For a small town like Kalbarri, there are endless things to do here. Surrounded by ocean, coastal cliffs, and rugged landscapes, Kalbarri is an outdoor paradise. The best part about Kalbarri is that many of its main attractions can be enjoyed at no cost!
At D’Guy Journeys, Kalbarri is not only our home, but we share it with locals and visitors through our Kalbarri Day Trips. By visiting all the major highlights like Kalbarri National Park and the Coral Coast, we ensure our guests see the very best Kalbarri has to offer.
However, we also understand if you’re travelling within a budget. We’ve created this guide to the top seven things to do in Kalbarri, as recommended by us locals. Keep reading for our insider tips, or feel free to contact us about our tours.
Explore the Kalbarri Coastal Cliffs
While the inland section of Kalbarri National Park requires entrance fees, the coastal cliffs that form part of the reserve are free to access! With its stunning rock formations and breathtaking views of the sea, the Kalbarri coastal cliffs are a sight to behold.
The sandstone cliffs drop 100 metres into the ocean, creating some of the most dramatic vistas in the area. The best way to explore the cliffs is by walking along the designated trails, which take you to sights like the Natural Bridge, Island Rock, and Shell House. The cliffs also provide a prime viewing point during whale watching season, between the months of June and November. During this time, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the area!
If you’re interested in visiting more of the park, check out our Ultimate Guide to Kalbarri National Park.
Swim and Snorkel at Blue Holes Beach
Blue Holes Beach offers an experience like no other. Located just a short drive from town, this beach is a Fish Habitat Protection Area, meaning it’s teeming with marine life. You can swim, snorkel, or even scuba dive here to experience its kaleidoscopic waters.
The Blue Holes are home to 70 species of fish, 11 species of coral, and 10 types of sponges. Some of the creatures you can spot include raccoon butterflyfish, humbugs, and western rock lobster. These rock pools are best visited in the morning when conditions are calm.
Take a Drive to the Pink Lake
While the Pink Lake is not in Kalbarri, its close proximity to town makes it an unmissable part of any trip to Kalbarri. The Pink Lake, or Hutt Lagoon, is a natural phenomenon, created by high salinity levels and the presence of carotenoid-producing algae. Just a 40-minute drive from Kalbarri, the Pink Lake is easy to see on a half-day trip. You can simply park your car and have a picnic by its shores or grab some Instagram-worthy photos!
Hutt Lagoon is not the only pink lake in Australia and there are plenty more to be found. You can learn more with our guide to Western Australia’s Incredible Pink Lakes!
Feed the Local Kalbarri Pelicans
To encounter even more of Kalbarri’s wildlife, you can meet the local pelicans! Ever since Cliff Ross began feeding the birds in 1975, pelicans have gathered on the coastline. Today, every morning at 8.45 am volunteers arrive at Pelican Feeding Point to feed the pelicans. Visitors can come and watch the feast and listen to an educational talk about the birds. You may even get the chance to feed one yourself!
Admire the Views from Meanarra Hill
Between Kalbarri town and Kalbarri National Park, you’ll find Meanarra Hill. Situated 207 metres above sea level, Meanarra Hill provides 360-degree views across Kalbarri. This hill is just a 10-minute drive from town, and you can reach the top on a short 150-metre walk. There is informative signage along the way, revealing more about the region.
At the top, you can see as far as the ocean, the Murchison River, and Kalbarri National Park. The best time to visit is at sunset for some of the most beautiful vistas. You can also bring a picnic to enjoy!
If you’re looking for more inspiration on what to experience in the area, read our blog on the Top 5 Things to Do in Kalbarri as Recommended by Locals.
Relax on Chinaman’s Beach
Chinaman’s Beach is the perfect place to relax. With its glistening turquoise waters and sandy shores, you can sit back and tan, read a book, or go swimming. There are sheltered areas if you’d like some shade, as well as barbecue and picnic areas. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can hire a paddleboat, stand-up paddle board, or kayak and venture out up river.
Go Surfing at Jacques’ Point
If you’re looking to catch some waves, Jacques’ Point, or Jakes as it’s locally known, offers the best surfing in town. This break is actually a National Surfing Reserve, with waves as big as 10 feet! Jakes is more suitable for experienced surfers, but novices can also surf at Jakes Bay, which offers perfect conditions for beginners and those learning to surf. If you’re not keen to get in the water, you can still watch the waves and surfers from the lookout point above.
Discover More of Kalbarri with D’Guy Charters
While our choice of the top free things to do in Kalbarri will undoubtedly give you an unforgettable experience, there’s so much more to uncover. If you want to explore in the company of a guide, you can join our Coastal Cliffs and Pink Lake Tour from Kalbarri for a more informative journey, or you can travel inland with our Kalbarri River Gorges Tour that includes the Kalbarri Skywalk.
However you want to see Kalbarri, we can make it happen! Contact us today for information.
