Around 600 km north of Perth, the red sandstone outback of Western Australia meets the blue coral waters in an incredible collision of land and sea.
Kalbarri is a small coastal town. Kalbarri, located at the mouth of Murchison River and surrounded by a National Park, is a very special place.
Impressive geological formations surround this sparsely populated region of Western Australia’s outback and coast.
Here, you won’t find all-inclusive resorts or five-star hotels. There is a quiet, unassuming Australian town on the coast with a lot to discover and explore around it.
You can decide what to do by reading this guide. Is Kalbarri a worthwhile visit?
What is KALBARRI known for
Kalbarri’s most famous feature is the National Park that surrounds it. Two unique environments are found in the Kalbarri National Park. The coastal gorges and the inland canyons.
The ancient Murchison River is located in the inland part of the Kalbarri National Park. Western Australia’s second longest river, Murchison, has cut deep gorges into the red sandstone rocks of this breathtaking landscape over millions of years.
Estuaries, dramatic cliffs, and windswept bluffs are all found in the coastal area. The Indian Ocean’s constant winds and waves have shaped sandstone cliffs that are hundreds of meters tall.
Best Things to Do in KALBARRI NATIONAL Park
As many of the best activities in Kalbarri are walking-based, make sure you pack plenty of water, comfortable shoes, and sunscreen.
The Kalbarri Skywalk is the best way to see the National Park of Kalbarri
The Kalbarri Skywalk is located in the Kalbarri National Park. The walkways hug the cliff edge and extend out over the precipice, offering expansive views of the Murchinson River that runs steadily through the National Park.
The cost of entering Kalbarri Park includes access to the Kalbarri Skywalk. You can purchase a national park pass in cash or with an annual pass online.
Nature’s Window: Hike the trails to see it!
Nature’s Window is one of the most famous landmarks within Kalbarri National Park. A window-like opening in the limestone that overlooks the Murchinson River and the surrounding land.
Nature’s Window can be reached in a 1-kilometer round trip. The track is mostly paved, except for the final 100 meters. Sunrise or sunset are the best times to visit this stunning location in Kalbarri.
The Loop Trail: Conquer it
The Loop Trail is the longest of the inland hikes in Kalbarri National Park. The Loop Trail is a 9-kilometer trek through the Murchinson Gorge.
The Loop Trail will take you past Nature’s Window, high up along the ridges of the gorge wall, before meandering down to the river’s banks. The loop should be completed in between two and three hours.
It is best to complete the Loop Trail early in order to avoid sun exposure and high temperatures. Pack plenty of water as the trail is mostly exposed.
Visit Z-Bend to See Murchinson River Gorge
Z-Bend is another attraction that you should not miss in Kalbarri. It offers even more breathtaking views of Murchinson Gorge, which is one of Australia’s most beautiful gorges. Z-Bend, named after the sharp bend carved out by the Murchinson River’s flowing waters, is one of the best things to do in this national park.
You can also explore the upper trail at Z-Bend, a 1.2-kilometer-long return trail that leads to an impressive lookout that offers views of the gorge. You can also head to the river via the 2.6-kilometer route and experience the heights up close.
Kalbarri Abseil is the best place to go abseiling in Kalbarri National Park
Are you up for an adventure? Do you love a good adrenaline rush? Are you not afraid of heights at all?
You can spend the morning abseiling off Z-Bend Gorge using Kalbarri Abeil.
This tour allows you to see Z-Bend Gorge in a new light. You will be rappelling down walls of up to 35 meters high!
Now is the time to book your tour for an unforgettable experience.
Views to be amazed from Hawks Head Lookout and Ross Graham Lookout
If you are coming from the North, don’t miss out on the chance to visit Hawks Head Lookout and Ross Graham Lookout.
Hawks Head Lookout offers a stunning view of the Murchinson River if you visit it at dawn.
Both lookouts can be reached easily with trails that are less than 400 meters in length round-trip and are paved all the way.
Best Things to Do in KALBARRI
There are many things to do in Kalbarri that will keep you and your family entertained. Here are some great things to see and do in Kalbarri.
Feed Pelicans From the Shore
In town, pelican feeding is an excellent activity for young people (and those who are still young at heart). Volunteers in Kalbarri conduct Pelican Feeding on the foreshore of the Murchinson caravan park every morning at 8:30 a.m. Gold coin donations are encouraged.
Grab Fish and Chips
Fresh fish and chips are a must-have on any trip along the Australian coast. Visit your local fish and chip shop, then head to the beach and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Finlay’s Microbrewery is the best place to visit
The local Microbrewery is one of the top things to do in Kalbarri. Finlay’s was established as a microbrewery in 2018. Since then, it has tantalized everyone’s palates.
Finlay’s has a wide range of brews to suit everyone, whether you prefer pale ales, stouts, or Kolsch. Finlay’s also offers a wide range of local seafood, including the Western Australia Rock Lobster.
Finlay’s is open only on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. and from Friday to Sunday at noon. Live music begins every Sunday at 4:00 p.m.!
#10 Watch a Movie at an Outdoor Cinema
The outdoor cinema is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. The outdoor cinema at Rainbow Jungle in Kalbarri is one of the top things to do.
It is crucial to plan your trip if you are planning on going to the outdoor cinema during winter.
Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for children (2-10). Tickets are available in advance from Rainbow Jungle up until 4:00 p.m. the day before the screening. Limited quantities may also be available at the door.
Best Free Things to Do in KALBARRI
There are many free things to do in Kalbarri. Here are some of the best free things to do in Kalbarri, including snorkeling at the blue holes, hiking along the coastline, and beach hopping.
Blue Holes Kalbarri: Get your snorkel on
The Blue Holes are a popular attraction in Kalbarri.
This protected limestone system is home to a multitude of fishes and other marine life.
Blue Holes is a safe place to take your children under the ocean.
The Blue Holes offers a variety of free activities in Kalbarri, including snorkeling.
Watch the Surfers At Jake’s Point
This surf break in Western Australia’s remotest region is well-known throughout the state. It has been designated as a National Surfing Reserve. Experienced surfers love the left-handed reef.
If you’re not planning to wear a wetsuit, watching the surfers at Jake’s Point from Kalbarri is a must.