Prawn Rock Channel is a picturesque waterway located in Denmark (420km south west of Perth), Western Australia. The channel is part of the Wilson Inlet, a large estuary that opens into the Southern Ocean. Prawn Rock Channel is named for the abundance of prawns found in the waters, which attract fishing enthusiasts eager to catch this local delicacy.
The area is celebrated for its stunning natural scenery, including calm, clear waters, sandy beaches, and surrounding greenery, creating a perfect setting for various outdoor activities. Swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding are popular pursuits, thanks to the channel’s gentle currents and safe, shallow waters. The nearby sandbar and rocky outcrops add to the charm, offering interesting exploration spots.
Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse birdlife, with species like pelicans and black swans frequently spotted. The channel also serves as a habitat for various marine life, contributing to its ecological significance.
While Prawn Rock Channel is a natural water way, it does usually require excavation to remove sand once or twice per year to prevent flooding of local roadways. Please check with the local council before visiting to ensure it is open.
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How far is Prawn Rock Channel?
Accessible via a short drive 8.4km drive from Denmark town and is only a short walk across the road from the Big 4 Ocean Beach Holiday Park Denmark.
What can you do at Prawn Rock Channel?
Prawn Rock Channel offers and fun recreational area with so much to do and explore. There is a foot bridge that joins the mainland to Dog Island where you can explore small beaches and walking trails. On the west side of Dog Island is the Wilson Inlet and Ocean Beach. When the tide is out you can walk across the vast white sand and wade through shallow waters to where the ocean enters the channel.
Depending on the tide you can also swim, snorkel, stand up paddle and kayak within the calm waters on the channel or enjoy a picnic on the beach or grassed recreational area. You can also throw a line in and enjoy some fishing around the channel and inlet areas.
At certain times the water in the channel is a stunning turquoise colour and so clear you can see beneath the surface of the water. The calm waters make it perfect here
When is the best time to visit?
It’s best to visit during the warmer months when it’s nice to enjoy a swim and paddle. If you want to enjoy the stunning turquoise waters, visit on an incoming high tide where the waters from the ocean flow into the channel. When water from the Wilson Inlet flows into the Prawn Rock channel and out to the ocean the water can be more of yellow channel from the inlet.
What facilities are available?
There is a carpark adjacent to the grassed recreational area at Prawn Rock Channel. Toilets are located alongside the grassed area also.
Is there a lookout?
There is a lookout just a short walk from Prawn Rock Channel that looks out over Ocean Beach and the Wilson Inlet across the popular ocean surf breaks.
Can you camp at Prawn Rock Channel?
No camping or overnight parking is allowed at Prawn Rock Channel, however the Big 4 Denmark Ocean Beach Holiday Park is located just across the road only stone’s throw away. This holiday park offers cabin and campsite accommodation.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are not allowed at the main Prawn Rock Channel Recreational Area, however they are permitted on the west side of Dog Island which is accessible from the northern end of the Prawn Rock Channel via two footbridges. Please pay close attention to signage that indicates where dogs are permitted to ensure the inlet water ways and beaches are protected.
Prawn Rock Channel Map
Prawn Rock Channel Summary
Distance: 8.4km from Denmark
Features: calm channel, grassed recreational area, toilets
Dogs: not allowed – except at dog exercise areas
Map: see above
More information: denmarkwesternaustralia.com
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Lauren Angove is an adventurous Perth (Western Australia) Mum of two boys who loves to blog about her experiences to inspire other mid-lifers to choose their most adventurous lives now. Keep up to date with her latest adventure inspiration and advice at Always Adventure Ready on facebook.