Rating: 🌟 Highly Recommend

Kalbarri is where red rock gorges meet turquoise ocean. Located on WA’s Coral Coast, it’s famous for jaw-dropping cliffs, wildflower displays, and one of Australia’s most photographed lookouts — Nature’s Window. It’s remote, raw, and unforgettable.

Top Things to Do

• Kalbarri National Park – Hike, paddle, or just take in epic views of the Murchison River Gorge.

• Nature’s Window – The iconic rock arch that frames the gorge perfectly (sunrise or sunset for the glow!).

• Skywalks – Two glass platforms that extend out over the gorge — a must-see!

• Coastal Cliffs Walks – Explore Red Bluff, Mushroom Rock, and Eagle Gorge.

• Z-Bend & Loop Trail – Great hikes into the rugged gorge system (be ready for heat!).

• Hutt Lagoon (Pink Lake) – Bright pink salt lake just 30 mins south — best seen mid-morning on a sunny day.

• Spot wild emus, pelicans & dolphins – Kalbarri’s wildlife is everywhere.

How Many Days to Spend

• Minimum: 2–3 full days – Explore Kalbarri National Park’s Nature’s Window and Z-Bend, and relax at Blue Holes or Chinaman’s Beach.

• Ideal: 4–5 days – Add in coastal cliff walks, the inland gorges, kayaking the Murchison River, and whale watching (in season).

• More time? Use Kalbarri as part of a longer Coral Coast road trip – head north to Shark Bay, Monkey Mia, and Coral Bay, or south toward Geraldton.
  

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (Aug–Oct): Peak wildflower season — over 1,200 species in bloom.

• Autumn (Mar–May): Cooler for hiking, still warm enough to swim.

• Winter (Jun–Aug): Whale watching and mild weather.

• Avoid summer (Dec–Feb) unless you're prepared for intense heat.
  

Where to Stay

• Kalbarri Town: Small, walkable, with a range of hotels, motels, and holiday parks.

• Top Picks:

  • Kalbarri Edge Resort

  • Murchison View Apartments

  • Kalbarri Palm Resort

  • Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park (camping/glamping)
    

Where to Eat & Drink

• Finlay’s Kalbarri: Outdoor seafood BBQ and local brews under the stars.

• The Gorges Café: Chill café for brekkie and coffee.

• Upstairs Restaurant: Elevated dining with coastal views.

• Angie’s Café: Great for takeaway fish and chips.

• Kalbarri Pub: Classic country pub vibe with cold drinks after a hike.

Travel Tips

• Start hikes early – It gets hot fast, especially in the gorge.

• Bring water, hat, and sunscreen – You’ll be exposed on most trails.

• Wildflowers bloom in spring — bring a macro lens if you’re shooting!

• 4WD not essential – But gives access to deeper park trails.

• Fuel up in Geraldton or Northampton – Limited stops between towns.
  

Top Photo Spots

• Nature’s Window – Classic shot, go early or late for soft lighting.

• Kalbarri Skywalk – Glass platforms with panoramic gorge views.

• Hutt Lagoon (Pink Lake) – Drone-worthy, especially when the lake turns bubblegum pink.

• Red Bluff at Sunset – Coastal cliffs glowing golden-orange.

• Blue Holes Marine Sanctuary – Aerial shots of coral-filled rock pools.
  

Budget Breakdown (per day)

• Accommodation: $90–$200 AUD

• Food: $15–$40 AUD

• National Park Pass: ~$15 per vehicle/day

• Fuel: ~$60–$100 for Perth–Kalbarri return

• Most attractions: Free or low-cost
  Tip: Get the WA Parks Pass if visiting multiple parks on your road trip.

How to Get There

• From Perth: ~6-hour drive (best done as part of a Coral Coast road trip)

• Closest airport: Geraldton (~1.5 hrs away, limited flights)

• By car: A must — public transport is not reliable in this region