15 Fantastic Things to do in Kalbarri
15 Fantastic Things to do in Kalbarri provides a comprehensive list of activities to keep you entertained whilst visiting Kalbarri, Western Australia. Whether you are looking for adventure, a new experience or just to relax, Kalbarri has something for everyone.
Where is Kalbarri?
Kalbarri is located on the Coral Coast at the mouth of the Murchison River. It is 590kms north of Perth.
How to get to Kalbarri?
The best way to get to Kalbarri is by private car. This will provide the most flexibility and ability to explore the area. You can check out the Pinnacles on the way. It will take approximately 6 hours to drive the 590kms.
Alternatively, you can catch a bus from East Perth Station which will 8hr 25mins and costs $70-$110.
The quickest way to get to Kalbarri is to fly from Perth Airport to Geralton Airport, then hire a car and drive to Kalbarri. This will take approximately 4 hours. Though by the time you drive to the airport, check in early and do all the paperwork with the hire car, you don’t really save much time.
Places to Stay in Kalbarri
Located just a 10 minutes walk from beach swimming, fishing and pelican feeding, Golden Chain Kalbarri Palm Resort features 2 pools, a hot tub and a tennis court all set on extensive gardens and located at the point where the Murchison River meets the Indian Ocean.
Choose from spacious 1 and 2-bedroom, self-contained units, lovely studios and superb 4 bedroom/2 bathroom town houses. The Murchison River is located directly across the road from the property. Kalbarri Seafront Villas offers secure off site parking for boats and trailers, with free wash down facilities.
A great convenient location only 4 mins from Chinaman’s Beach. This holiday park provides holiday villas and caravan and camp sites with fantastic facilities.
Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park
Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park is where Western Australia’s rugged shoreline of Kalbarri meets the stunning Indian Ocean. The park has been custom-built to minimise the effects of the seasonal winds and maximise the natural beauty of the site.
We visited Kalbarri in the July school holidays and the joint was packed. Not a campsite anywhere. A note of warning, there is NO free camping in Kalbarri. The rangers patrol the national park and town and do issue fines. The closest free camp is on the North West Coastal Hwy 77kms from town at the Galena 24 hour rest area.
Hiking in Kalbarri National Park
Kalbarri National Park has several entrances, the main one being the access to the Skywalk, Nature’s Window and Z Bend. This is about 25 minute drive outside of town. You will require a National Parks Pass or pay for a day pass ($17) at the gate.
Skywalk
The Kalbarri Skywalk is a fully accessible twin cantilevered walkways extending 17m and 25m beyond the cliff face and 100m above the valley floor providing stunning views of the Murchison River Gorge. The Skywalk was completed in 2020 at a cost of $24million. There is a kiosk at the skywalk providing refreshments.
Nature’s Window
Nature’s Window is an 800m Class 3 return walk from the carpark. The trail follows the ridge along a well-made trail with some stairs. The final stages of the trail is a little tricky. The return trip will take 30-45minutes. Allow extra time if it is busy for photos.
Z Bend
Allow 1 hour to complete this moderate 1.2km return trail to the Z bend Lookout from the Z bend carpark. The views from the lookout are spectacular. Make sure you climb down to the second lookout to the left of the main lookout.
If you are feeling adventurous, continue down the trail to the Z bend river trail if you are feeling adventurous. This is a difficult 2.6km return walk to the river floor. Allow 2 hours.
The Loop
The Loop Trail is a difficult (Class 4) 9km loop. The trail takes 3-5 hours and must be started before 7am between November to March. It is accessed from Loop carpark.
Kalbarri Coast Lookouts
There are numerous lookouts along the coast road accessed via short moderately difficult trails. These include
- Red Bluff to Beach – 700m one way, 20 mins
- Mushroom Rock Trail – 3km loop, 1 hour
- Pot Alley Beach – 400m return, 20 mins
- Eagle Gorge Beach – 1km return, 30- 45mins
- Bigurda Trail – 8km one way, 3 hours
If you don’t have a vehicle, or would like to meet new friends you can join a tour that takes you to the Skywalk, Nature’s Window and Z Bend.
Kalbarri- Inland and River Gorges Tour
Canoe on the Murchison River
Your canoe journey leaves from Kalbarri Boat Hire on the town foreshore. From here you will be taken up the Murchison River in a 4WD truck for a challenging and exciting 4 wheel drive ride to the start point.
Once arrived, you will have your first canoe of the day and enjoy the beauty of the Murchison River whilst breakfast is being cooked for you. This is a meal to remember with the best bush cooks in town.
After breakfast, the safari continues for approximately 3.5kms allowing you to enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife as you float quietly down the river. A third paddle leg depends on wind conditions and is often enjoyed.
Murchison River Cruise
The Murchison River is the second longest river in Western Australia stretching 820km from the Robinson Ranges to the Indian Ocean in Kalbarri.
The 2 1/2 hr cruise starts in Kalbarri and heads 6kms up the tranquil waters of the Murchison River to Goat Island before turning around. Along the way learn about the local fishing industry, regional history and the unique plant and animal life of the region. Water levels permitting, a shore walk is possible at Rocky Crossing.
The river is home to many beautiful birds including:-
- ospreys,
- kites,
- pelicans,
- egrets,
- black swans, and
- the majestic white-breasted sea eagles.
You might also spot kangaroos, emus, and goats along the riverbanks.
Kalbarri – Murchison River Morning Cruise
Sunset Cruise
The cruise departs from the Kalbarri Maritime Facility to head out through the Murchison River mouth & head south along our impressive coastline. You will see renowned sites along the way including
- Jacques Point
- Red Bluff
- Mushroom Rock
- Rainbow Valley
- Pot Alley and
- Eagle Gorge
As the sun sets, the cliffs turn brilliant orange and red contrasting against clear blue skies and provide dramatic photo opportunites. The cruise is BYO drinks & nibbles. Saluting the days end onboard Reefwalker is certainly a must do whilst visiting Kalbarri!
Kalbarri Sunset Coastal Cliff Cruise
Whale Watching
Whale watching season in Kalbarri runs from June to November. Each year 22,000 humpback whales migrate from the food rich Antarctic waters to Ningaloo reef to breed, swimming straight past Kalbarri. Occasionally a Southern Right Whale may be seen.
These gentle giants play, frolic & bask in the pristine waters of Gantheaume Bay on their migratory route along the West Australian coastline.
Humpback whales measure 16-17m in length and weigh up to 40 tonnes. That’s a bit bigger than a bus! So, when they breach, that is when they throw their entire body out of the water, in an action of pure joy, it’s truly impressive.
Whales can also be seen from the many coastal lookouts including Red Bluff, Pot Alley and Eagle Gorge Lookouts.
Catch and Keep Crayfish
Feeling in the mood for a dinner of fresh Western Rock Lobster? There is nothing fresher than catching your own lobsters in the morning on the Catch and Keep Crayfish Tour. Don’t worry, they haul the lobster pots out for you.
Kalbarri Catch and Keep Crayfish Tour
Star Gazing
Spend the evening on the foreshore, with a picnic and a glass of wine. Lie back and relax as you look up at the shimmering stars of the Milky Way. Kalbarri has zero light pollution which makes this simple activity one you won’t forget.
Alternatively, join a tour into Kalbarri National Park and enjoy a glass of bubbles and a light dinner as you watch the sunset from the Kalbarri Skywalk. Marvel at the stars and constellations with the naked eye and learn basic astrophotography techniques.
Kalbarri Skywalk – Sundowner and Star Gazing Tour
Wildflowers
During springtime (August to October), Western Australia’s Mid West region becomes a wildflower haven. Around 12,000+ species blanket the ground during wildflower season in Western Australia, creating a mesmerizing carpet of colors. And what’s more, up to 60% of the species only grow here — you can’t find them anywhere else in the world.
This means the areas surrounding Kalbarri come to life with vibrant, colorful blooms. The Kalbarri wildflower tour is led by one of the local expert guides who will take you 100km out of town in an air conditioned vehicle to explore and experience the gorgeous once a year event.
Kalbarri Wildflower tour with local guide
Explore the Blue Holes
Blue Holes, a Fish Habitat Protected Area is a great place to snorkel the limestone reef and get up close to many species of fish in the crystal clear waters. This is best done when the tide goes out and the reef becomes exposed. If you don’t want to swim, wait until the tide retreats further, explore the exposed rockpools. When we visited, it was high tide and it wasn’t suitable for snorkelling.
Abseiling Adventure
Want to get off the beaten path and be a little more adventurous? Whether you have abseiling experience or not, a day with Kalbarri Abseil will provide a fun filled day.
The tour starts in the carpark of the Z Bend Gorge in the Kalbarri National Park. From there you will hike the river trail through the stunning gorge down to the abseil site. After the guides give you a demonstration to show you how easy & safe abseiling is & then it’s over to you..
First up’s the 4 metre wall to get you comfortable in your harness, then you’ll move on up to the 25m and 35m walls for some awesome abseil fun!
Once you’ve conquered the cliffs we head down to the tranquil Murchison River for a relaxing lunch stop & soak in the amazing scenery with the chance to go for a dip to finish off your unforgettable day!
Fishing
The Murchison River is renowned for whiting, small tailor, soapy mulloway, mangrove jack, black bream and yellowfin bream. Great fishing spots along the river include the jetties, Chinaman’s Rock (please note that Chinaman’s Beach is a no fishing zone) or further upstream from the riverbank. It is a great place to introduce the kids to fishing. You don’t need a fishing license to fish from the shoreline.
Oyster Reef is located on the opposite side of the river from Kalbarri. This is only accessible by boat and is a great place to catch tailor, pink snapper and bream. Western Australia requires that you have a fishing license to fish from a boat. Get your boat fishing licence here.
20kms outside of Kalbarri is Wagoe Beach. Wagoe Beach has a massive reef drop off just near the chalets and is known as one of the best land based fishing spots on the mid west coast. You will need a 4WD to fish at Wagoe Beach. Here you can catch Spanish Mackerel, Tuna, Samson Fish, sharks, Snapper, Bluebone or Mulloway. If you are fishing with lighter gear, target Flathead, Whiting, Bream and Tailor.
Bait and tackle can be bought locally at the Kalbarri Tackle Shack or Kalbarri Sport and Dive. Most service stations also have bait.
Watch the Sunset from Meanarra Hill Lookout
Meanarra Hill Lookout has gorgeous views of Kalbarri and the Murchison River. It is an easy walk to the lookout and a great place to settle down with some cheese and wine and watch the sun drop below the horizon.
Pelican Feeding
Every morning at 8.45am, the pelicans wander up the foreshore in front of The Pelican Cafe for breakfast. The Pelican Feeding (located opposite The Pelican Café) is a volunteer run experience and a gold coin donation is appreciated to cover the costs of fish. Enjoy breakfast/brunch afterwards at local eateries on the main strip of town.
Photographic Tour
Kalbarri is a photographer’s delight where you can capture stunning coastal cliffs, gorges, beaches and nature. Blue Tongue photography times tours perfectly for sunrise and sunset or better known as the golden hours when the light is soft and offers up dramatic photo opportunities.
Or perhaps you are up for the challenge of astro photography in the Kalbarri National Park where there is zero light pollution and a stargazing dream.
Book your photographic tour here
Quad Bike Tour
Outback Quad Bike Safari
A fun way of seeing some of the most beautiful scenery the lower reaches of the Murchison River is by an adventurous Quad Bike Safari.
This is an adventurous and safe way to experience this beautiful the bushland along the Murchison River and is suitable for beginner and people who have ridden a quadbike before. A driver’s license is required to drive the quad bikes.
Book your Quad Bike Safari here.
Beach Quad Bike Adventure
Prefer the beach instead. Enjoy an unforgettable day of fun, discovery & adventure exploring Wagoe Beach on a guided self drive quad bike or buggy tour. You will see some of the awesome sand dunes & wildlife at Wagoe as you ride your own 4WD quad bike or buggy.
Where else do you get the chance to ride your quad bike alongside a whale or dolphin or watch them at play from the high sand dunes?
Wagoe Beach Quad Bike Adventure
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