The Top 16 Things to do in Kalbarri
Disclaimer: this post about the best things to in Kalbarri was written before the devestating cyclone that impacted many buisnesses in April 2021. The town is still in recovery, so please be patient and supportive to the wonderful locals.
In this post you’ll find a list of the best things to do in Kalbarri, a humble country town that lies 6 hours (600km) north of Perth in Western Australia. Kalbarri lies where the Murchison River meets the breathtaking Indian Ocean and is definitely worth visiting. Although we may be biased because we lived there for 5 months when we were on our working holiday in Australia.
We first visited when we were on a road trip from Cairns to Perth and then when we landed a backpacker farm job in Kalbarri, we couldn’t quite believe our luck. For more about this, read our post on the best backpacker jobs in Australia. We first visited to see the natural attractions that Kalbarri has to offer. Most notably the Kalbarri National Park, which is divided into 1 inland section and 1 outland section. The most famous attraction is Nature’s Window, and whilst spectacular, this post will outline all the many wonderful things there are to do in Kalbarri – our favourite Aussie town.
When is the best time to visit Kalbarri?
Kalbarri is blessed with year round good weather but when we were there for Christmas it reached extremely high temperatures. However, due to the fact that it is quite windy, it did not feel as hot as this near the coast. We went to the inland national park on Christmas day and instantly regretted it due to the heat! It can reach 10°C higher inland, so be aware of this when you visit.
Arguably, the best time to visit is when the wildflowers are in bloom from July to November (weather dependent) and coincidently, this also coincides with when you have a chance to spot humpback whales!
Good to know: the busiest we saw Kalbarri was in the school holidays on New Years Eve, when the town was full of holidaymakers enjoying the firework display over the river. The atmosphere was electric.
How to get to Kalbarri
BY CAR: Kalbarri is 600km north from Perth and the journey is long (6-7 hours). However, there are many wonderful places to visit on the way to Kalbarri from Perth including the Pinnacles, the Lancelin Sand Dunes and our favourite beach spot at Horrocks.
BUY BUS/COACH: if you do not have a car, there is an option to get the Transwa Coach Service from Perth. This usually departs from Perth, 3 times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Before returning to Perth on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Check their website for updated times.
How to get around Kalbarri
Having your own car is the best way to get around Kalbarri. The town centre is small and you can easily walk around. However, you have to drive inland to the national park and along the coastline cliffs to really enjoy it at your own pace.
Whatever you do, be careful driving in the dark, especially if you are coming from the inland national park. This is because (like elsewhere) in Australia, there are many kangaroos. We once followed them in our car right to where we were staying, they can be quite big and sometimes in they’re in large numbers!
How long should I spend in Kalbarri
A lot of people (us included) visit Kalbarri on a West Coast road trip because it breaks up the journey south or north. Originally, this is what we did too. Honestly, you could spend two days to a week here depending on your preferences and how much time you have available. If you’re here to just see the two national parks, then you would only need 2 days in Kalbarri in our opinion.
Top 16 Things to See and Do in or Near Kalbarri
Use this list to create your own custom itinerary for things to do in Kalbarri. There are plenty of amazing things to do in this list, but if you still want to do more then go to the Kalbarri Visitor Centre. The staff are friendly and they help you with ideas about where to go and when to go. For example, they helped us decide when to visit the Pink Lake!
Things to do in Kalbarri National Park:
We love that the sealed roads mean that you do not need a 4-wheel drive to visit this 186,00 hectare national park, which means that it is accessible to everyone. To go inside the inland Kalbarri National Park, there is a fee of $15 per vehicle.
Good to know: if you are visiting more national parks in Western Australia, there are passes that cover multiple parks. You can purchase online and this makes your holiday cheaper!
Kalbarri Window
This is a popular and unique natural attraction that is famous around the world. However, there is more that you need to know.
Firstly, there are warning signs as soon as you reach the trail about people dying in the heat due to dehydration and lack of water. Unfortunately, this is very true and if you find yourself in the heat, this track will feel much longer than it actually is (500m each way). Secondly, there is no water in the park and you will need to bring it with you. Finally, we recommend, visiting as early as possible before the midday heat kicks in.
Z Bend:
This is only a 2.6km return hike, but to reach the river you will have to go down ladders and walk over uneven rocks. You can abseil here too – which is pretty cool.
Meanarra Lookout:
Located 5km east of the town centre, you’ll find panoramic views over the town, the Murchison River and the inland national park. There’s a car park and from here you can walk a 1.5km loop towards a viewing platform.
Kalbarri Skywalk:
A new development for 2020 are two 100m high viewing platforms that offer spectacular views over the national park. There is a kiosk which is open from 7.30am – 2pm selling takeaway food and drinks.
Coastal Cliffs:
The views of the rugged cliffs are out of this world. If you want to experience it all, it’s a good idea to pick up a map from the Kalbarri Tourist Information Centre to make sure you don’t miss anything. There is so much to see but it’s all well signposted and there are sealed roads to reach the main attractions by car. Wherever you go, make sure you watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean – it is surreal.
The highlights include:
- Mushroom Rock Walking Trail (3.3km loop)
- Pot Alley
- Eagle Gorge
- Island Rock
- Red Bluff Beach
- Natural Bridge
- Birguda Trail (8km one way, 16km return)
Other exciting things to do in Kalbarri:
Jake’s Beach/Point (Jacques Point)
If you’re into surfing, whether a beginner or advanced then head to Jake’s Point. It is a beautiful beach that is popular with the locals and a regular spot to ride some waves. If you’re a beginner, stick to surfing in between the rocks and if you’re feeling adventurous, head out with the locals to the point.
Blue Holes
We hope you have a snorkel? Blue Holes is a magical spot to see 70 species of fish in transparent water. It is a Fish Habitat Protection Area, which means that you cannot fish here, but the beach is lovely and it’s a great place to swim and relax.
Boat Trip on the Murchison River
Take a ride on the fabulous Kalbarri Wilderness Cruise and enjoy how peaceful the Murchison river is. We did this activity on our final night in Kalbarri and it was the perfect ending to our time there. You will need to book in advance and it requires a minimum of 8 people to depart. There have been sightings of dolphins in the river too – so look out for them.
Fishing
Kalbarri is a popular fishing spot and other than Chinaman’s Beach and Blue Holes, you can pretty much fish anywhere (look out for signs). For example, you can fish in the river, (from the jetty) or you can fish from the beach. It is argued the best spot is Red Bluff Beach and Wittecarra Creek but for more information ask in the Tourist Information Centre or at the surf shop.
Have a BBQ at the beach
You will find free BBQ facilities in the town on Chinaman’s Beach and we regularly enjoyed a BBQ here with friends. Get some food to enjoy from the local supermarket or butchers and remember to wipe it down for the next people to enjoy!
Chinaman’s Beach
If it’s a windy day, but you planned on spending it at the beach, do not worry. This beach is your place to go because it is sheltered and it’s safe to swim. Honestly, one of our favourite things to do was to come here and read our books. This is the spot.
Pelican Feeding
A free event that takes place daily at 8:45am for around 30 minutes. There are volunteers that feed and explain and educate about the pelicans. Of course, they can only feed the pelicans so much each day. Truthfully, this is not really our thing, so we did not do it, but it is worth mentioning to let you make up your own mind!
Quad Biking
If you’re an adventure seeker, then you can go on a Quad Biking Tour. There are a number of tours you can do, but one of the most popular ones is the Wagoe Beach Tour. The tour lasts 2.5 hours and you will drive and enjoy the scenery on the sand dunes. Alternatively, you can go on a tour through the bush and Murchison River with Kalbarri Quadbike Safaris.
Lucky Bay
This sandy beach is stunning – all 4.9km of it. It is 4wd only but if you have one it is worth it. You can swim, snorkel and fish. Also, it is a nature (paid) camping area if you are looking to camp somewhere unreal. Especially because you cannot free camp in Kalbarri.
Day trips out of Kalbarri:
Pink Lake
Just 30 minutes south of Kalbarri, you will find Hutt Lagoon. This is a pink lake and we can confirm that it is really pink. If you want to you can swim in this lake, but it is extremely salty and we never got further than dipping our feet into it. It’s a great spot for pictures, especially at midday when the sun hits the lake! There’s a viewpoint, where you can park your car and you can wander around down to the lake.
Good to know: there is an option to take a Kalbarri scenic flight over this lake from Kalbarri Airport.
Horrocks
In 2018, the beach in Horrocks was named the best mainland beach in Australia. Truthfully, we were blown away with the colour of the water and we loved how protected it was. You can swim, jump off the pier, and have a BBQ in paradise. We enjoyed our affordable stay at Horrocks Beach Caravan Park and some tasty fish and chips from the only shop in town.
Top places to eat in Kalbarri
- Smuggler’s Cove Ice creamery – to have some yummy waffles and a smoothie.
- Dirt Dust and Diesels – to try delicious Aussie dishes that you cannot get anywhere else.
- Finlay’s – to try local seafood and listen to live music.
- Gorge Cafe – for a quality ‘brekkie’ and a good cup of coffee!
Top places to drink in Kalbarri
Kalbarri Motor Hotel is the only pub in town and you cannot miss it. It is right in the centre and is bustling with friendly locals and happy tourists. There’s no better spot in town to enjoy a cold beer.
Good to know: try a Western Australia beer whilst you’re in the state. For example, Emu Export or Little Creatures.
If you’re looking for a coffee instead, then something different is the coffee van overlooking Jake’s Point. The friendly staff put out deck chairs and you can watch the Indian Ocean and the surfers. The company is called Bean Drifting and they are usually open 7:30-11:30am. A great way to start your day.
Where to stay in Kalbarri
There are no free camp spots in or near Kalbarri and the police are actively checking people in campers. Therefore, you will need to stay in accommodation but there are plenty of affordable options in the town. However, make sure that you book in advance if it is the school holidays because everywhere gets full quickly.
The following options have a good reputation:
- YHA Hostel
- Murchison Caravan Park
- Kalbarri Palm Resort
We love Western Australia and there are so many reasons to visit- read 6 reasons here. Also, if you’re on a budget, then check out our ideas on how to travel Australia cheaply. It is possible!
Finally, enjoy Kalbarri and the wonderful things to do – hopefully we will be back soon to enjoy more and catch up with the wonderful locals we met.
Photo Credit:averagelives.com, unsplash
and our friends @overseas_travels
I love the ‘window’! And the beach with the colourful water – amazing! This is a great guide and you can tell you really know the place 🙂
What a beautiful area to visit! That Pink Lake looks so amazing to see!
What a gorgeous place to visit! I’d love to see the Z bend, the skywalk and go snorkeling in that amazing water. Or if they offer diving, go that route! I think I’d want to time it in the fall when blooms and whales can be seen too! Look forward to using this Kalbarri guide when I make it to Australia.
What a great post with lots of info!!! This place is beautiful, I would love to go to Australia one day!! The Kalbarri Window is really cool and so is the Z Bend!! The pelicans are super cute too!!
I appreciate that you shared how to spend 2 days in Kalbarri – but honestly once I got there I don’t think I could leave. I’d want to spend a week at least! What an incredible destination in Australia.
Oh wow, Kalbarri looks beautiful! I love the Kalbarri Window, it looks so photogenic and the view looks incredible! The Coastal Cliffs look spectacular too. I’m in love with how blue that water is! Although I’d also like to visit the pink lake while I’m in the area because it looks so magical! Thanks for the great guide!
This looks like a beautiful coastal area to visit, with lots of outdoor activities and places to hike too.
I love that you can do so many things in nature in Kalbarri. I love hiking, so going to the Kalbarri Window or exploring the Z Bend would be just up my street.
Here’s a great guide to Kalbarri with everything covered – activities- accommodation food and drink! Looks there is so much to see and do! I particularly like the idea of BBQ at the beach and Quad Biking
I’ve still not visited Western Australia but I’m desperate to go. I definitely need to visit Kalbarri too. It looks like there’s so many things to do in Kalbarri and such beautiful landscapes. The coastal cliffs look particularly impressive!
What a cool area to explore…. hiking, beaches & pink lakes all close to one another! When I (finally) head to Oz, Kalbarri will be on the top of my list, and I’ll be on the hunt to see one of those spiky yellow lizards.
So many inspirational things to see and do in this post. Love the pink lake! Makes me think I need to plan another trip and visit Western Australia this time. Pinning this for future reference, thanks!
I still have to make my way to Australia! I always really thought the country as having great surf but not the best water, given that it’s an ocean and not a sea. However I’ve been discovering all year that the country actually has some mind-blowing water, islands and beachside places. Thanks to you I’m adding even more things to see when I finally can safely travel internationally!
I’m itching to go road-tripping in West Australia and Kalbarri looks like a little slice of paradise – that pink lake and the cliffs, wow. Good to know that free camping isn’t allowed though!
What a beautiful spot, I had no idea. Definitely one to go on the bucket list when I ever make it to Australia. The views are just spectacular.
Visited Oct 2021 and we found that after the cyclone earlier in 2021, the town is still coming to terms with dealing with re-building, most shops/ food outlets shut at 2pm and to eat at the hotel you will line up to order, all the cafes are still dealing with no supplies which results in them shutting with no notice. Still a lovely place to visit but be prepared for the lack of service.
Thanks Sandy. We wrote this post before the cyclone and we will update it with a disclaimer. Thanks for helping, such a shame. Hopefully the buisnesses can recover!