Denmark – Nornalup Heritage Rail Trail

Location

About This Trail

The Denmark-Nornalup Heritage Rail Trail consists of three open sections, starting at the eastern boundary of the Shire of Denmark on the banks of the Hay River (11 km east of Denmark itself), while its western terminus is just outside the small settlement of Nornalup on the Frankland River. A fourth section between Parker Rd and Peaceful Bay Rd is incomplete and requires 14 km of road riding to bridge the missing section. The trail starts at Hay River, providing views of the remnant pilings for the old rail bridge across the river. Running through remnant bushland and farmland, the rail traverses the edge of Wilson Inlet and includes bird hides and picnic shelters before crossing the Denmark River over a substantial refurbished rail bridge. This section is for walkers and cyclists only, with the Wilson Inlet section being accessible for wheelchairs and prams. This longer section leaves the Denmark River via a small railway heritage display with old rail cars and an intact section of the old line. Leaving town through remnant bushland and farmland, the trail runs with the Munda Biddi Trail before branching off and crossing several old rail bridges. The section ends abruptly at Parker Rd and can be used by walkers, cyclists and equestrians, with the section close to Denmark being wheelchair and pram accessible. The trail begins again at Peaceful Bay Rd and is dominated by the tall karri forest that is a feature of the region, as well as open plains. The trail ends at the site of the old Nornalup Station, which is marked by a commemorative plaque.