Top 10 Things to do in kalbarri

If you’re heading up Western Australia’s Coral Coast, Kalbarri is one spot you absolutely don’t want to miss. Here you’ll find dramatic coastal cliffs, inland gorges, river trails and red rock formations. It’s fair to say that there are so many things to do in Kalbarri that you didn’t even know about.

To help you make the most of it, I’ve put together a list of the top 10 things to do in Kalbarri, starting from the south and working your way up to the town and into Kalbarri National Park. If you have a couple of days, this guide will give you a great mix of beach, walks and scenic lookouts.

Thins to do in Kalbarri

1. Hutt Lagoon, The Pink Lake

One of the things to do in Kalbarri that you just can’t miss is Hutt Lagoon. Just south of Kalbarri near Port Gregory, you’ll find this beautiful Pink Lake. This salty lake isn’t filtered and is actually bright pink. Trust me, it’s not just an instagram hype. The pink shades throughout the day depend on the light. Mornings often bring that bubblegum pink, while late afternoon it can turn almost lilac.

2. Lucky Bay, Kalbarri

If you’re travelling with a 4WD, don’t skip Lucky Bay. This off-the-grid beach spot with a beautiful lagoon is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, fishing and boating. You can even camp right on the beach if you carry a chemical toilet.

We didn’t know about this until we were exploring the area, and now it’s one of our favourite things to do in Kalbarri. Calm waters, clean sand, and that remote feeling. It’s like having a slice of paradise all to yourself.

We created a full guide on camping at Lucky Bay in Kalbarri. You can read it here.

3. Natural Bridge to Island rock boardwalk

This is one of the best coastal trails in the region, with stunning views of the coastal cliffs. The walk between Natural Bridge and Island Rock is short and easy, and a popular thing to do in the area. If you’re visiting in winter, keep an eye out on the horizon. You might spot some humpback whales cruising past!

4. Red Bluff Lookout

Standing 100 metres above sea level, Red Bluff is the highest point along the Kalbarri coastline and it’s an epic spot to watch the sunset. The views from the lookout are incredible and the colours of the rock change by the minute. Golden hour is the ideal time to visit!

Bring a blanket, a drink and enjoy a magical sunset! There’s also a short walk trail here if you want to keep moving.

5. Blue Holes

A great spot for snorkelling lovers! Blue Holes is part of a unique inshore limestone reef system, and home to over 70 pieces of finfish and lots of coral. It’s calm and shallow, making it a great spot for kids or anyone who’s new to snorkelling.

6. Surf at Jakes Point

A bucket list item for many surfers! Jakes Beach is an iconic left-hander and part of the National Surfing Reserve. It’s well-known and a magnet for surfers chasing that perfect wave. Even if you don’t surf or it’s above your level (like ourselves), it’s an awesome place to watch surfers from the cliffs.

7. Chinamans Beach – beach foreshore

Located right in the town of Kalbarri where the Murchison River meets the ocean. Chinamans Beach is a calm, family friendly swimming spot. It’s a local favourite for fishing, paddle boarding and one of the best spots in town to watch the sunset.

8. Finlay’s Kalbarri

9. Pelican Feeding

A quirky Kalbarri tradition. Every morning at 8:45am, pelicans gather at the foreshore in front of the Tasman Holiday Park. A team of dedicated volunteers give them a feed while sharing fun facts and stories. It’s been going for nearly 50 years! It’s especially great for kids, and honestly, even if you’re just passing by, it’s worth watching these birds up close.

10. Kalbarri National Park

Now, the grand finale. The place why most people visit Kalbarri… Kalbarri National Park.

This park is split between the coastal cliffs and the inland gorges. Both are incredibly beautiful in different ways. But the inland side is where the most iconic spots are to be found.

Start at the Kalbarri National Park Visitor Centre to make a plan, or read our guide on How To Spend A Day at Kalbarri National Park here.

What you can’t miss while exploring this National Park are:

Nature’s Window

The most iconic natural rock formation in the park

Kalbarri skywalk

Two cantilever platforms that stretch out over the gorge, with incredible views of the Murchison River

Z Bend Lookout

Epic views down the river gorge

Hiking Trails

Choose a hiking trail that suits you best. Most of them have river views. We did the Z-Bend River Trail and enjoyed some rock scrambling and enjoying some time by the river.

There’s also the Bigurda Trail along the coast, if you’re after something with fewer crowds and plenty of lookouts. It’s 8km one way, so make sure you’re prepared when tackling this track.

Always bring plenty of water, wear proper shoes and check the water. It can get hot out there, especially inland. 

And that’s it! These are my top 10 things to do in Kalbarri. It has a bit of everything, from exploring the reef, to river and cliffs to gorges. You can enjoy a relaxed beach day, have a full hiking day in one of WA’s most iconic National Parks, go beach camping and feast on local seafood.

If you’re planning your visit, make sure to pop into the visitor centre for local tips, trail conditions and updates on what’s open in the national park.

Looking for more tips or planning to camp? Check out our other guides on;

Happy travels!

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