Forgetting the new home of our Princess Mary, there’s another, closer, Denmark which is fast-becoming the “must visit” destination for Aussies. This tiny coastal town, in WA’s far south, has the added attraction of being warmer than its Scandinavian namesake - and marginally easier to get to!

A former timber town, 54 km west of Albany, Denmark – with a permanent population of just over 2000 - is a mecca for nature lovers, being surrounded by stunning forest and spectacular beach.

After the five hour scenic drive from Perth, I’m ready for coffee. Over a cappuccino at funky café, Lushus, I’m soon enjoying a chinwag with some friendly locals.  

Pam Minchin, a 50–something artist, explains she moved here from Perth three years ago – and hasn’t looked back.  

“Everywhere you look is so beautiful, from the majestic karri trees to the cliffs of Ocean Beach,” she enthuses.  

Nature aside, the tranquil little town – more than a century old -  is now peppered with just enough galleries, gift shops, eateries, homestays and beauty salons to make tourists feel they’re not in “Hicksville”.  

“There are lots of arty types down here,” Pam points to the café’s colourful walls, as I tuck into the chef's own tasty creation: poached orange and almond cake.  

Pam then takes us to meet some of her artist-friends who paint and exhibit at Scotsdale Studio Gallery, a converted early settler’s home.  

We’re greeted by painters Divina Toth and Sandy Carter, brushes in hand, who proudly show us around their studio.  

“The intense colours down here are very inspiring for artists like us,” says Davina. “The town looks so different in summer, and in winter when you’ll often see a mist in the air.”  

Sandy, an expat Brit, nods. “It‘s my inspiration, the striking bush environment,” she says. “Lots of other English people live down here too.”  

Sandy, who also runs a local real estate agency, says in the last couple of years Denmark home prices have soared. “If you buy a rural property here it tends to double in five years,” she says.  

“Hardly surprising,” shrugs Pam. “The rest of the world is gradually realizing what a wonderful place this is.”  

Until recently tiny Denmark was overshadowed by its popular cousins, Margaret River and Yallingup, which are only three hours south of Perth. "But now more and more people are coming down here. Housing is much more affordable, and it's more intimate and unspoiled," says Pam, a regular at the town’s Buddhist Centre.  "Plus our beaches are every bit as spectacular. My dogs will never let me leave this place!"  

ATTRACTIONS  

• The annual Australia Day Music Festival  
• Scenic and charter flights of the area
  (Denmark Aerodrome, 0409 229 918)  
• Scotsdale Studio Gallery, sporting works from local artists
  (Lot 374, Scotsdale Rd, Denmark, phone 08 9848 2829)  
• Misty Creek Marron Farm, 40km west.  
• The stunning view from Mt Shadforth Lookout.  

PLACES TO STAY

Karma Chalets, for private luxury on a sweeping hillside (Lot 411 South Coast Highway, Denmark, 08 9848 1568 or www.karmachalets.com.au )

The Grange, a luxury bed and breakfast, (Mt Shadforth Road, Denmark, phone 08 98482319)

Website: www.denmarkvisitorcentre.com.au