The Wilson Inlet is fed from the Denmark
and Hay Rivers and is less than a kilometre south of town. Embraced
by the Nullaki peninsula on the southern side, this majestic water is divided
from the ocean by a sandbar which covers the opening much of the
year.
Known
as Koorabup "The Place of the Black Swan"
by the Noongar, the Wilson Inlet is a haven for these majestic birds
which are 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 (below).
It is periodically opened by digging a channel which last occurred in mid July 2008 (opened channel photo below). 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.
Click play below to view a video of the open channel:
Many species of land and water birds can be seen around the Wilson Inlet including the Western Australian Pelican (above), and the Black Swans (above right). You can
see a pelican flying in the video below...
Crusoe Beach, (above) on the northern
side of the Inlet, is along the Denmark
Heritage Rail Trail. This trail can be followed by foot or bike
6.5 kilometres to the mouth of the Denmark River. The trail hugs
the northern side of the Wilson Inlet and leads to Crusoe Beach
at the eastern end. More information can be found about the Rail
Trail at: www.railtrails.org.au
Denmark
is located a few kilometres up-river on the northern side of the
Inlet.
Wilson Inlet from Poison Point
Wilson Inlet from Nullaki Peninsula
Wilson Inlet sandbar opened,
channel between Ocean Beach and Nullaki Peninsula.
I had the opportunity to experience kayaking on the Wilson Inlet on a clear winter's day. Care to see what the inlet is like? Click play to see>>
The Inlet is ever changing. Sometimes clear and reflective, others indistinguishable from the sea (at a distance) quite choppy and fresh.
The natural biodiversity of this sanctuary should always be respected.
Known
as Koorabup "The Place of the Black Swan"
by the Noongar, the Wilson Inlet is a haven for these majestic birds
which are the Icon (on the flag) of Western Australia. 
