Kalbarri is one of the most breathtaking towns located along the Coral Coast in Western Australia. From the rugged cliffs to the stunning gorges, Kalbarri deserves a spot on your Western Australia travel bucket list.
In this guide we’ll cover 20 Incredible Things To Do in Kalbarri and cover the essentials of what you need to know to make planning your trip easier.
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FAQ
Where is Kalbarri?
Kalbarri is located 6-7 hours from Perth by car along Australia’s Coral Coast.
How to get to Kalbarri?
By car: 6–7 hours north of Perth with optional stops along the way like Geraldton and Hutt Lagoon.
By air: It’s a 1 hour plane ride from Perth to Geraldton, then 1.5 hours by car to Kalbarri.
By tour: Several companies run tours from Perth to Kalbarri as part of a longer Perth to Exmouth tour or Perth to Monkey Mia
How many days should I stay in Kalbarri?
We would recommend 2-4 days to allow enough time to explore both Kalbarri National Park and the coastal spots.
When is the best time to visit Kalbarri?
Spring (Aug–Oct): For wildflowers and cooler hikes.
Autumn (Apr–June): Mild temps and fewer crowds.
Winter (July–Sept): Whale watching season.
Summer (Dec–Feb): Temperatures are very high and not ideal for hiking
Best places to stay in Kalbarri?
Budget friendly: Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park
Mid-range: Kalbarri Seafront Villas
Best Value: Riverview Holiday Apartments
Best for families: River Retreat Kalbarri
Best for Luxury: Kalbarri Edge Resort
Kalbarri Skywalk
Kickstarting our list of 20 incredible things to do in Kalbarri with the most iconic spot of them all, Kalbarri Skywalk.
Located within Kalbarri National Park, you’ll find this impressive skywalk offering the most incredible views of the gorges.
Tip: Visit at sunrise for magical views and no crowds
Visit Meanara Hill
A 300 meter return walk to get to the lookout that offers stunning 360 degree views over the Murchison River, the Indian Ocean and Kalbarri town.
The walk is suitable for most visitors and is a great spot to watch the sunset from.
Nature’s Window
Located right next to Kalbarri Skywalk, you’ll find another iconic spot, Nature’s Window.
It’s about a 20 minute walk to get to Nature’s Window from the parking lot but it’s well worth it. The natural rock arch frames a stunning view over the Murchison River and is a great spot to snap a few photos.
Bigurda Trail
An incredible walk that stretches for 8 km along Kalbarri’s rugged coastline.
A relatively easy but long walk starting at Eagle Gorge and leading all the way to Natural Bridge.
You’ll get to see some of the best lookout spots along the way including Mushroom Rock, Rainbow Valley and Pot Alley.
Pelican Feeding
Every morning you’ll see volunteers gather at Kalbarri Foreshore to help feed the resident pelicans. It starts at 8:45 am but we’d recommend arriving early to secure a good spot as it’s a very popular attraction in Kalbarri.
It’s completely free to participate but the volunteers do appreciate donations to help cover the cost of the fish for the pelicans.
Z-Bend Lookout and River Trail
The Z-Bend gets its name from a stunning feature of the Murchison River because of the enormous Z bend that has been created by the river flowing through.
The Z-Bend Lookout is a moderately easy 1.2 km return walk from the car park and is suitable for most people, but it is classified as a class 3 hike due to a few steep areas and steps to climb.
The Z-Bend River Trail is a more challenging 2.6 km option that takes you along the edge of the river, but steep climbing and rock scrambling is included and it’s classified as a class 4 hike.
Tip: Start these walks early in the morning to avoid high temperatures, bring plenty of water and good hiking shoes.
Ross Graham Lookout
Located near the entrance to Kalbarri National Park you’ll find this impressive lookout that is often overlooked by visitors.
It’s a short and easy walk from the carpark to the lookout but if you feel up for walking a little further, you can head down to the river for a refreshing swim, it’s less than a kilometer to get down there.
Whale Watching (Seasonal)
From about June-November it’s possible to spot humpback whales and southern right whales along the coasts of Kalbarri.
It becomes a highway for the whales as they start to migrate north from Antarctica to reach warmer waters for their breeding season.
Tip: Red Bluff is a great spot to watch them from land, make sure to bring binoculars.
Mushroom Rock and Rainbow Valley Walk
A moderately challenging 3 km coastal loop that will take you through the unique views of Mushroom Rock and the amazing Rainbow Valley gorge.
Start the walk at Mushroom Rock car park or Rainbow Valley car park and allow about 1-2 hours to complete the loop.
Be careful as there are loose rocks, uneven surfaces and some steep sections.
Visit A Pink Beach
A hidden gem located near Kalbarri town, we were really surprised to hear how many people had no idea there was a pink beach in Kalbarri.
The sand gets the pink colour from naturally occurring garnet crystals that are deposited along the shoreline.
The intensity of the colour can vary throughout the year as it is dependent on water levels and weather etc.
We’d say the sand is more purple than pink if the sand is wet but still a really cool spot regardless!
Go Surfing at Jake’s Point
Catch one of the challenging waves at Jake’s Point, one of the best surfing points in Kalbarri.
It’s best suited for experienced surfers but is still worth visiting even if you just want to spectate all the action.
Snorkel Blue Holes
Snorkelling at Blue Holes is great for families and less experienced snorkellers due to the protected reef and sheltered water.
There’s plenty of marine life here due to the spot being a designated Fish Habitat Protection Area.
Tip: Visit in the morning for best visibility
Natural Bridge and Island Rock
One of the iconic spots along Kalbarri’s coastline and a great spot to watch whales migrating if you visit during their annual journey from Antarctica to the warm waters up north.
Only about 15 minutes from Kalbarri town.
Visit Chinaman’s Beach
A great spot to relax located close to the town of Kalbarri.
The waters are very calm here so it’s an ideal spot for families with young kids or if you want to go paddleboarding or kayaking.
Tip: You can rent SUP’s and paddleboats nearby
Visit Pink Lake, Hutt Lagoon
You might have seen the ‘Instagram-famous’ Pink Lake, known for its vibrant pink coloured waters.
Located about 35-minutes south of Kalbarri in Port Gregory and a great spot to stop if you are driving from Perth to Kalbarri.
It’s safe to swim in the water but we would not recommend it due to its very high salt concentration. If you’re looking for a swimming spot, head to Port Gregory Beach instead.
Red Bluff Lookout
One of Kalbarri’s highest coastal lookouts and the one that is closest to town.
It’s another great spot to see whales migrating and you can also see other popular spots from here such as Red Bluff Beach and Jake’s Point.
Hawk’s Head Lookout
About 5 minutes from Ross Graham Lookout, you’ll find another spectacular vantage point offering extensive views of the Murchison River.
It’s a short 200 meter walk to get here from the car park and is a great spot to have a picnic.
Sunset at Pot Alley
One of the best sunset spots along the coast of Kalbarri.
We think this is one of the best view points of the rugged cliffs of Kalbarri and it’s easily accessible from town.
Do a Sunset Cruise
One of the best ways to see the iconic spots along Kalbarri’s coast from a different perspective is to book a sunset cruise. Check the tour’s availability online.
Experience the golden glow of Mushroom Rock, Pot Alley and Eagle Gorge while enjoying a drink and some snacks (you are allowed to bring your own).
See the Wildflowers (Seasonal)
Kalbarri is without a doubt one of the best places in Western Australia to experience the beauty of the wildflowers.
From around August-October you’ll be able to enjoy the wildflowers in bloom either by exploring the areas yourself or by going on a tour from Kalbarri with a local guide.
Final words
Kalbarri is one of the most underrated gems in Western Australia in our opinion.
It’s a great destination for a long weekend away from Perth but also ideal to visit as part of a bigger road trip from Perth to Monkey Mia or Exmouth, check our full 10-day Perth to Exmouth road trip itinerary if you need inspiration.
There is something for everyone to enjoy, whether you are into hiking the beautiful gorges, taking in the breathtaking coastal views or wildlife spotting, Kalbarri really has it all.
This concludes our list of 20 incredible things to do in Kalbarri and we really hope you found it helpful.