The Wilson Inlet, Denmark
The Wilson Inlet is a special place
The Wilson Inlet is fed from the Denmark and Hay Rivers and is less than a kilometre south of town. Embraced by the Nullaki peninsula on the southern side, this majestic water is divided from the ocean by a sandbar which covers the opening much of the year. Denmark Town, about a kilometre up-river along the Denmark River is on the northern side of the inlet.
For walkers and bikers, the Heritage Rail Trail along the northern side of the Wilson Inlet offers incredible views of the inlet while surrouned by native forests.
The Wilson Inlet is over twenty kilometres long and covers an area of 2,263 sq. km. The quiet and peaceful Inlet has many places to sit and enjoy the view.
Home of the State Emblem
Known as Koorabup (Kwoorabup) "The Place of the Black Swan" by the Noongar, the Wilson Inlet is a haven for these majestic birds which are the Icon (on the flag>>) of Western Australia.
The Sandbar and Digging the Channel
The sandbar, for most of the year, divides the inlet from the Southern Ocean, however (almost) every year a channel is dug to reduce the water level of the Inlet (which if left unchecked will flood roads and properties). More information on the sandbar and digging the inlet channel can be found below.
Not too deep
The Inlet has an average depth of 1.8 m below mean sea level, and a maximum depth of about 4 metres below mean sea level. The relatively shallow but expansive size of the Inlet makes it perfect for many species of fish to thrive.
Tree-lined banks
The coastal plain has dense woodland, heath, Jarrah and swamp lands and many species of plants are native only to WA. The soils is made up of clays, gravel, silts and sand with approximately twenty species of mammals, numerous reptiles include tiger snakes and skinks living along the banks of the Wilson Inlet.
VIDEOS: Wilson Inlet, Denmark
Birds along the Inlet
The Wilson Inlet suports much birdlife, in fact 240 species of land, water and marine birds can be seen throughout the year. The Purple Crowned Lorikeet, Port Lincon Ringneck, Western Rosella, New Holland Honeyeater, Tawny Frogmouth, Silvereye and Red Capped Parrot all live here.
Find out more about the migratory and resident shorebirds of the Wilson Inlet from globalnature.org, who created this fantastic resource for bird-loving visitors to Denmark WA. The waterbird species that are regularly seen in this region throughout the year are the Australian Pelican, Little Black Cormorant and Little Pied Cormorant, Black Swan, Grey Teal, Australian Shoveller, Blue Billed Duck, Red-necked Avocet and Silver Gull.
Western Australian Pelican
Fishing on the Wilson Inlet
The Wilson Inlet is home to many species of fish. Sandy Sprat, Cobbler, Pink Snapper, Yellow-eye Mullet, Sea Mullet and Blue Mackerel all in the Inlet. For those who love to fish, this is one of the best locations in Denmark. Take a trip fishing on the Inlet, the Denmark River and Little River with Madfish Charters.
Madfish Charters
Madfish Charters is your ticket to exploring the spectacular waterways in Denmark WA.
Join John Taylor, an experienced local fishing guide, aboard the "Iona V" a recently launched and custom-made Charter Vessel for a memorable and unforgettable day out on Denmark's pristine inlet and river waterways. Access the Pristine South Coast Estuarine and River Environments (the Wilson Inlet and Denmark River) in the heart of Denmark, WA. Morning or afternoon family-friendly fishing tours (all equipment provided). Bird Watching and Eco Tours. River Cruises. ALL ages welcome. 7 Days a week. The Skipper (your captain) can take up to 5 additional passengers onboard. John has the local knowledge and extensive experience along the south coast to provide you and your family a sensational day out!
Boating
The Wilson Inlet is the perfect place to take a boat trip or paddle a kayak or canoe. It is so peaceful out on the inlet, it exudes a sense of calm.
Wilson Inlet Activities
Crusoe Beach, (above) on the northern side of the Inlet, is along the Denmark Heritage Rail Trail. This trail can be followed by foot or bike 6.5 kilometres to the mouth of the Denmark River. The trail hugs the northern side of the Wilson Inlet and leads to Crusoe Beach at the eastern end. Denmark is located a few kilometres up-river on the northern side of the Inlet.
Map of the Wilson Inlet and Surrounds
Wilson Inlet Map:
The Wilson Inlet is the heart of Denmark Western Australia. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below.
What's on the map? These are the locations plotted above:
In the heart of the Rainbow Coast on the north side of the Wilson Inlet along the beautiful Denmark River you will find the haven of Denmark Western Australia. Visit Denmark Town
This majestic Inlet is divided from the ocean by a sandbar which covers the opening much of the year. Visit The Wilson Inlet
Opening the Wilson Inlet Channel through Ocean Beach
The Wilson Inlet is periodically opened by digging a channel through Ocean Beach to the ocean. Ocean Beach Lookout is great for seeing the sand-bar opened or closed offering spectacular views of the Wilson Inlet and the Great Southern Ocean.
An OPEN Channel at Ocean Beach
When the channel is open, and the tide is HIGH, the ocean is flowing INTO the inlet, turning the waters a beautiful turquoise blue. At LOW tide, the Inlet is flowing into the Ocean, and the tannin-stained waters flowing out into the ocean are brown.
Rising Waters
The water level can peak at any time during winter. A big deluge and it can rise quickly and needs to be released... by digging a channel through Ocean Beach.
The Prawn Rock Channel curve (with a fence) is almost underwater in this photo, as the footpath is just becoming submurged. In mid-summer, the water is well below this high-water line.
Peak Water
The rivers keep on flowing, the rain keeps on coming, and the Inlet keeps on rising, and falling as channels are dug.
During an open-channel time, the ocean exchange is important to the ecosystems of the inlet. Getting fresh ocean water INTO the inlet injects new life into the Wilson.
Once in a while we get a BIG RAIN before the expected opening and things get a little... over-full. This is the carpark at the northern end of Prawn Rock Channel. As you can see, it's flooded and looks like part of the inlet!
Wison Inlet and Surrounds
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 offer spectacular views over the southern ocean. Visit Ocean Beach
In the heart of the Rainbow Coast on the north side of the Wilson Inlet along the beautiful Denmark River you will find the haven of Denmark Western Australia. Visit Denmark Town
This majestic Inlet is divided from the ocean by a sandbar which covers the opening much of the year. Visit The Wilson Inlet
This majestic Inlet is divided from the ocean by a sandbar which covers the opening much of the year. Visit The Wilson Inlet Map
Inspiring lookout and beach offering spectacular views of William Bay from the east. A favourite local beach. Visit Lights Beach
Today Denmark is a peaceful town of around 5000 people. The economy is sustained by a combination of tourism, farming, fishing and the arts. Visit Denmark History
Maps of Denmark WA
Map of the Denmark Western Australia Region including Denmark Town and National Parks. Visit Denmark Regional Map
Map of Beaches in Denmark Western Australia. Includes some of the most beautiful beaches on the south coast. Visit Denmark Beaches Map
Map of National Parks and Reserves near Denmark Western Australia. Visit Denmark National Parks Map
Map of Denmark Town and The Wilson Inlet and Surrounds. Visit Denmark and the Wilson Inlet Map
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
Map of William Bay National Park including Greens Pool & Elephant Cove Visit William Bay National Park Map
