William Bay National Park Park

Address: William Bay National Park, near Denmark, Western Australia

Website: https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/william-bay

Hours: Open daily (parkland access unrestricted)

Admission: Free entry (national park)

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.

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.

• 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.