Denmark Nornalup Rail Trail WA – McLeod Road to Denmark

I swallowed my pride and asked Derek if I could borrow his fat-tyred bike to ride the Denmark Nornalup Rail Trail between McLeod Road and Denmark.

The day before I had ridden between Youngs Siding and Denmark on the Munda Biddi Trail. Finally I accepted there is SO MUCH SAND in Western Australia! A fat-tyred bike is the way to go unless you stay on bitumen.

History of the Denmark Nornalup Rail Trail

The Denmark Nornalup Rail Trail follows what was formerly the South Coast Railway. A private company built the first part of the railway between Torbay and Denmark in 1885.

Between 1922 and 1930, the area from Denmark west towards Bow Bridge was part of the assisted migration scheme known as the Group Settlement Scheme. Most of the migrants came from England hoping to escape chronic post-war unemployment. There were 15 groups of about 20 families each in the Denmark area.

Like many railways, it closed after the Second World War in 1954 as road transport improved. Conversion of the rail corridor into a rail trail began in 2002.

The eight kilometre Torbay Rail Trail (now included in the Munda Biddi Trail) also follows the same former railway line.

McLeod Road to Lights Road – 4 Kms

Derek took me to the intersection of McLeod Road and the South Coast Highway where I would start my ride. As I was still getting used to Derek’s bike, I planned to cycle a short distance of 15 kilometres to Denmark.

It was raining lightly as I crossed the South Coast Highway. For the first few kilometres, I followed well-formed roads on embankments, alternating between farmland

and forest.

After four kilometres, there was a short section of single track which led to Lights Road.

Lights Road leads south towards Lights Beach. I had passed through there a few days previously while cycling the Munda Biddi Trail between Greens Pool and Denmark.

Lights Road to Little River Bridge – 4 Kms

After crossing Lights Road, the Denmark Nornalup Rail Trail travelled through a drier section where this beautiful orange banksia was flourishing.

I noticed that the local creamy-coloured kangaroo paw often grew in similar conditions.

Soon after this I stopped to open a farm gate.

There was a new-born calf in this paddock with its mother. Just beyond the fence, a kangaroo was grazing. The cow looked concerned, so I passed quickly on to the next gate.

A short while later, the Denmark Nornalup Rail Trail led to this charming bridge over the Little River.

A work team from the Department of Corrective Services had restored the bridge in 2004. Before continuing, I took some time to walk down to the river and look at the bridge from below.

The new structure was built on top of the old trestle.

Little River Bridge to Denmark – 7 Kms

The early drizzle was turning to steady, but gentle rain.

Although I was enjoying the rainy day colours, it was getting a little chilly. I started to pedal faster.

Before arriving at Ocean Beach Road, I passed through a number of cuttings.

After Ocean Beach Road the trail rolled down through the outer area of Denmark to the old Denmark Station.

Denmark Station

There was quite a lot to see at the station: the Trackside Museum, works in progress by the Denmark Machinery Restoration Group,

some old railway carts

and a turntable which had obviously not turned a train for a long time!

Before finishing my ride, I crossed the former railway bridge over the Denmark River

with its views to Wilson Inlet.

Soon after, Derek joined me for coffee at Ravens. There are many good coffee shops in Denmark, but this was my favorite.

I had cycled 15 kilometres and climbed 79 metres despite an overall descent.

Borrowing Derek’s bike for the Denmark Nornalup Rail Trail turned out to be a good decision. Although quite a lot of the track was sandy, I felt really safe and comfortable on the fat tyres, compared to feeling insecure and tense on hybrid-style tyres.

From that point on in our travels in Western Australia until both our bikes were stolen, I rode Derek’s bike most of the time.

A few days later, I rode a more remote section of the Denmark Nornalup Rail Trail between Parker Road and McLeod Road. Another lovely section of this rail trail is part of the Munda Biddi Trail between Youngs Siding and Denmark.

To discover other WA rail trails, read my article 5 Wonderful West Australian Rail Trails.

Top picture: Karri trees line the Denmark Nornalup Rail Trail as it approaches the Little River Bridge