So here we are in Denmark - where the forest meets the sea - Situated 66 kilometres east of our last destination, Walpole on Western Australia’s south coast, Denmark is attractively located on the banks of the Denmark River which flows into Wilson Inlet and then into the Southern Ocean.
In this photo we are looking from Ocean Beach across Wilson Inlet to Denmark.
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| From Life Images by Jill |
Much of Denmark's history is based around it's forests and the timer industry. Walking through the beautiful Harewood Forest along the banks of the Scotsdale Brook near Denmark, it is difficult to imagine its past. The Karri trees tower straight and tall above you, forest flowers bloom in profusion and the sound of bird song fills the air. It is a peaceful world. The trickling brook and picnic tables invite you to linger and spend time enjoying the forest.
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| From Life Images by Jill |
Interpretive signage along the walk tells us that the Harewood Forest Conservation Area is a pocket of forest that has regenerated after being clear felled by hand with axes and cross cut saws as part of a 20,000 acre timber lease acquisition by Millar’s Timber and Trading Company in 1895. At its peak, two trainloads of sawn Karri timber per day were sent to Albany for export all over the world. Karri blocks were used to pave streets in London. After 10 years of intense logging all the usable timber was used. The mill closed in 1905 and Denmark was only saved from demolition by the petitioning of locals.
During the 1920’s Western Australia offered free land to settlers from the United Kingdom under the group settlement scheme. Fifteen settlements were set up in the area, one of them in the Harewood area. However many of the immigrants had no background in farming or living in primitive conditions and by 1930 70% of the settlers had left the Group Settlements. For those who remained the life was tough.
That history is in the past and Denmark is now a thriving, diverse community with a friendly, relaxed feel, which attracts visitors to its vineyard covered hillsides, towering wilderness forests, spectacular coastline, pristine beaches, scenic drives and walk trails which showcase the natural beauty of Denmark.
This photo is along Scotsdale Road - Karri Trees line the road...
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| From Life Images by Jill |
Denmark’s mild climate makes it the perfect place to relax and take time out. Canoe down the Denmark River, relax in the calm waters of Greens Pool, explore a heritage trail, take the Mt Shadforth Scenic Drive or climb Mt Lindesay for magnificent views across farmland to the ocean, visit craft and art galleries and the growing number of wineries, enjoy a platter of fresh local produce, spend the afternoon fishing, or just lay under the trees on the river bank, the choice is all yours.
And a favourite of mine - .morning in Denmark amongst the paperbark trees by Wilson's Inlet.
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| From Life Images by Jill |
The Denmark River - the forest comes right down to the water - it is magical to canoe along -
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| From Life Images by Jill |
My cousins farm at the foot of Mt Lindesay and surrounded by bushland - a place of many wonderful memories for me....
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| From Life Images by Jill |
And of course some wildflowers - this is the Red Flowering Gum....
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| From Life Images by Jill |
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| From Life Images by Jill |
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Thank you for stopping by. I hope you have enjoyed this tour around Western Australia. I look forward to hearing from you and thank you for taking the time to comment.