Kalbarri National Park is the jewel in Kalbarri’s crown. This expansive park is the highlight of many people’s trips to Kalbarri and the Coral Coast, offering rugged natural beauty, plentiful adventures, and unforgettable scenery.
But if it’s your first time visiting the park, you’ll want to come prepared. Kalbarri’s beauty also lies in its remoteness, so things like water and an internet connection are hard to come by! At D’Guy Journeys, we specialise in Kalbarri Trips for both new and seasoned travellers. To help you plan for your trip, we’ve created this guide to the top five things to know before you visit Kalbarri National Park. If you have any questions as you read, don’t hesitate to contact us!
1. How to Get to Kalbarri National Park
Located 590 kilometers north of Perth, Kalbarri National Park is an easily accessible destination on the Coral Coast of Western Australia. Spanning over 1,800 square kilometres, the park incorporates the inland river gorges as well as the Coastal Cliffs, divided by Kalbarri town. The Coastal Cliffs are free to access, while the inland requires entrance fees.
Driving to Kalbarri National Park from Perth takes approximately 6.5 hours of driving, predominantly on National Route 1. While it’s possible to complete the journey in a day, we recommend people break up the drive to see more of what Western Australia has to offer. You can check out our Epic Perth to Kalbarri Road Trip Itinerary for ideas. There is also the option of flying from Perth to Geraldton, from where you can drive about two hours to Kalbarri.
Kalbarri National Park is situated just a short drive from the town of Kalbarri, with two entrances into the park located on Kalbarri Road. The first entrance from Kalbarri will take you to attractions such as the Z Bend lookout and Kalbarri Skywalk, while the second will take you to Ross Graham and Hawks Head lookout.
All roads in Kalbarri National Park are sealed, allowing any vehicle access, but caravans and trailers are not permitted. If you are planning on hiking in the park but need transportation, you can also make use of our Kalbarri shuttle service.
Kalbarri National Park Entrance Fees
Upon entering, you will be required to pay the relevant entrance fees or present a pre-purchased park pass. Make sure to check the Explore Parks WA website for up-to-date ticket prices or to purchase your park pass ahead of time.
Parking in Kalbarri National Park
There are parking lots located at attractions including Kalbarri Skywalk, Nature’s Window, and Z Bend Lookout, meaning you can easily drive between and access each of the major locations.
2. Best Time to Visit Kalbarri National Park
The best time to visit Kalbarri National Park is during the cooler months (April to October), when temperatures range between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius, making conditions comfortable for sightseeing and hiking. During the summer months (December to February) you may experience high temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius. Hiking during this period is not recommended. Overnight hiking is not permitted in the summer and the Loop Trail is closed after 7 am. Throughout the year, the park is open from sunrise to sunset, giving you ample time to explore.
An unmissable time in Kalbarri is the wildflower season, which takes place between August and October. The park bursts to life during the spring, with thousands of flowers blanketing the landscape in an array of colours. You can learn more with our guide to the Best Wildflowers in Western Australia.
3. Facilities at Kalbarri National Park
There are three main locations in Kalbarri National Park, which includes the Kalbarri Skywalk, Nature’s Window, and the Z Bend. At each of these locations you’ll find toilets and shaded picnic spots, while at Kalbarri Skywalk you can make a stop at the cafe to enjoy a selection of sandwiches, pastries, and drinks.
While lookouts like Nature’s Window are not wheelchair friendly as they are located along rocky paths, the Kalbarri Skywalk is entirely wheelchair accessible, allowing all visitors to admire the beauty of the Murchison River.
As tempting as it might be to stay overnight, there are no accommodation options in Kalbarri National Park and camping is not permitted. However, there is plenty of accommodation in Kalbarri town. For more details, read our Ultimate Guide to Kalbarri Accommodation.
4. What to Bring to Kalbarri National Park
Before you visit, you must prepare what to bring with you to the park. Here are our suggestions for what to pack:
- Water: It’s essential to bring between two and four litres of water with you because there is nowhere to refill in the park.
- Sun protection: Sun glasses and sunscreen are a must, as well as a wide-brimmed hat that can also offer some protection from flies and insects.
- Shoes: The walking paths can be rocky and uneven, so make sure to wear sturdy shoes, especially if you plan on hiking.
- Food: Bring snacks to keep you fuelled or even a picnic spread to enjoy at one of the shaded picnic spots.
- Offline maps: Reception can be unreliable in the park, so download an offline map beforehand to help you navigate.
5. Top Attractions in Kalbarri National Park
The newest and most popular attraction in Kalbarri National Park is the Kalbarri Skywalk. With two cantilevered bridges extending out over the river gorge, you can experience panoramic views from a vantage point 100 metres in the air!
Near Kalbarri Skywalk is Nature’s Window, an incredible rock formation that perfectly frames the river below. From here, you can also embark on the iconic Loop Trail that follows the Murchison River.
Another unmissable location is the Z Bend lookout, where you can admire how the river carved its path through the landscape. Here, you can enjoy more hiking trails or even abseiling in the gorge. Learn more about the 10 Best Hikes and Trails in Kalbarri National Park with our blog!
On the other side of Kalbarri town, you won’t want to miss exploring the Coastal Cliffs, which expose the powerful forces of the ocean and offer prime viewing spots for whale watching in the winter!
We visit all of these attractions as part of our range of Kalbarri Day Tours, with options to explore the river gorges, wildflowers, and Coastal Cliffs, or even to go stargazing on Kalbarri Skywalk! In the company of a local expert guide, you’ll enjoy an insightful and immersive experience without worrying about the driving. If you have any questions about our tours, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can’t wait to show you Kalbarri for the first time!
