Hike at a Glance

Australia > Western Australia > Western Australia's South West

Quick overview: Immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of Western Australia on the 54.5km Denmark-Nornalup Hiking Trail. Starting from the tranquil town of Denmark and ending at Nornalup, this Grade 4 trail offers a challenging yet rewarding journey through coastal, forest, and farmland sceneries. Highlights along the way include four original timber rail bridges and a profusion of wildflowers in spring. Just a 415km drive from the capital, this trail offers a perfect escape for bushwalkers seeking the unique beauty of regional Western Australia.

Length:

54.5km

Duration:

4 days

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Start: Denmark

End: Nornalup

Regional Western Australia

Western Australia

Nearby town: Denmark

From state capital: 415km

Latitude: -35.00774889936105

Longitude: 116.8290424346924

8 Reviews

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Essential information

This hike is classified as Grade 4 (Hard) primarily due to its distance exceeding 20km. The terrain itself is relatively easy and suitable for most abilities. However, the long distance requires a good level of fitness and preparation. Feel free to turn back at any point for a shorter adventure.

Hike overview

The trail is currently in three sections: -

A variety of coastal, forest, farmland and coast heathland views
There are three sections of this trail currently open, Wilsons Inlet to Denmark, Denmark to Parker Rd, and Peaceful Bay Rd at Bow Bridge to Nornalup.
There are four original timber rail bridges in use on the trail.
As with many Western Australian rail trails, wild flowers abound in spring.
The Torbay to Elleker Rail Trail is 20km east of Denmark. This trail is part of the same old railway corridor.

Denmark River mouth on Inlet Drive is the trail hub and accessed adjacent to the Denmark Caravan Park at the southern end of Hollings Rd. It is where the Denmark River flows into the Wilson Inlet, and this is where the Bibbulmun track, the Denmark to Nornalup Heritage Trail, the Wilson Inlet Heritage Trail, the Mokare Trail and still other Denmark walk trails meet and intersect.

Wilson inlet has an area of about 48 square kilometres. A sand bar forms at the mouth of the inlet meaning that for much of the year the inlet is isolated from the sea.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Practical information

Denmark to Nornalup in Regional Western Australia

415km south of Perth

Compacted earth, Coarse gravel, Fine gravel

Flat and undulating

Photo credit: Rail Trails Australia. For more information and a location map please visit RailTrails Australia.

Walk map and GPX file
Denmark to Nornalup Rail Trail Walk (54.5km)

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Explore safely

Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Leave a trip plan

Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.

Planning checklists

Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Regional Western Australia.

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Accommodation nearby

Find Accommodation

Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.

Nearby towns: Albany, Broome, Bunbury, Carnarvon, Denmark, Esperance, Geraldton, Kalgoolie, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Kununurra, Leonora, Manjimup, Merredin, Mount Barker, Narrogin, Newman, Port Hedland

About the region

A Wander out Yonder in WA will make you feel like you've truly reset, reconnected and had a real holiday. WA is full of adventures waiting to be discovered. Travel further, stay for longer and explore the wonders only WA can offer. Share the water with wild dolphins, or see the gorges of Kalbarri from a new perspective - in WA there's more in store than you could ever see.

Gallery

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Suggest an edit

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Suggested edit

Trail statusThis trail is OPEN.This trail is permanently CLOSED.Please only report permanent closures and provide evidence in the edit box below.

Trail Features (select all that apply)Aboriginal ArtAlpine HutsAlpine RegionBeach & CoastalBicycle TrailConcrete PathDog FriendlyDrinking WaterExposed LedgesFishing SpotsGoldfields & MiningGorgesGravel PathHeritageHorse RidingLakesLighthouseManual WheelchairMotorised WheelchairMountain Bike TrailOff TrailOvernight CampsitesPrams & StrollersRail TrailRainforestRiver CrossingsRiversRock ScramblingRough TrailSandy TrailScenic ViewpointsSteep TerrainSwimming SpotsTimber BoardwalkTrail RunningUndefined TrailUntreated WaterUrbanWaterfallsWell Marked Trail

Access Conditions (select all that apply)2WD Access4WD AccessAccessible ParkingAccessible ToiletBBQ FacilitiesBitumen RoadCampfire PitCamping AreaDrinking WaterEntry FeeGravel RoadLarge Car ParkPicnic ShelterPicnic TablePublic ToiletsPublic TransportSmall Car ParkSpeed BumpsSteep RoadUntreated WaterVehicle FordWinding Road

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Reviews
Denmark to Nornalup Rail Trail Walk (54.5km)

8 Reviews on “Denmark to Nornalup Rail Trail Walk (54.5km)”

Overall rating

Mark Stafford

Ben Stafford, Jesse Stafford…?

24/03/2022, 05:23

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Matthew Kievel

Jake Dominiak Ash Benson Gus Granger Jye Rae

24/03/2022, 05:23

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Anne Xavier

Greg – flat and undulating

24/03/2022, 05:23

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Acknowledgement of Country

Denmark to nornalup rail trail walk (54. 5km) trail hiking australia

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Essential information

Hike overview

Track grade

Practical information

Walk map and GPX file
Denmark to Nornalup Rail Trail Walk (54.5km)

Denmark to Nornalup Rail Trail Walk (54.5km)

Explore safely

Leave a trip plan

Planning checklists

Getting there

Accommodation nearby

About the region

Gallery

Similar walks nearby

Deep River Loop Walk (4.2km)

Shedley Drive Loop Hike (8km)

Mount Frankland Summit Trail Walk (1.2km)

Mount Frankland Walk (1.5km)

Suggest an edit

Reviews
Denmark to Nornalup Rail Trail Walk (54.5km)

Denmark to Nornalup Rail Trail Walk (54.5km)

8 Reviews on “Denmark to Nornalup Rail Trail Walk (54.5km)”

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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