Perth is awesome, there’s no doubt about it, but sometimes it’s great to break away from the city for the weekend. That’s where Kalbarri comes in! This gorgeous part of Western Australia is one of my favourite weekend getaways from Perth, and it’s also a popular stop for road trips from Perth to Exmouth and Broome.
So, if you’re tempted to visit Kalbarri for a few days to take a break from Perth, I don’t blame you. But what is there to do in Kalbarri?
Luckily, I’ve been to Kalbarri plenty of times over the years, so it’s safe to say if there’s something worth doing in Kalbarri, I’ve given it a try. Here are my top recommendations of things to do in Kalbarri to help you plan your trip!
1. Hiking in Kalbarri National Park
Kalbarri National Park is home to some of my favourite hikes in WA, with gorgeous views that’ll accompany you for the entire walk. There are so many hiking trails in Kalbarri that you could spend weeks hiking here, but, if I had to choose just three can’t-miss ones, they’d be:
The Loop Walk to Nature’s Window
- Distance and Difficulty: Moderate, 9 km loop, 3-4 hours.
- Highlights: This trail leads to Nature’s Window, one of the most iconic spots in the park. It’s a natural rock formation offering iconic views of the Murchison River, and a must-see for photographers. The best time for photos is early morning when the light beautifully illuminates the gorge.
Z-Bend River Trail
- Distance and Difficulty: Easy, 3 km, 1 hour.
- Highlights: You’ll get to actually descend to the river gorge on this hike. For this reason, although it doesn’t cover much distance, it’s a bit of a grueller due to the very steep climb down and back up again.
Mushroom Rock Nature Trail
- Distance and Difficulty: Easy, 1.6 km return, less than 1 hour.
- Highlights: A short fairly easy route along the coast, offering views of the blue ocean and red sandstone. This is a great route for taking photos and is perfect for families and those seeking a leisurely walk.
2. Visit the Kalbarri Skywalk
Suspended 100 metres above the Murchison River Gorge, the Skywalk is one of the best things to do in Kalbarri National Park! This recent addition to the park is a must-see, offering unbeatable views that stretch endlessly over the gorge’s deep cuts and curves. It’s a bit trippy hovering suspended in the air, so if you’re afraid of heights give it a miss, but if you can stomach the height you won’t regret it.
For the best photos, you’ll want to visit during the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight bathes the cliffs in golden hues. Entry to the skywalk is included in your park entry fee, which is a great perk.
3. Chinaman’s Beach and Blue Holes
Chinaman’s Beach is just a ten-minute drive from Kalbarri town centre, making it an easy getaway for a chilled few hours on the beach. It’s perfect for families – the water’s calm and the beach has plenty of room to spread out.
A little bit further up the coast, Blue Holes is an area with a bunch of rockpools. It’s a fantastic snorkelling spot in a protected lagoon with clear waters and lots of sea life close to the surface.
Make sure to pack your snorkel gear, suncream, and perhaps a picnic – early morning or later in the afternoon are the best times to snorkel, as the water is calmest and you’ll beat the midday heat. Plus, it’s always nice to wrap up your beach day watching the sunset over the ocean.
4. Go Whale Watching
If you’re in Kalbarri between late June and early November, you’ve got to go on this whale watching tour. This time of year is when humpback whales migrate along the coast, and the sight is truly something. Provided none of you and your crew suffer from seasickness, this is one of the best things to do in Kalbarri for families.
When I did this I remember seeing a whole pod cruising along next to the boat. The whales weren’t doing anything dramatic, just moving steadily through the water, but seeing them that close was still really special. It’s one of those experiences where you grab your camera but sometimes just end up watching because it’s so mesmerising!
Whale watching tours are a great way to spend a morning or afternoon in Kalbarri, especially if the ocean’s calm. You’ll get to hang out on the water, enjoy some fresh air, and if you’re lucky, catch these giants doing their thing in the sea. Just make sure to book in advance as it’s a popular activity.
5. Eat Lobster
If you’re in Kalbarri and craving some seafood, you’ve got to try the local lobster. It’s so fresh, and arguably the town’s favourite dish.
If you’re interested in heading out onto the water to see how lobsters are caught, you can’t miss the Rock Lobster Pot Pull Tour, where you’ll get hands-on with lobster fishing, guided by experts with over 25 years of experience.
As if that’s not enough, an onboard chef will cook up the fresh catch in three delicious ways, giving you a taste of this local delicacy while you cruise along Kalbarri’s stunning coastline. Plus, you’ll even get to take some lobster home to share with family and friends!
Book your place on the tour here!
If you’re still hungry for lobster, or just fancy trying it without dedicating two hours to the tour, I recommend heading to Upstairs Restaurant back in town for some of the finest seafood in Kalbarri – including fresh lobster!
6. Kayaking and Sandboarding
If you fancy adding a dash of adrenaline to your getaway, Kalbarri has got you covered. Kayaking down the Murchison River is the go-to and a fantastic way to see the gorges from a different angle. Plus, you’ll feel like a true explorer navigating through the river’s twists and turns.
Then there’s also sandboarding, which was a total laugh – the first time I tried it, I ended up face-first in the sand more than once! But once you get the hang of it, sliding down those massive sand dunes feels like you’re flying. The sand gets everywhere, but that’s just part of the fun.
Both these activities pack in the kind of heart-pumping fun that makes them must do activities in Kalbarri.
7. Sunset River Cruise on the Murchison River
Ending your day with this sunset river cruise along the Murchison River is the perfect way to unwind. There’s something magical about gliding over the water as the sky changes colours. On one of my cruises, we were lucky enough to catch a sunset that turned the whole sky pink and orange – it was like the river was on fire!
Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife; it’s not uncommon to spot kangaroos drinking at the banks or pelicans gliding by. It’s a peaceful, chill experience that caps off a day of adventure beautifully. Grab a blanket, maybe some snacks, and let the scenery do the rest.
Wrapping Up Your Kalbarri Adventure
There you have it – my recommendations when it comes to the top Kalbarri attractions! From the thrilling heights of the Skywalk to the lazy waves at Chinaman’s Beach, Kalbarri has plenty of fun things to do to keep you entertained for a few days. You’ll return to Perth, or continue your road trip, feeling relaxed and refreshed.
