Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Kalbarri National Park

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Planning a visit to Kalbarri National Park? Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

Kalbarri National Park, located just a 6-hour drive north of Perth, is one of Western Australia’s most accessible and scenic national parks. Easily reached by car along the Coral Coast Highway, this park has dramatic inland gorges, towering coastal cliffs and colourful seasonal wildflowers.

And with TWO completely different sections – an inland area with rugged red rock formations and a coastal section with ocean views and the chance to spot whales in the right season – Kalbarri is definitely worth a visit.

There are plenty of hikes, from accessible lookouts to more challenging hikes down into the winding gorge that’s been carved by the Murchison River.

With the added bonus of being located close to a lovely seaside town (also called Kalbarri), Kalbarri National Park is a great weekend getaway from Perth or a stop on a longer road trip.

Here’s what you need to know before you visit!

A striking view from Nature's Window in Kalbarri National Park, looking down on the Murchison River as it winds through the dramatic, red canyon landscape with sparse vegetation and rugged terrain.

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Where is Kalbarri National Park?

Kalbarri National Park is near the town of Kalbarri, 570 kilometres north of Perth. The park is divided into two distinct sections: the inland section, known for its deep gorges and rock formations, and the coastal section, famous for its dramatic cliffs and ocean views.

To get there from Perth, you can drive along the scenic Coral Coast Highway, a journey that takes about 6 hours – but probably longer, because there are some great stops along the way!

Not up for the drive? There’s a bus from Perth to Kalbarri, which takes around 9 hours. Or you can take the short flight to Geraldton, rent a car there (or maybe even a campervan!) and then make the 1.5-hour drive to Kalbarri town.

You don’t need a 4WD to visit Kalbarri National Park – all the roads are paved. Note that you can’t take your caravan or camper trailer into the inland section of the park – you’ll need to leave it in town.

CONTINUE THE JOURNEY: Kalbarri National Park is a great stop on a Perth to Broome road trip!

Best time to visit Kalbarri National Park

The best time to visit Kalbarri National Park is during the months from April to October, when it’s much cooler. We visited in August and had sunny, warm days.

Even better – visit during wildflower season from July to October, which transforms the park into a vibrant display of colour.

If you visit between June and November, you can also enjoy whale watching along the coastal cliffs as humpback whales migrate along the coast – we were lucky enough to see several from the shore, even if they were way off in the distance!

From November to March – summer – the park can be swelteringly hot and you’ll need to be well prepared if you’re planning to hike here.

How many days at Kalbarri National Park?

I think you should plan at least two days at Kalbarri National Park. If you’re travelling from Perth, make it a 3-day long weekend so you’ve got time to see everything and chill out by the beach for a bit.

This image depicts a hiker walking along a narrow trail beside the Murchison River in Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia. The trail is carved into the layered red rock cliff that rises above the river, creating a dramatic landscape.

Entry fees

Like all national parks in Western Australia, you’ll need to pay an entry fee for Kalbarri National Park. It’s currently $17 per vehicle (2024 price).

If you’re travelling for a while through Western Australia and plan to visit a few national parks, purchasing a Holiday Park Pass may be better value.

A close-up view of the Murchison River cutting through steep, red sandstone cliffs in Kalbarri National Park. Sparse trees and bushes line the riverbanks, contrasting with the deep, rocky canyon walls.

What to do in Kalbarri National Park

Kalbarri National Park has two separate sections – and they’re 53kms apart. If you’ve got the time, I recommend spending a day in each section.

Kalbarri National Park map showing the two sections of the park (Image: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions)

Inland section

While I love the coastal section, the inland section of the park was my favourite part. You can see just how old this Country is in the layers and layers of earth and the smooth curves that the water has carved over millions of years. There are some fun hikes here, along with beautiful views.

Kalbarri Skywalk

This image captures the Kalbarri Skywalk in Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia. The modern viewing platform extends out over the edge of a red rock cliff, offering panoramic views of the Murchison River Gorge below. A few visitors are seen on the Skywalk, admiring the expansive landscape that stretches out under a clear blue sky.

The newly constructed Kalbarri Skywalk features two 100-metre-high cantilevered lookouts over the Murchison River Gorge. The views from here are incredible – although a little disorienting if you’re afraid of heights!

The skywalk is easily accessible from the car park, and has toilets and a kiosk.

Nature’s Window

The image features Nature’s Window, an iconic natural rock arch in Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia. The arch, composed of layered red sandstone, frames a view of the meandering Murchison River and the expansive, rugged landscape beyond. The contrasting colours of the red rock, green vegetation, and blue sky create a striking scene, highlighting one of the park’s most famous landmarks.

Easily the busiest spot in Kalbarri National Park, Nature’s Window is a natural rock arch that perfectly frames the view of the river below. It’s an easy walk from the car park.

It gets very crowded here, but be patient and you’ll get the iconic photo.

Z Bend Lookout and River Trail

This image offers a high-angle view of the deep red cliffs of Z Bend Gorge in Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia. The gorge cuts through the landscape, revealing steep, rugged rock walls that tower over the narrow, winding river below.

The Z Bend Lookout has beautiful views over the Murchison River Gorge. From the car park, it’s a 600-metre walk to the lookout, where you can see the “Z Bend”, a zig-zag section of the river. The walk is fairly easy, although there are steps.

You can descend into the gorge via the 2.6-kilometre Z Bend River Trail, which leads to the banks of the Murchison River. You’ll need to climb ladders and scramble over boulders, and there are a few steep descents, so make sure you’re up for the challenge!

The Loop

The image shows a woman - the author of this article - standing on a rocky cliff overlooking the Murchison River in Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia. She is wearing a grey brimmed hat and dark clothing, gazing out at the winding river far below. The scene captures the vast, rugged beauty of the park, with its red rock formations and deep gorges.
This image shows a hiker - the author's husband - walking along a narrow rocky path beside the Murchison River in Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia. The hiker is following a rugged trail, closely hugging the edge of a cliff made of layered red rock. The river runs calmly alongside the path, reflecting the bright sunlight. The steep, stratified rock formations, typical of the park, create a dramatic backdrop against the clear blue sky.

We spent a few hours on this 9km loop trail. Starting from Nature’s Window, it begins with sweeping views from the cliff tops, before descending into the gorge. There are sections where we were walking along rock ledges right by the river edges, and then sections of deep sand that were a bit of a slog.

It was a challenging hike but we loved it! The views kept changing and the diverse terrain made it quite the workout.

Come prepared for this one – there are a few shady spots but for the most part it’s exposed. Bring plenty of water and sun protection. There are plenty of signs reminding you to turn back if you’re not prepared!

A safety warning sign in Kalbarri National Park titled “ARE YOU OKAY?” that emphasises the dangers of heat exhaustion for hikers. The sign provides symptoms to watch for and advises on actions to take in an emergency.

Ross Graham Lookout

The Ross Graham Lookout is one of Kalbarri National Park’s more accessible viewpoints, with panoramic views of the Murchison River and surrounding gorges.

The lookout is just a short 700-metre return walk from the car park, so it’s a good option if you want a less strenuous adventure compared to some of the park’s more challenging hikes. The path leading to the lookout is relatively easy, though there are some uneven surfaces, so good walking shoes are recommended.

What to bring to Kalbarri National Park

  • Carry at least 3 litres of water per person when hiking in the park, wear a hat and long sleeves, and reapply sunscreen every few hours.
  • Wear sturdy hiking boots if you’re tackling the tougher trails.
  • There’s a kiosk at the Kalbarri Skywalk, but there are also picnic tables throughout the inland part of park, so pack a picnic.

Coastal section

The coastal section of Kalbarri National Park is just a short drive out of the main part of Kalbarri town, so it’s super easy to access. It’s exposed along this coastline, so I recommend checking out the various viewpoints and hikes in the morning or afternoon to avoid the heat of midday – the light will also be better at these times, too.

Expect dramatic coastal cliffs, crashing waves and ocean as far as the eye can see.

In the car, start from either the north or south and make your way to each of the lookouts. Or, you can walk the entire route one way on the Bigurda Trail.

The image shows a man - the author's husband - standing on large, flat rocks overlooking the Indian Ocean at Red Bluff, near Kalbarri, Western Australia. He is gazing out at the waves crashing against the rocky shoreline, with the deep blue sea stretching to the horizon. The scene highlights the rugged coastal landscape and the powerful ocean, offering a sense of solitude and connection with nature.

Red Bluff

With beautiful views of this stretch of coast, Red Bluff is well worth a visit. It’s a good spot to take in the rugged coastline and watch for dolphins and whales.

Depending on the time of year, you may also see wildflowers blooming along the trail. Just be careful of steep drops near the edge!

Mushroom Rock to Rainbow Valley

A rocky coastal landscape at Kalbarri National Park, featuring rugged red rocks stretching towards the blue ocean. The bright blue sky contrasts with the rough, reddish shoreline, creating a dramatic scene.
A winding hiking path in Kalbarri National Park, surrounded by reddish rocky terrain under a bright blue sky. A lone hiker - the author's husband - walks along the path.

This 3-kilometre walk takes you along a rugged coastal path that showcases some of Kalbarri’s most unique geological features before it loops back to the car park.

The trail begins at Mushroom Rock, a striking rock formation shaped over millions of years by wind and waves. The rocks really do look like the flat cap of a mushroom!

The path then winds through Rainbow Valley, named for its colourful, layered rock faces that change hues depending on the time of day and lighting. There’s interpretive signage along the trail that explains the geology of the area.

The trail is well-marked (often with rocks marking the path border) and completely out in the open.

Eagle Gorge

Eagle Gorge is one of the most popular lookouts along the coastal section of Kalbarri National Park. The gorge is named after the wedge-tailed eagles that can often be seen soaring above the cliffs.

From the top, there are sweeping views of the ocean and the rugged coastal landscape, with steep red cliffs dropping dramatically into the turquoise waters below. A short but steep trail leads down to Eagle Gorge Beach.

Island Rock

The photo captures the stunning coastal cliffs at Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia. The cliffs are made of layered beige and red rock, towering over the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean below. The clear, vibrant water contrasts sharply with the rugged, arid landscape, showcasing the dramatic meeting of land and sea.

Island Rock is a towering sea stack that has been separated from the mainland by thousands of years of coastal erosion.

Island Rock is easily accessible via a short walk from the parking area along a boardwalk.

We visited in the afternoon, but I’ve seen pictures of sunset here and it looks beautiful – so time your visit for later in the day.

Natural Bridge

A natural rock arch formation called Nature's Bridge that sits along the coast of Kalbarri National Park, with waves crashing against the rocks. The blue ocean water contrasts with the layered red and beige rocks, creating a stunning coastal view.

The same boardwalk that leads to Island Rock also connects to Natural Bridge. As the name suggests, this rock formation has been shaped by the ocean into a natural bridge. It reminded me of the coastline along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria.

It was here that we saw migrating whales far offshore – incredible to see! You can also often see dolphins and sea lions.

Bigurda Trail

You can see most of these lookouts along the 8-kilometre Bigurda Trail, which links Eagle Gorge to Natural Bridge.

The trail is one-way, however, so be prepared to walk back or have someone pick you up from the other end.

We didn’t do the trail – mostly because we were feeling lazy and didn’t want to have to walk back!

Other things to do in Kalbarri

Beyond Kalbarri National Park, there’s plenty to do in and around the town of Kalbarri.

A view of the calm beach and coastal town of Kalbarri in Western Australia, featuring sandy shores, blue waters, and distant homes. Green spaces and a few scattered trees are seen in the foreground, adding to the scenic coastal setting.

Visit the Pink Lake (Hutt Lagoon)

Located just a 30-minute drive south of Kalbarri, Hutt Lagoon is a striking bubblegum-pink lake that’s one of the most photogenic spots in the region. Algae causes the lake’s vivid pink colour.

The best time to visit is between 10am and 2pm when the sun is high overhead.

Pelican feeding on the foreshore

The image shows a large Australian pelican standing on green grass at the shoreline in Kalbarri, Western Australia. The pelican, with its distinctive long pink bill and black-and-white plumage, is the focal point, while several seagulls are scattered around the area. The background includes sandy paths leading to the beach, with dunes and vegetation in the distance, creating a typical coastal scene.

Every morning, pelicans gather on the foreshore to be fed by a local volunteer, who also shares fascinating facts about these birds.

The talk starts around 8.45am. Bring a gold coin donation to help cover the cost of the fish.

Sunset cruise

The coast around Kalbarri is just gorgeous, and this two-hour sunset cruise pairs that view with sunset.

This tour begins in the Murchison River and passes key sites including Jacques Point, Red Bluff, Diamond Rock, Rainbow Valley, Pot Alley and Eagle Gorge.

Food and beverages aren’t included (except for a taste of the crew’s warm lobster dip, yum!) but you can BYO. Check availability and pricing here.

Lobster fishing tour

Something really unique to do in Kalbarri is jump on a lobster boat and learn how to catch and grade rock lobsters! These tours start early in the morning, but include taking rock lobster home with you. Check availability here.

Snorkelling at Blue Holes

Just south of Kalbarri, Blue Holes is a sheltered reef area that’s perfect for snorkelling and exploring marine life. The shallow rock pools are teeming with fish, corals and crustaceans. The best time to snorkel is during low tide when the pools are calm and clear.

You don’t have to go snorkelling – you can just wade through the water and see what’s below.

Surfing at Jake’s Point

Kalbarri is home to one of Western Australia’s National Surfing Reserves, and Jake’s Point is the best spot for experienced surfers looking to catch a wave. Even if you’re not surfing, it’s worth visiting to watch the surfers in action.

For those new to the sport, nearby Jake’s Bay has gentler waves that are more suited to beginners.

Chinaman’s Beach

Chinaman’s Beach (ignore the name!) is right in the heart of Kalbarri town, and it’s calm, clear waters are ideal for relaxing, swimming and paddleboarding.

Kalbarri National Park itineraries

Here’s how I’d recommend spending a day or two at Kalbarri National Park.

1-day itinerary

Short on time? Spend the morning at the inland section of Kalbarri National Park, then head to the coastal part in the afternoon.

  • Morning: Start early with a visit to the inland section, exploring Nature’s Window and the Kalbarri Skywalk. Continue to Z Bend Lookout.
  • Afternoon: Move to the coastal section to visit the stops along here: Mushroom Rock, Eagle Gorge, Island Rock and Natural Bridge.
  • Evening: Grab fish and chips in Kalbarri town and eat them on the beach.

2-day itinerary

Because Kalbarri National Park is split into two sections, having two days to explore is much better. Dedicate a day to each section.

Day 1:

  • Morning: Begin your day with a hike on the Z Bend River Trail and visit to Nature’s Window. If you have more energy, explore The Loop trail (my favourite hike – but it is challenging).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Ross Graham Lookout.
  • Evening: Return to Kalbarri town for dinner – I recommend fish and chips on the beach!

Day 2:

  • Morning: Start with pelican feeding at the Kalbarri foreshore (the volunteer-led sessions start around 8.45am), then head to the coastal sites. Tackle the Bigurda Trail if you’re up for it!
  • Afternoon: Take a drive to the Pink Lake at Hutt Lagoon to capture some photos of the bubblegum-pink water.
  • Evening: End your day with whale watching or a sunset cruise along the coastal cliffs.
A serene sunset over the water in the town of Kalbarri, Western Australia, with two small boats anchored near the shore. The sun is setting on the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the calm waters and silhouetting distant trees.

Where to stay in Kalbarri

Unfortunately there’s no camping in Kalbarri National Park or other accommodation, but there’s plenty of options in Kalbarri town.

We stayed at Tasman Parks Kalbarri, which was directly across from the beach and Foreshore where the daily pelican feeding show happens. They have caravan sites as well as cabins.

The Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park is another great option. Some chalets have ocean views. The Kalbarri Palm Resort is motel-style but well-reviewed, with two pools and just a 10-minute walk from the beach.

Liked this national park?

Here are guides to my favourite national parks in Australia:

Wrap up: Visiting Kalbarri National Park

Being so close to Perth (close in Western Australian terms!) makes Kalbarri National Park a great weekend getaway from the city. With two distinct sections to the park – inland and coastal – it’s such an interesting place to visit. It was one of our highlights of visiting WA and we loved the fact that we could enjoy the beautiful lookouts that were easily accessible or challenge ourselves with a more difficult hike.

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Have you ever visited Kalbarri National Park?

Related posts

Before you go… you might like these guides to Australian national parks.

AUSTRALIA TRIP ESSENTIALS

  • Book your flight to Australia online with Skyscanner. I like this site because it shows me which dates are cheaper.
  • Find a great hotel in Australia. Check prices on Booking.com and Expedia online.
  • Check out the huge range of day tours throughout Australia on GetYourGuide or Viator. There’s something for everyone.
  • A copy of the Lonely Planet guide to Australia will be handy.
  • One thing I always purchase is travel insurance! Travel Insurance Master allows you to compare across multiple policy providers, while SafetyWing is great for long-term travellers and digital nomads.
  • Pack sunscreen (look for SPF50 or higher), a hat and sunglasses because the sun is hot!

PIN IT FOR LATER: VISITING KALBARRI NATIONAL PARK

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This complete guide to visiting Kalbarri National Park covers what to see and do, how to get there plus handy tips. Kalbarri National Park is one of Western Australia's most accessible parks, just a 6-hour drive from Perth. Home to the famous Nature's Window and Kalbarri Skywalk as well as great hikes for all fitness levels, Kalbarri National Park is a great weekend getaway from Perth. | Kalbarri National Park | Kalbarri | Kalbarri Skywalk | Western Australia National Parks | WA Parks
This complete guide to visiting Kalbarri National Park covers what to see and do, how to get there plus handy tips. Kalbarri National Park is one of Western Australia's most accessible parks, just a 6-hour drive from Perth. Home to the famous Nature's Window and Kalbarri Skywalk as well as great hikes for all fitness levels, Kalbarri National Park is a great weekend getaway from Perth. | Kalbarri National Park | Kalbarri | Kalbarri Skywalk | Western Australia National Parks | WA Parks

About REBECCA

I'm a travel junkie who started dreaming about seeing the world from a very young age. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. A former expat, I've lived in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Argentina and the United States. I share travel resources, tips and stories based on my personal experiences, and my goal is to make travel planning just that bit easier.

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