10 Best Things to do in kalbarri: beaches, cliffs and National Park Guide

Are you looking for the best things to do in Kalbarri? This is the guide you need.

If you’re heading up Western Australia’s Coral Coast, Kalbarri is one of those places that completely surprises you. In this small coastal town, you’ll find dramatic coastal cliffs, inland gorges, river trails, red rock formations and one of WA’s most iconic national parks. It’s fair to say that there are so many things to do in Kalbarri that you didn’t even know about.

We didn’t expect much when we first arrived, but Kalbarri quickly became one of our favourite stops along the coast. It’s diverse and packed with more experiences than most people realise.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best things to do in Kalbarri, plus everything you need to plan your trip properly. We’ll tell you where to stay, how many days you need and how to make the most of your time here.

➤ If you’re planning your trip, also check out our complete guide to Kalbarri National Park for hikes, lookouts and practical tips.

Where is Kalbarri Located?

Kalbarri is located along the Coral Coast in Western Australia, approximately 570 kilometres north of Perth. It sits where the Murchison River meets the Indian Ocean, creating a unique landscape of coastal cliffs, river systems and inland gorges.

Most people visit Kalbarri as part of a larger road trip, often combining it with destinations like Exmouth or Shark Bay.

➤ If you are planning a Perth to Exmouth road trip, follow our detailed itinerary to plan the full journey.

What makes Kalbarri Special

Kalbarri is one of the few places in Western Australia where you get a mix of coastal cliffs and inland landscapes in one destination. One day, you’re watching waves crash into rugged cliffs, the next you’re hiking through deep red gorges carved by the Murchison River.

If you’re looking for variety, this is one of the best places to visit along the Coral Coast.

Things to do in Kalbarri

The best things to do in Kalbarri range from coastal walks and beach days to inland hikes. Whether you’re here for a quick stop or a few days, there’s a surprising amount to explore.

If you’re short on tome, these are the must-do highlights:

• Hutt Lagoon (Pink Lake)
• Kalbarri National Park
• Natural Bridge & Island Rock
• Blue Holes snorkelling
• Lucky Bay 4WD & Camping

These are the core things to do in Kalbarri that most travellers come for, and they’re all worth your time.

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 or edited; it is actually bright pink. Trust me, it’s not just an “Instagram hype”.

The colours come from algae (Dunaliella salina) that thrive in high salinity, producing that vibrant pink pigment. The pink shades throughout the day depend on the light. Mornings often bring that bubblegum pink, while late afternoon it can turn almost lilac.

What makes Hutt Lagoon even more unique is its size. It’s not just a small lake. It’s massive! As you drive along the road between Kalbarri and Port Gregory, you’ll see completely different shades from different angles. It’s one of those places where you’ll stop multiple times.

Swimming isn’t recommended here, and access to certain areas of the lake is restricted. Always stick to designated viewing spots.

2. Lucky Bay, Kalbarri (4WD camping paradise)

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. For us, it was one of the most underrated places in Kalbarri.

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.

➤ Read our full guide to camping at Lucky Bay in Kalbarri.

3. Natural Bridge to Island rock boardwalk

This is easily one of the most scenic coastal walks and one of the best things to do in Kalbarri if you want those classic cliff views without a big hike.

The boardwalk between Natural Bridge and Island Rock is short, easy, and fully accessible, making a great stop for all types of travellers. Don’t let the short distance fool you! The views here are incredible from start to finish.

What makes this area so special is how exposed it feels. You’re standing right on the edge of the cliffs, with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean stretching out in front of you. It’s raw, rugged and a completely different side of Kalbarri compared to the inland gorges.

If you’re visiting in winter, keep an eye out on the horizon. This is one of the best spots for whale watching. You’ll have a good chance of spotting humpback whales cruising past or breaching offshore.

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

If you like snorkelling, this is one of the most accessible and rewarding things to do in Kalbarri.

Blue Holes is part of a unique inshore limestone reef system just south of town, and it’s one of the few places where you can walk straight into calm, protected water and start exploring. Unlike more exposed coastal spots, the reef here creates natural pools that are sheltered from strong waves, making it ideal for beginners.

Blue Holes is home to over 70 species of finfish, along with coral, sponges and other marine life. You’ll often spot schools of small fish, colourful reef species and the occasional larger fish cruising through the deeper sections. It’s not as vibrant as the Ningaloo Reef further north, but for a quick and easy snorkel, it’s surprisingly good.

What makes Blue Holes stand out is how easy it is. There’s a car park right near the water, short walking paths and multiple entry points depending on conditions. You don’t need to hike far or deal with difficult access, which makes it one of the most beginner-friendly spots in the region.

➞ The best time to snorkel Blue Holes is during low tide and calm weather, when the reef pools are clearest and safest to explore. At high tide, or when there’s a swell, visibility can drop, and currents can pick up slightly.

TIP: If you’re travelling with kids or you’re new to snorkelling, this is one of the safest places to start. For more advanced snorkelling, you might want to explore other spots along the Coral Coast.

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 one of the easiest and most relaxed things to do in Kalbarri.

Because it sits inside the river mouth, the water here is much calmer than the open coastline. That makes it a great spot for swimming, especially if you’re travelling with kids or just want a relaxed swim without waves.

It’s also a local favourite for fishing and paddleboarding. Early mornings are usually quiet and perfect for getting out on the water, while late afternoons tend to bring a bit more life with people fishing.

What we really liked about Chinamans Beach is how easy it is. Walking distance from the nearby caravan park, and a grassy foreshore area with picnic spots and plenty of space to hang out.

And if you’re around in the evening, this is one of the best spots in town to watch the sunset. The light reflecting over the river with boats in the background gives it a completely different feel compared to the rugged coastal cliffs.

TIP: Stick around a bit longer after sunset. The colours often linger, and it’s a much quieter way to end the day compared to the more popular lookouts.

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

This is easily one of the best things to do in Kalbarri, and the reason why most people visit this area.

Kalbarri National Park is where the landscape completely changes. You go from coastal cliffs and beaches to deep inland gorges carved out by the Murchison River over millions of years. The contrast is what makes this place so special, and it’s why exploring the park properly is one of the most rewarding things to do in Kalbarri.

While it definitely deserves its own guide (and we highly recommend reading that for full details), here’s what you need to know to get a good overview.

➤ For full details, hikes and planning tips, read our complete Kalbarri National Park guide.

What you shouldn’t miss inside the park

If you’re short on time, these are the absolute highlights:

Nature’s Window

One of the most iconic photo spots in Western Australia. The short walk leads you to a natural rock arch framing the Murchison River. It’s especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset when the light hits the red rock.

Kalbarri skywalk

Two viewing platforms that extend over the edge of the gorge. Standing here, looking down into the canyon, really gives you a sense of scale. It’s one of the easiest ways to experience the park without doing a full hike.

Z Bend Lookout

One of the best viewpoints in the park. From here, you can either enjoy the view or continue down into the gorge for a more adventurous hike.

Inland gorge hikes

If you want to go beyond the lookouts, this is where Kalbarri really comes alive. Trails like Z Bend River Trail or the Loop Walk take you deeper into the gorge, where you’ll experience the scale and raw beauty up close.

➞ Visit the Kalbarri National Park Visitor Centre for more information on park conditions, or visit the official Kalbarri National Park website.

Coastal vs inland

One of the biggest mistakes people make when planning things to do in Kalbarri is only visiting one side of the park.

• Coastal sections: Dramatic cliffs, ocean views, natural rock formations like Island Rock and Natural Bridge, plus incredible sunsets.
• Inland section: Deep gorges, hiking trails, river views and iconic landmarks like Nature’s Window and the skywalk.

TIP: Plan for both. They feel like two completely different national parks, and you’ll miss half the experience if you skip one.

Best beaches in Kalbarri

Some of the best things to do in Kalbarri don’t involve much planning at all. Just heading to the beach is an experience on its own.

The top beaches to visit are:

• Blue Holes: Perfect for snorkelling
• Chinamans Beach: Calm and great for families
• Red Bluff Beach: Rugged and dramatic, great for experienced surfers
• Lucky Bay Camping: remote 4WD and camping paradise

Kalbarri’s beaches are incredibly diverse, and exploring a few of them should be high on your list of things to do in Kalbarri.

How many days do you need in Kalbarri?

While you can see some of the highlights in one day, we wouldn’t recommend rushing it. There are simply too many things to do in Kalbarri to squeeze it all in.

Here’s what we recommend:

• 1 day: Quick highlights – choose either coast or inland
• 2-3 days: Ideal to explore both the coastline and the national park
• 4+ days: Perfect if you want to slow down and explore properly

➤ 3 days is ideal to cover the best of Kalbarri. Read our detailed 3-day Kalbarri itinerary.

Where to stay or camp in Kalbarri

In Kalbarri, you’ll find a mix of caravan parks, station stays, 4WD beach camping or accommodation when you’re not camping.

➤ Read our Kalbarri camping guide to find the top 3 camping spots.

Getting around Kalbarri

Having your own car is essential when exploring things to do in Kalbarri. Distances between locations are short, but you’ll need a vehicle to access both the coast and inland areas.

A 2WD is fine for most locations, including Kalbarri National Park. But if you’re planning to visit places like Lucky Bay, you’ll need a 4WD.

How much does it cost to visit Kalbarri?

Kalbarri is relatively affordable compared to other destinations in Western Australia, but costs can add up depending on your travel style.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Camping: $15 – $40 per night
• Caravan Parks: $30 – $70
• Accommodation: $120 – $300+
• National Park Fees: WA Parks Pass required

Most of the best things to do in Kalbarri are actually free, which makes it a great stop on a road trip.

Essential tips when visiting Kalbarri

• Visit early morning or late afternoon
• Bring water, especially when hiking inland
• Check weather conditions before visiting the National Park
• Take your time, there are more things to do in Kalbarri than you expect

Is Kalbarri worth visiting?

Yes, Kalbarri is absolutely worth visiting. It’s one of the most underrated stops along the Coral Coast and offers a unique mix of landscapes you won’t find anywhere else in Western Australia.

My top things to do in Kalbarri

And that’s a wrap! These are my top 10 things to do in Kalbarri. It has a bit of everything, from exploring the reef, to the river and cliffs, to the 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. And if you’re doing a bigger trip, head over to our Western Australia travel guide for more inspiration on your WA road trip.

Happy travels!

Plan your Kalbarri Adventure

Planning your trip to Kalbarri doesn’t have to be complicated. If you want to make the most of your time here, start with these guides to help you plan your route, choose where to stay and structure your days properly:

What are the best things to do in Kalbarri FAQs

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