No we’re not talking about the cool Scando capital but rather the regional Western Australian district of the same name. Though there are few similarities between the two, though both are a must-visit; the latter a coastal enclave that offers not only a bevy of renowned spots in which to swim and surf, but a growing array of producers and petite food and drink specialists that make it well worth the five hour drive south from Perth. Rather like a Mullumbimby of the Great Southern, Denmark is one to watch.

Western Australia is a haven for vineyards and the Great Southern is no different. While it isn’t quite as heavy on the offerings as Margaret River (which sits four hours north), it still offers plenty of variety in terms of grapes. West Cape Howe Winery in Mount Barker, just 30 minutes from town centre, sits on an ample estate and specialises in a lengthy array of drops. There you’ll be able to find a feed to boo, courtesy of its on site restaurant, before a wander of its grounds. 14923 Muir Highway, Mount Barker; westcapehowewines.com.au.

Of course, a trip to Denmark isn’t complete without a visit to the much adored Green’s Pool and neighbouring Elephant Rocks in William Bay National Park. The water here is as crystal clear as it comes, but pre-warning, it’s also consistently icy (year round) – not that that’s any deterrent for the regular visitors or locals who gather to swim its stretch daily. As an added bonus, the duo of adored swimming holes are protected from the rough waters of the surrounding Southern Ocean thanks to a scattering of large granite boulders. William Bay Road, Denmark; parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au.

Health nuts will find The Green Pantry a haven. Not out of place in Bondi, the cafe and health pantry in one is stocked with an array of nutritious breakfast favourites (granola, chia pudding and the like) and makes one of the best coffees in town. With the mantra “healthy food, healthy body, happy life”, it’s here that you can undo the sins amassed in the surrounding vineyards. 39 Strickland Street, Denmark; thegreenpantry.com.au.

If you like country bakeries (you’re not alone) then Mt Barker Bakery is a must-visit. While the rural stop may be a good 30 minutes outside of Denmark central it is well worth a visit thanks to its seriously impressive array of old-school baked goods. Think caramel slice by the truckload, accompanied by generously sized gingerbread men, swiss rolls, and mud cakes. But the bakery’s real claim to fame is its award-winning pies. Think Thai green chicken curry pie and cauliflower blue cheese fig pie among others. 95 Lowood Road, Mount Barker; facebook.com/mtbarkerbakery.

Those enamoured with the natural wine movement will be familiar with the creations of Brave New Wine. The couple behind the vino, Yoko Luscher-Mostert and Andries Mostert, are longtime Denmark residents and create it within the town’s borders. While they may not as yet boast a cellar door, you’ll be able to buy one of their creations at a handful of different bottle shops throughout the town central. bravenewwine.com.au.

If it’s not the swimming spots that lure you to Denmark, the cheese will. Dellendale Creamery is perhaps the biggest cheesemaker in the Great Southern and certainly the most lauded. Famed for its firmer alpine-style cheeses, the producer merges the traditional with the contemporary, placing special WA twists on cheeseboard favourites (an Ocean Brie and an Outback Brie forms part of the range). An array of the Dellendale’s cheeses are stocked throughout Denmark, including at the particularly impressive IGA Express. http://www.dellendale.com.au/.

Settled into Denmark’s main drag (if you can call it that) is Stomp’d. The casual drinking den is a celebration of local wines, beers and spirits that comes courtesy of duo Attila Hagymas and Ranee Wilson, formerly of fine diner Six Triple Three. The team’s new casual offering sits in the home of a former grocer, and partners its lengthy locals-only drinks list with platter fare. 3/27 Strickland Street, Denmark; facebook.com/pg/stompdenmark.