Denmark is a popular tourist destination, offering quality cool climate wines, beautiful coastline and towering forests. The Munda Biddi Trail and Bibbulmun Track pass through the Shire, and allow visitors and locals to experience the shire’s stunning wilderness.

The Shire of Denmark stretches from the western boundary of the City of Albany to the Frankland River, bordering the South West region. The town of Denmark, 50km west of Albany, is the administrative centre of the Shire, and the smaller communities of Peaceful Bay and Nornalup lie further to the west.

Denmark and its communities were built on the timber trade, drawing on karri trees from the Shire’s forests in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Agriculture is now Denmark’s main industry, and 80 percent of the Shire is protected National Park.

The Shire is strong in viticulture, dairy, beef and sheep farming. Denmark’s diverse population boasts a wide range of craft and cultural skills. Cottage industries thrive and the arts community is active, while the tourism and hospitality industry prosper.

With a population of 6,310 and a land area of 1,860 sq km, Denmark contributes $399.8 million of the Great Southern’s gross regional product. The main employment categories are agriculture, forestry and fishing, education and training, and accommodation and food services.

Denmark Statistics

6,310

POPULATION

1,860 Sq. Km

LAND AREA

$399.8 Million

GROSS REGIONAL PRODUCT

2,032

JOBS
Explore Denmark

Denmark

The Shire of Denmark stretches from the western boundary of the City of Albany to the Frankland River, bordering the South West region. The town of Denmark, 50km west of Albany, is the administrative centre of the Shire, and the smaller communities of Peaceful Bay and Nornalup lie further to the west. Explore Regions
Primary Industries in Denmark

Primary Production

Broadacre farming and livestock are the backbone of the Great Southern economy. The regional economy also features plantation timber and associated products. Primary production feeds into the rest of the regional economy such as manufacturing and freight services.

Wine and other beverages

The Great Southern wine region is the largest in mainland Australia, and encompasses the subregions of Albany, Denmark, Frankland River, Mount Barker and Porongurup. It produces 25 percent of Western Australia’s wine output.

Premium foods

Productive land and generally reliable growing conditions support premium food producers in the region. Wagyu beef, truffles, seafood, dairy products, organic foods, pantry products and more attract attention for their quality and provenance.

Tourism

Internationally-recognised ecotourism assets and natural attractions in the Great Southern are unmatched in regional Western Australia for their scale, diversity and accessibility. Noongar cultural experiences, the built heritage of Western Australia’s oldest European settlement and award-winning contemporary facilities complement the attractions of the natural environment.

Construction and manufacturing

Steady construction activity takes place on domestic and commercial premises and in civil construction. Machinery manufacturers provide many agriculture-related products and a range of other items for industry and consumers.

Screen production

Film production in the Great Southern jumped up a notch in 2016 with the production of Simon Baker’s Breath, based on the novel by Tim Winton. Breath was released in 2018, and kicked off a flurry of filmmaking.

Education and training

Public and independent schools serve families throughout the region. Technical and further education is available in Kinjarling / Albany and by extension elsewhere in the region. University courses are delivered at all levels. Tertiary education is supported by affordable student accommodation.

Retail and hospitality

Major retail stores, general shopping and specialty services provide a significant number of jobs in the region. The hospitality sector has a steady employment base with seasonal peaks.
Denmark Lifestyle
ASW_Denmark_Generic Town _ Surrounds
Denmark is WA’s hidden gem. We are surrounded by trees, water and rolling hills – it’s no surprise the people here have a real love for the environment. Our lush land also produces some pretty special food and wine, which certainly doesn’t hurt!

Scottsdale Resident, Shire of Denmark