22 Things To Do In Kalbarri: The Ultimate Travel Guide With Top Sights, Planning Tips, and More
Kalbarri is an absolute gem of the Coral Coast in Western Australia. That’s why we don’t understand why we’ve met SO many people who have never even heard of it!
It’s a 6-7 hour drive from Perth – the scenic drive is part of the appeal, tbh. But it’s a bit far away to fit everything in a weekend, plus there are quite a few spots to check out on your way, like the Pink Lake.

Once you get to town, you’ll notice that most of the things to do are in Kalbarri National Park.
It’s a 10-minute drive from town and it’s home to the most famous attractions in the area – the Kalbarri Skywalk, Nature’s Window, and the Z Bend, for example.

The town also has a few highlights, like Blue Holes for snorkelling or Jake’s Point for surfing.
We share all the things you can do in Kalbarri further down, along with insider tips we got from when we visited. You’ll also know different ways to get there, where to stay, where to eat, and more!
Table of Contents
Top things to do in Kalbarri National Park
The national park has the most popular attractions of Kalbarri. The entry to the park is a 15-minute drive from town, where you’ll have to pay an entry fee to enter (latest fees here).
After that, you can explore the entire park! All attractions are free. You’ll want to spend at least a full day there, visiting spots like:
1) Kalbarri Skywalk
The Kalbarri Skywalk is a pair of massive cantilevered walkways 100 metres over the Murchison River Gorge. They offer stunning views of the entire park and the river below.
When you’re standing on them, it really feels like you’re in the sky, overlooking everything. It’s jaw-dropping!

There are also interpretive signs explaining the area’s geology, flora, and fauna, as well as a nice café and picnic tables.
🤩 Explore Kalbarri’s stunning scenery at your own pace with a handy audio guide to lead the way: Kalbarri National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour.
2) Nature’s Window
This is one of the park’s most iconic spots and for a reason – it’s a natural rock arch that looks like it’s framing the Murchison River below.
You MUST take a picture here! There might even be a line of people waiting to get their photos taken, but it’s 100% worth it.

Nature’s Window is easily accessible via a short walk from the car park! For more tips regarding this attraction, check this blog post.
3) Z Bend
The Z Bend is a rare geological feature of the Murchison River, where it bends in a Z shape as it flows through the red sandstone cliffs.
After a short walk from the car park, you’ll get to the lookout where you’ll be able to see this unique phenomenon.

And if you’re up for more adventure, you can continue your visit by doing the Z bend river trail, which takes you to the edge of the river! Be prepared for a steep climb back up, though.
There are other great walks you can do here. We discuss them as well as tips for your visit in this guide to the Z Bend.
4) Do the Loop walk hike
This is a 9-kilometre walk around the gorge where Nature’s Window is. It’s absolutely beautiful and we 100% recommend doing it.
Just make sure to go there early in the morning – Kalbarri is a hot place and it gets hotter when you’re in the gorge.

In fact, this hike is closed after 7 am from November to March (inclusive) due to the extreme temperatures and little shade.
5) Enjoy the wildflowers
Kalbarri National Park is one of the BEST places to see wildflowers in all of Western Australia!

So don’t miss the opportunity to see them f you visit anywhere between July-August to October (the peak blooming period).
🤩 Do you wanna see and learn about Kalbarri’s amazing wildflowers? If you visit between August and October, then this tour is for you: Kalbarri Wildflowers Tour.
6) Natural Bridge and Island Rock
These iconic rock formations are a stone’s throw from town. In fact, you’ll drive near them if you’re doing a road trip to Kalbarri from Perth.

Natural Bridge and Island Rock provide some of the best coastal views in the state. You could even see whales migrating if you visit between June and November!
Keep reading: How To Explore Island Rock and Natural Bridge, Kalbarri (WA)
7) Hike the Bigurda Trail
This is an impressive 8-kilometre walk where you can see the majestic coastal cliffs of Kalbarri. It stretches from Eagle Gorge to the Natural Bridge and it’s a must if you have the stamina for it!
It’s a relatively easy walk along a well-marked trail that stops at stunning lookouts like Mushroom Rock, Rainbow Valley, and Pot Alley.

It’s not a loop though, so you may have to arrange pick-up or walk your way back. The coastal winds can be strong, so a windbreaker might come in handy! And don’t forget to bring plenty of water.
8) Red Bluff Lookout
The Red Bluff is one of the most popular lookouts in Kalbarri and it’s north of Eagle Gorge. It’s the coastal lookout that’s closest to town, at a 5-minute drive.
From that vantage point, you can see other popular spots like Red Bluff Beach, Jake’s Point, and the mouth of the Murchison River.
Apart from taking the views, you could bring your bathers and walk down to…
9) Red Bluff Beach
This is a beautiful and secluded spot that’s a couple metres down from the lookout. The trail is a bit steep and a bit slippery, but 100% worth it.
Once at the beach, you can go for a swim, a nice snorkelling or surfing session, or even cast a line. You can easily spend the whole day there!
10) Sunset at Meanarra Hill lookout
This lookout gives you 360° views of the region! From there, you’ll be able to see the town, the Murchison River mouth, the Indian Ocean, and the rugged landscape.
The path to the lookout is wide and paved, making it suitable for most visitors. There’s a shade shelter at the lookout as well to take in the views. This spot is also the starting point for the Malleefowl Trail Loop Walk.
11) Ross Graham lookout
This impressive lookout is one of the quieter spots in the park, offering beautiful views of the Murchison, the rugged cliffs, and the overall lush scenery.
It’s easy to access from the car park. You can also hike the 700 metres down to the river and have a refreshing swim in one of the rock pools!
The Ross Graham lookout is on the southern side of the park.
12) Hawks Head lookout
This iconic lookout is a 5-minute drive from Ross Graham’s. It’s named after the rock formation that looks like a hawk’s head (when viewed from certain angles).
The views are breathtaking – you’ll be able to see the deep, winding gorge carved by the river over millions of years. It’s a great spot for a picnic, too!
13) Go abseiling
If you’ve ever wanted to tick off this bucket list activity, Kalbarri is the best place to do it.

The guys at Kalbarri Abseil are the go-to for this, offering abseiling tours on the Z Bend for all experience levels. More info about their tours here!
Things to do in Kalbarri town
These are things you can do in Kalbarri around town. Some are within walking distance while others require a short drive, but all of them are epic.
Plus, most are free things to do in Kalbarri:
14) Go whale watching
The whale-watching season in Kalbarri runs from June to November, with Humpback Whales being the main attraction.
As these incredible creatures migrate along the coast, you can see them breaching from the coastal cliffs – pretty much anywhere between Red Bluff to Natural Bridge.

You might also spot Southern Right Whales and pods of playful dolphins! Just make sure to bring binoculars (and a bit of patience).
🤩 If you love to witness majestic whales up close and enjoy expert commentary on a thrilling boat ride, then this tour is just what you need: Kalbarri Whale Watching Tour Guided.
15) Go surfing at Jake’s point
Jake’s/ Jacques Point is the best surfing spot in the area. The waves are a bit challenging, so it’s best suited for experienced surfers. Beginners can head to the nearby Jake’s Bay for gentler conditions.
If you don’t want to surf, it’s still worth visiting! Watching the surfers riding the waves is really entertaining, plus the sunsets are top-notch.
16) Visit Chinaman’s beach
This is a nice spot to relax on the beach and go paddleboarding, as the waters are very calm. You can also hire paddleboats and SUPs nearby, too! The beach is near the town centre.
17) Pelican feeding
Every day at 8:45 am, volunteers go to the Kalbarri foreshore to feed the resident pelicans. It’s a nice activity for kids and adults alike, as the guides share facts about these interesting birds.

It’s a free event, but a gold coin donation is appreciated to help cover the cost of the fish!
Just make sure to arrive a bit early to get a good spot, it can get crowded.
18) Snorkel at Blue Holes
This is a fantastic spot for snorkelling just south of Kalbarri.
Blue Holes has sheltered rock pools teeming with heaps of fishes, corals, and crustaceans – it’s a natural aquarium, perfect for families and beginner snorkellers!

Remember to check the tides before visiting (here), as the rock pools are best explored during low tide. There’s limited shade so don’t forget your sunscreen and a hat.
🤩 This tour will take you to the breathtaking sunset views of Kalbarri’s coastal cliffs while enjoying a relaxing cruise: Kalbarri Sunset Cruise along the Coastal Cliffs.
19) Book any of these Kalbarri tours
If you have the budget for it, there are a few great tours you can book to make your visit to Kalbarri even more epic!
Like a sunset cruise, a whale-watching experience, or even a lobster pot pull tour!
For more tour ideas, check out our full guide: 11 Bucket-List Kalbarri Tours – Top Experiences You Can’t Miss!
Awesome spots at driving distance from Kalbarri
Kalbarri is near a few great spots! You can visit some of them on your way to or from Kalbarri, while others are worth saving a full day just for them:
20) Pink Lake (Hutt Lagoon)
This bubblegum-pink lake is in Gregory, a 35-minute drive from Kalbarri. If you’re driving from Perth, you’ll drive through this iconic attraction!
The water is hypersaline so it’s not a very pleasant swim, but you can get some truly unique pictures! We discuss the best hours of the day to visit the Pink Lake as well as other tips in our guide, here!
21) Houtman Abrolhos Island
These islands are known for their rich biodiversity, often referred to as the “Galapagos of the Indian Ocean.” They’re truly an underrated gem of the Coral Coast, and you can visit it from Kalbarri!
It’s an incredible spot for snorkelling, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting (there are even seals!). You can also visit historical sites, like the Batavia shipwreck.
A few operators can take you there from Kalbarri for a full-day trip, like this one.
🤩 Fly over the beautiful Abrolhos Islands and get to see its vibrant marine life with this fly and snorkel tour: Abrolhos Islands Scenic Flight & Snorkel Adventure.
22) Geraldton
If you have the time, spend a day or two in Geraldton on your way to Kalbarri or back to Perth!
This town is well worth it for its rich history and coastal charm. Epic spots include the HMAS Sydney II Memorial, Town Beach, and Point Moore Lighthouse.
When is the best time to visit Kalbarri?
The best time to visit Kalbarri is in late winter to late spring, from July to October. This is when the wildflowers are in full bloom and the weather is mild, making it perfect for exploring Kalbarri National Park.
We’d say the worst time to visit would be summer, mostly because it gets scorching hot. Kalbarri is famous for reaching up to 45°C during the peak of this season, which can be rough in a place where the best things to do are the outdoors and there’s little shade.
How to get to Kalbarri (by plane, car, and coach)
Most people get to Kalbarri by car or with a tour, but there are coaches available and a nearby airport as well:
Getting to Kalbarri by car
We think this is the BEST way to get to Kalbarri, especially if you’re visiting from Perth! It’s a 6-hour drive from the capital, along the scenic Indian Ocean Drive.
The road trip will take you through some iconic spots like Lancelin Sand Dunes, The Pinnacles, Jurien Bay, Geraldton, and Pink Lake. These stops not only break up the drive but also offer epic sights.
You can return to Perth the same way you came, but we recommend taking the inland route, particularly if you visit during wildflower season.
We wrote a full 5-day itinerary with all the places to see including the inland route back to Perth and a free map you can download for your own road trip!
You can check it here: Perth to Kalbarri Road Trip – The Only 5-Day Itinerary You’ll Need (Free Downloadable Map Included)
Should you rent a caravan?
We 100% recommend you do, but we’re biased, we live one and we love the lifestyle!
If you want to rent one, keep in mind that you can’t tow trailers, boats, etc. into the park. There’s an area before the entry where you can unhitch, but spaces are very limited so it’s best to leave it in town.

That said, caravans are VERY convenient as you won’t have to rent a car and book accommodation separately. Plus you can stay in free or cheap campsites along the way, which can help you save money.
Here are a few great caravan rentals to check out (no towing needed):
Travellers Autobarn is the cheapest option that doesn’t sacrifice quality. Check Autobarn rentals here.
JUCY campervans is the middle ground. Their caravans are often bigger than Autobarn’s while still keeping good prices. Check JUCY rentals here.
Star RV is the best for premium campervans. If you want to go on an adventure without sacrificing comfort, this is it. Check Star RV rentals here.
Getting to Kalbarri by plane
Kalbarri’s airport is not open for regular flights at the moment. The nearest one is in Geraldton, a 2-hour drive from town.
There are direct flights from Perth to Geraldton almost daily (1-hour flights). The average cost for a round-trip is $550 (AUD) but you could find better deals if you search through Trip.com. They have price alerts like Google Flights but often with better deals (sometimes even better than booking with Qantas directly). Check Trip.com here!
From there, we recommend renting a car and driving to Kalbarri.
It can be slightly cheaper to rent a car in town instead of the airport, but not by much. It’s around the same as the cost of hiring a taxi from the airport to town.
That said, there are a few places you can check for car rentals! We recommend comparing the two to find the best deals for your dates:
Rental Cars is one of the most popular options with competitive prices. Check Rental Cars here.
Discover Cars is another great option and has some good deals too, sometimes cheaper than Rental Cars. Check Discover Cars here.
Getting there by coach
You can get to Kalbarri by coach from Perth. It’s the cheapest way to get there as the round ticket costs $100-$200 and you’ll be in Kalbarri in 8-9 hours.
TransWa offers two routes, both departing from the East Perth Terminal. Check the timetables and costs on their website.
This is the best option if you want to stay in town and don’t plan on exploring much. Otherwise, you might have a hard time renting a car, there’s only one car rental in Kalbarri.
How many days to stay in Kalbarri?
You can hit most highlights of Kalbarri in 2 full days, but we recommend staying at least 3.
Up to 5 days would be much better, as you would have enough time to explore Kalbarri National Park and the town without rushing too much.
Best stays in Kalbarri
We wrote a complete guide with the best places to stay in Kalbarri (15 options for any budget), but these are the very best:
Best caravan park: Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park. It’s a 5-minute drive from town and right next to Red Bluff beach. It has something for every budget and sleeps up to 5.
Best budget-friendly: Riverview Holiday Apartments. Previously known as “Kalbarri Beach Resort”, this accommodation is a blend between an apartment complex and a hotel. It’s in the town centre and sleeps 2-6 people.
Best for families/groups: River Retreat Kalbarri. This rental home is a stone’s throw from Chinaman’s Beach. Its central location is perfect if you want to be within walking distance of the local beaches and the town. Sleeps up to 6 people.
Best luxury stay: Kalbarri Edge Resort. This charming 3-star oceanfront accommodation is one of the best hotels in Kalbarri. It provides the most comfortable and luxurious stay in town and sleeps up to 5 people.
Where to eat in Kalbarri?
After a day of exploring Kalbarri, satisfy your hunger at these top local spots:
- Upstairs Restaurant ($$) serves amazing seafood and pork belly with great views and excellent service. Don’t miss the Death by Chocolate dessert!
- Wild Ocean Indonesian Cuisine ($$) offers some of the best Indonesian food in Kalbarri. Don’t miss the Beef Rendang and jackfruit curry. It’s a perfect little place for a sunset picnic too!
- The Gorges Cafe ($$) serves delicious breakfast with fresh, generous portions and great coffee. The eggs Benedict and pancake stack are must-tries!
- Red Bluff Bakery Cafe ($$) offers amazing doughnuts, delicious sushi, and tasty breakfast wraps. Don’t miss their curry pies and prawn fresh rolls for a healthier alternative!
- Kalbarri Skywalk Cafe ($$) is a gem with great coffee, tasty frittatas, and the best sausage rolls in Kalbarri. Don’t miss the burnt Basque cheesecake and gluten-free options!
Top tips
Always carry water, more so during summer. The heat in Kalbarri is brutal, it’s recommended to have 2-3 litres of water per person. And of course, always wear a hat and sunscreen.
If you ever have doubts about what to do or where to go, head to the Kalbarri visitor centre! They’ll help you with anything you need to enjoy your stay.
Did you know?
The Ross Graham lookout was named after the first school teacher in Kalbarri. He was a devoted conservationist who helped in the exploration of the Murchison River. He sadly died very young, at 31 years old from a brain tumour.
FAQs
How do you spend a day in Kalbarri?
You can spend a day in Kalbarri by visiting the Skywalk, Nature’s Window, and the Z Bend. Follow with a snorkelling session and lunch at Blue Holes, and finish with a sunset view from Red Bluff and dinner at a local seafood restaurant.
What is Kalbarri known for?
Kalbarri is known for its stunning coastal cliffs, the iconic attractions of Kalbarri National Park (the Skywalk, Nature’s Window, Z Bend, the lookouts), and the vibrant display of wildflowers in spring. The town also offers excellent fishing, kayaking, and whale-watching opportunities.
The bottom line
Kalbarri, Western Australia, truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or just looking to relax, this place has it all!
In the National Park, you can snap an incredible selfie at Nature’s Window, be in awe at the Skywalk, or hike around the Z Bend.
Snorkelling at Blue Holes and surfing at Jake’s Point are our personal highlights from town, as well as the delicious local seafood.
Hopefully, this ultimate Kalbarri travel guide covers all you need to make sure you won’t miss any of the epic things to do there!
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