Things to do in Kalbarri, WA: Best tours & accommodation prices

The best things to do in Kalbarri, WA, include snorkelling at Blue Holes, canoeing on the Murchison River and lobster fishing cruises.

Kalbarri, WA, is one of the most appealing towns on the west coast of Australia. It’s the best place to spend a few days on the drive from Geraldton to Carnarvon, and is mostly surrounded by the marvellous Kalbarri National Park.

Things to do in Kalbarri, WA, largely revolve around the national park. Australia Travel Questions has a full Kalbarri National Park guide, but the top attractions include Z Bend, Nature’s Window and the Kalbarri Skywalk above the Murchison River Gorge. In the coastal section, there are a series of fantastic clifftop lookouts. These include Red Bluff, Mushroom Rock and Eagle Gorge.

6 great Kalbarri experiences to book before you arrive

See the colours of the giant cliffs change on a sunset cliffs cruise.
Have fun catching the local lobsters on a lobster pot pulling tour.
Learn about the area’s history, nature and wildlife on a Murchison River cruise.
See migrating humpbacks on a seasonal whale-watching experience.
Take a scenic flight to Monkey Mia for a dolphin-feeding encounter.
Fly over the infamous Batavia shipwreck on an Abrolhos Islands tour by plane.

Sunset at Red Bluff in Kalbarri, WA. — Sunset at Red Bluff in Kalbarri. Photo courtesy of Tourism Western Australia.

Things to do in Kalbarri, WA: Chinaman’s Beach and Blue Holes

If you’d prefer to spend your time on the beach, Kalbarri does have a few Indian Ocean beaches. Chinaman’s Beach and Blue Holes are most popular.

Chinaman’s Beach is a sheltered cove beach, and pretty safe for swimming. That makes it a family favourite. Blue Holes, meanwhile, is perfect for snorkellers. There’s a limestone reef system here, which is home to dozens of fish species. The subaquatic activity is best enjoyed in the mornings.

What to do in Kalbarri, WA: Cruises and tours

There are also several tour options in Kalbarri. Heading along the Murchison River at high tide, Kalbarri Wilderness Cruises focuses on the wildlife. These 2.5 hour Murchison River cruises provide an opportunity to see plenty of birds, including ospreys, black swans and kites. There’s also a good chance of seeing kangaroos and emus on the river banks.

Kalbarri Rock Lobster Tours, meanwhile, concentrates on the coastline offering sunset cruises and whale-watching tours. The main offering, however, is a rock lobster fishing experience. You get to eat your catch after pulling up the lobster pots.

The third option is the Kalbarri National Park canoeing tours with Kalbarri Adventure Tours. This company offers full and half day paddling adventures along the Murchison River.

Kalbarri questions – quick answers

Are there crocodiles in Kalbarri? There are no crocodiles in Kalbarri – it is too far south.

How long does it take to drive to Kalbarri from Perth? The drive from Perth to Kalbarri takes just over six hours.

How many nights do I need in Kalbarri? On a West Coast road trip, most visitors will give Kalbarri one or two nights. There’s enough to do to make it a three night stay, however.

Kalbarri accommodation

Kalbarri accommodation choices include the Kalbarri Palms Resort by the beach, the well kitted-out Murchison View Apartments, the horse riding centre Big River Ranch and the luxurious Sols Place Boutique Pool Villas.

According to Wotif, Kalbarri accommodation costs from $109 per night.

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Kalbarri things to do Western Australia