Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park
Approximately 60km offshore from Kalbarri, the Houtman Abrolhos is a chain of 122 islands and associated coral reefs. It is the southern most true coral reef in the Indian Ocean and one of the highest altitude reef systems in the world.
It is one of the world's most important seabird breeding sites and is the centre of Western Australia's largest single species fishery - the Western Rock Lobster fishery. It has a small seasonal population of fishermen and a limited number of tourists are permitted for day trips, however most of the area is off limits as a conservation habitat. It is well known as the site of numerous shipwrecks, the most famous being the Batavia, wrecked in 1629 on Morning Reef this ended in a tragic mutiny.
Flights are available from Kalbarri to land on the island of East Wallabi, giving you the opportunity to swim & snorkel in the pristine waters.
Warribanno Chimney
Located off the main road on the northern entrance to Kalbarri, an unsealed road takes you to the site of the original lead smelter for Geraldine mine. One of the first to be built in WA and despite having laid dormant for over 150 years, the mine is still rich with history. The mine operated in the 1850's & 60's after Augustus Gregory discovered lead while exploring for pastoral development. It still retains solid stone work and foundations from it's working days.
Today these sites are adorned with wildflowers in season and a great spot to visit if you have time. 4 wheel drive is recommended only if continuing to the mine itself.
Horrocks Beach
Horrocks Beach is located on the coast 25 km west of Northampton or 85 km south of Kalbarri. The town site is a small coastal settlement used mainly for holiday and recreation. It is also home to the fishing families, which use the protected waters for a haven from the prevailing winds.
Horrocks offers a relaxing holiday for all the family with fishing and swimming topping the list of things to do. There is a general store, fuel station, fish and chip shop, public telephone and a fantastic foreshore, playground and jetty to keep the kids entertained.
Northampton
Northampton a town of approximately 750 people is located 50km north of Geraldton. The surrounding wheat and pastoral farms use Northampton as a base. Visitors will find a rich history of both Aboriginal and European activity. Copper and lead were discovered in the district in 1849 and Northampton grew as a mining town supporting Geraldine Lead Mining Company, the first lead producer in Australia. Northampton has retained many of its original buildings and was declared an historic town in 1993.
The Heritage Railway Line, Gwala cemetery & church ruins, give visitors a real life history lesson, while the Botanic Line has a beautiful wildflower display in season. History buffs should not miss this small town gem.
Lucky Bay Camp Ground
Enquiries to 08 9937 1140
Please note the following conditions, advice and recommendations for camping at Lucky Bay:
⨳ Lucky Bay is a nature-based camping area and no potable water is available or provided. Campers must have their own adequate water and food supply.
⨳ For beach access, tyres must be let down to at least 20psi. Campers must have their own portable air-compressor to re-inflate tyres upon departing the campground, as there are no such services available. Tyre pressures do not need to be reduced to enter campground, only if driving on the beach.
⨳ There is a 40km/h speed limit on main access roads and a 10km/h limit within camping areas. Please drive slowly and carefully.
⨳ If you do not have a portable chemical toilet, you must camp in areas where ablutions are provided and observe their conditions of use.
⨳ A waste dump point is located on the access road to Lucky Bay, near the camping areas. Please note that the dump point's washing water is not potable - do not use for anything other than washing the dump point.
⨳ No onsite emergency assistance or medical services are available.
⨳ Use of mobile power generators external to the vehicle are permitted.
⨳ Dogs must be kept on leash at all times.
⨳ Fish offal is to be placed in a sealed bag/container and placed in refuse bins or disposed of out to sea. Do not bury or dispose of fish offal within camping areas.
⨳ Clearing or removal of vegetation for any purpose is strictly prohibited.
⨳ Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions accepts no liability for personal damage or loss to any vehicles, caravan and/or campervan.
⨳ Shelters provided are for general public use, not for individual or private use.
⨳ Campfires are allowed from 1st Sept. to 7th April and are subject to the following: campfires must be within a portable self-contained fire pit/vessel. Campfires in natural sand pits or on the ground are prohibited. Campfires are not permitted during high, extreme or catastrophic fire conditions or when fire bans are in place.
A Fee of $15.00 per vehicle, per night applies. EFTPOS facilities are available (no cash out). Please note that bookings are not available for Lucky Bay; Campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For further information, please call Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions on 08 99371140.
Pink Lake
It's official name of Hutt Lagoon was given by explorer George Grey who camped on its edge in 1839.
Hutt Lagoon is a salt lake with a pink hue due to the presence of the carotenoid producing algae, Dunaliella salina, which is a source of beta-carotene, used as a food-colouring agent and source of Vit A. in cosmetics and supplements. The lagoon contains the worlds largest microalgae production plant.