Kalbarri National Park

Kalbarri National Park is one of Western Australia’s most popular national parks, and it’s not hard to see why!

A six hour drive from Perth, the park has186,000 hectares of rugged terrain, amazing views, and lots of activities to do with your family.

This photograph was taken in Nature's Window and shows the rocky deep red and cream gorge wall on the right, and the Murchison River in the distance on the left. The river is brown in colour and weaves through the landscape which is covered in small green trees. The sky above is light blue in colour.
Nature’s Window offers incredible views of the Murchison River.

Cultural Recognition

We recognise and acknowledge the Nanda people as the traditional custodians of Kalbarri National Park. 

Overview of Kalbarri National Park.

This photograph was taken at the entry station in Kalbarri National Park. The photo shows a sign reading “Kalbarri National Park Entry Station” in white, capital letters. The sign also features two (2) small white logos. A small building is behind the sign with a small glass window and signs. A white car sits to the left of the building. A person stands to the right of the building, where the pathway meets the road. The bushland can be seen in the distance. The sky above is blue.
Visit the entry station to pay the park entry fee before exploring Kalbarri National Park.
This photograph was taken at Nature’s Window and shows the rock formation that forms an archway and frame. The rocks are a mixture of colours including red, cream and brown. The river can be seen in the centre and is brown in colour. The sky above is blue with patches of white fluffy clouds.
Nature’s Window provides incredible views of the Murchison River and gorges. Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

The national park is just a short drive from the town of Kalbarri, and about six (6) hours north of Perth. The park comprises some incredible gorges, plenty of walk trails and the Murchison River, as well as some beautiful coastal locations. 

Nature’s Window is one of Kalbarri’s most notable destinations, and features a wind-eroded opening in some sandstone that frames the river in the distance, making for a picturesque photo location. Just minutes away is the Kalbarri Skywalk – an exciting, wheelchair-accessible lookout which overhangs the gorge below.

Following the trails within the park is the best way to discover the unique landscapes, flora and fauna. Some of our favourites include the Red Bluff Lookout trail (especially at sunset), the Z Bend Lookout trail, the Natural Bridge to Island Rock trail, and the Hawks Head Lookout, where you’ll have the chance to spot some rock wallabies!

Kalbarri National Park can be easily accessed by two-wheel-drive vehicles, with sealed roads and carparks at most points of interest. Pets are not permitted in this national park.

Make sure you read our Safety section for more information on preparing for your visit to Kalbarri National Park.

Fees apply for entry into Kalbarri National Park, which contribute to park management, including protection of the environment and the development and maintenance of visitor services and facilities.

This photograph was taken overhead using a drone, and shows the red, brown and cream rocky cliffs at Red Bluff Beach. There are eight (8) cars parked on the rocky surface which extends down into the light blue/turquoise ocean. The water crashes onto the rocky surface creating white waves.
Red Bluff Beach in Kalbarri National Park. Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia.
This photo was taken using a drone and shows the rocky coastline in Kalbarri National Park. This location, known as Pot Alley, features rough and curvy cliffs that are brown/red in colour with green plants covering the landscape. A small beach with white sand is located between two (2) cliffs. The ocean crashes onto the rocks, creating waves that appear to be white. The ocean is mostly light blue in colour with patches of darker blue. The sky above is cloudy and is a deep grey colour with patches of lilac, pink and blue. A white vehicle can be seen towards the bottom of the image.
Pot Alley provides a challenging walk trail from the parking area down into the ocean gorge. Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia.

Cost of Entry*

Private vehicle with up to 12 occupants  

  • $17 per vehicle  
  • $10 per vehicle concession  

Private vehicle with more than 12 occupants  

  • $8 per occupant 6 years or older  
  • $3.50 per occupant concession  

Motorcycle  

  • $10 per motorbike  
  • No concession  

No entry fee applies if you walk or cycle into the park.

*Prices accurate as of January 2024, refer to the Explore Parks WA website for up to date pricing.

Nature Play Resources

Nature Play WA has created fun and interactive resources for Kalbarri National Park. 

For more fun, interactive nature play activities for families that can be used wile exploring any location, check out our free, Every Kid in a Park resource library

Family Resource Library

Activities & Information

Kalbarri National Park is home to amazing views, and lots of flora and fauna. It’s a great place to visit with your family

This photograph shows some of the beautiful sculptures and signage at Kalbarri Skywalk. This photo shows the copper-coloured sign reading “Kalbarri Skywalk. Kaju Yatka”. A grey concrete surface leads to stone steps. A building with a square roof sits behind the sign and stairs. Small trees with thick branches and brown and green leaves grow behind the sign. The sky above is mostly blue in colour with streaks of white cloud.
Kalbarri Skywallk, or Kaju Yatka, is a special place to visit. Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
This is a photograph of an interpretive sign at the bottom of Meanarra Hill. The sign is silver in colour and reads “meanarra hill” in embossed lettering and features an illustration of the walk path with information and icons, as well as a Welcome to Country by a local Nanda representative. The sign is attached to a cream stone wall. The bush environment grows behind the sign with shrubs and small trees with green leaves. The sky is seen above and is mostly a deep blue colour with patches of white fluffy clouds.
Meanarra Hill features interpretive signage and acknowledgement of the Nanda people of Kalbarri.

You’ll feel like you are floating on air as you walk out onto the Kalbarri Skywalk (Kaju Yatka) for some amazing views out over the Murchison River gorge. You can learn about how the gorge formed millions of years ago, learn about the local Nanda People, and maybe even find a fossil!

Kalbarri National Park has lots of walking trails and hikes that are perfect to do as a family. You can also try canoeing, fishing, swimming and more.

This is a close-up photograph of an echidna. It is a small and round animal that is mostly dark brown in colour. It has a short brown snout and small black eyes. It is covered in shark spikes that are mostly cream in colour with black tips. The echidna is facing the camera, and its small sharp claws can be seen standing on the brown dirt. It is standing on fallen brown leaves, brown sticks and other natural debris.
This photograph was taken in Kalbarri National Park and shows the rocky landscape that is mostly brown, grey and deep red in colour. Three (3) kangaroos are standing on the rocks and are a red/brown colour allowing them to blend into the natural environment. A small light brown body of water is behind the kangaroos, which has a small white sand beach. A rocky cliff face creates a barrier wall, which is mostly brown in colour with green plants growing on its surface.

From ocean and coastline to gorges and plains, the biodiversity within Kalbarri National Park is unlike that of anywhere else! 

Humpback whales and southern right whales can be spotted migrating along the coast from June to November. Sea eagles, sea gulls and cormorants occupy the skies, while bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, baldchin gropers and western rock lobsters live in the ocean below. 

To the east you may spy thorny devils, western bearded dragons and echidnas in the sandy plains. Western grey kangaroos, wallaroos and emus are commonly sighted about the park, and wedge-tailed eagles, Australian ringnecks, galahs and brown falcons soar over the gorges. 

The black-flanked rock-wallaby is a unique marsupial with an interesting history! For decades, it was thought to be extinct in Kalbarri National Park, due to feral pests and predators. Then, in 2015, a pair of the wallabies were spotted in the park by some rock climbers, with a joey in tow! The population is now significantly rising – so make sure you keep an eye out for these gorgeous creatures! 

Many vibrant wildflowers grow throughout Kalbarri National Park. Some to look out for include spreading coneflowers, pink pokers and Kalbarri catspaw, and orchids like the Kalbarri cowslip and greenhood. Wattles colour the landscape throughout the winter months. 

A photo of two bright yellow Cowslip orchids. The flower resembles a star, with five petals that are long and rounded but pointed at the end. There are some brown specks on the top three petals. The background is out of focus, and features light grey branches of a bush.
The Kalbarri Cowslip Orchid can be found throughout the national park and the south west of WA.
This photo was taken at the Z Bend lookout and shows the Murchison River which is brown in colour and flows through the brown, cream and light red gorge walls. There are green plants and shrubs growing on the walls and surface of the gorge. The sky above is light blue in colour.
Views of the Murchison River Gorge. Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

We suggest taking time before your visit to read through the safety information. We recommend visiting the Explore Parks WA website to plan when to visit Kalbarri National Park. 

Kalbarri National Park is a great place for bushwalking. Before you head out in nature, visit the Explore Parks WA website for tips on bushwalking safety. 

We recommend following these key points to ensure you: 

  • Do not walk long trails in hot weather. 
  • The Loop Trail is closed from 7am between November and March (inclusive) and overnight hikes are not permitted during this period. 
  • Carry and drink 3 to 4 litres of water per person per day. No drinking water is available in the national park. 
  • Wear a hat and sturdy footwear. 
  • Always walk with a companion. 
  • Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. 
  • Make sure you have the Emergency Plus app on your phone. 
  • Check the weather forecast before departing. 
  • Remember that temperatures in the gorge can be 10 degrees hotter than in town. 
  • Temperatures can exceed 40 degrees in summer. We recommend visiting during the cooler months (April – November). 

In Kalbarri National Park, reptiles may emerge to bask in the sun. During this time, you can take these precautions to minimise the chance of encountering snakes: 

  • Take care in bushland and grassy areas.    
  • Walk in cleared areas only, where you can see the ground, and keep to established tracks.    
  • Wear enclosed footwear. 
Kayaking in the Murchison River. Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia. 
This photograph shows the rocky landscape in Kalbarri National Park. The rocks of the nearby gorge are a brown/red colour with the surface surrounded by green shrubs, grass and small plants. The sun is in the centre of the image and is shining a golden yellow colour across the landscape. A small section of the Murchison River can be seen, which reflects the sky above and nearby plants.
Hawks Head in Kalbarri National Park. Photo credit: Photo by Radha Deepchand. Thanks to Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
Explore the gorges and Murchison River in Kalbarri National Park. Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Photo by Radha Deepchand.

Kalbarri National Park is an important location to the Nanda people, and home to many plants and animals. Follow the tips below to assist in the protection of the Kalbarri National Park environment.  

  • Only follow marked walk trails and roads.  
  • Leave no trace. Ensure all food and rubbish is contained and out of reach of wildlife, and take all belongings with you when you leave. 
  • There are no campsites available within Kalbarri National Park. Only camp in designated sites in Kalbarri town. 
  • Do not feed wildlife.  
  • Do not disturb or displace plants and animals. 

Visit Explore Parks WA website for more information about Kabarri National Park.

Acknowledgements

Nature Play WA would like to thank the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions for providing valuable information about Blackwood River National Park.

  • This photograph was taken on the edge of the Murchison River. The water is light brown in colour and is clear, showing the rocky and uneven surface below. A rocky gorge wall creates a border on each side of the river. The rocks are red and cream in colour with green trees. The sky is seen above the river and through the gorge and is light blue in colour.
  • This photograph shows the views from the Ross Graham Lookout. The landscape features brown dirt and brown and cream rocks creating an uneven terrain. There are green plants and trees covering the surface of the area and gorge in the distance. The sky above is mostly blue with streaks of white clouds.
  • This photograph was taken at Ross Graham Lookout and shows the brown-coloured Murchison River. The river is high due to recent rain, with the tops of some trees seen just above the water level. Green plants and trees surround the area, which is also covered with brown, cream and red rocks. The sky above is mostly blue with streaks of white clouds.
  • This photograph shows two (2) hikers walking along the rocky and uneven landscape at Red Bluff Beach. The rocks are brown, red and cream in colour. The blue ocean can be seen in the distance as it crashes onto the rocks, creating water that appears to be white in colour. The sky above is blue with streaks of light blue and golden yellow.
  • This photo was taken using a drone and shows the rocky coastline in Kalbarri National Park. This location, known as Pot Alley, features rough and curvy cliffs that are brown/red in colour with green plants covering the landscape. A small beach with white sand is located between two (2) cliffs. The ocean crashes onto the rocks, creating waves that appear to be white. The ocean is mostly light blue in colour with patches of darker blue. The sky above is cloudy and is a deep grey colour with patches of lilac, pink and blue. A white vehicle can be seen towards the bottom of the image.
  • This image was taken from above and shows one (1) of the walkways extending out from the gorge. The landscape features impressive gorge walls that are red, brown and cream in colour. There are green plants and shrubs growing on the rockface, and the Murchison River winds through the gorges below. The river reflects the sun and surrounding landscape. The sky appears to be white.
  • This photograph shows the rocky cliff face on the coast of Kalbarri National Park. The surface of the cliff is cream in colour with crumbled and uneven rocks that are different shades of brown. The ocean below is mostly dark blue with rough water crashing onto the rocks, creating an appearance of white water. The cliff and ocean extend into the distance, with the skyline above appearing a golden yellow colour.