5 DAYS & 5 NIGHTS

 

 

The Perfect Kalbarri Getaway: Exploration, Relaxation & Scenic Views

 

 

DAY 1: PLAYFUL PELICANS & EXPLORING THE TOWN

Morning:

• Check out the pelicans wandering up the foreshore for their breakfast at 8:45am every morning. The Pelican Feeding (located opposite The Pelican Café) is a volunteer run experience and a gold coin donation is appreciated to cover the costs of fish.
• Afterwards enjoy a breakfast from one of the delicious eateries along main street of town.
• Head to the Visitor Centre for information on current events, maps of the area and to book any tours for your stay.

Afternoon:

• Take a leisurely stroll along the foreshore and if the temperature calls for it, a swim in the Murchison River to cool off. For those with young families, let the kids play on the Nature Playground.

Evening:

• Finish the day at Meanarra Hill Lookout and don’t forget to bring drinks and a picnic, the local supermarket and bakeries can supply you with everything needed to make a delicious spread. With seating areas at the top and stunning views of the townsite and the Murchison River, this is the perfect place to watch the sunset.

 

DAY 2: INLAND RIVER GORGE DISCOVERY

Morning:

• Early start this morning to beat the heat out at the Inland section of the National Park especially if you’re planning to do a hike. Allow a few hours to hike the gorges (depending on which track you choose).
• Check out the Skywalk, Natures Window and the Z- Bend Lookout in this section of the park. During wildflower season, July to October, this area becomes a colour carpet and an ideal space for wildflower enthusiasts to explore.

Afternoon:

• Cool off with a swim at Chinamen’s beach in the afternoon. During the summertime it can be windy in the afternoon but due to the unique shape of the river mouth, this beach is protected by the buffeting winds and provides a beautiful view out to the open ocean.

Evening:

• After a day packed with exploration head to one of the local watering holes for a well-deserved drink and dinner.

 

DAY 3: COASTAL TRAILS & WATCHING THE WHALES

Morning:

• Time to discover the Coastal Cliff section of the Kalbarri National Park. These lookouts include Red Bluff, the highest elevation point of the coastline, Pot Alley, Eagle Gorge and many more.
• Hike the Nature Trail (3km) between Mushroom Rock and Rainbow Valley and marvel at this ancient coastline.

Afternoon:

• Take a stroll along The Boardwalk built between Natural Bridge and Island Rock and enjoy the coastal views. During the Humpback Whale Migration (June to October) these lookouts dotted up our coast provide the best vantage points to spot the whales along their journey.

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner at a local eatery or prepare a beachside picnic with a stunning sunset as a backdrop. Be sure to spend a night stargazing, taking advantage of the fact Kalbarri has ZERO light pollution. Tours are available but all you need is a picnic blanket and a soft patch of grass to admire the incredible night skies in town.

 

 

DAY 4: BLUE HOLES, A PINK LAKE & OLD RUINS

Morning: 

• For a chance to spot beautiful marine life, snorkel among the limestone reef at Blue Holes, a Fish Habitat Protected Area. Get up close with the fishes in these crystal-clear waters and limestone reef sections.

Afternoon:

• Make your way 45mins down the coast to the Pink Lake (Hutt Lagoon) to capture breathtaking photos of the vibrant hues that make up the lake system. The adjacent small townsite of Port Gregory boast a great swimming beach for another stop along this area.
• A further 5 minutes down the road from Port Gregory is where the old convict ruins, Lynton Station, are located. These ruins provide incredible insight to the living quarters of convicts in this area.

Evening:

• Check out the range of delicious takeaway options available in Kalbarri. Seafood options are popular and various fish and chip take away's can be spotted on the main street of town.

 

DAY 5: CRUISE OR CANOE?

Morning/Afternoon (Seasonally dependent times):

• End your holiday with some retail therapy at our local surf shops and boutiques. For souvenirs and gifts for the family, stop into the Kalbarri Visitor Centre or the Newsagency. On Monday mornings of the school holidays there are market stalls along the foreshore, perfect for something uniquely Kalbarri-made.
• Spend some time exploring the Murchison River with either a cruise or a canoe tour (morning or afternoon depending on time of year) which provide a great experience to spot some wildlife.

Evening:

• Wind up the day with a sit-down meal, check socials for the different eateries that have live music playing for a fun night to end your Kalbarri holiday with. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are most common for having gigs playing at the various pubs, tavern and brewery in town.

 

Allow time for tours, whether morning or afternoon and please note that this schedule is flexible, and you can adjust it based on your interests and the time of year. Always check the opening hours and availability of activities, especially if you're visiting during the busy season.

 

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Getting to Kalbarri: 

- By Car: Approx. 6-hour drive from Perth (570 km). Best route: Indian Ocean Drive via Geraldton.

- By Air: Flights to Geraldton + 1.45-hour drive to Kalbarri.

- Best Stops En Route: Lancelin, Jurien Bay, Geraldton, Hutt Lagoon.

•  Best Time to Visit:

- Wildflower Season: July – mid-November / Peak Season: August – October.

- Whale Migration Season: June – November.

- Year-Round Adventure: each season reveals a unique side of Kalbarri’s spectacular landscapes, but there is always year-round sun and peaceful seclusion.

• Accommodation Options: 

- Luxury Villas: boutique stays with ocean or river views.

- Self-Contained Units, Cabins & Motels: ideal for independent travellers.

- Caravan Parks, Campgrounds & Station Stays: great for those travelling with their own setup.

• Essential Tips:

- Book ahead: popular tours, restaurants, and accommodations fill up quickly during the peak holiday periods – secure your spot in advance.

- Pack for adventure: Sun protection, hiking shoes, swimwear, and a camera.

- Fuel up: Limited fuel stops beyond Geraldton, so plan accordingly before heading out on longer drives.

 

EXTEND YOUR JOURNEY

If time allows, consider adding an extra night or few to explore more of Kalbarri and beyond:

• Kalbarri’s incredible inland longer hiking trails: The Loop Hike, Four Ways Trail and Z-Bend River Trail descend into the stunning river gorges carved into ancient red rock. Follow the trails down to the river’s edge, where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in this extraordinary natural setting.
• Kalbarri’s exhilarating coastal hike: The Bigurda Trail offers a spectacular one-way hike along dramatic sea cliffs.
• Abrolhos Islands (scenic flights available from Kalbarri and Geraldton or boat tours available from Geraldton): this a stunning and historical marine paradise with a variety of activities on offer including snorkelling, island walks and food experiences.
• Shark Bay & Monkey Mia: rich with Indigenous culture and home to the iconic Shell Beach, quaint town of Denham, the friendly Monkey Mia dolphins, Francois Peron national Park, Dirk Hartog Island and the western most point of Australia – Steep Point.

 

For advise on planning your next Kalbarri holiday, give the Kalbarri Visitor Centre a call on 08 9937 1104.

We can assist with tour and accommodation bookings as well as information on the best things to do in our region.