The picturesque ex-timber town of Denmark, lies on the western fringes of a region known as the Rainbow Coast. As if inspired by theactual Danes, the community over the past few decades has becomefiercely environmentally focused, encouraging the development of a now thriving organic farming and arts and crafts scene. In the centre oftown, Strickland Street is testament to this, lined with an amazing array of health food stores, local produce displays, craft outlets and art galleries.
Apart from Strickland Street and the town's fine beaches and waterways(which are great for fishing, swimming, and surfing), many of Denmark'smost tempting attractions are hidden away in it's fertile hinterland. The hinterland is home to a quality selection of notable wineries, mostof which have cellars open to the public for tastings. Scattered in between the vineyards, the enormous variety of markets, galleries, and organic farms (see Attractions), provide interesting diversions from the merlot.
On the western outskirts of town, William Bay National Park is alsoworthy of a visit, encompassing some superb coastal walks and scenery,as well as some large rock pools ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Just over fifty kilometres to the east of Denmark, Albany is thelargest centre on the Rainbow Coast, and the oldest town in WesternAustralia. First established on the edge of King George Sound and the beautiful Princess Royal Harbour way back in 1826, it's awesome settingand wealth of heritage have made it one of Western Australia's most popular holiday destinations.
To explore Albany's historical centre the best bet is to follow one theHeritage Trails laid out by the local tourist board. The trails file visitors past the city's abundant supply of colonial buildings, many of which now house interesting museums and environmental exhibits. Mostnotable is the old fortress on Mount Adelaide, complete with gun emplacements and panoramic views over the harbour. The streets are also brimming with other intriguing little establishments such as galleries, wine outlets, and speciality shops. There are several gooddining precincts as well.
Albany's dramatic coastline is just as alluring as it's centre, not only for it's rugged beauty, but for the southern right whales which can be seen playing in the area's many bays between June and September. The amount of excellent vantage points along the cliffs perfect for ogling over these enormous animals, is matched only by the numberof whale-watching cruises keen to give excited tourists a closer look.
Albany also makes a great base for exploring the nearby Porongurup and Stirling Range National Parks. Porongurup contains the oldest volcanic landscape in the world, dominated by the spectacular granite domes of the Porongurup Range. The peaks are shrouded in thick karri forests, creating the protective canopy for the park's renowned display of vibrant wildflowers every Spring. The flowering plants of Stirling Range National Park (many of which are endemic to the area) put on an equally dazzling display, though the backdrop is more impressive. The towering crags of the Stirling Ranges rise abruptly out of the coastal plain to an altitude of over 1000 metres, and stretch for more than 60 
kilometres from east to west! Enhancing this visual delight, the highestspires are often veiled in mist, and the entire range changes colours as the sun crosses the sky.
The Mount Barker township on the intersection of the Muir andAlbany Highways, provides another great base for exploring the parks.The town itself is best known for it's quaint and celebrated wineregion, many of which are open for tastings and cellar door sales. North of Mount Barker, the attractive little hamlet of Cranbrook lies onthe foothills of the Stirling Range, offering alternative access to thepark and it's unique wildflower wilderness.
North of Cranbrook, Kojonup lies on the fringes of the statesvast wheatbelt. Aboriginal for stone axe, the town was originallysettled after the local aboriginal people led explorer Alfred Hillman to the vital Kojonup Springs. You can still visit the springs today,although the town is more famous for it's magnificent wildflowers,which include over 60 species of wild orchids.
