The hidden gem that is Elephant Rocks: Breathtaking coastal hideaway near Perth boasts Australia’s ‘most inviting’ natural swimming pools
Tucked away on Western Australia’s southwest coast is one of the country’s finest ‘hidden gems’ – and it has to be seen to be believed.
Elephant Rocks, four to five hours south of Perth in Denmark, boasts what many call ‘nature’s most inviting natural pools’, and they’re not wrong about that.
Elephant Rocks is one of many beautiful natural attractions in William Bay National Park, named after British polar explorer Sir William Edward Parry.
The name comes from the huge round boulders that resemble a herd of elephants playing in the shimmering water.
The granite domes are scattered along the Great Southern Ocean and surrounded by emerald green waters.
Tucked away on Western Australia’s southwest coast is one of the country’s finest ‘hidden gems’ – and it has to be seen to be believed
Elephant Rocks, four to five hours south of Perth in Denmark, boasts what many call “nature’s most inviting natural pools,” and they’re not wrong
Once travelers follow a path from William Bay Road, there are two ways to reach Elephant Rocks: the one on the right leads to a scenic view from above. The left side leads to a short flight of stairs leading to Elephant Cove.
Visitors can then descend the stairs and step between two towering rocks onto the beach, which looks straight out of a postcard.
Travelers are then encouraged to climb through the ancient rocks and wander and bathe in the pristine waters.
They can then take a short walk to the breathtaking Greens Pool, a picturesque spot for excellent swimming and snorkeling.
Elephant Rocks is one of many beautiful natural attractions in William Bay National Park, named after British Arctic explorer and navigator Sir William Edward Parry
The scenic walk along the beautiful coastline rewards visitors with views of Madfish Bay, Waterfall Beach and an abundance of wildflowers in bloom in spring and summer.
The pool was recently voted 4th in the Top 10 Beaches in the South Pacific by Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards.
‘Such a beautiful place. I could definitely see the resemblance to the elephants in the rocks. It’s a beautiful walk down, you will encounter the most beautiful views and you can also climb down and walk between the huge boulders to swim in these amazing waters,” said one traveler.
‘This is nature at its best, beautiful and the walk was worth it. The rocks are big and the sea blue and beautiful. Not even the wind could dampen the beauty. The nearby Green Pool is just as wonderful.’
The name comes from the huge round boulders that resemble a herd of elephants playing in the shimmering water
The nearby city of Denmark is known for its awe-inspiring beauty and offers a mild climate all year round.
Australia’s South West Chief Executive Officer, Catrin Allsop, said travelers’ increasing desire to experience something of the “mundane or easily accessible” has driven more visitors to the region in recent months.
“Being a small town tucked away in a remote corner of the Great Southern, its appeal to explore has led to strong visits to places like Denmark, which promise spectacular views, endless coastlines and monumental national parks,” she told FEMAIL.
‘While it’s fantastic to visit all year round, the region bursts with color in spring with blooms of wildflowers not found anywhere else in the world.’
The gigantic granite domes are uniquely positioned on the Great Southern Ocean and surrounded by gleaming white sand and a pristine, clear sea
Along the Denmark River, visitors can follow a heritage trail towards the estuary, passing the historic railway bridge and offering serene views of the river as it flows into the Wilson Inlet.
The cove is a haven for black swans. Denmark is known to the indigenous community as ‘Koorabup’, meaning ‘place of the black swan’.
It is also known as one of the nine largest “terrestrial” habitats in the world – a term that refers to an ecosystem (such as a rainforest) that occurs on land.
The pool was recently voted 4th in the Top 10 Beaches in the South Pacific by Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards
The nearby city of Denmark is known for its awe-inspiring beauty and offers a mild climate all year round
Teeming with wildlife and flowers, the area has become a mecca for nature lovers who want to immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world.
For those who want to stay in, there are popular options nearby Denmark Hotel, 31 on the terraceonly for adults Chimes Spa Retreat And The floating forest.
Dining options include The dam – a beautiful restaurant and distillery famous for its Mediterranean influence, The house on the lakewhich features a picturesque vineyard and is family-run Marron farm.
New businesses are also opening up Flame Trees Denmarka cozy little tapas style cocktail bar in the city but also local hidden gems like Single file wines with their premium wines and wine tasting in the cellar,” Ms Allsop said.