Kalbarri: 14 Incredible Things To Do
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Kalbarri, a picturesque town in Western Australia known for its beautiful National Park and amazing beaches, offers tourists plenty of incredible things to do. From hiking and fishing to snorkelling and exploring the natural wonders of the Murchison River Gorges, there’s something for everyone.
In this article, you’ll find my list of 14 amazing things to do in Kalbarri for an amazing holiday on the beautiful Coral Coast in Western Australia.
READ ALSO: From Perth to Broome: the best road trip in Western Australia in 3 weeks
How to get to Kalbarri?
From Perth to Kalbarri
From Perth to Kalbarri is a 4-hour drive by car, making it the perfect weekend getaway destination or a great stop during your road trip from Perth to Broome as the town is located just off the North West Coastal Highway right next to the beautiful Coral Coast.
Besides getting there by car you can also use other ways to get to this amazing beach town. Bus companies such as TransWA and Greyhound offer services for those travelling by bus.
READ ALSO: 11 amazing things to do in Shark Bay, Western Australia
What Is The Best Time To Visit Kalbarri?
Kalbarri is a great place to visit all year round. However, the best time to visit is during the winter, when the weather is more pleasant and the highlights are in the best conditions.
I went the first time in July, and the weather was perfect, which allowed me to enjoy stargazing as well. The second time, I went in January (summer) and the temperatures were high up to 42 degrees C, which was too hot for some hikes. Although, I enjoyed more of the beaches and snorkeling at the Blue Holes.
Where To Stay In Kalbarri?
The town has a great range of accommodation for any type of traveler. From budget backpacker hostels and luxury resorts to caravan parks.
When you plan to visit Kalbarri National Park during the peak season, make sure you book your accommodation in advance as many places will be fully booked.
I stayed at the Tudor Holiday Park as it was the only available spot. However, the Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park Has some of the best views.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park is a great place to stay. This tourist park offers guests a variety of rooms, powered and unpowered campground with the best views.
It’s also located just a short walk from the beach.
Prices are AU$ 40 per person/night
Situated within walking distance from the beach, 27 Degrees Kalbarri is a great place to stay for those looking to explore the area’s natural beauty. This 2 bedroom villa comes with a cozy interior, a beautiful bathroom and a kitchen.
Prices start from AU$ 40 per night for an unpowered campsite
Kalbarri Palm Resort is a great place to stay for those looking for a comfortable and affordable stay.
This resort offers guests a variety of rooms, as well as a swimming pool, bar, and restaurant. Furthermore, the resort is located just a short walk from the beach.
Prices start from AU$ 95/night
14 Incredible Things To Do In Kalbarri
Watch incredible panoramic views From The Kalbarri Skywalk
The Skywalk is a must-visit for anyone visiting Kalbarri. This incredible attraction opened recently and offers stunning views over the gorge and the surrounding landscape, and it’s the perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset.
The skywalk is located on top of a cliff overlooking the Murchison River, and it’s definitely worth a visit! I recommend coming before sunrise as it can get crowded during the daytime.
Admire the sunrise, sunset, or The Milky Way At Nature’s Window
Nature’s Window is one of the most popular spots in Kalbarri National Park, and for a good reason! This natural Window offers stunning views and during the right time of the year, you can see the Milky Way.
It’s a great place to stop for a picnic lunch or simply to take in the natural beauty of the National Park. When you arrive at the carpark, it is a 30 min walk down to Nature’s Window.
Watch The Z-Bend From The Lookout
The Z-Bend Lookout is another great way to take in the natural beauty of Kalbarri National Park. The lookout is about 15 minutes walk from the carpark and offers stunning views of the Z-Bend river, a dramatic gorge that cuts through the cliffs.
You can also continue the hike inside the Z-Bend River Gorge, which takes about 3 hours to return.
Hike The Z-Bend River Trail
Located in Kalbarri National Park, the hike of the Z-Bend River Trail is a great way to see some of Western Australia’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
This challenging trail takes you on a journey through the most stunning gorge of the National Park, from the river gorges to the cliffs and plateaus that make up this beautiful area. Once you are down in the gorge you can start exploring or take a refreshing swim in the many rock pools.
The trail is a grade 4 hike and about 2,6 kilometres that can be completed in around 2 hours. Don’t forget to take enough water and your camera, as there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way!
More Stunning Views From The Hawks Head Lookout
The Hawks Head Lookout is another great spot for taking in the natural beauty of Kalbarri National Park. This lookout offers stunning views of the cliffs and plateaus that make up the park.
The walk to the viewpoint is beautiful as well as the views at the lookout. Unfortunately, I forgot my phone in the car and left the battery of my camera the charger, so I was not able to take a picture.
Swim At The Blue Holes
If you’re looking for an exciting day out with the kids or just relaxing on a hot summer day, then head straight to Blue Holes Marine Park. Located just south of the town on Red Bluff Road or George Grey Drive, these protected waters makes it home to some amazing beaches in Kalbarri.
The Blue Holes are clear rock pools that provide the perfect spot for a refreshing swim. The water is cold but refreshing, and the view from the top of the cliffs is simply stunning.
TIP: Check the tides before you go. I recommend visiting the Blue Holes when the tides are going down.
Walk The Bigurda Trail
The Bigurda Trail is a great way to explore the natural beauty of Kalbarri National Park. This easy trail takes walkers on a journey through the park, from the river gorges to the cliffs and plateaus that make up this stunning area.
The trail is about 8 kilometres long and can be completed in around 2 hours. Don’t forget to take your camera, as there are plenty of photo opportunities along the way!
Discover The Natural Bridge
The Natural Bridge is a geological wonder that is definitely worth a visit. This spectacular formation can be found at the coastline just south of the town, consisting of red and white sandstone.
The bridge spans a narrow chasm, and at its highest point, it is more than 30 metres above the ocean. It’s an amazing sight to see and is definitely worth the walk from the carpark.
Visit Island Rock
Island Rock is a natural island that can be found at the coastal cliffs, just south of town. This striking formation is made up of red and white sandstone and features caves, arches, and cliffs that make for an amazing photograph.
The best way to see Island Rock is to walk to the viewpoint at the Bigurda Trail.
Find The Mushroom Rock
Mushroom Rock is another geological wonder found along the coastline of the National Park. This strange-looking rock formation is made of sandstone and got its name from its resemblance to a large mushroom.
It’s a popular spot for photographers and makes for an interesting visit, however, you need to challenge some steep and rough steps down.
Enjoy The Breathtaking Views From Red Bluff Lookout
Red Bluff Lookout is one of the most popular spots along the coast, and for a good reason! This lookout offers stunning views over Red Bluff Beach.
It is easy to get here with a short walk from the car park or stay at the Red Bluff Tourist Park and enjoy some of the great taking sunsets.
Relax At Chinaman’s Beach
Chinaman’s Beach is a beautiful, secluded beach that can be found in the middle of the Town. This lovely spot is perfect for a relaxing day by the water, and it’s also a great place to have your lunch as there are BBQs and shelters.
When I came back from a full day exploring the National Park, I had my picnic on the beach before I continued to the amazing lookouts and Hutt Lagoon.
Try To Spot The Thorny Devil
The Thorny Devil is a unique Australian lizard found in the deserts of Western Australia. This strange creature is easy to spot thanks to its distinctive spines, and it’s worth watching them closely if you’re lucky enough to find one.
It was kind of a dream to find a Thorny Devil before I came to Australia and in the National Park, I almost drove over one that was crossing the road.
I immediately stopped and when I moved him to the bush I found another one. Can you imagine the smile on my face?
Explore The pink lake in Kalbarri: Hutt Lagoon
Hutt Lagoon is a stunning pink lake in Kalbarri, well actually it can be found just an hour’s drive south of the town. This unusual lake is a great place to stop for a picnic lunch or simply to take in its natural beauty.
The best time to see the pink colours of Hutt Lagoon is around noon and during winter. Due to the hot days in summer the lake becomes dry and the pink-coloured water disappears.
BOOK: Join a scenic flight over Hutt Lagoon to enjoy the beautiful colours from above.
Kalbarri is an amazing place to visit during your road trip from Perth to Broome as there are so many things to do in the area that it can be tough to decide what to do first. So I’ve put together a list of 14 incredible things to do in Kalbarri that will keep you entertained during your trip.
From exploring the great outdoors to the most beautiful beaches, there’s something for everyone. I hope you enjoy your time in this amazing town and feel free to share your experiences in the comment below.
READ ALSO: 11 amazing things to do in Shark Bay, Western Australia
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Explore Kalbarri with my favorite travel apps
To plan my adventures, I use these FREE websites and apps as they provide the best information, and the best deals and they are user-friendly.
- Skyscanner – Flight deals
- Booking.com – Hotels and accommodation
- TourRadar – Group trips
- TripAdvisor – Reviews and activities
- HostelWorld – Hostels
- GetYourGuide – Activities and excursions
- RentalCars – Car rental
- Omio – Transport
- iVisa – Travel documents
- InsuredNomads – Travel Insurance
PICTURES AND EDITING
All the pictures on this page are made and owned by me. If you are interested in some pictures to use for your magazine, website, blog, or any other purpose, just send me an email and we’ll figure it out.
Do you like the edits? My Presets will be online soon so you can edit your pictures in just one click!
The camera gear I used for this trip
I never go out without my camera and many people ask me which gear I use. So to make it quite easy, I listed all the gear I used for this trip below.
Most of the time, I travel with the Sony A7III and the Sony 24-105mm/f4 as my primary lens but depending on the location, I change to another setup. However, I love the Tamron 17-28 to shoot in the big cities.