Your Ultimate Guide to Kalbarri : Everything You Need to Know
As you descend into Kalbarri via the Kalbarri Road, the vibrant bright blues of the ocean are nothing but breathtaking. With 1200 species of wildflowers, miles of desert shrubs create a sea of colour (if you visit at the right time of the year).
Kalbarri 's Highlights:
Our family truly enjoyed visiting Kalbarri. With plenty of parks and outdoor activities, we were never bored! Please keep reading to discover some of our favourite attractions in Kalbarri.
I would highly recommend when touring Western Australia you pick up a Parks Pass, this definitely saved us a small fortune by the time you visit most or even stay in low-cost camps (mostly in national parks) you still need your pass. Our yearly pass was $120 with no discounts applied.
Staying in Kalbarri
We stayed at the Murchison Caravan Park. With two adults and three kids, it was $53 a night with our discovery parks discount.
There are three parks in the area, but unfortunately, camping is not currently allowed in Kalbarri.
Shopping in Kalbarri
Don't get too excited- with only two petrol stations, shopping in Kalbarri is rather basic. One of these is the local IGA, and the other is BP, which you will see as you enter the town. If travelling from the south to visit Kalbarri plan a stop at Geraldton for your essential supplies its your last major town before Kalbarri.
Thankfully for us, we found fantastic coffee in the morning at Pelli's cafe on the main road, opposite the shoreline. Prices were reasonable for most items we purchased from the local IGA and the cafe.
Unfortunately, when we visited, Kalbarri was still recovering from a cyclone that had destroyed businesses and homes. For a small community, they still carried on amazingly!
Parks for the kids
There is no shortage of parks in Kalbarri. We found a massive park along the shoreline with everything a kid could ask for, including a flying fox, an enormous boat to climb and explore, a slide, and plenty of swings.
This is of course isn't forgetting the other fantastic activities that are a must while in Kalbarri such as fishing and don't forget the Pelican feeding on the foreshore at 8:45am every morning opposite the caravan park.
Meanarra Hill Lookout
Meanarra Hill Lookout, just out of Kalbarri, is a must-see for all. With 360 degree views over Kalbarri and the Murchison River, this area is undoubtedly a photographer's delight! It is easily accessible, a short stroll, and offers a concrete path the entire way. Offering new and clean infrastructure at the lookout including amenities with plenty of parking (no vans The trail consists of artistic shelters with plenty of seating at every viewing point.
Nature's Window
Nature's Window is an absolute must when visiting Kalbarri. Located in the famous Kalbarri National Park, this attraction is only 1.5 kilometres from the Kalbarri Skywalk. The wind-eroded opening in the layered sandstone creates a perfect frame of the river below, meaning that this attraction truly lives up to the name.
You will experience lovely paths along the way to Nature's Window; however, the last 100 meters are on a rocky ledge. It is still an easy walk, but be sure to wear appropriate shoes and hold your little one's hand (so no one falls over the edge- a parent's worst fear!). We left our children to sleep in (lucky for us we have a fifteen-year-old that can babysit) so we could focus on the fantastic sunrise shots- a great decision in hindsight!
Skywalk
Located 30 kilometres from Kalbarri, the Kalbarri Skywalk features spectacular views of Kalbarri National Park. Situated on top of a cliff, visitors can venture onto the skywalks to experience panoramic views of the surrounding environment. Two lookouts, 100 meters high, protrude 17 and 25 meters beyond the Murchison Gorge. This skywalk was indeed an unforgettable experience!
We visited the Skywalk twice while in Kalbarri, first visit was in the middle of the day which was quite busy and our second visit as you see below was at sunset. We found sunset was an epic time to visit as there's no one around so you can take your time getting those forever pics.
Access is certainly easy, and I really congratulate Western Australian National Parks for absolutely nailing it with facilities and infrastructure. This way everyone can enjoy and experience what our amazing country has to offer.
The Z Bend
The Z bend is another incredible hike in Kalbarri National Park. This path is quite tricky and features a stunning lookout point overlooking the river. Unfortunately, we ran out of time for this one, so we will have to check it out next time!
Important information!
When planning your trail walks, bear in mind that the temperature can be 10 degrees hotter in the National Park than in town.
There are no caravans or camping trailers permitted into the park due to lack of space. Signs are on the main road to notify all vehicles of this information. However, if you're leaving or just arriving in town and plan to stop, there's a designated parking lot to unhitch. You will see this on the left-hand side, just after the park pay station.
The coastal cliffs
As you are heading to Lucky Bay, you will see the coastal cliffs right outside Kalbarri: another oasis for photographers.
Hold onto your hat but seriously very easy walks pathed all the way and well signed. Starting at Red Cliff the cliffs continue for roughly 13kms, with some of the lookouts connecting it makes a full fun packed day of hiking with breathtaking views.
If you can plan the time of year to visit Kalbarri I would certainly aim for July to November and hopefully catch the migration of the whales passing by.
Natural Bridge: Overlooking the ocean, this dramatic cliff showcases the sparkling blue water below.
The Bigurda Boardwalk: This 16km return trail hugs the coastline, boasting several breathtaking coastal viewpoints.
Island Rock: Like Natural Bridge, Island Rock is a solitary "sea stack" overlooking the ocean waves.
Eagle Gorge: Showcasing a sandy beach, the path down to the water is short and steep, switchbacking over sandstone terraces.
Mushroom Rock Natural Trail: This two-hour trail boasts the unusual Mushroom Rock. You can also catch fierce ocean waves crashing against the cliffs of Rainbow Valley.
Red Bluff Lookout: Towering 100 meters over the Indian Ocean, the landscapes of this lookout will take your breath away. You also may see a whale or two swimming in the water below.
All of these cliffs are breathtaking. No matter which cliff you choose, you won't be disappointed.
Overall we loved Kalbarri; indeed a place that should be on your bucket list while touring Australia. With so much natural beauty to see and do, you certainly will be entertained. A photographer's dream with so many stunning locations to shoot. Our only regret was our timing for the whale migration; however, we still came away with full memory cards of photos and special life memories.