Kalbarri National Park

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Cultural Recognition

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

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.

Empty headingOverview of Kalbarri National Park

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

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.

Cost of Entry  

Private vehicle with up to 12 occupants 

  • $15 per vehicle 
  • $8 per vehicle concession 

Private vehicle with more than 12 occupants 

  • $7 per occupant 6 years or older 
  • $2.50 per occupant concession 

Motorcycle 

  • $8 per motorbike 
  • No concession 

No entry fee applies if you walk or cycle into a 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.
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.
Two (2) hikers stand on the edge of a light grey boardwalk with their backs to the camera. They are looking out to the coastal cliffs and ocean in Kalbarri National Park. The cliff face is cream in colour and drops down into the light blue ocean. Small plants and shrubs surround the pathway and coastline. These plants are mostly green in colour with patches of brown and grey.
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.
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 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.
This photograph shows the Murchison River as seen along The Loop and nearby Nature’s Window. The river appears to be brown in colour and is bounded on one side by a tall rock wall which is mostly brown and red in colour. The landscape is covered in green plants and shrubs. Cream-coloured sand leads to the river. The sky above is mostly blue with patches of small white clouds.
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.
This photo shows the flat concrete path that leads to the top of Meanarra Hill. The path is light grey in colour and features a light cream stone border on both sides. The pathway is surrounded by rocks and bushland that is mostly brown and green in colour. The sky above is mostly blue with a few small white clouds seen on the right of the image.
This photograph shows the rocky waters near Mushroom Rock. The rocks are mostly red and brown in colour and lead to the blue ocean. The sky above is mostly white with fluffy clouds. A red cliff face stands on the right of the image and is mostly red in colour.

Download the Every Kid in a Park app to use the interpretive map featuring photographs and additional information about each point.

 

Points of Interest

Key points of interest include:  

  • Entry Station  
  • Hawks Head Lookout  
  • Island Rock  
  • Kalbarri Skywalk  
  • The Loop and Nature’s Window  
  • Meanarra Hill  
  • Mushroom Rock  
  • Natural Bridge  
  • Pot Alley  
  • Rainbow Valley  
  • Red Bluff  
  • Red Bluff Beach  
  • Ross Graham Lookout  
  • Shell House and Grandstand Rock  
  • Z Bend 
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.
This photograph shows the grey boardwalk that winds around and over the uneven and rocky coastline. On the right-hand side of the path, there are shrubs and small plants that are mostly green or brown in colour. The same plants grow on the left side of the boardwalk which is closer to the cliff’s edge. The rocks on the edge of the cliff are mostly grey and cream in colour and create a barrier between the blue/light grey ocean and the land. The sky above is cloudy with patches of white, light grey and dark grey. The sun is shining through the clouds, creating some slight tinges of pink.
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 photograph shows Pot Alley from above using a drone. The rocky landscape is mostly light brown/red in colour with a large portion covered in green plants. A grey bitumen road can be seen weaving through the plants and leads to the edge of the cliff. A white vehicle can be seen parked on the brown dirt. A beach with white sand can be seen on the bottom right of the cliff. The ocean is light blue with patches of dark blue. The sky above appears to be white with a hint of golden yellow.
This photograph was taken overlooking Rainbow Valley in Kalbarri National Park. The landscape consists mostly of green plants with patches of white/cream sand and brown and deep red dirt. The ocean can be seen, which is blue in colour and flows between two (2) pieces of land, with the rocky cliffs extending beyond the ocean in the distance. The sky above is light blue.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.

Resources

Nature Play WA is currently creating fun and interactive resources for Kalbarri National Park. Throughout June, we will be releasing these resources to assist families in planning their visit to the park.  

 

Animal Tracks: Kalbarri National Park

These resources feature native animals that can be found in Kalbarri National Park. Learn their Aboriginal name, where they live, a fun fact, and how to spot their tracks in the wild! The beautiful native animal artwork on the front pages of this resource was created by Kyooya Designs. Kyooya Designs is an Aboriginal business located in […]

Accessible Nature Guide for Kalbarri National Park

Our Accessible Nature document features all you need to know about recreational activities available in the park, the number and location of key amenities, a map, communications board and more. It’s available to download as a PDF or an accessible Word version, to help you plan your visit. Download PDF version Download accessible Word version

Social Story for Kalbarri Skywalk in Kalbarri National Park

This Social Story™ aims to help people of all abilities to plan and prepare for their visit to the Kalbarri Skywalk in Kalbarri National Park by explaining what they can expect on the day of their visit. It’s available to download as a PDF or an accessible Word version. Download the PDF Download the accessible Word version

Five Things to Do at Kalbarri National Park

This resource is all about our five favourite things to do at Kalbarri National Park. It’s available to download as a PDF, or accessible Word version, to help you plan your visit. Download the PDF Download the accessible Word version

Every Kid in a Park Resources

Discover fun activities to do at any park!

Activity Sheet: Invent a Scent

Become a master of scents by searching for and combining the best smells of nature. Can you create the perfect perfume? This document is available to download as a PDF or Accessible Word version, to help you plan your visit. Download PDF version Download Accessible Word version

Activity Sheet: Seeing Sound

Sounds are only for our ears……. or are they? Find a quiet spot to sit and listen. What can you hear? Use this activity sheet to record and describe the sounds. This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Activity Sheet: Texture Tag

Use this activity sheet to go on an adventure and explore textures around the park! Touch leaves, bark and even the ground, and describe the features. This document is available as a PDF and an Accessible Word version, to help you plan your visit.   Download PDF Download Accessible Word version

Activity Sheet: The Bravery Award

With the help of this activity sheet, you’re going to attempt to overcome a fear. That means it’s time to put on a brave face! This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Activity Sheet: Barefoot Bootcamp

Explore the world through your feet with the help of this activity sheet. On your next outdoor adventure, take off your shoes and play barefoot for a new sensory experience! This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Activity Sheet: A Place of Your Own

For some people, finding a special quiet place helps them connect to nature. Use this activity sheet to find a place in nature of your own. This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Activity Sheet: Plant Pose

Plants grow in all shapes and sizes; just like people! Use this activity sheet to explore the natural environment, or have someone describe it to you. This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Activity Sheet: Stories in the Sky

Find a good place to sit or lay down and watch the clouds in the sky. Take notice of their colours, textures and shapes, or have someone describe these to you. Use this activity sheet to create a story in the sky! This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Activity Sheet: The Awareness Game

Being aware of your surroundings is a wonderful skill. In this activity, you will be using your senses to test your awareness of the natural environment! This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Activity Sheet: Colour Wonderful

There are so many colours in the natural world. In this activity, you’ll head outdoors with a trusted person as you explore the rainbow of colours and count the shades of nature together. This document is available to download here. Download your copy

Biodiversity

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. 

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.
A photo of a humpback whale leaping out of the ocean. The top half of the whale is visible; it has a white belly, and its back is dark grey. It has one large, dark grey fin on the side of its body. The ocean is a medium-blue colour, and the sky is light blue.
A bottlenose dolphin swimming underwater. The dolphin is a light grey colour, and has a curved body. It has a long, bottle-shaped snout, and a curved dorsal fin on its back. The water is a turquoise colour.
This photograph shows a western bearded dragon resting on a brown tree branch. The lizard is grey and light brown in colour with black beady eyes. It has a broad head with a long and round body. Its tail is long and extends below the branch. The background of the photo is blurry and shows the various shades of brown in the natural environment.
This photograph shows an adult rock wallaby with a joey in its pouch. Both the adult and baby are dark to pale grey/brown in colour. The photo shows the pale patch of the adult wallaby’s stomach. Its face is dark with a white/sandy brown stripe on its cheek. It has a thick coat with patches of light brown on its legs and arms. It has small round ears and a small black nose with black eyes. The adult is resting on a light brown rock, with light grey rocks surrounding the animal. The background is blurry and shows the green and brown colours of nearby plants
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.
A close-up photo of the flowers and leaves of a wattle tree. The flowers are small, and look like soft, fluffy, yellow balls. The leaves are green, long and thin. The background is out of focus.

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Safety

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. 

This photograph shows kayakers making their way across the Murchison River on two (2) kayaks. The river is light brown in colour and flows between gorge walls on either side. The rocky walls are red/cream in colour with green shrubs and trees growing thick on both sides. The sky above is thick with clouds that are mostly white and grey in colour.
Kayaking in the Murchison River. Photo credit: Tourism Western Australia.

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Conservation

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. 

This photo shows the Murchison River with a small amount of water, indicating this photo was taken in dry season. The small amount of water is surrounded by rocks that are brown and red in colour. The gorge walls extend upwards on either side and are lined with green shrubs and trees. The sky above appears to be white in colour.
Explore the gorges and Murchison River in Kalbarri National Park. Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Photo by Radha Deepchand.

Acknowledgements

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

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

We Acknowledge
Nature Play WA acknowledges the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation, as the custodians of the land where our team lives and works. We also acknowledge the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and recognise the continuing connection of Indigenous people to their land, waters, sky, culture and community. We pay our respect to all Indigenous people of this land; ancestors, elders and young ones.
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