Kalbarri between river, coast and culture

Kalbarri brings together the Murchison River, coastal activities and Kalbarri National Park nearby. The river runs through the entire township and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming and paddling. In the park, experiences range from the riverside loop walk to the coastal trail and a descent into a gorge. There is also a local pelican feeding at the foreshore. If you are looking for accommodation in Kalbarri, you can start by considering whether river activities in town, coastal experiences or trails in the national park should shape your stay.

River, beach and surf spots

The Murchison River offers several ways to spend time by the water within the township: boating, fishing, swimming and paddling. Nearby, Blue Holes is a sheltered swimming beach and Fish Habitat Protection Area where snorkelling is also possible. The water experiences therefore differ in character: river activities in town contrast with the opportunity to snorkel on the coast.

Jakes Point is a surf break and a National Surfing Reserve; the wave is best suited to experienced surfers. The stretch of beach from Wittecarra Beach south to Red Bluff is popular for beach fishing and offers 4WD access to the water within the township. These are two different coastal highlights to consider when planning: the wave at Jakes Point and the beach stretch associated with fishing and water access.

Trails and landscapes in Kalbarri National Park

Kalbarri National Park covers 186,000 hectares. All areas of the park are accessible via sealed roads, including to vehicles with two-wheel drive. Nearby trails differ in both length and the landscapes they explore. The Loop Walk is a nine-kilometre circuit along the Murchison River that passes Nature's Window in the park. The eight-kilometre Bigurda Trail, by contrast, is a coastal trail in the national park’s trail network. This means a riverside loop and a coastal route are available as distinct types of walk.

The Ross Graham River Walk is 700 metres return and leads to the Murchison River, where swimming or paddling is possible. The Z Bend River Trail offers a different kind of terrain: it descends between boulders and river eucalypts into the gorge, all the way to the Murchison River. A short walk to the water and a descent into the gorge can therefore be considered as different excursion options.

Nearby, the Kalbarri Skywalk offers another view of the gorge: its two cantilevered viewing platforms extend 100 metres above it. The cultural connection is also part of the picture of the park landscape and the destination: the Nanda are recognised as the Traditional Owners of Kalbarri National Park.

A local tradition on the foreshore

The pelican-feeding tradition began in 1975, when local fisherman Cliff Ross gave fish scraps to pelicans on the foreshore. The feeding is scheduled for 8:45 a.m.; however, pelicans and volunteers may not be there every day of the year. If you plan to include the feeding in your day, check beforehand whether it is taking place on the day of your visit.

Planning your stay in Kalbarri

When looking for hotels in Kalbarri, a practical starting point is to distinguish between experiences in the township and excursions to the nearby national park. Consider whether the river and foreshore or the coastal and gorge trails will play a greater part in your stay. This can help you weigh up the mix of experiences you want from your trip before choosing accommodation.

Discover more destinations: Shadforth, Inglewood, North Beach, Gelorup, North Yunderup, Walpole, Laverton, Siesta Park.

For the broader travel overview: Western Australia.