Kalbarri National Park is one of the most spectacular parks in Western Australia. Over 186,000 hectares in size, the park is located at the lower reaches of the Murchison River. Delight in the myriad of unique wildflowers in season. This park is one of the best places in the world to find ancient traces of the first life on land. All roads within the park are sealed and suitable for 2WD vehicles. Kalbarri is a six hour drive (590km) north of Perth.
INLAND GORGE SITES
Over the past 400 million years, the flow of the Murchison River has created magnificent deep red and white banded gorges, which stretch 80km toward the ocean. Explore the depths and heights of the river gorges and admire the floral beauty of the vast, rolling sandplains.
Located just 500m from The Loop carpark, Nature’s Window is one of WA’s most iconic natural attractions. Walk down a picturesque trail to view the rock formation that perfectly frames the rugged upstream view of the Murchison River. Nature’s Window marks the beginning and end of The Loop, an 8km walking trail (class four hike).
Note: Temperatures in the river gorges can reach 50C (122F) in summer. Do not walk the trail in hot weather, carry and drink 3 to 4 litres of water per person per day and don’t start the loop trail after 7am in the summer months.
An innovative tourism precinct, the Kalbarri Skywalk will open in 2020. The site includes twin skywalks built 100m apart at the Inyaka Wookai Watju site (the West Loop) across the gorge from Nature’s Window. The walkways will project 25m and 17m beyond the gorge rim, more than 100m above the Murchison River. Facilities include a kiosk, walking trails, interpretative signage, shade shelters and toilets.
Only a 600m walk from the car park, you will come across what many consider to be the most breathtaking view of the park. Below the lookout, The Loop and Z-Bend gorge plunges 150m down to where red river gums create a striking contrast against the earthy hews of the Tumblagooda sandstone. Hikers will enjoy the 6km Four Ways Trail (Idinggada Yina) or the Z-Bend River Trail with steep descents and ladder climbs leading to river access with spectacular scenery.
Only a short walk from the carpark, the Ross Graham Lookout is the easiest place in the park to access the Murchison River’s edge. It is an ideal location to enjoy a walk or picnic along its banks. Enjoy the views from Hawk’s Head picnic area or wander down the path to the wheelchair accessible lookout and maybe spot a rare black flanked rock wallaby among the rocks.
At 207m above sea level, Meanarra Hill is the perfect vantage point for 360° views of Kalbarri and the Murchison River flowing into the Indian Ocean – this is an ideal spot for photos, especially at sunset!
Look out for wildlife and some of the most common animals you’ll encounter in the National Park are kangaroos, emus, echidnas, thorny devil lizards and an abundant bird population including birds of prey like wedge-tailed eagles.
Opening Hours and Entry Costs
The inland gorge sites of the National Park are open from 6am - 6pm daily (from sunrise to sunset), at a cost of $15 per vehicle (carrying up to 12 passengers).
Holiday Park Pass - This pass entitles entry to as many parks as you wish for any four-week period at $48/vehicle (up to eight people).
Drinking water is not available in the National Park, so be sure to bring your own supply.
All inland sites can now be accessed with a 2WD car.
COASTAL CLIFF SITES
Kalbarri’s Coastal Cliffs feature magnificent, towering cliffs, which plummet down to the ocean waves 100m below. Starting at Red Bluff, the dramatic coastal cliffs extend 13km to the National Park’s southern boundary. These National Park sites are free of charge. Numerous sign-posted pathways and lookouts provide safe exploration of the ruggedly beautiful coastline. Look for migrating whales from June to November.
Only a short walk from the carpark, visitors can enjoy the Natural Bridge and Island Rock. With stunning coastal views visitors can look out over the Natural Bridge for marine life, including whales and dolphins. The resilient Island Rock was once part of the shoreline and now stands as a solitary ‘sea stack’ against the forces of the ocean, and is reminiscent of the Twelve Apostles.
Take in views from the Eagle Gorge lookout, named after the wedge-tailed eagles that nest in the gorge. These magnificent birds can often be seen soaring through the sky searching for prey. For anyone seeking a little extra, take the stepped rocky path to discover a secluded beach.
Connecting Eagle Gorge to Natural Bridge, the Bigurda Trail (the Indigenous name for a small kangaroo) provides stunning coastal views with great photo opportunities. Halfway along the trail, make sure to stop at the Grandstand to peer into Kalbarri’s deep cavernous cliffs from the walkway above. This unique walk offers a vast array of wildflower species from July to November with Dolphin pods a common sight, as well as Humpback Whales.
Pot Alley was named by local cray fishermen after losing many cray pots to this hazardous cove. Enjoy the spectacular ocean scenery amidst the expansive rugged gorges or walk the short track to the remote beach below.
Informative signage along the path takes you back 400 million years as you wander along the marked circuit that connects Rainbow Valley and Mushroom Rock. Allow between one and two hours for the walk, where you can marvel at the varied geological formations and see kangaroos feeding (best seen at dawn and dusk) among the coastal heath.
Red Bluff beach is a popular location for fishing and swimming. Featuring a picturesque white sandy beach contrasting against striking rust red rocks, the Bluff is particularly spectacular at sunset or for whale watching from the lookout. Hike down from Pederick lookout to Red Bluff beach, on the beach trail, also known as Gaba Gaba Yina, to see amazing views across the Indian Ocean, impressive rock formations and reward yourself with a swim at the bottom. This track is steep with loose surfaces.
Opening Hours and Entry Costs
All coastal sites of the Kalbarri National Park are free to visit.
Drinking water is not available in the National Park, so be sure to bring your own supply.
Directions for the Park
North West Coastal Highway, then left 18 kilometres to Kalbarri National Park Boundary 65 kilometres to Kalbarri township. Roads to the Murchison River Gorges can be rough and care should be taken. Coach tours to the river gorges are available from Kalbarri. The road to the coastal gorges is sealed. Short walks to the gorges from the car parks.
