulders break up the swell, with clear water and a curved beach behind them. It is more sheltered than the open coast, but strong currents can still occur, particularly towards the western end. Look at the water, read signs and supervise children closely. Do not assume a beach is patrolled.
Elephant Rocks is nearby, with rounded granite rising from the water. For now, use the open lookout described in the access update rather than planning a walk onto the closed beach. Do not cross barriers or try to reach it around the rocks. The photographs in this guide predate the current works.
William Bay National Park has no park entry fee. Parking can fill in busy periods. Take drinking water, lunch and sun protection, and take your rubbish away. Pet dogs and camping are not permitted. Accessible toilets are available, but toilets, lookouts and beach access are different things. The first 200 metres of the shared-use trail from Elephant Rocks car park provide an accessible lookout option. Do not assume the new Greens Pool viewing platform is already open or that the beach itself is step-free.
More to do around Denmark
Ocean Beach, Lights Beach and the inlet
Ocean Beach suits a surf-coast outing and views over the meeting of coast and inlet. Choose any swimming spot according to the conditions and local advice, and swim between flags when a patrol is operating. Nearby Prawn Rock Channel can suit a picnic or a short walk, but water levels and currents change. It is not a guaranteed calm swimming pool.
Lights Beach is a good choice for coastal scenery and a walk. Treat exposed rocks and surf with care. If the sea is rough, enjoy the coast from a safe lookout rather than looking for another place to enter the water.
Monkey Rock
The Monkey Rock Trail is a 2.2-kilometre return walk from the Lights Road car park. It is graded Class 4, with steep, rough sections and exposed rock near the top. Allow one to three hours according to your pace. Wear grippy shoes, avoid wet rock and keep away from unguarded edges. This is a proper short hike, not a gentle all-abilities stroll.
Town, scenic drives and lunch
Keep time for Denmark's town centre, riverfront, cafés and small shops. The 34-kilometre Scotsdale Tourist Drive links rural scenery and food and wine stops. Mount Shadforth offers another scenic drive through the hills. Pick a few places instead of trying to visit every cellar door. Opening days vary, so check ahead and book lunch at smaller venues. Arrange a designated driver or a tour if you plan to drink.
Valley of the Giants: stop between the towns
The Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk is near Walpole, not in Pemberton. It fits naturally into the drive between Pemberton and Denmark. The 600-metre metal walkway rises gradually to 40 metres above the ground, giving you a close view of the forest canopy. The structure moves gently as people walk on it, which can feel strange if heights bother you.
The walk has no steps and is designed for wheelchair and pram access. Contact the operator if you need to check a particular mobility device or assistance requirement. Allow about one to one and a half hours for the elevated walk, ground-level forest and a relaxed look around.
The Ancient Empire walk stays at ground level among the tingle trees. Of its 650 metres, the main 500-metre section is accessible; an additional 150-metre section has steps. You can visit the Ancient Empire and Discovery Centre free of charge without buying a Tree Top Walk ticket.
Normal Tree Top Walk hours are 9 am to 5 pm, with last entry at 4 pm. From 26 December to 26 January, closing is at 6 pm and last entry at 5 pm. It closes on Christmas Day and can close in hazardous weather. Individual visitors do not need to book in advance; tickets are available online or at the site. Groups should contact the operator. Check current admission and opening information before travelling. Bring a picnic or plan a meal elsewhere rather than relying on a full café service.
Pemberton: forest walks and the Gloucester Tree
You do not need to climb a tree to enjoy Pemberton. The forest is the main attraction, with tall straight trunks, changing light and short walks that leave plenty of time for a picnic.
At Gloucester Tree, the current visitor lookout is 37 metres high. The climb uses metal pegs in the trunk and is steep and exposed, with little room to pass other people. DBCA does not recommend it for children. Read the on-site rules, wear sturdy shoes and leave backpacks below. If the climb feels wrong for you, stay on the ground. There is no need to make it the test of a successful visit.
The 400-metre Dukes Walk offers a short forest loop at the site. Other walks can be longer or rougher, so choose from the current trail information. Park entry fees apply. Separate commercial aerial activities have their own bookings and charges.
Keep Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree out of your plan while the site is closed, and do not assume climbing resumes when the grounds reopen. Diamond Tree is a ground-level stop only; climbing is permanently closed.
Big Brook Dam and Beedelup Falls
Big Brook Dam is an easy place to spend an unhurried morning. The sealed walk around the water is about four kilometres long and is a useful option for prams and wheelchair users. Check whether the full distance and any gradients suit your group. Bring a picnic, or walk a shorter section and return the same way.
There is no entry fee. Swimming is possible at the designated beach area when conditions suit, but do not assume there is a lifeguard. Dogs are allowed on a lead on the paths and in picnic areas, but not on the beach. Camping is not allowed at the dam; Big Brook Arboretum is a separate place.
Beedelup Falls is at its most impressive after winter rain and in early spring. Water flow changes with the season. The shorter falls visit includes paths, steps and a suspension bridge. An accessible lookout option is available, but the whole walking route is not step-free. The longer Beedelup loop is about 4.5 kilometres and needs more time and effort than a quick waterfall stop.
The falls are in Greater Beedelup National Park, where entry fees apply and pet dogs are not permitted. Wear shoes with grip on wet paths and bridges. Treat the photograph below as an example of winter flow, not a promise of what you will see.
The tram, scenic drives and longer outings
The Pemberton Tramway runs a return forest excursion of about 75 minutes, including a stop at the Cascades. This is a tourist tram ride, not a passenger rail link from Perth. Check the booking calendar for departure days, prices and availability. Reserve a place in busy periods, and ask the operator about boarding if you use a mobility aid.
The Karri Forest Explorer connects several forest attractions. Choose a few stops and follow a current map. Some sections are unsealed. Check rental conditions, road closures and towing restrictions before taking a forest detour. Older route descriptions can still show tree-climbing information that has changed, so use the dated DBCA access notices above.
Warren National Park adds old-growth karri forest and river scenery. Its 10.5-kilometre Warren River Loop is a longer walk, not a quick riverside stroll. For a short visit, ask for an appropriate signed route and check access to the river and picnic areas.
The Yeagarup dunes in D'Entrecasteaux National Park are a separate outing for properly equipped four-wheel-drive vehicles and experienced sand drivers. Trailers and caravans are not permitted on the dunes, beach or associated tracks. If you are unfamiliar with sand driving, choose a guided tour. An ordinary hire car should stay off the dune tracks.
Entry fees, tickets and bookings
These prices were checked on 23 September 2026. Check the linked official pages again before paying.
| Visit | Current charge | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| William Bay National Park | Free park entry | Construction restrictions still apply. |
| Big Brook Dam | Free entry | Camping is not permitted at the dam. |
| Walpole-Nornalup National Park, Ancient Empire and Discovery Centre | Free entry | The elevated Tree Top Walk is charged separately. |
| Gloucester, Greater Beedelup, Warren and D'Entrecasteaux national parks | A$17 per standard private vehicle with up to 12 occupants; A$10 eligible concession | A valid park pass can cover entry. Keep your day ticket for other fee-charging parks visited in the same vehicle that day. |
| Tree Top Walk | Adult aged 16 and over A$21; eligible concession A$15.50; child aged 6 to 15 A$10.50 | Children aged 5 and under are free. Family ticket for two adults and two children aged 6 to 15: A$52.50. |
| Tramway, guided tours and commercial activities | Operator's current price | These are separate bookings and are not covered by a national park pass. |
One park entry payment can cover more than one fee-charging park on the same day under the DBCA day-entry rules. Camping costs extra. A WA park pass does not pay for the Tree Top Walk, the tram or private tours.
Book accommodation early for holiday dates. Check the tram timetable before assigning it a day. For the Tree Top Walk, advance booking is optional for individual visitors. Campsites that require reservations should be booked through the current official listing, not an old travel blog.
Where to stay and camp
| Base | Best suited to | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark town | Walking to cafés and shops, easy access to everyday supplies | A drive to the main beaches |
| Ocean Beach or the William Bay area | More time on the coast | Many meals and errands still need a car |
| Scotsdale or Mount Shadforth | Rural stays, food and wine outings | Check the distance to town and evening meals |
| Pemberton town | Tram departures, forest day trips and local services | Most forest attractions still require a drive |
| Karri Valley and the Beedelup area | A quieter forest stay near the falls | Longer drives for some meals and other attractions |
| Walpole | Extra time around the tingle forests | An additional accommodation move |
Check whether your accommodation has heating, cooking facilities, laundry and reliable access for your vehicle. These details matter more than a long list of room features on a wet family trip.
For forest camping, Warren Campground and Draftys Campground require advance bookings. Check site dimensions, vehicle suitability, facilities and current fire restrictions. Camping fees are separate from park entry. Do not plan to camp at Greens Pool, Elephant Rocks or Big Brook Dam. Use an authorised campsite or accommodation property.
A five-night road trip from Perth
Day 1: Perth to Pemberton. Drive down with breaks and settle in for two nights. If you arrive with time and daylight to spare, take a short walk at Big Brook Dam. Keep the evening simple.
Day 2: Pemberton's forest. Visit Gloucester Tree for the ground-level forest walk or, if suitable and open, the climb. Add Beedelup Falls and a picnic. If the tram is a priority, book its actual departure first and shorten the driving plan to fit.
Day 3: Pemberton to Denmark via Walpole. Check out, drive towards Walpole and visit the Tree Top Walk and Ancient Empire. Leave time for lunch and the onward drive. Spend the next three nights in Denmark.
Day 4: William Bay. Visit Greens Pool if access and conditions allow. Use the open Elephant Rocks lookout while the beach is closed. Keep the afternoon flexible for a coastal walk or a quiet return to town.
Day 5: Denmark at your own pace. Choose Monkey Rock if the trail suits your group and the weather is dry. Otherwise, take a gentler coastal or town outing. Add a booked lunch and a few stops along Scotsdale Tourist Drive.
Day 6: Return to Perth or continue towards Albany. Leave time for the full journey. Avoid adding a long forest detour just before the drive home.
Swap the outdoor days around for the weather and access notices. With less time, choose two nights in one town rather than trying to fit this whole route into a weekend.
Visiting with children, mobility needs or a dog
For children, shorter walks, picnics and the tram usually work better than several long drives in one day. Big Brook Dam, the Ancient Empire's accessible section and the Tree Top Walk offer different ways to enjoy the forest. Check heights, water conditions and walk distances for your own group. Gloucester Tree's climb is not recommended for children.
For step-free options, start with the Tree Top Walk, the main 500 metres of Ancient Empire, Big Brook Dam's sealed path and the accessible viewpoint at Beedelup. At William Bay, check the current construction arrangements before relying on a particular route. An accessible toilet or car park does not guarantee access to the sand, the full trail or every viewpoint. Contact the attraction or visitor centre if you need precise gradients, surface information or transfer assistance.
Pet dogs are not permitted in the national parks covered here or at the Tree Top Walk. Big Brook Dam allows dogs on a lead away from its beach. Check accommodation rules and arrange proper care for a dog during park visits. Do not leave an animal waiting in a hot vehicle. Assistance-animal access should be checked directly where needed.
A few practical habits
Carry water, sun protection, a rain layer and shoes with grip. Use boot-cleaning stations to help limit the spread of dieback. Stay on marked tracks and obey closures, even when an older guide describes a route as open.
Check park alerts, the road map and Emergency WA before a remote outing. Mobile reception can be patchy in forest areas. Save your route offline and tell someone where you are going for a longer walk. Call 000 in an emergency when a connection is available.
Common questions
Can I visit both towns on a day trip from Perth?
The driving would take most of the day. Stay overnight in the region. For a short trip, choose Denmark or Pemberton rather than both.
Is the Tree Top Walk in Pemberton?
No. It is near Walpole, between Pemberton and Denmark. Visit it on your transfer day or stay around Walpole if the tingle forest is a priority.
Do I need a four-wheel drive?
Not for the main sealed-road itinerary. Check each forest detour separately. Yeagarup's dune tracks require a suitable four-wheel drive and sand-driving experience.
Can I climb Gloucester Tree or Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree?
Gloucester Tree reopened with a 37-metre lookout in June 2026, subject to current operating conditions. Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree has separate site and climbing closures in September 2026. Use the dated access notes and the DBCA project page before setting out.
Can I visit the forest without paying for the Tree Top Walk?
Yes. Ancient Empire and the Discovery Centre are free. Big Brook Dam is also free. Entry fees apply to several other national parks around Pemberton.
What works on a rainy day?
Try a relaxed meal, a town visit or a cellar door that is open. A light shower can suit a short forest walk with suitable clothing. Strong winds, lightning or official closures are reasons to change the plan.
Useful official links
- Denmark visitor information
- Pemberton Visitor Centre
- DBCA park alerts
- William Bay construction updates
- Pemberton climbing tree updates
- Tree Top Walk admission
- National park entry fees
- Transwa timetables and bookings
Opening hours, prices, transport and access can change. Recheck the official pages close to your visit, particularly the construction and climbing-tree notices.