Prawn Rock Channel
At Ocean Beach and the Wilson Inlet, Denmark
Prawn Rock Channel @ Ocean Beach
Prawn Rock Channel is picture perfect! Prawn Rock Channel is located close to where the Wilson Inlet flows into the Southern Ocean at Ocean Beach (when the beach is breached). Depending on the time of year the channel is either turquoise blue with the ocean water flowing into it or dark blue/grey with the inlet flowing through it out towards sea. See the Inlet Opening information below for details.
Peaceful, safe
Prawn Rock Channel is perfect for a picnic, with a grassy area right in front of the water, with space to relax. It is also good for a swim, with no waves, it is ideal for learners!
Close to Ocean Beach
The scenery around is beautiful in every direction. When the channel is open you can swim into the sea at Ocean Beach.
You can also walk from Prawn Rock Channel to Ocean Beach. There is a free carpark. The Ocean Beach Look-Out is only 2 minutes walk away. From the Look-Out you can see across to the Nullaki Peninsula, gorgeous views.
Dogs are not allowed on the carpark side of Prawn Rock Channel.
On the opposite side of the channel is a small island, called 'Dog Island'. There are two small footbridges across the inlet. The island is good to take a stroll around and includes a dog exercise area for our four legged friends! See the dog exercise info below.
Prawn Rock Channel
Prawn Rock Water
Prawn Rock Channel & the Wilson Inlet
Known
as Koorabup (Kwoorabup) "The Place of the Black Swan"
by the Noongar, the Wilson Inlet is a haven for the black swan, the Icon (on the flag>>) of Western Australia.
The Wilson Inlet is over twenty kilometres long. Home to a variety of fish and bird life, the quiet and peaceful Inlet has many places to sit and enjoy the view. The sandbar, for most of the year, divides the inlet from the Southern Ocean, however (almost) every year a channel is dug to reduce the water level of the Inlet (which if left unchecked will flood roads and properties).
When the channel through Ocean Beach is open, the ocean and inlet exchange water. When the blue waters of the ocean flow INTO the inlet, Prawn Rock Channel is blue.
Dog Island
There is a great dog-exercise area on Dog Island, accessible just north of Prawn Rock Channel via two footbridges. Here is a map of the Dog Exercise Area north of Prawn Rock Channel
Dog Owners, Attention:
PLEASE pay attention to where you are (and are NOT) allowed to bring your dogs in this area. The inlet waterways and beaches are protected and please remember, dogs are NOT allowed on Ocean Beach.
Opening the Wilson Inlet Channel through Ocean Beach
It is periodically opened by digging a channel. Ocean Beach Lookout is great for seeing the sand-bar opened or closed offering spectacular views of the Wilson Inlet and the Great Southern Ocean.
An OPEN Channel at Ocean Beach
When the channel is open, and the tide is HIGH, the ocean is flowing INTO the inlet, turning the waters a beautiful turquoise blue. At LOW tide, the Inlet is flowing into the Ocean, and the tannin-stained waters flowing out into the ocean are brown.
Why open a channel to the ocean?
The water level can peak at any time during winter. A big deluge and it can rise quickly and needs to be released... by digging a channel through Ocean Beach.
The Prawn Rock Channel curve in Ocean Beach Road is almost underwater in this photo, as the footpath is just becoming submurged. In mid-summer, the water is well below this high-water line.
Carpark Submerged
The rivers keep on flowing, the rain keeps coming, and the Inlet keeps on rising.
During an open-channel time, the ocean exchange is important to the ecosystems of the inlet. Getting fresh ocean water INTO the inlet injects new life into the Wilson.
Once in a while we get a BIG RAIN before the expected opening and things get a little... over-full.
This is the carpark at the northern end of Prawn Rock Channel. As you can see, it's flooded and looks like part of the inlet!
Map of Prawn Rock Channel, Ocean Beach, Denmark Town and surrounds:
There are many beautiful beaches in Denmark, Western Australia. Ocean Beach is the closest to town and the most popular Surfing Beach in Denmark. Tap the markers for information about the locations on the Map below.
What's on the map? These are the locations plotted above:
Ocean Beach is set between the Wilson Inlet and the Great Southern Ocean and is the closest beach to Denmark Town. A popular surfing spot and lookout offer spectacular views over the southern ocean. Visit Ocean Beach
In the heart of the Rainbow Coast on the north side of the Wilson Inlet along the beautiful Denmark River you will find the haven of Denmark Western Australia. Visit Denmark Town
Prawn Rock Channel is located just north of Ocean Beach and you will drive right past it on your way to Ocean Beach. This secluded slow running channel of water is an ideal swimming spot. Visit Prawn Rock Channel
Other Beaches in Denmark Western Australia:
All of the Beaches in Denmark WA are on the Great Southern Ocean. Check them out. Visit All Beaches in Denmark WA
Map of Beaches in Denmark Western Australia. Includes some of the most beautiful beaches on the south coast. Visit Denmark Beaches Map
Ocean Beach is set between the Wilson Inlet and the Great Southern Ocean and is the closest beach to Denmark Town. A popular surfing spot and lookout offer spectacular views over the southern ocean. Visit Ocean Beach
Almost completely sheltered from the waves of the Great Southern Ocean, Greens Pool is a paradise. Visit Greens Pool
Giant rocks shaped like elephants stand together facing into the waves of the Great Southern Ocean. One of the most visited places on the Rainbow Coast. Visit Elephant Rocks
Visit Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks plus Mazzoletti Beach and Tower Hill what a place. Madfish Bay and Waterfall Beach are also here. Visit William Bay National Park
Inspiring lookout and beach offering spectacular views of William Bay from the east. A favourite local beach. Visit Lights Beach
Anvil Beach is a beautiful beach on the south side of Nullaki Peninsula on the Great Southern Ocean. Visit Anvil Beach
A commercial fishing site and not a tourist site. The beach is best visited after 3.30pm as advised by the sign. Visit Crusoe Beach
In Madfish Bay an island rests close to the shore. The waves at this beach come from two different directions. Visit Madfish Bay
Mazzoletti Beach stretches from Greens Pool in the East by foot to Parry Beach in the West. Almost the entire coastal distance of William Bay National Park. Visit Mazzoletti Beach
Offering spectacular views across William Bay towards Green Pool and Elephant Rocks. Camping permitted if available. Visit Parry Beach
Peaceful Bay beach is split in two by the Irwin Inlet as it discharges into the ocean. Sand dunes abound. Visit Peaceful Bay
Prawn Rock Channel is located just north of Ocean Beach and you will drive right past it on your way to Ocean Beach. This secluded slow running channel of water is an ideal swimming spot. Visit Prawn Rock Channel
With beautiful turquoise waters the waterfall cascades from the heathland onto the beach and out to sea. Visit Waterfall Beach
