Welcome to Kalbarri National Park, a jewel in Western Australia’s crown. Renowned for its dramatic landscapes and diverse outdoor activities, this park is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. We’ve written this Kalbarri National Park guide to inform and encourage anyone considering visiting — the park is just a short drive from Kalbarri Town, and a site not to be missed!
If we inspire you to explore our gorgeous corner of Australia with us, then have a look at our Kalbarri Day Tours!
Spanning over 186,000 hectares, Kalbarri National Park encompasses striking river gorges, towering coastal cliffs, and sweeping ocean vistas. The park can be roughly divided into two sections: the inland river gorges section and the Kalbarri Coastal Cliffs.
Inland, the mighty Murchison River has carved out a spectacular gorge over millions of years, creating a stunning backdrop for activities such as hiking, canoeing, abseiling, and wildlife spotting. The coastal section of the park provides a beautiful contrast with its red cliffs and blue surf, and some of the best viewpoints for whale watching.
Kalbarri’s Aboriginal name is Wurdimarlu and is traditionally owned by the Nanda people who have inhabited the region for thousands of years. The national park holds important significance for the Nanda and is home to 209 Aboriginal heritage sites, including the Murchison River.
Kalbarri National Park is located approximately 550 kilometres or a six-hour drive from Perth, the closest major city. Following National Route 1, you’ll pass other attractions on the Coral Coast such as the Pink Lake and Geraldton.
Kalbarri Town serves as a gateway to the park. There are two main entrances to the inland gorges. The first is a 15-minute drive from town and leads you to Kalbarri National Park attractions such as Nature’s Window, Kalbarri Skywalk, and Z Bend Lookout. The second entrance is a 30-minute drive from town and takes you to the Ross Graham and Hawks Head lookout point. The roads in Kalbarri are sealed and accessible via two-wheel and four-wheel drive.
An entrance fee is applicable for visiting the inland gorges, which you can pay on arrival or online in advance as part of a park pass. The Kalbarri Coastal Cliffs are a 10-minute drive south of town and do not require an entrance fee to explore.
For more information, you can check out our blog about the Top 5 Things to Know Before You Visit Kalbarri National Park (For First-Timers).
The best time to visit Kalbarri National Park is in the winter and spring when the temperatures are significantly cooler and range between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. This also coincides with some of the most exciting periods in the park — the wildflower season and whale watching season.
Between June and November, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the coast, making the Kalbarri Coastal Cliffs prime lookout points for wildlife watching. From August to October, Kalbarri bursts to life as nearly 1,200 species of wildflowers bloom — a phenomenon best seen as part of our Kalbarri Wildflower Tour.
While you can experience Kalbarri National Park in the warmer months, keep in mind that temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius. During this time, some trails are closed and no overnight hiking is allowed in order to protect visitors from the intense heat.
Probably the best Kalbarri National Park activities are exploring its most prominent landmarks. We offer tours to both the inland gorges and coastal cliffs, and we can design a Kalbarri Custom Tour — this way, you can note everything you’d like to do from this Kalbarri National Park guide and simply tell us what you’d like to see and where you’d like to go!
One of Kalbarri National Park’s standout attractions is the Kalbarri Skywalk. This incredible structure offers breathtaking views over the Murchison River Gorge, with two cantilevered platforms that extend out over the edge at 100 metres high. The walkways provide a thrilling perspective of the gorge’s sheer cliffs and winding river, with the mesh platform allowing you to see the faraway ground beneath your feet. As you might expect, words do very little justice to this place; you really have to visit in person!
At the Skywalk, you’ll be able to learn more about the geography, species, and Indigenous heritage of the area from the informative signage. It’s also a popular place to enjoy some stargazing, thanks to the lack of light pollution in the park! D’Guy Journeys is one of the few companies to offer a Kalbarri Stargazing Tour, providing you with an awe-inspiring perspective of the night sky.
Kalbarri National Park is also home to some spectacular coastal cliffs and beaches. The towering limestone formations along the coastline provide stunning views and excellent opportunities for whale watching, particularly between June and November.
A must-see along the cliffs is the Natural Bridge. This impressive rock formation was carved by the ocean over millions of years, creating a stunning natural arch. It’s a fantastic spot for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light plays off the rocks and water. The name ‘Natural Bridge’ sounds so unremarkable, yet the place itself is eye-wateringly beautiful.
Other highlights along the coastal cliffs are Red Bluff, a prime viewing point during whale season, and Pot Alley, where you can walk onto the beach and see the powerful ocean in action.
Another stunning Kalbarri National Park attraction is Z Bend Lookout. This viewing point provides an unparalleled view of the zig-zagging river, allowing visitors to appreciate the sheer geological forces at play. It’s another moderately challenging walk from the car park to the lookout, but those feeling fit enough can also continue hiking along the River Trail or Four Ways Trail. Read our guide to the 10 Best Hikes and Trails in Kalbarri National Park to learn more!
A one-of-a-kind experience in the gorge is to go abseiling. You’ll be fully immersed in the landscape, and after your descent, you can enjoy a dip in the river.
Nature’s Window is one of the most iconic landmarks in Kalbarri National Park and has some of the most Instagram-worthy views. This iconic rock formation perfectly frames the river below, creating a natural “window” that’s a favourite for visitors. The walk to Nature’s Window is moderately challenging but rewards visitors with some of the park’s most spectacular vistas. From Nature’s Window, hikers can continue exploring along the nine-kilometre Loop Trail, one of the best activities in Kalbarri National Park. You can learn more about it with our Guide to Nature’s Window Walk Trail.
Meanarra Hill is a stunning lookout point located just a 10-minute drive away from town. Perched over 200 metres above sea level, Meannara Hill provides unbeatable panoramic views and is one of the best spots to watch the sunset. From the hill, you can see the town, the Murchison River mouth, the ocean, and across Kalbarri National Park.
Hawk’s Head is aptly named after a rock formation resembling a hawk’s head, visible from the lookout. A 200-meter sealed path from the main car park and picnic area leads to a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform overlooking the Murchison River for unique views of the gorge.
Named after Ross Graham, Kalbarri’s first school teacher and a passionate conservationist who advocated for the protection of the Murchison River, this lookout provides panoramic views over the river and surrounding cliffs. A short, wheelchair-accessible path of approximately 20 meters leads from the car park to the lookout platform. For those wishing to explore further, the Ross Graham River Walk is a 700-metre return trail descending to the river’s edge, offering opportunities for picnicking and swimming.
Kalbarri is rich in biodiversity, especially in the wildflower season when thousands of floral species bloom, many of which are native to the region. Grevilleas, banksias and hakeas bring bright colours to the land, while rare species like the Kalbarri catspaw and Kalbarri spider orchid also blossom. Keep an eye out for the Murchison rose, an emblem of the area, and the exceptionally unique Murchison hammer orchid.
Animal lovers will want to keep their eyes peeled for kangaroos, emus, and euros as well as echidnas roaming on the ground. Don’t forget to look up, as there are almost 200 species of birds in Kalbarri, including wedge-tailed eagles and peregrine falcons that are frequently spotted by the coastal cliffs.
While in the area, take the opportunity to visit nearby attractions. An hour’s drive away is the Pink Lake (or Hutt Lagoon), a unique natural wonder with striking pink hues due to the presence of algae that produce beta-carotene. Knowing the science behind it might take a little of the magic out of this striking pink lake, but knowing this still doesn’t stop many guests on our tours from gasping in surprise when we arrive.
Continuing further south is the town of Geraldton, known for its maritime history and beautiful beaches. Here you can see the HMAS Sydney II Memorial or explore the numerous art galleries and cafes. At the beaches, you can dive in the waters for a spot of snorkelling or diving.
Kalbarri National Park is pretty huge and remote, which is partly what people love about it. Its remoteness is why we recommend our Kalbarri Shuttle Service. We’ve been driving these roads for many, many years, so you can leave it to the locals and relax. Besides, letting us drive lets you enjoy the sights. However, make note that our Kalbarri shuttle service primarily operates between Ajana and Kalbarri. We also offer shuttle services for hikers, transferring them to and from the park.
Kalbarri National Park offers a rich blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you’re marvelling at the vistas from the Skywalk, exploring the coastal cliffs, or hiking to Nature’s Window, your visit will be filled with unforgettable experiences. If you want to make it even better, book your trip with D’Guy Journeys and enjoy your very own Kalbarri National Park guide! Should you have any questions for us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
