Greens Pool in William Bay National Park: How do I get there?

Greens Pool is a sheltered, wildlife-filled swimming spot in William Bay National Park on Western Australia’s south coast. Find it at the end of William Bay Road, near Walpole and Denmark in south-west WA.

The thrill is in the discovery in the William Bay National Park on Western Australia’s south coast. Greens Pool is the oasis at the end of the world; the beach you can be eternally smug about finding. Perth, the nearest major city, is five and a half hours’ drive away from this isolated frontier of William Bay National Park.

There’s more to it than sheer distance, though. Swimming along the southern coast of WA is usually for the brave or suicidal. All around, the bulldozing swells of the Southern Ocean wage their eternal battle against the stoic cliffs and headlands.

Greens Pool, Western Australia

But, luckily, that’s not the case at Greens Pool. The smooth granite boulders, looking like sea lions basking in the blazing summer sun, offer protection. Kids snorkel amongst shoals of herring and whiting. Stingrays glide through miniature coral reefs.

And the bonus? The next stop might be Antarctica, but the water temperature at Greens Pool is always a couple of degrees higher than that of the surrounding ocean. That respite from the Australian summer heat doesn’t have to be too refreshing.

William Bay National Park attractions

Greens Pool is the highlight of William Bay National Park, found between the Western Australian towns of Walpole and Denmark on the south coast. But it is by no means the only reason to visit.

William Bay National Park is otherwise all about moody headlands, huge granite outcrops and wildflowers. The wildflowers are most prominent in spring, but they can be found year-round.

Birdwatchers can enjoy hooded plovers and other shore birds walking along the beaches of William Bay National Park. The joy comes in sitting quietly and watching them go about their business.

Elephant Rocks near Greens Pool in William Bay National Park

For the big granite outcrops, Elephant Rocks is the prime spot. Here, the bulging lumps of granite cluster around the coast. It’s a short walk away from Greens Pool around the rocky headland – you can use the same car park for both.

The Greens Pool car park is at the end of William Bay Road, which branches off the main South Coast Highway. It is 56km east of Walpole, 18km west of Denmark (home of the Boston Brewery) and 72km west of Albany. You can find more information about William Bay on the Parks and Wildlife Service website.

More fabulous places to swim in Australia

The Ocean Baths of Newcastle, New South Wales.

The crocodile-free Wave Lagoon in Darwin.

The ironically-named Harold Holt Swim Centre in Melbourne.

The Killen Falls pool near Ballina, New South Wales.

The Yarangobilly Caves Thermal Pool in the Kosciuszko National Park.