National Parks
The Rainbow Coast is blessed with an abundance of National Parks. Ancient coastline and ancient forests, endless stretches of white sandy beaches, wilderness peaks and one of the most pristine places on earth.
One of the top six areas of in the world for terrestrial biodiversity, and one of the top ten for marine biodiversity. The National Parks of the Coast care for this uniqueness by protecting the habitat of the plants and animals.
Click here for a Map of the South Coast National Parks, or scroll down for National Park videos.
Tread lightly, breathe deeply & explore the National Parks...
William Bay National Park
Fifteen kilometres west of Denmark, William Bay National Park covers almost two thousand hectares and has some of the most spectacular coastline including Greens Pool, Elephant Rocks, Elephant Cove, Tower Hill, Waterfall Beach, Mazzoletti Beach. Wow!
William Bay National Park Visit Greens Pool, Elephant Rocks, Mazzoletti Beach, Tower Hill, Madfish Bay and Waterfall Beach! Visit William Bay National Park
William Bay National Park Map Map of William Bay National Park including Greens Pool & Elephant Cove Visit William Bay National Park Map
West Cape Howe National Park
West Cape Howe National Park
West Cape Howe National Park contains the most southern point in Western Australia, Torbay Head. Almost completely covered in heathland and forest and bearing the force of the Great Southern Ocean, this National Park is worth the visit.
West Cape Howe National Park Containing the southernmost point of Western Australia this national park is astounding. Visit West Cape Howe National Park
West Cape Howe National Park Map West Cape Howe Map of Attractions and Places to Visit Visit West Cape Howe National Park Map
Two Peoples Bay National Park
Two People's Bay Nature Reserve is a very welcoming place with much to see and explore. The visitors centre is well-kept and informative with a wonderful little gift shop packed with information on the area. Picnic tables and toilets are located a short walk from the car park. There is also access to the walking trails from here.
Two Peoples Bay NP Located approximately 25 kilometres north-east of Albany. Rediscovery of the presumed extinct noisy scrub-bird. Visit Two Peoples Bay NP
Two Peoples Bay NP Map Map of the attractions when visiting Two Peoples Bay NP. Visit Two Peoples Bay NP Map
Torndirrup National Park
Torndirrup National Park covers almost four thousand hectares and is home to the famous 'Gap' and 'Natural Bridge' rock formations (below) which have formed over thousands of years. These granite outcroppings have been slowly worn away by the Great Southern Ocean.
Torndirrup National Park Including The Gap, Natural Bridge, The Blowholes, Jimmy Newells Harbour, Stony Hill, Cable Beach & Stony Hill. Visit Torndirrup National Park
Torndirrup National Park Map Map of the attractions of Torndirrup National Park and Surrounds. Visit Torndirrup National Park Map
Gull Rock National Park
Home to the Mount Martin Botanic Park, take a walk through the bushland to the peak of Mount Martin (152mtr) and get an incredible view of Middlteon Beach, Emu Point and Mount Adelaide in Albany City.
Gull Rock National Park 25k east of Albany, Gull Rock National Park is a reserve for many endangered animals, trees and birds. Visit Gull Rock National Park
Gull Rock National Park Map Map of attractions when visiting Gull Rock National Park Visit Gull Rock National Park Map
Walpole-Nornalup National Park
The Walpole - Nornalup National Park is expansive, covering over twenty thousand hectares of the Walpole Wilderness Area. The little town of Walpole sits nestled in the centre on the northern side of the Walpole Inlet in the heart of the National Park.
Walpole-Nornalup National Park Expansive covering over twenty thousand hectares of the Walpole Wilderness Area. Visit Walpole-Nornalup National Park
Walpole-Nornalup National Park Map Map of the Walpole-Nornalup National Park Visit Walpole-Nornalup National Park Map
Mount Frankland National Park
Mount Frankland is spectacular. The hike is unique. Starting at the feet of massive karri trees you wind up and through towards the top of the towering canopy. It is a short, yet relatively steep, well paved path onto Mt Frankland. This path will take you half way to the summit.
Mount Frankland Starting in the karri trees you wind up and through towards the summit of Mt Frankland way above the tree top canopy. Visit Mount Frankland
Mount Frankland National Park Map Mount Frankland National Park Map including Rockwood Trail and Fernhook Falls Visit Mount Frankland National Park Map
National Park Videos
Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk & The Ancient Empires Walk
at the Walpole Wilderness Discovery Centre, the coast's most famous trees...
Ancient Empires Walk The Ancient Empires Walk takes you through the forest at the base of the Giant Tingle Trees at the Treetop Walk. Visit Ancient Empires Walk
Valley of the Giants 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
Valley of the Giants Map Map to the Valley of the Giants Treetop Walk and the Ancient Empires Walk & Wilderness Discovery Centre Visit Valley of the Giants Map
Official National Park Information:
Our National Parks are our lifeline. Diversity requires protection and conservation. When visiting the National Parks you will find opportunities to give back to the land and support it's caretakers. Please give generously, remember you are contributing to the support of an internationally recognised area of bio diversity in Australia.*
The Department of Parks and Wildlife are the stewards of these lands. All official information can be found here: https://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au
Our Joint Responsibility:
- Dieback is not to be ignored. Be responsible. This fungal disease is deadly to many of our beloved native trees. Learn about what you can do to protect the forests.
- King Waves / Swells Do not underestimate the power of the Great Southern Ocean. These waves frequently buffet this coastline and can be extremely dangerous. Always watch the Water.
Additional resources for visiting the south coast:
Seasons of the Coast You will find a Seasons Calendar with Wildflower and a Whales to help you plan your visit to the South Coast - The Rainbow Coast! Visit Seasons of the Coast
South Coast Beaches Map South Coast Beaches from west of Walpole to East of Albany all on one map! Visit South Coast Beaches Map
South Coast Weather The climate of the Rainbow Coast is considered to be "the best in the world," according to those who live here. Visit South Coast Weather
Rainbow Coast Regions:
Albany Region The Albany Region of Western Australia is a land of mountains and waterways. An amazing region to explore. Visit Albany Region
Denmark Region The Denmark Region is gorgeous. Trees, hills, beaches, rocks, wildlife around the river and the inlet. Visit Denmark Region
Walpole Region Walpole is the western end of the Rainbow Coast and is surrounded by National Park and forested wilderness. Visit Walpole Region
Main Attractions on the Coast:
Ocean Beach 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.. Visit Ocean Beach
Greens Pool Almost completely sheltered from the waves of the Great Southern Ocean, Greens Pool is a paradise. Visit Greens Pool
Elephant Rocks Giant rocks shaped like elephants stand together facing into the waves of the Great Southern Ocean Visit Elephant Rocks
Mount Frankland Starting in the karri trees you wind up and through towards the summit of Mt Frankland way above the tree top canopy. Visit Mount Frankland
Two Peoples Bay NP Located approximately 25 kilometres north-east of Albany. Rediscovery of the presumed extinct noisy scrub-bird. Visit Two Peoples Bay NP
West Cape Howe National Park Containing the southernmost point of Western Australia this national park is astounding. Visit West Cape Howe National Park
Shelley Beach Turquoise waters, verdant surrounds and ocean breeze make this beach a popular yet remote destination. Visit Shelley Beach
Natural Bridge The Natural Bridge is a granite formation caused by the gradual wearing away of the rock by the Great Southern Ocean. Visit Natural Bridge
Brig Amity Replica Experience the first settlers arrival in Albany, the first settlement in Western Australia, from onboard a replica of the Amity. Visit Brig Amity Replica
Middleton Beach The most popular beach in Albany. Swim or relax under the trees. Cafes and amenities. Visit Middleton Beach
Little Beach This gorgeous beach is approximately 25 kilometres north east of Albany in Two Peoples Bay National Park. Visit Little Beach
Albany Wind Farm Beautiful and productive green energy from the wind of the Torndirrup, just outside Albany City towards Frenchman Bay. Visit Albany Wind Farm
Ancient Empires Walk The Ancient Empires Walk takes you through the forest at the base of the Giant Tingle Trees at the Treetop Walk. Visit Ancient Empires Walk
Bibbulmun Track The Bibbulmun Track stretches from Kalamunda in the Perth hills to Albany, through many locations in the heart of the Rainbow Coast. Visit Bibbulmun Track
Denmark Wineries Denmark Wineries and Vineyards to visit while on holiday along the Rainbow Coast. Wineries with restaurants, music, cellar doors and more! Visit Denmark Wineries
Frenchman Bay Located on the southern side of King George Sound this beautiful setting has a grassy picnic area, BBQs and boat launch. Ideal beachfront location for a great day out! Visit Frenchman Bay
Giant Tingle Tree This Giant Tingle Tree is special because it the oldest living eucalypt in the world. It is an 800 metre walk from the car park to the Giant Tingle and back. Visit Giant Tingle Tree
Lights Beach Inspiring lookout and beach offering spectacular views of William Bay from the east. A favourite local beach. Visit Lights Beach
Mandalay Beach Spectacular views to Chatham Island, gorgeous white sandy beach it is a must-see... sometimes the shipwreck is visible too. Visit Mandalay Beach
Misery Beach Albany Misery Beach is a hidden gem on the southern coast of Western Australia known for stunning natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere. Visit Misery Beach Albany
Monkey Rock Spectacular elevated views over William Bay Nat. Park, Ratcliffe Bay, Ocean Beach and the Nullaki Peninsula. Visit Monkey Rock
Princess Royal Fortress One of the best outdoor military museums in Australia. The Fortress is within the Albany Heritage Park, atop Mount Adelaide. Visit Princess Royal Fortress
South Coast Beaches Map South Coast Beaches from west of Walpole to East of Albany all on one map! Visit South Coast Beaches Map
Valley of the Giants 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
Other amazing locations in the South-West of Western Australia!
More information on the south-west coast in our other Western Australian travellers guides:
Albany Tourist Information:
Albany WA
The Albany is the oldest settlement in Western Australia. Filled with history, surrounded by beaches and waterways, and a great place to visit while on holiday on the south coast of WA. Visit Albany today.
Have you visited?
Fremantle WA
Fremantle, the Port City, is located south-west of Perth at the mouth of the Swan River. Fremantle's vibrant nightlife, music scene and cafe' culture make Fremantle a perfect getaway from the bustle of Perth. Beaches, history, shopping, dining out, and more. VISIT FREMANTLE
Have you visited?
Margaret River, WA
The Margaret River Region is an area of magnificent beauty on the western coast of the south west of WA. From the expansive shores of Busselton on Geographe Bay, through Dunsborough & Margaret River to Augusta, the Margaret River Region is fantastic. VISIT MARGARET RIVER
Have you visited?
Denmark WA
Denmark WA is one of the most beautiful places along the south coast as it has forests, beaches, rivers and waves. Everything you need for the perfect south coast holiday. Denmark Wineries are popular too! Info on Denmark Town including shopping, dining & history, VISIT DENMARK WA