Kalbarri is a resort town located near the mouth of the Murchison River along Western Australia’s Coral Coast. It is known for its National Park, coastal cliffs, beaches and rocky gorges. This is a great place to visit for a few days or to stay for a little while. The guide will cover how to get there, when to visit, accommodation options and attractions.
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How to Get There
Kalbarri is located roughly 6 hrs or 561 km from Perth’s CBD. There are two options on how to get to Kalbarri either via a car or by a bus. It is recommend you drive to allow easy access to Kalbarri National Park, which is a 30 min drive from Kalbarri.
When to Visit
You can visit Kalbarri all year round, making it a great holiday stop for any travellers. Between June and August the temperatures are at their lowest. This is considered the peak time, so if you choose to visit during these months expect it to be busy.
September to November the temperatures are reach about 26 C during the day, making it still pleasant for hiking, but hot enough to enjoy the beaches Kalbarri has to offer. This is the best time to visit to avoid the crowds. It can get very windy during these months, so if you plan on fishing during your trip, I’d recommend the Autumn months.
During the summer months (December to February), daytime temperatures reach the mid 30’s C. During Christmas holidays Kalbarri gets very busy, so if you choose to visit during this time, make sure to book accommodation in advance.
March to May is another quiet time to visit. The temperatures are starting to drop, but aren’t cool enough that you can’t enjoy a beach of two. During this time, winds are typically calm, making it great for boating and fishing.
Accommodation
There are multiple accommodation options in Kalbarri to suit each traveller. I’ve listed a few options for each travelling style.
Best for backpackers: Kalbarri Backpackers YHA
Best for families: Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park
Best for campers: Murchison River Caravan Park
Keep in mind there are no cheap or free camping spots near Kalbarri, so if you are camping you will need to book at one of the caravan parks.
Things to do
There are plenty of activities in Kalbarri to suit each traveller. Kalbarri is great for fishing, beach bumming, hiking, boating and sightseeing. These are the places I recommend you visit on your next trip.
Natures Window – Kalbarri National Park
Natures window is an iconic wind-eroded opening, only a short 1 km return walk from the car park. If you a longer hike, the loop trail is for you. This is a 9 km, Class 4 return hike. During November to March to loop trail closes after 7am, so plan accordingly.
Z Bend River Trail and Lookout – Kalbarri National Park
A 2.6 km return hike, Grade 4. This walk contains steep climbs down and up ladders, with some rock hopping here and there. A good level of fitness is recommended. At the bottom of the hike you will be rewarded with amazing views of the gorge and if you are lucky some swimming holes to cool off in. If this hike isn’t for you, the lookout is a short 1.2 km return from the car park.
Want something more challenging? The Four Ways trail is a 6km, Class 4 hike that descents into the gorge to the location known as Four Ways. Complete this hike early in the morning to avoid the heat and carry plenty of water with you.
Red Bluff Beach – Kalbarri
A popular location for fishing and swimming. Red Bluff beach is a white sandy beach which contrasts again the red rocks. This is a beautiful place to come and watch sunset. You can drive your car onto the rocks at Red Bluff, no 4WD needed! Make sure to check out Red Bluff lookout, where you can hike down to Red Bluff beach along the beach trail.
Pot Alley – Kalbarri
The views from Pot Alley car park perfectly capture the beauty of the Kalbarri coast. The car park is situated on top of the cliffs, making it a great spot to watch the sunset or fly the drone. There is a track that leads down to a small beach though the ocean gorge. This is a 400m return and it is recommended to wear closed in shoes.
Blue Holes – Kalbarri
Blue Holes is a small beach located only a 4 min drive or short walk from Kalbarri city centre. This beach is great from snorkelling and is reasonably protected. This is a great place to relax for the day or bring the kids for a the day.
Kalbarri Skywalk – Kalbarri National Park
The Kalbarri Skywalk is a newly built tourist attraction, which allows visitors to venture out over the gorge. The Skywalk is 100 metres high and projects 17 m beyond the rim of the Murchison Gorge. This attraction is easily accessible from the car park via a flat pathway, easy for prams and wheelchairs.
Island Rock and Natural Bridge – Kalbarri National Park
Situated in the Coastal Cliff sites of the Kalbarri National Park. The force of the ocean separated the rock feature known as Island Rock from the shoreline. As the name suggests, Nature Bridge is a limestone rock “bridge” which is attached to the rocky coastline. Both are worth visiting and make for some great photos at sunset.
Hutt Lagoon – Day Trip from Kalbarri
Hutt lagoon is a salt lake located near Gregory or a 40 min drive from Kalbarri. The lake is a bubblegum pink or sometimes blood red colour (depending on time of year and weather). There are multiple viewpoints around the lake, each offering a different perspective. This is a photographers dream, so be sure to capture plenty of shots here!
I hope this guide was helpful in planning your next holiday! Extending your trip? Check out my Perth to Exmouth in 3 week itinerary.
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