Denmark / Albany

Wilson Inlet

The Bibbulmun Track reaches the Wilson Inlet at the Denmark Rivermouth, and resumes on the southern side of the inlet, on the boat jetty on the Nullaki Peninsula. There are four options to cross the inlet. Before you reach the inlet crossing, check the current Inlet conditions below and also the Track Condition in the Section By Section guide.

Download the Denmark Navigation Options map which illustrates all the options below.

1. Walking – Wilson Inlet Sandbar

A new route of the Bibbulmun Track is established using the seasonal sandbar. This route runs along Ocean Beach Rd and crosses the Wilson Inlet Sandbar, then proceeds eastward along the Nullaki Peninsula to join the existing Bibbulmun Track. The new route is approximately 9.5km. Download the map for this new route. 

Note that this route is only suitable when the sandbar is formed and there is no flow at the inlet mouth. 

The Wilson Inlet sandbar was breached (opened) on Wednesday 25 September 2024. As at 11 December 2024, the sandbar has not re-formed and there is still flow between the inlet and the ocean. Depending on rainfall and tide conditions, it may take a number of weeks for the sandbar to re-form.

When the sandbar opens the water is likely to be flowing swiftly initially through a deep channel. Large volumes of water, high tide and wind may combine to create large waves and dangerous surges. Do not cross if you have any doubt at all about the depth of the water and wading across the sandbar.

Walkers should take the alternative route along South Coast Highway, arrange crossing of the inlet by boat, or use a taxi service. 

Contact the DBCA Albany District on (08) 9842 4500 or the Water Corporation on 13 13 85 for any updates for the Wilson Inlet sandbar.

2. Walking – alternate route

An alternative route is marked in green on the Bibbulmun Track maps but this does involve a long walk from Denmark along the Denmark-Nornalup Heritage Trail and then onto bitumen roads to the Eden Rd crossing. This route should only be undertaken if the other options are for whatever reason unavailable.

3. Boat transport

Crossing the Wilson Inlet by boat is no longer a reliable option due to sporadic service. If the situation changes it will be posted here.

4. Vehicle transport

Some of our Walker Friendly Businesses will transport you around the inlet by road to the Track crossing on the Nullaki Peninsula. Check our Walker Friendly Businesses in Denmark on the Bibbulmun Track website for further contact details.

Windrose B & B (guests only): 9848 3502 / 0447 682 400
Blue Wren Travelers Rest (guests only): 9848 3300

Torbay Inlet

As at 30/10/2024, the sand bar has fully formed and walkers can cross without getting wet feet.

When the sandbar opens the water is likely to be flowing swiftly initially through a deep channel. Large volumes of water, high tide and wind may combine to create large waves and dangerous surges. Conditions may improve with low tide and it may be worthwhile to wait it out or try crossing further upstream.

For more information, please contact the Parks and Wildlife Service Albany office on (08) 9842 4500 or the Water Corporation on 13 13 85.

Tide information is available from the Bureau of Meteorology. Check the tides and do not cross if you have any doubt at all about the depth of the water and wading across. Walkers should unfasten hip and chest buckles from backpack before wading across.

An alternative alignment is shown on map 8b via Lower Denmark Road and a the map can be downloaded here. Walkers should be aware of traffic in the area.

The Torbay Inlet channel is rarely more than ankle deep, but it can be well over one metre deep during peak flows. For many months of the year, it is easily traversed, as a sand bar is well formed.

When the inlet is flowing, usually during winter and spring, the crossing can be waded using extreme caution. If the water appears to be flowing swiftly upstream, walk across at the sea end of the inlet. This is usually fairly shallow.

Conditions may improve with low tide and it may be worthwhile to wait it out. Do not cross if you have any doubt at all about the depth of water and wading across.

When wading through any body of water, which is more than shin deep, make sure that you unfasten the waistband and sternum straps of your pack. This precaution allows for easy and immediate removal of your backpack if you fall over in the water.

If you are in doubt about the safety of the crossing or if the water is greater than thigh deep, take the alternative route (approx 19km) marked in orange on Bibbulmun Track Map 8.

You are advised to contact the Albany Parks and Wildlife Service district office for information about inlet conditions just before you plan to make the crossing.

For more information, please contact the Parks and Wildlife Service Albany office on (08) 9842 4500 or the Water Corporation on 13 13 85.