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William Bay National Park

4.8
·429 reviews·William Bay, Australia

A picturesque coastal park in WA featuring unique elephant-shaped rocks and a tranquil, crystal-clear swimming pool.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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William Bay National Park - Image 1

William Bay National Park

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A picturesque coastal park in WA featuring unique elephant-shaped rocks and a tranquil, crystal-clear swimming pool.

4.8
(429 reviews)

"This is one national park not to be missed, William Bay National Park has wonderful scenery and is a visual paradise."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Photographer's Paradise

Stunning coastal views and unique rock formations make it a visual feast for photographers.

🏊‍♀️ Safe Swimming Spot

Greens Pool offers calm, clear waters ideal for families and safe swimming.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Elephant Rocks

Elephant Rocks

William Bay National Park

Giant granite boulders resembling elephants, set against the turquoise Great Southern Ocean.

Greens Pool

Greens Pool

William Bay National Park

A tranquil, sheltered natural pool with crystal-clear, calm waters perfect for swimming.

Waterfall Beach

Waterfall Beach

William Bay National Park

A picturesque beach known for its unique rock formations and stunning coastal views.

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Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Visit for Fewer Crowds

Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) to avoid peak summer crowds. September offers a quieter experience with pleasant weather, though summer is ideal for swimming. Reddit

Getting There and Parking

William Bay National Park is a scenic drive from Perth. New parking areas are being developed to accommodate visitors, especially during peak season. Instagram

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Ideal for swimming
Crowd
High
When
September
Why
Quiet and scenic
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Wheeler Peak, NM Elevation: 13,167 ft or 4013 m Trail: Williams Lake Trail Gain: 2,972 ft or 905 m Length: 8.2 miles or 13 km Time: 5-6 hours Difficulty: 6/10 #Hiking #mointains #newmexico #rockymountains #Outdoors
@bigbatbilly
59.5K likes • 379.5K views

📸 Photographer's Paradise

Stunning coastal views and unique rock formations make it a visual feast for photographers. Reddit

🏊‍♀️ Safe Swimming Spot

Greens Pool offers calm, clear waters ideal for families and safe swimming. Reddit

William Bay National Park is located in Denmark, Western Australia 🇦🇺 A 4.5 hour drive away from Perth this park has numerous beaches and iconic spots such as Greens Pool (check out my last reel), Elephant Rock and Waterfall Beach. • The thing that makes this park unique are the rock formations in the water and when you fly your drone over them the views are spectacular 😍 There is no entrance fee...
brownladtravels
24 likes • 705 views
Add this to your spring 🪣list Elephant Rocks is truly enchanting, the not so hidden gem is a breezy 423kms south of Perth in William Bay National Park, Western Australia. The 🪨🪨 formations are pretty spectacular. This spot is not overhyped, add it to your roadtrip itinerary 🚗. 📍Elephant Rocks, Denmark, WA
adela_anamaria
35 likes • 1.1K views

🐘 Elephant Rock Views

Get to ground level to truly appreciate the 'herd of elephants' rock formations. Instagram

🚗 Easy Access & Parking

Well-maintained facilities and expanding parking make it accessible for all. Reddit

Nestled in the heart of William Bay National Park you will come across the stunning Elephant Rocks 🐘🐘 Resembling a herd of elephants, these giant granite boulders are an impressive sight overlooking the Great Southern Ocean 🌊 It wasn’t untill we got to ground level that we could see the elephants more clearly. It’s actually pretty cool and a great place to have a swim in between the rocks 💦 Do...
thevanlifegotus
212 likes • 2.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Photographer's Paradise

Stunning coastal views and unique rock formations make it a visual feast for photographers. Reddit

🏊‍♀️ Safe Swimming Spot

Greens Pool offers calm, clear waters ideal for families and safe swimming. Reddit

🐘 Elephant Rock Views

Get to ground level to truly appreciate the 'herd of elephants' rock formations. Instagram

🚗 Easy Access & Parking

Well-maintained facilities and expanding parking make it accessible for all. Reddit

🥽 Explore Rock Pools

Investigate the rock pools for marine life like crabs. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(429 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise William Bay National Park for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the unique Elephant Rocks and the crystal-clear waters of Greens Pool. The park is lauded for its accessibility and well-maintained facilities, making it a perfect spot for families and photographers alike. While some mention potential crowds during summer, the scenic views remain impressive even in less-than-ideal weather.

"The time we went the weather wasn't so good very cloudy with some drizzle but this place didn't disappoint at all. The magnificent scenic view still was amazing."

Dee Libongcogon

"This is one national park not to be missed, William Bay National Park has wonderful scenery and is a visual paradise for any amateur or professional photographers.

We were there at a relatively quiet time in September, but I would imagine that in the summer time it would be a different story as it has some beautiful beaches, fortunately they are extending with new parking areas to allow for that."

Alan Randall

"Amazing views of the coastline, beautiful rock pools and crystal blue water. The elephant rocks were my favourite, Green Pool was stunning, if only the weather was a bit warmer when we visited. Perfect location for families, safe swimming for children."

Caroline Roberts

What People Like

Spectacular scenic views
Unique rock formations
Crystal clear water

What People Dislike

Summer crowds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

William Bay National Park is approximately a 4.5 to 5-hour drive south of Perth, making it a popular destination for road trips. Instagram+1

The drive is scenic, and while some prefer not to drive long distances daily, the roads leading to the park are generally well-maintained. Reddit

The park has ample parking, with new areas being extended to accommodate visitors, especially during busy periods. Reddit

Yes, it's a popular day trip destination from nearby towns like Albany or as part of a longer South West Australia itinerary. Instagram

While not explicitly mentioned, the expanding parking suggests accessibility for various vehicle types, though checking specific regulations is advised. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

William Bay National Park is a national park, and typically, entry fees apply. It's best to check the official Parks and Wildlife Service WA website for current fees and passes. Reddit

National parks are generally open year-round during daylight hours. Specific facilities might have limited hours, so checking official sources is recommended. Reddit

Entry to national parks is usually on a first-come, first-served basis. Booking is generally not required for general entry, but it's wise to check for any special event or tour requirements. Reddit

Yes, Western Australia often offers park passes that can provide cost savings if you plan to visit multiple national parks within a certain period. Reddit

The park offers lovely facilities, including picnic areas and toilets, making it convenient for visitors. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The absolute must-sees are Elephant Rocks, with its unique boulder formations, and Greens Pool, a sheltered natural swimming pool. Waterfall Beach is also highly recommended for its scenic beauty. Instagram+4

Yes, Greens Pool is renowned for its crystal-clear, calm, and sheltered waters, making it perfect for swimming, especially for families and children. InstagramReddit+2

Elephant Rocks features massive granite boulders that, from ground level, resemble a herd of elephants resting in the ocean. It's a unique geological formation and a stunning sight. Instagram+4

The clear and calm waters of Greens Pool make it an excellent spot for snorkeling, allowing you to explore the underwater environment. Instagram

While specific trail details aren't extensively covered, the park's layout and scenic viewpoints suggest opportunities for short walks and exploration along the coastline. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for capturing the coastal scenery and rock formations. Reddit

Landscape photography is very popular, focusing on the unique rock formations like Elephant Rocks and the pristine beaches. Drone photography also captures the stunning patterns from above. Instagram+1

The areas around Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool offer numerous vantage points. Exploring the coastline will reveal many breathtaking perspectives. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal landscapes, while a polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky. Reddit

Drone usage is often permitted in national parks, but it's crucial to check the specific regulations with Parks and Wildlife Service WA to ensure compliance. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

William Bay National Park is an excellent destination for families. Greens Pool is a standout feature, offering a safe and calm environment for children to swim and play in crystal-clear waters. The sheltered nature of the pool minimizes wave action, providing peace of mind for parents. InstagramReddit

Elephant Rocks also provides an element of wonder for kids, with the 'elephant' boulders offering a fun and imaginative landscape to explore. The park's well-maintained facilities and accessible pathways make it easy to navigate with strollers or young children. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day of natural exploration and safe aquatic fun. InstagramReddit

🚗 Road Trippers

For those on a road trip through Western Australia's South West, William Bay National Park is a must-stop. It's conveniently located within driving distance of Perth and Albany, offering a perfect break with stunning scenery. Instagram+1

Plan to spend at least half a day to fully appreciate Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool. The park's accessibility and ample parking make it easy to pull over and explore. Consider combining your visit with other nearby attractions in the Denmark region to create a memorable itinerary. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find William Bay National Park incredibly rewarding. The unique geological formations of Elephant Rocks and the pristine beauty of Greens Pool offer endless photographic possibilities. Reddit

Aim for the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. Don't forget to experiment with different angles and consider drone photography to capture the breathtaking scale and patterns of the landscape from above. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool

William Bay National Park is home to two of Western Australia's most iconic natural attractions: Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool. Elephant Rocks is a geological marvel, featuring a cluster of massive, smooth granite boulders that, when viewed from the shore, strikingly resemble a herd of elephants wading in the ocean. The scale and unique shape of these formations are truly captivating. Instagram+2

Adjacent to Elephant Rocks is Greens Pool, a natural swimming pool renowned for its exceptionally clear and calm waters. This sheltered bay offers a safe and serene environment for swimming, snorkeling, and family fun. The contrast between the rugged boulders of Elephant Rocks and the tranquil waters of Greens Pool creates a diverse and breathtaking landscape within the park. Instagram+2

Visitors often spend hours exploring both locations, marveling at the natural artistry. The accessibility of these sites, with well-maintained paths and ample parking, makes them a highlight for anyone visiting the South West of Western Australia. Reddit+1

Photography Opportunities

William Bay National Park is a dream destination for photographers, offering a spectacular array of coastal scenery. The Elephant Rocks provide a unique subject with their monumental scale and intriguing shapes, especially when bathed in the golden light of sunrise or sunset. The interplay of light and shadow on the granite boulders creates dramatic photographic opportunities. InstagramReddit

Greens Pool offers a different photographic appeal with its pristine, turquoise waters and sheltered bay. Capturing the clarity of the water, the gentle waves lapping the shore, and the surrounding natural beauty can result in stunning images. Drone photography is particularly effective here, offering aerial perspectives that showcase the intricate patterns of the coastline and the unique arrangement of the rocks. Instagram+1

Beyond these two main attractions, the entire coastline of William Bay National Park is a photographer's delight. Exploring Waterfall Beach and other secluded coves can lead to discovering hidden photographic gems. The dramatic cliffs, the vastness of the Southern Ocean, and the vibrant colors of the flora and fauna all contribute to the park's photographic allure. Reddit

Planning Your Visit

When planning a trip to William Bay National Park, consider the time of year. While summer offers the best conditions for swimming, it also brings the largest crowds. Visiting during the shoulder seasons, such as spring or autumn, can provide a more relaxed experience with pleasant weather and fewer visitors. Reddit+1

Accessibility is a strong point for William Bay National Park. The park has invested in improving facilities, including expanding parking areas, to ensure visitors can easily access its main attractions. This makes it a convenient destination for families and individuals alike. Reddit

For those interested in wildlife, keep an eye out for local birdlife and marine creatures in the rock pools. The park's natural environment is rich and offers opportunities for observation. Remember to pack essentials like sunscreen, water, and comfortable walking shoes to make the most of your visit. Reddit