High-angle aerial view of a sheltered cove featuring massive rounded granite boulders resembling elephants, clear turquoise water with swimmers, a white sand beach, and lush green coastal hills under a blue sky.

    Aerial view of turquoise water, white sand, and massive boulders at Elephant Rocks in William Bay National Park, Western Australia, Australia.

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    Elephant Rocks

    Landmark

    Elephant Rocks is a coastal granite formation in William Bay National Park, about 15 km west of Denmark in Western Australia’s Great Southern region. Large rounded granite boulders extend around a sheltered cove, with a strip of darker dolerite along the eastern side of the bay. The combination of rounded rock forms, sheltered water, coastal vegetation, and open Southern Ocean views provide varied landscape and coastal photography opportunities.

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    Gallery

    High-angle aerial view of a sheltered cove featuring massive rounded granite boulders resembling elephants, clear turquoise water with swimmers, a white sand beach, and lush green coastal hills under a blue sky.

    Aerial view of turquoise water, white sand, and massive boulders at Elephant Roc…

    High-angle aerial view of a cluster of giant, rounded granite boulders sitting in a shallow, crystal-clear turquoise cove next to a white sand beach and coastal vegetation.

    Massive granite formations resembling a herd of elephants wading through the sha…

    Large orange-tinted granite boulders sitting in a calm, vibrant turquoise channel along a rocky coastline under a pastel blue sky at dusk.

    Sunset light illuminating the striking granite boulders of Elephant Rocks in Wil…

    Large, rounded granite boulders rise from calm green-turquoise water next to a white sand beach with a lone seagull on the shore.

    Huge cracked oval boulders lining the beach at Elephant Rocks near Denmark, West…

    High-angle aerial view of vibrant turquoise ocean pools and sandy beaches framed by dramatic rocky reefs, rocky outcrops, and sweeping green coastal hills stretching out to the horizon.

    Aerial view of Elephant Rocks and Greens Pool nestled along the rugged, lush coa…

    Clusters of large, smooth granite boulders line a clear turquoise coastal inlet under a bright blue sky with light clouds.

    Giant granite rock formations overlooking the bright blue waters of Elephant Cov…

    Large, smooth granite boulders are illuminated by warm morning side light in a calm turquoise bay, with ocean waves breaking in the background under a pale sky.

    The famous Elephant Rocks glowing in the ocean during sunrise in Western Austral…

    Looking down a wooden boardwalk and staircase framed by green coastal bush and large granite boulders leading towards the beach path.

    Wooden stairs providing access to the beach at Elephant Rocks in William Bay Nat…

    Quick Facts

    Access

    Short Walk

    5–15 min

    Elevation Gain

    20 m

    Best Light

    Morning
    Golden Hour

    Low-angle light reveals texture and form across the granite, while overcast conditions reduce contrast between rocks, water, and darker coastal vegetation.

    Why This Light

    Low-Angle Relief
    Softens Contrast

    Season

    Seasonally Distinct

    Summer generally brings drier coastal vegetation, clearer conditions and stronger contrast between the pale granite, sheltered water, and surrounding vegetation. Winter brings wetter conditions, more variable cloud and swell, while spring adds flowering coastal vegetation across the wider William Bay area.

    Crowds

    Busy Sunrise/Sunset

    Restrictions

    William Bay National Park currently has no entry fee and does not allow pets. Elephant Rocks is accessed by road from Denmark via South Coast Highway and William Bay Road, with parking near the site. A short trail leads from the parking area to a lookout before descending between the granite boulders to the sheltered cove. The coast outside sheltered areas can have strong currents, large swells, and slippery rocks. Current DBCA works at William Bay National Park may result in temporary path closures and changed access routes, so check park alerts before visiting.

    Photography Notes

    Photograph the rounded granite formations from the elevated approach before descending among the boulders for closer compositions. Wide-angle lenses can include the rock formations, sheltered cove and Southern Ocean, while standard focal lengths isolate individual granite forms and their relationship to the water. Look for foreground rock textures, channels and reflections in calmer water. The darker dolerite on the eastern side provides tonal contrast with the surrounding granite. Spring wildflowers can add low foreground detail.
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