Kalbarri: River, Coast and National Park

Kalbarri brings together the Murchison River, the coast and the landscapes of Kalbarri National Park. The river runs through the entire township, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming and paddling. Nearby, trails follow the river, wind through a gorge and run along the coast. You can shape your trip around whether you want to spend time together by the water, go hiking or enjoy nature experiences.

River and gorge trails

For a loop walk along the Murchison River, try the Loop Walk in Kalbarri National Park: it is 9 km long and passes Nature’s Window. If you’re considering a shorter route to the river, the Ross Graham River Walk is another option: the loop is 700 metres long and leads to the Murchison River, where swimming or paddling is possible. Both trails take in the river, but differ considerably in length.

Another experience in the park is the Z Bend River Trail. It descends through the gorge between boulders and river gums to the Murchison River. At the Kalbarri Skywalk, two cantilevered viewing platforms extend 100 metres above the gorge. You can experience the landscape in different ways: by taking a trail down to the river or from the platforms high above the gorge. Kalbarri National Park covers 186,000 hectares; all areas of the park are accessible via sealed roads in two-wheel-drive vehicles.

Coastal trails and water activities

The coast also offers a range of options. The Bigurda Trail is an eight-kilometre coastal walk in Kalbarri National Park’s trail network. Blue Holes is a sheltered swimming beach and a Fish Habitat Protection Area, where snorkelling is possible. Jakes Point, meanwhile, is a surf break and a National Surfing Reserve. The wave is best suited to experienced surfers—a practical distinction for anyone planning their trip around water activities.

The stretch from Wittecarra Beach south to Red Bluff is popular for beach fishing. There is 4WD access to the water within the Kalbarri township. This differs from the sealed roads that provide access to areas of the national park in two-wheel-drive vehicles: here, access specifically requires a 4WD.

A riverside tradition

The local history includes the pelican-feeding tradition on the foreshore. It began in 1975, when local fisherman Cliff Ross gave fish scraps to pelicans. Pelican feeding is scheduled for 8:45 a.m. on the Kalbarri foreshore. The Nanda are recognised as the Traditional Owners of Kalbarri National Park. This cultural connection is part of the destination’s character, alongside its river, gorge and coastal landscape.

Choosing Kalbarri as a holiday destination

If you’re looking for a holiday rental in Kalbarri, you can start by considering which experiences you want to shape your trip. The Murchison River offers several water activities in the township, while the national park has trails of varying lengths through different landscapes. On the coast, there’s the Bigurda Trail, snorkelling at Blue Holes, surfing at Jakes Point or beach fishing. These differences can help you choose the focus of your holiday, without any one activity defining Kalbarri’s character.

Other destinations to discover: Wellard, Gracetown, Denham, Porongurup, Shadforth, Kelmscott, Chidlow and North Yunderup.

For the broader travel overview: Western Australia.