10 Reasons you need to extend your Kalbarri Stay

For those itinerary planners, make sure Kalbarri National Park is on the top of your list! Filled with expansive gorges, breathtaking lookouts, and magnificent rock formations, Kalbarri National Park is considered a hot-spot to find ancient traces of first life on land. Set up camp at Kalbarri Tutor Holiday Park, a family friendly holiday park, and head towards the 400-million-year-old gorges. Covering an impressive 186,000 hectares, it’s easily accessible via sealed roads suitable for 2wd.

Stroll a 500m walk from The Loop Carpark and you’ll find yourself gazing through Nature’s Window, one of Western Australia’s most iconic natural attractions. Take some time to soak in the view from the picturesque rock formation framing views of the Murchison River. For those eager for a challenging hike, Nature’s Window marks the beginning and end of The Loop Trail, an 8km walking trail (class 4 hike). *Please note temperatures can be extreme in summer, so the Loop Trail is closed after 7am from November to March.

Don’t miss the Z-Bend Lookout, named after the impressive ‘Z’ shape carved by the river through the gorges, only a 600m stroll from the carpark. For the adventurous, continue a 2.6km (class 4) return hike descending ladder climbs and rocky terrain into the gorge. If you’re looking to unwind, pack a picnic for the banks of Murchison River, accessible from Ross Grahman Lookout, or experience the unique hawk-shaped rock formation and stunning landscapes of Hawk’s Head Lookout, both easily accessible with just a short walk from the carpark.

Pack your snorkel and head south to Blue Holes, a renowned snorkelling location. Here you will find protected waters, flourishing marine life, and an inshore limestone reef system featuring both permanently submerged sections, and sections exposed at low tide, giving it the iconic ‘Blue Holes’ name. Swim in an aquarium of marine life with over 70 species of finfish, along with 11 species of coral, and 10 types of sponge - be mindful that this is a fish habitat protection area, so no fishing is allowed!

The Kalbarri Coastal Cliffs hold a special place in our heart, ranking among one of our favourite places in Kalbarri. If you’re on the hunt for magical lookouts, secluded beaches, and magnificent towering cliffs, then this is the place to be. Spanning an impressive 13km from Red Bluff to the National Park, the Kalbarri Coastal Cliffs offers spectacular views of the rolling blue ocean contrasted against striking rust red rocks.

Admire the spectacular view of the rugged coastline from Eagle Gorge, dip your toes in the popular Red Bluff beach, or venture to the pancake shape rocks of Pot Alley. First-time visitors should not miss the opportunity to explore the Natural Bridge and Island Rock Lookouts, both easily accessible from the carpark, and perfect for viewing migrating whales between June and November. Stay and watch the sunset from Island Rock, a stand-alone ‘sea stack’ reminiscent of the Twelve Apostles, here you’ll be able to see the cliffs come alive and transform into a magical shade of burnt orange.

If you’re feeling adventurous, lace up your hiking boots for the Birgurda Trail - an 8km hike showcasing stunning coastal views as you wind your way from the Natural Bridge to Eagle Gorge. For a leisurely stroll, wander the Mushroom Rock Trail, a two-hour walk that guides you along the coastline, to the unique site of Mushroom Rock and Rainbow Valley Gorge. When it comes to accommodation, look no further than Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park, an ideal haven located just outside of town, offering stunning views of the shoreline.

If you’re searching for a beach getaway, don’t forget to stop in at the quaint fishing town of Horrocks. Stretching 7kms of WA’s Coral Coast, Horrocks offers crystal clear waters and sandy shores perfect for a range of activities including (but not limited to) swimming, fishing, surfing, and diving. If you’re looking for some time ‘off-grid’, be sure to check out Little Bay, accessible only by 4wd. Little Bay has become a favoured destination for day trips and camping, due to its windswept sand dunes, sheltered waters, and abundant natural beauty.

For the fishing enthusiasts, head over to Bowes River Mouth and cast a line, let down your tyres, and cruise along the white sandy beach, or head to the jetty popular for catching squid and fishing. Keep an eye out for migrating humpback whales from the Whale Watching Lookout, located on the left-hand side as you enter the town. If you’re wanting to stay longer, Horrocks Beach Caravan Park has accommodation options for all travellers, from powered camping sites to chalets!

When you’re heading back to Perth, round your trip out by stopping into the country town of Northampton, located an hour south of Kalbarri. Here, you have the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the town, one of Western Australia’s oldest settlements. It’s a great place to experience Indigenous art and admire heritage buildings. For the AFL lovers, it’s an opportunity to visit the home of footy stars Jamie and Patrick Cripps, Harry Taylor, Josh Kennedy, Tarkyn and Andrew Lockyer, Daniel Chick, Paul Hasleby, and Liam Anthony.

Head over to the Northampton Visitor Centre where you can pick up a brochure of The Hampton Road Heritage Walk, leading you to 37 historically significant buildings. Don’t forget to add Chiverton House Museum to the list, where you can step back in time and learn about the life of miners in the 1800s. For the nature lovers, head to The Northampton Botanic Line, a bush-garden walking trail with plantings of melaleuca, grevillea, acacia, verticordia, and everlasting wildflowers. Wrap up your day with a trip to The Storytellers – Keepers of Dreaming, an immersive art gallery where you’ll learn about the about the culture and history of the local Nhanda people.