Travel guide Denmark

Just 400 kilometres south of Perth is Denmark, a region of enormous natural beauty with a blend of rugged coastline and natural inlets, karri forests and national parks, and you will see why the locals say that Denmark is “where the forest meets the sea”.

And what a sea … there is no doubt that the Indian Ocean possesses a colour and clarity that is completely different and totally captivating.  The long and spectacular coastline offers any number of wonderful places to cast a line, surf, whale watch, swim in quiet inlets and more.  Depending on the season, the rivers meander quietly to the sea or thunder down cascades offering views of nature at its wildest.

However there are also places of great peace and tranquillity, where nature is in its most gentle and seductive mood – such as Karma Chalets.  These lovely cedar chalets are nestled on the hillside, with views across farmland and forest to Wilson Inlet and the wonders outside are matched by the wonders within.

There are eight chalets, each one having a lovely name that resonates with the surroundings, such as ‘Wonder’, “Peace’, ‘Serenity’ and ‘Tranquillity’.  And that is just what you will find at Karma Chalets, with its abundant bird and animal life, aromatic eucalypt forest and attention to detail inside each chalet.

The chalets have a number of different configurations and prices and can sleep between four and seven people, so there is sure to be one to suit your needs. They have a mix of queen-size beds and singles, and some have spa baths.  All linen is supplied and cots and high chairs are available on request.

All the chalets feature a fully equipped kitchen; TV/DVD, sound system, air-conditioning, cosy wood fire, balcony and BBQ, and all but one have a two-person spa bath.  As lovely as Karma Chalets are inside, the outside beckons … feed some of the local birds, watch the kangaroos eat the native grasses and breathe the pristine air of this magnificent part of Australia.

There is so much choice nearby – Denmark village with its restaurants and shops is only 5 minutes away, as is the Denmark Heritage Trail, the Bibbulman Track – a nature trail with many birds and notable local plants.  If you are yearning for the water, a 15-minute drive gives you the choice of places to surf, swim and fish, such as Greens Pool and Lights Beach.  The Valley of the Giants Treetops Walk is a lightweight bridge that takes you 40 metres above the forest floor, so you almost become part of the ancient canopy. If heights aren’t your thing, you can still experience the age and immensity of the tingle trees by following the boardwalk.

If you have already experienced the Denmark wineries, Mount Barker and its wineries and craft shops are only 45 minutes away from Karma Chalets and the perfect place to find a special bottle to enjoy in the sanctuary of the chalets.

Karma Chalets are perfectly placed to make the most of growing interest in eco or nature-based travel and with their tourism partners now offer a half day eco tour to parts of the stunning south coast that may otherwise be inaccessible to visitors to the region, as well as the opportunity to cruise the astonishingly beautiful Walpole Nornalup Marine Park and Walpole Wilderness area.

Get back to nature with Karma Chalets, and you may never want to leave.

About the Author
Lisa Monk is a marketing communications writer with a diverse background that includes experience in travel, hotel, finance, public relations and advertising. She has worked with Club Med, the Holiday Inn group and on a number of other travel projects on a freelance basis.  Lisa has travelled throughout Asia Pacific, North America and England.

Lisa now works with TakeABreak.com.au as editor of the Holiday Inspirations newsletter and other publications.  She lives in Sydney with her husband Andy, and sons Joseph and Nicholas.