Walpole to Denmark, WA, & the mother of all campsites
October 16th 2006 04:38
The route between Walpole and Denmark follows the South Western Hwy via Nornalup and Bow River for around 67-70kms. The road was busy at Easter with thousands of edgy parents in 4WDs and surfers in utes closing in on Denmark for a holiday with the kids.
The first half of the ride is quite moderate with some long flat sections. We stopped at Nornalup for a second breakfast but found the teahouse shut for Easter. The Bow River Roadhouse was a great alternative with shady tables under trees and delicious baked pies.
Beyond Bow River there was a long section without much in the way of facilities. We passed dozens of farms and even an Eco Caravan Park which was not mentioned in any guide or by any tourist office in the area. We also passed an Ugg boot factory!
It was a hot day even at that time of year so we stopped at Bartholomew's Meadery for some delicious honey flavoured ice-cream. From there we were advised of a mountain bike track to Denmark for the adventurous. Ask at the local Tourist Authority for more info.
We kept the road which, after the Meadery, climbed steeply. As I slowly pedalled up, I startled several kangaroos lazing amongst the grasses by the side of the road. They were totally unfazed by cars but not prepared to stick around for a dodgy cycle tourer.
From here the trees increased as did the rolling of small hills up and down all the way into Denmark.
Denmark is so popular at Easter, we had to call ahead to book an unpowered tentsite and had to reserve it for a minimum stay of three days. The only caravan park with sites left was the Ocean Beach Caravan Park, a further seven kilometres out of town mostly along a handy bike path.
This is the mother of all caravan sites. It is huge. At Easter it was teeming with campers. It is on bush acerage and I don't remember much lighting. I do remember getting lost one night and taking an hour to find our tentsite again. I felt like I was in a bad dream as I went round and round past huge groups of campers that all looked the same! The cost was $19AUS/2pax/night. There is a kiosk but it closed at 5pm.
Denmark has a nice atmosphere, a great bakery with highly recommended pies and pastries, lots of new age things to do and plenty of cafes to chill out in. At Easter, we enjoyed a market by the river chokkers with all kinds of tasty treats and arts and crafts.
The first half of the ride is quite moderate with some long flat sections. We stopped at Nornalup for a second breakfast but found the teahouse shut for Easter. The Bow River Roadhouse was a great alternative with shady tables under trees and delicious baked pies.
Second breakfast at the Bow River Roadhouse
Beyond Bow River there was a long section without much in the way of facilities. We passed dozens of farms and even an Eco Caravan Park which was not mentioned in any guide or by any tourist office in the area. We also passed an Ugg boot factory!
The early part of the route is quite flat and open
It was a hot day even at that time of year so we stopped at Bartholomew's Meadery for some delicious honey flavoured ice-cream. From there we were advised of a mountain bike track to Denmark for the adventurous. Ask at the local Tourist Authority for more info.
We kept the road which, after the Meadery, climbed steeply. As I slowly pedalled up, I startled several kangaroos lazing amongst the grasses by the side of the road. They were totally unfazed by cars but not prepared to stick around for a dodgy cycle tourer.
From here the trees increased as did the rolling of small hills up and down all the way into Denmark.
Lazing by the Denmark River, Denmark, WA
Denmark is so popular at Easter, we had to call ahead to book an unpowered tentsite and had to reserve it for a minimum stay of three days. The only caravan park with sites left was the Ocean Beach Caravan Park, a further seven kilometres out of town mostly along a handy bike path.
This is the mother of all caravan sites. It is huge. At Easter it was teeming with campers. It is on bush acerage and I don't remember much lighting. I do remember getting lost one night and taking an hour to find our tentsite again. I felt like I was in a bad dream as I went round and round past huge groups of campers that all looked the same! The cost was $19AUS/2pax/night. There is a kiosk but it closed at 5pm.
Denmark has a nice atmosphere, a great bakery with highly recommended pies and pastries, lots of new age things to do and plenty of cafes to chill out in. At Easter, we enjoyed a market by the river chokkers with all kinds of tasty treats and arts and crafts.
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