Denmark is a great spot to base yourself if the Great Southern. It’s slap bang in between Albany, Mount Barker and Walpole. On the third day of our trip we took the opportunity to spend a morning in Albany, though to really do it justice, we could have done with a couple of days there.
A trip to Albany isn’t complete without visiting the spectacular natural tourist attractions at Torndirrup National Park where you’ll find The Gap, The Natural Bridge and The Blowholes. It’s a short stroll to both The Gap and Natural Bridge through the exposed granite boulders. It almost looks like we’re on the moon, the landscape is so barren.
At The Gap, the lookout goes out over the rock edge. The grated floor gives glimpses to the sea crashing 40 meters below, though I think if it had a glass floor, it would make the attraction even more impressive. The massive waves crash against the cliff wall as the surging tide of the Southern Ocean shows all of its fury. It’s a stunning view over the coast from Bald Head to West Cape Howe.
If you walk for two minutes in the other direction you’ll come to the lookout point for the equally stunning Natural Bridge rock formation. These rocks were formed many millions of years ago when Australia and Antarctica collided.
Another spot to check out are the Blow Holes, a short drive up the road. These are quite impressive, though I’d not recommend it for young kids, as there are lots of steep steps and there is no safety fencing at the blow holes either. On the day that we visited the sea was a little rough, so every few seconds there was a rush of water into the rock cavern below us and we heard an eerie hissing sound and a rush of wind through the holes that would knock your hat off!
For lunch we stopped at a cute cottage café on the edge of town, Vancouver Street Café, which sits high on a hill overlooking King George Sound. They make a good cuppa, using Naked Beans, a local Albany coffee roast. On the lunch menu you’ll find fresh salads, wraps, toasted Turkish sandwiches, frittatas and savoury tarts as well as sweet treats.
Knowing we were heading to the brilliant Boston Brewery (again) for dinner, we oped for something light and toasties fitted the bill. I really enjoyed mine, which was a tasty combo of eggplant, sweet potato, pumpkin, fetta roasted capsicum and a house made tomato relish. 
Afterwards, we headed west, back towards Denmark for an afternoon discovering the beaches at William Bay. One of the most popular spots is the beautiful Greens Pool which is just about as picture perfect as any beach could be. This beach is very popular with the families of small children as it’s sheltered from the waves of the Great Southern Ocean by huge granite boulders. The calm turquoise waters make a stunning natural swimming pool and it’s a great spot for a snorkel too.
Elephant Rocks is another stunning spot, named after the massive granite rocks that look just like a herd of elephants. Further down the gravel path is a steep staircase to Elephant Cove, walk between two giant rocks and you’ll come out at another beach.
At Mad Fish Bay, where the waves lap the sand from two different directions, we stayed a little longer and enjoyed a bit of fishing off the rocks.
Our host Warren, at Misty Valley Country Cottages, recommended this bay to us as it’s a popular fishing spot. You’ll find schools of whiting, bream and salmon. Little Chef was really excited to catch a flathead, though he was a bit too small and got thrown back.
I left the boys to it and went exploring around the rocky bay. It was an absolutely perfect afternoon for beach hopping!