The drive from Geraldton to Kalbarri may only take about two hours, but it’s packed with opportunities to explore some of Western Australia’s most fascinating yet underrated treasures. Beyond the postcard-perfect beaches and dramatic sea cliffs, this route provides insight into the region’s pioneering past, history of convict labour, and truly otherworldly natural attractions.
Here at D’Guy Journeys, we’ve covered the length and breadth of Western Australia through our Kalbarri Trips, so we’ve created this guide to the hidden gems you can find on your Geraldton to Kalbarri road trip. Keep reading for our local tips, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our tours!
Setting Out from Geraldton to Kalbarri
Geraldton and Kalbarri are two spectacular towns along the Coral Coast. While Geraldton is known as a hub of marine activity, Kalbarri is the gateway to the awe-inspiring Kalbarri National Park. Many people on their way to Kalbarri will either stop at or pass through Geraldton, with the drive between the two spanning 155 kilometres. Most travellers may wish to press down on the accelerator to reach their destination, but there are plenty of sights and attractions to experience on this coastal route. Turn a two-hour drive into a full day (or multi-day) tour of exploration!
See below our suggested stops for your Geraldton to Kalbarri road trip. And if you’re travelling from either further way, check out our Epic Perth to Kalbarri Road Trip Itinerary!
Ellendale Pool: A Natural Oasis
About a 45-minute drive east of Geraldton lies Ellendale Pool, a serene waterhole carved into the Greenough River. The drive takes you through farmland and scrub before opening up to reveal sheer cliffs reflected in still water. It’s a peaceful spot that feels worlds away from the buzzing coastal city.
You can pack a picnic to enjoy alongside the water, or bring your binoculars for some birdwatching. If you’re feeling active, take a walk around or go kayaking on the beautiful waters. You may be tempted to swim, but always check the local guidelines on water quality beforehand. Ellendale Pool is an excellent camping site, so you may even want to turn your stop into an overnight stay!
Chiverton House Museum: Tracing the Region’s Past
Back on the highway, head to Northampton, a town steeped in mining history and rustic charm. One of its main attractions is the Chiverton House Museum, a 19th-century stone home built for mining pioneer Samuel Mitchell. Wandering its interior is like stepping back in time, with rooms filled with artefacts and stories of the town’s early settlers.
Outside, you’ll find vintage farm machinery and relics from the region’s mining days. What makes the home even more notable is that it’s believed to be one of the last buildings built by convicts in Western Australia!
Lynton Convict Hiring Depot: A Unique Western Australian Relic
Travelling further north and further back in time, you’ll reach Port Gregory, where the ruins of the Lynton Convict Hiring Depot remain. Established in 1853, this was the first convict depot north of Fremantle, built to supply labour to the region. However, it closed only a few years later due to its isolation and the harsh living conditions.
Today, visitors can explore the remnants of the hiring station, gaining unique insight into how convict labour was established and used in Western Australia. Interpretive signs offer a glimpse into the lives of its former inhabitants, allowing you to unlock a chapter of lesser-known history.
Hutt Lagoon: The Bright Pink Lake of Port Gregory
Just a short drive from Lynton brings you to Hutt Lagoon, one of the most jaw-dropping sights along the Coral Coast. It’s better known as the Pink Lake, and it’s clear why — this vast saltwater lagoon is the colour of bubblegum! While you may think someone must have poured a ton of dye into the lagoon, the Pink Lake’s colour is entirely natural, caused by the presence of the algae Dunaliella salina.
Depending on the time of day and cloud cover, the hues of the lagoon may shift from rose to coral to lavender. The colours are brightest on sunny mid-mornings, though sunset brings its own magic. You can view the lake from the roadside lookout near Port Gregory or take a short walk along its edge for photographs that some may accuse you of photoshopping!
To learn more about this extraordinary phenomenon, read our Guide to Visiting Hutt Lagoon!
Coastal Cliffs: Arriving in Kalbarri
As you continue toward Kalbarri, the landscape changes once again, and you’ll follow the spectacular Coastal Cliffs, which form part of Kalbarri National Park. You can stop along the way at scenic lookout points like Natural Bridge, Island Rock, and Red Bluff, keeping an eye out for whales in the ocean below. If time allows, you can also walk parts of the eight-kilometre Bigurda Trail and immerse yourself in the scenery.
Continue the Adventure with D’Guy Journeys
Sometimes the best journeys are the ones that take a detour. Taking the time to travel between Geraldton and Kalbarri can make your experience of Western Australia all the more rich. And once you arrive in Kalbarri, D’Guy Journeys will be here to help you continue the adventure! We offer a range of tours to the region’s top sights, including our Kalbarri Skywalk Tour and our Kalbarri Inland and River Gorges Tour. If you have any questions about our tours, don’t hesitate to contact us. With our years of experience, we know just the right detours to take you on!
