William Bay National Park

Park Coastal national park with beaches and granite outcrops

A coastal reserve near Denmark, Western Australia, known for granite outcrops like Elephant Rocks and sheltered swimming at Green’s Pool; visitors swim, snorkel and walk coastal trails.

Main image

William Bay National Park is a coastal reserve in Western Australia known for its granite shoreline, sheltered bays and beachland vegetation. It protects striking rock formations and several popular swimming beaches.

Greens Pool, a sheltered swimming area surrounded by rounded granite boulders, and Elephant Rocks, a group of large pink granite boulders forming natural bays and viewpoints. The park also contains Madfish Bay and Waterfall Beach, offering short coastal walks and rock-pool exploration.

The park conserves coastal heath, dune and granite headland environments and has been managed for recreation and conservation since its establishment as a protected area. Facilities are concentrated near the main car parks and lookouts to limit impacts on sensitive coastal habitats.

William Bay lies on Western Australia’s south coast in the Great Southern region, with the nearest service towns including Denmark and Albany; access is via sealed local roads and short walking tracks to the main viewpoints and beaches.

  • Main attractions: Contains two of the park's signature granite coastal formations - Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks - both within a short walk from car parks and viewpoints.
  • Swimming: Calm conditions and sheltered water at Greens Pool make it suitable for swimming and snorkeling in summer months; the area is popular for day visits from nearby towns.

What to See #

  • Greens Pool: A sheltered granite bay with calm, clear water, white sand and large rounded boulders that create a natural swimming pool favored for family swimming.
  • Elephant Rocks: A cluster of massive pink granite boulders on the shoreline that form natural arches and bays; popular for photography and short walks between lookout points.
  • Madfish Bay and Waterfall Beach: A scenic coastal beach and rock platform area used for swimming, picnics and coastal walks, with tidal rock pools and sand dunes nearby.
William Bay National Park
William Bay National Park, near Denmark, Western Australia
-35.0160, 117.1549
Open daily (parkland access unrestricted)
Free entry (national park)

How to Get to William Bay National Park #

The park is roughly 12-15 km by road east of Denmark town. Drive from the South Coast Highway (via Kent Street/Strickland Street through Denmark) and follow signs to the William Bay picnic areas. There is parking at Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks.

Tips for Visiting William Bay National Park #

  • Visit early morning at Greens Pool to see the water at its stillest and with fewer people.
  • Walk the short circuit to Elephant Rocks for the best photographic angles - the formations are easier to appreciate from the stone causeways.
  • Combine with a drive around Denmark town (about 12-15 km away) for cafés and local supplies.

Best Time to Visit William Bay National Park #

William Bay National Park is best enjoyed in the Australian summer for swimming and in shoulder seasons for quieter coastal walks. The park contains Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks, well-known local highlights.

Summer (December-February)
Dec-Feb · 18-28°C
Warm sea temperatures for swimming in sheltered inlets; expect more visitors on long weekends.
Autumn-Spring (March-May, Sep-Nov)
Mar-May; Sep-Nov · 12-22°C
Comfortable walking weather and fewer crowds; good for coastal photography and wildlife watching.

Weather & Climate near William Bay National Park #

Climate

William Bay National Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 8°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1031 mm/year), wettest in July.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
25°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 25°

Weather

27 mm
Rainfall
6.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy

February

February is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 26 mm and breezy conditions.

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
14° 25°

Weather

26 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy

March

March is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 24°

Weather

39 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 22°

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (134 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 19°

Weather

134 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

145 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (167 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

167 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

144 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 21°

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°

Weather

27 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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