A Place Where Forest Meets Water: The Story Behind Wild Cabin Denmark
Just off the Bibbulmun Track near Denmark, an accommodation shaped by a love of walking and the landscape is offering another way to experience the track.
Wild Cabin Denmark sits in a part of Western Australia known for its close connection between forest and water.
“Denmark is a place of great natural beauty. And in many respects it is unique,” says Wild Cabin founder Martin Van Bueren. “It’s one of the few places in WA where the forest extends all the way down to the water’s edge.”
The idea for Wild Cabin grew from years of travelling across Australia and New Zealand, staying in “many beautiful cabins located in stunning locations” and reflecting on what made those experiences memorable.
“We wanted to capture the best of our experiences and build a nature-based cabin right here in Denmark, giving guests a luxury stay.”
Keeping nature at the centre
“We named our venture Wild Cabin because the natural environment is such a fundamental part of the Denmark experience,” he says.
He has noticed a broader shift in how people travel. “We sense that travellers are increasingly seeking out places where they can recharge and immerse themselves in a nature, away from all the distractions of their fast-paced lives.”
A different option for walkers
Built by someone who knows the track
Martin brings a long personal connection to walking into the business.
“As a passionate hiker myself, having walked many of Australia and NZ’s great tracks, I know the logistical challenges of backpacking,” he explains.
That experience has shaped how Wild Cabin supports walkers.
“Wild Cabin aims to make it easy for walkers. We can have meal provisions waiting for you on arrival and put you in touch with local businesses that can help with any support you may need.”
Giving back to the Bibbulmun Track
Wild Cabin joined the Walker Friendly Business program early on, reflecting a long-standing link with the Bibbulmun Track.
“I’ve been associated with the Bibbulmun Track for many years, having been one of the original teams of volunteers that built several of the shelters back in the 1990s and also a former warden for Gringer campsite,” Martin says.
That history informs a sense of shared responsibility.
“The Track is such a wonderful asset for the State. The track is free to use but offers so much in return. Caring for the track is a joint responsibility and Wild Cabin is proud to offer some financial support and possibly introduce some new walkers to the track.”
He has also seen that many visitors share similar values.
“Most people that enjoy and respect the natural environment want to see it conserved for future generations. Giving something back is enormously gratifying.”
Walking tourism in the Great Southern
The Great Southern has long offered strong walking experiences, though Martin notes that it has not always been accessible to everyone.
“The Great Southern offers some wonderful experiences for walkers but for too long it has been a bit inaccessible for those that are not fully equipped and willing to rough it.”
He sees gradual change underway.
“Over time we have started to see better track facilities developed and a greater diversity of options available for entry-level walkers that may be a bit reluctant to carry a heavy pack or stay in a shelter.”
“Wild Cabin, along with similar ventures, are catering for this emerging new market.”
Supporting the Track together
Stories like this are part of a broader network of people and small businesses connected to the Bibbulmun Track. Choosing to support Walker Friendly Businesses, whether it is for a meal, a resupply or a night off the track, helps sustain the services that many walkers rely on along the way. These are often small, locally run businesses with a strong connection to the places they operate in, and to the track itself.
For businesses, the Walker Friendly Business program is one way to be part of that network and contribute to the walking experience.
If you are heading out on the track, it is worth considering the people and places that help support it, and the role we all play in keeping it going.
