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Denmark to Nornalup Heritage Rail Trail

Denmark Nornalup Rail Trails Australia 3 +1 Gallery
Gravel
Trail difficulty
A number of sections of the trail are utilised by motor vehicles, so caution is required. The track may be sandy or boggy in places, requiring a higher level of fitness.
Trail difficulty

Moderate trail that may have short steep hills, rough surface, many steps or some rock hopping. Directional signage. Some bushwalking experience and moderate fitness required.

Trail difficulty

Recommended for moderate intermediate riders with some technical mountain biking experience. Typically narrow trails with loose, soft, rocky or slippery sections and hills with short steep sections. Riders will encounter obstacles and technical trail features.

Trail difficulty

Moderate trail with short, steep hills and variable surface. Occasional obstacles such as rocks, logs and shallow ford crossing may be present. There may be obstacles that require dismounting. Directional signage is provided. Recommended for riders with an intermediate level of riding skill and moderate fitness. A horse with some trail experience and training is recommended. 

  • Length 68km
  • Est. time Full day
  • Dog friendly
  • One-way
Today

8°C

13°

8°

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Trails WA supports the seven principles recommended by Leave No Trace Australia for minimising your impacts when using the trails.

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Along the trail, look out for sites of historical interest, connected with its railway past. Only traces remain of the railway sidings which serviced the local communities along the line. These include Denmark Station, with its photographic displays at the Old Denmark Post Office, and Nornalup Station, where a historical plaque marks the terminus site.

Four original timber rail bridges remain in use on the trail. These are near Board Road, Kordabup Road and where the trail crosses Little River, 4km west of Ocean Beach Road. Where the trail follows the edge of the Wilson Inlet, between Denmark River mouth and Rudyard Beach, there are shelters and interpretative signage.  

The three sections are:

• Denmark River mouth to Hay River (about 12km) - Walkers, Hybrid Bikes, Mountain Bikers. The section to Rudyard Beach Road is of high quality surface (suitable for families), with the remaining section soft or uneven in places, and suitable for walking and keen bikers.

• Denmark River mouth to Parker Road (33km) - Walkers, Horse Riders, Mountain Bikers. Sections are boggy in winter and soft sandy sections make it recommended for keen cyclists.

• Peaceful Bay Road to Station Road (about 14km) - Walkers, Mountain Bikers. The surface is still rough and/or sandy in places and suitable for walkers and keen bike riders only.

The 14km section between Parker Rd and Bow Bridge is not expected to be open for a few years, once bridges over the Kent and Bow Rivers have been re-built. Denmark River mouth on Inlet Drive is the trail hub. This is where the Denmark River flows into the Wilson Inlet, and where the Bibbulmun Track, the Denmark to Nornalup Heritage Rail Trail, the Mokare Trail and other Denmark trails intersect.

All users - please stay on the trail to avoid environmental damage. Take all rubbish with you. Do not disturb wildlife or stock. Dogs to be on a lead at all times. Cyclists - Approach horses with care, alert others as you approach, overtake on the right at a reduced speed. 

Horse Riders - Slow down approaching other users, dismount and lead horses across both bridges. Where possible, please keep in single file on the southern edge of the trail, allowing the northern edge to stay firm for cyclists.

By respecting the etiquette of the trail you will assist in its care and maintenance, as well as increase the enjoyment of all users, including yourself. 

Motorbikes, fires and camping are not permitted.



 

Walpole Parks and Wildlife Office

(08) 9840 0400

Denmark Visitor Centre

(08) 9848 2648

Other Links

Be trail ready

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

Full day depending on section and mode of transport

Length

68km one way

Trail Access

Drive 2WD

Trail Start

Western terminus is located 2km down Station Rd, Nornalup. Eastern terminus is located on Pratt Rd, Denmark (420km south east of Perth).

Get directions

Trail End

Get directions

When to go

All year round

What’s the weather like?

Bush Walk

Class 3

Moderate trail that may have short steep hills, rough surface, many steps or some rock hopping. Directional signage. Some bushwalking experience and moderate fitness required.

Mountain Bike

Moderate

Recommended for moderate intermediate riders with some technical mountain biking experience. Typically narrow trails with loose, soft, rocky or slippery sections and hills with short steep sections. Riders will encounter obstacles and technical trail features.

Horse

Moderate

Moderate trail with short, steep hills and variable surface. Occasional obstacles such as rocks, logs and shallow ford crossing may be present. There may be obstacles that require dismounting. Directional signage is provided. Recommended for riders with an intermediate level of riding skill and moderate fitness. A horse with some trail experience and training is recommended. 

Additional information

A number of sections of the trail are utilised by motor vehicles, so caution is required. The track may be sandy or boggy in places, requiring a higher level of fitness.

What To Pack

Hazards & Warnings

Horses and bike riders sharing the trail - see notes on trail etiquette.

Prohibited items

No Motorbikes, fires or camping. Dogs on leads permitted.

Facilities

  • Car Park
  • Dog Friendly
  • Picnic Area
More tips for being Trail Ready

Today Jun 12, 10:37pm

8°C

Feels like 6°C

Max 13°

Min 8°

Precipitation: 100%

Visibility: 10km

Wind: 2.99km/h NW

8-day forecast

Fri

13°

8°

Sat

16°

5°

Sun

16°

10°

Mon

11°

9°

Tue

12°

10°

Wed

12°

8°

Thu

14°

10°

Fri

14°

8°

Weather data provided by:

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5 trail goers have rated this trail as 3.4 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

Lee Hart

Reviewed 25 Aug 2022, 1:48pm

A great cycling trail for all ages. Fantastic scenery & bushland. Lovely area.
Chelle Fisher

Reviewed 1 Jun 2022, 8:21pm

A dual use trail through a mix of tall karri forest, wildflower-filled swampy plains and picturesque farmland. Highlights include a series of wooden rail bridges, shelters and views of the Denmark and Hay Rivers.
Kevin Parsons

Reviewed 7 Aug 2020, 3:10pm

Nice pleasurable ride. Some good views of the inlet. Makes you appreciate the effort that went in to building these old rail lines.
Lee Mason

Reviewed 15 Oct 2019, 6:49pm

Great cycling infrastructure many other Australian communities would be envious of! Would be beneficial for the Denmark and neighboring towns to get behind upkeep and marketing to draw in growing cycle tourism,. Great day out!
Regnald Grundy

Reviewed 11 Mar 2016, 1:01pm

Easy track, not demanding. A little confusing in some place and also heavily over grown in parts requiring dismounting. Overall a quiet pleasant ride.

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