Kalbarri is geared towards tourism and fishing with several attractions around the town.  Kalbarri is part of the traditional lands of the Nanda people and the town was named after an Aboriginal man from the tribe.  It is also the name of an edible seed.    Kalbarri is a fantastic place to visit with a range of things to see and do!

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Now that all depends on what you like as there is a huge variety.  There’s nature, there’s walking trails, there’s tours, take a look and work out what you’d like:

Daily Pelican feeding – Every morning at 8.45am, volunteers will meet you on the Kalbarri foreshore opposite the Murchison Caravan Park to feed the pelicans.  A gold coin donation is appreciated to help cover the cost of fish.  (Note: as this is run by volunteers, occasionally no one will be available, if this occurs please come back down the next day).

Photo: Tegan Finnerty

Kalbarri National Park - includes the Z Bend Lookout, Z-Bend River Trail, Four Ways Trail, Pot Alley, Hawk’s Head, Ross Graham Lookout and Natures Window.  Natures Window is one of the most photographed places in Kalbarri, with many a person sitting in the rock formation that makes the window.   The park is open between sunrise and set.   The new and fabulous Skywalk at West Loop Lookout enables visitors to walk out on the skywalk and look down into the gorge for fabulous views which are truly breath taking.  There are two 100-metre-high look outs that span out 25m and 17m beyond the edge of the Murchison Gorge.  DGuy Charters have various tours available to take in these sites.

Photo: Sharon Graham

Photo: Sharon Graham

Pink Lake – The shade of pinks fluctuates and captures visitors imagination.  The pink shades vary in different seasons and from different angles, sometimes even from morning to night.  Choose to view the lake from the air with Kalbarri Scenic Flights or from the land on the Early Settlers Tour with DGuy Charters.

Photo: Judy Purkiss

Wildflowers in the spring time - Kalbarri is surrounded by flourishing wildflowers. D’Guy charters offer a wonderful tour taking you up to 100km out of town to explore and learn on this very popular seasonal experience.

Photo: Kalbarri wildflowers - Pinterest

Blue Holes – A wonderful location to snorkel in protected waters featuring rock pools that make a natural aquarium.  A pleasant walk or bike ride from the town centre.

Swimming – Kalbarri Beach is the main swimming beach for Kalbarri, it is also known as Chinaman’s Beach, an ideal swimming spot located just inside the river mouth.  The beach backs onto the town so it’s only a short walk.

Photo: My Focused Photography

Kalbarri Entertainment Centre - is often referred to as “The Pirate Park” or “Treasure Trove” by the locals.  The mini golf course is suitable for serious golfers as well as amateurs.  Trampolines that are used by adults and kids alike and if the heat is getting a bit much for you then enter the amusement arcade and enjoy the retro electronic amusement games.

Photo: Cham Kariyawasam

Murchison River – check out the magnificent river and enjoy the sight and sounds of the Australian bush with Kalbarri Quad Bike Safaris.   If you’d prefer to be on the river, then  Kalbarri Canoe Safaris and Kalbarri Adventure Tours offer views of the gorges through their kayaking and canoeing tours.  The tours include a bus ride up the Murchison River so you can paddle back.

Photo: Tourism Western Australia

Wagoe Beach – travel along the pristine Wagoe Beach to areas that many don’t have the opportunity to see with Wagoe Beach Quad Bike Tours.

Photo: Tourism Western Australia

Abseiling down a stunning gorge with Kalbarri Abseil for a totally different perspective of the gorges.

Photo: Glorai Depaz

There’s also fishing, viewing of marine wildlife, photographic tours and more, visit the Kalbarri Visitor Centre to work out what suits you.

WHERE TO STAY

Kalbarri YHA is an ideal option for the budget conscious backpacker, it is centrally located in town and close to the river and beach.  It has all the necessary activities plus you can hire a bike or book their shuttle service to the main road. 

If you’d prefer something a bit more upmarket, then you may like to consider the Kalbarri Beach Resort or contact the Kalbarri Visitor Centre for other options.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN KALBARRI

Kalbarri town and the rivermouth are all within walking distance of all accommodation in town.   Alternatively, you may like to hire a bike from the Kalbarri YHA or book D'Guy Charters for a charter/taxi..

To visit the Kalbarri National Park, the gorges, the Pink Lake, or the Murchison River, book one of the many tours available and make use of the knowledgeable tour operators to see the best the area has to offer.

HOW TO GET THERE AND BACK

Perth to Kalbarri

Integrity Coach Lines have a bus that travels from Perth to Ajana turn off.  Then catch the Kalbarri Shuttle Service operated by D;Guy Charters, book them in advance and they will meet the Integrity Coach so there’s no waiting time. From Perth there are 3 services a week leaving Perth on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

You can also travel with Integrity Coach Lines Broome to the Ajana turn off and again the Kalbarri Shuttle Service operated by D'Guy Charters will meet you from the coach if you have booked them in advance.  From Broome there are coach services twice a week leaving on Thursday and Saturday evenings.  Once you get down to Hedland then there is also a third service to Kalbarri, you can get on in other towns such as Hedland, Karratha, Exmouth, Coral Bay, Carnarvon or Overlander Roadhouse (if coming from Monkey Mia) to travel down to Ajana turn off for transfers to Kalbarri.

Kalbarri to Perth or Kalbarri to Broome

The Kalbarri Shuttle Bus service (D'Guy Charters) will collect passengers in Kalbarri and take them the Ajana turn off where they can catch Integrity Coach Lines to either Perth (3 times a week) or Broome (2 times through to Broome or 3 times as far as Hedland).

Kalbarri Shuttle Bus

The Kalbarri Shuttle Bus service can be booked by calling the D'Guy Charters  on 0497906969 in Australia, they will meet all Integrity Coach Line services, so make your booking from Kalbarri to Ajana or Ajana to Kalbarri in advance so you don’t need to wait.   Alternatively contact them by email on bookings@dguycharters.com.au.

What to expect on an Integrity Coach Lines journey

1) Short comfort stops approx. every three hours.  This allows you to stretch your legs, use facilities at the roadhouses (there is also a toilet on the coach) and purchase food and drinks it you wish.    You may also wish to bring dry snacks or meals that do not have distinctive odours such as eggs and tuna.    And, of course, your water bottle is most welcome. 

2) Capture glimpses of various towns along the way if you are using an Express ticket (point to point ticket).   If you are using a Hop on Hop off pass then you may wish to stop and enjoy other towns for a couple of days rather than just pass through.  The choice is yours!

3) Friendly, Personal and Knowledgeable Drivers.   Drivers are knowledgeable on all locations and can provide tips and hints as needed.  Two professional drivers per trip ensures they are well rested to get you to your destination safely.   Best of all, they are a friendly crew that are very approachable.  

So, why not catch a bus from Perth to Kalbarri, or Broome to Kalbarri and check out the wonderful sites.  Call Integrity Coach Lines now on 08 9274 7464.