Kalbarri
Town
Population 1329
Kalbarri lies at the mouth of the Murchison River, flanked by Kalbarri National Park. Established in 1951, the town is a popular holiday resort, famous for the magnificent gorges up to 130 metres deep along the river. Just south of the township a cairn marks the spot where in 1629 Captain Pelsaert of the Dutch East India Company marooned two crew members implicated in the Batavia shipwreck and massacre. These were the first, albeit unwilling, white inhabitants of Australia.
Visitor Information
Grey St; (08) 9937 1104 or 1800 639 468
Nearby national parks
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Kalbarri National Park
Kalbarri National Park is famous for its spectacular scenery, which features rugged coastal cliffs and towering river gorges, and its...more -
Francois Peron National Park and Shark Bay Marine Park
Francois Peron National Park, situated on the northernmost tip of the Peron Peninsula, offers a 4WD wilderness area edged by a coastline of...more
Nearby towns
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Northampton
Northampton, nestled in the valley of Nokarena Brook, 51 kilometres north of Geraldton, was awarded Historic Town status by the National...more -
Geraldton
Situated on the spectacular Batavia Coast, Geraldton is the largest town in the mid-west region. As a port city, it is the major centre for...more -
Greenough
Lying 24 kilometres south of Geraldton, the Greenough Flats form a flood plain close to the mouth of the Greenough River. At its peak in...more
In Town
Pelican feeding: daily feeding from late April until the end of February by volunteers on the river foreshore; starts 8.45am; off Grey St. Family Entertainment Centre: trampolines, minigolf, bicycle hire; Magee Cres; (08) 9937 1105.
Nearby
Kalbarri National Park Gazetted in 1963, this park has dramatic coastal cliffs along its western boundary, towering river gorges and seasonal wildflowers, many of which are unique to the park. The Murchison River has carved a gorge through sedimentary rock known as Tumblagooda sandstone, creating a striking contrast of brownish red and purple against white bands of stone. Embedded in these layers are some of the earliest signs of animal life on earth. There are many lookouts including Nature's Window at the Loop, which overlooks the Murchison Gorge, and the breathtaking scenery at Z Bend Lookout. Along the 20 km coastal section of the park, lookouts such as Mushroom Rock, Pot Alley and Eagle Gorge offer panoramic views and whale-watching sites. Dolphins, whale sharks and whales frequent the coastal waters, and the fishing is excellent. Bushwalking, rock climbing, abseiling, canoeing tours, rafting, cruises, camping safaris, coach and wilderness tours, and barbecue facilities are all available. Contact visitor centre for details. 57 km E.Rainbow Jungle: breeding centre for rare and endangered species of parrots, cockatoos and exotic birds set in landscaped tropical gardens. Also here is the largest walk-in parrot free-flight area in Australia and an outdoor cinema featuring the latest movies; Red Bluff Rd; 3 km S. Wildflower Centre: view over 200 species on display along a 1.8 km walking trail. Visit the plant nursery and herbarium, where you can purchase seeds and souvenirs; open July–Nov; Ajana–Kalbarri Rd; 3km E. Murchison House Station: tours available of one of the oldest and largest stations in WA, which includes historic buildings and cemetery, display of local arts and crafts, and wildflowers; seasonal, check with visitor centre; Ajana–Kalbarri Rd; 4 km E. Big River Ranch: enjoy horseriding through the spectacular countryside; Ajana–Kalbarri Rd; 4 km E. Wittecarra Creek: cairn marking the site where 2 of the mutineers from the Dutch ship Batavia were left as punishment for their participation in the murders of 125 survivors of the wreck; 4 km S. Hutt River Province: independant sovereign state founded in 1970; 50 km SE; see Northampton.
Fishing spots near town
Kalbarri 3 km
The Murchison River at Kalbarri, about six hours’ drive north of Perth, produces a variety of fish including bream to 52 cm. ‘We also catch small mulloway in the river, yellowfin whiting, blue manna and green... Find out moreSteep Point 200 km
One of the most highly regarded destinations for land-based gamefishing is Steep Point. Anglers fishing here catch huge mackerel, trevally, tuna and even sailfish from the rugged cliffs. It is a specialised sport... Find out moreShark Bay 207 km
The drive north to Shark Bay takes about ten hours from Perth, but the fishing lure is so strong here that many an east-coast angler has driven across from Sydney or Melbourne. Most anglers head for the old pearling town... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Snorkelling in Kalbarri National Park 4 km
Near Kalbarri there are several top snorkelling spots, including the protected Blue Holes, Red Bluff and Chinamans Beach.... Find out moreGeraldton Meteorological Office 126 km
For something different, you can learn how modern weather-forecasting works and the measuring instruments involved, in a 40-minute midday tour of the Geraldton Meteorological Office that culminates in the release of one... Find out moreIndigenous tour - Shark Bay area 207 km
To discover the rich cultural heritage of the Shark Bay area, visitors can embark on an award-winning Wula Guda Nyinda morning, afternoon or night tour. There are creation stories, bush-tucker tastings and demonstrations... Find out moreBeachcombing, Denham 208 km
If you are searching for solitude, examine the countless billions of tiny shells that make up the 110-kilometre Shell Beach near Denham, a great place for a contemplative meander.... Find out moreDolphin-feeding 217 km
Almost without fail, the famous wild bottlenose dolphins visit the beach in front of the Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort several times a day, yearround. Under the watchful gaze of national parks rangers, who provide a... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
The Grasstree Cafe and Restaurant
Catering well to the passing tourist trade, the Grasstree Cafe and Restaurant sources many of its fresh ingredients locally. The menu has an emphasis on seafood with an Asian twist, and diners might be lucky enough to be... Find out moreEnjoy spectacular marina views and Kalbarri sunsets while savouring the fresh seafood at The Jetty Seafood Shack. This fish and chippery cooks fresh to order, with the option of having your fish battered, crumbed or... Find out more
Situated within the Kalbarri Beach Resort, the Zuytdorp serves international cuisine catering well to many the region’s many visitors. Also on-site is Jake’s Bistro, offering a blackboard menu, buffet and... Find out more
Campsites around town
Coronation Beach camping area 101 km
Visitors will find sites dispersed among the coastal vegetation on the beach here, a great spot to swim, fish, snorkel or just relax to the sound of the waves lapping the shore. You need to bring your own drinking... Find out moreHamelin Pool Caravan Park 145 km
This park has shady grassed sites near the foreshore, set around the old telegraph station established in 1884. Visitors have the opportunity to view very interesting stromatolite structures only a short walk away. The... Find out moreEllendale Pool camping area 150 km
Ellendale Pool camping area is a delightful spot 47 km east of Geraldton via Ellendale Rd. Bring a gas/fuel stove and drinking water. Visitors will find a lovely freshwater pool that laps at a sheer cliff face surrounded... Find out moreGoulet Bluff camping area 172 km
Goulet Bluff camping area is off Goulet Bluff Rd from Shark Bay Rd, 36 km south-east of Denham. The small area has 4 sites dispersed among the coastal vegetation on the foreshore. Stays are limited to 1 night only. A... Find out moreWhalebone Bay camping area 183 km
There are 4 sites dispersed among coastal vegetation close to the beach at this camping area on Whalebone Rd, off Shark Bay Rd, 25 km southeast of Denham. Stays are limited to 1 night only. It is gas/fuel stove only and... Find out moreFowlers Camp camping area 186 km
There are no facilities provided here, but it’s a good spot for beach fishing. You need to bring in a gas/fuel stove and drinking water. The camping area is on Fowlers Camp Rd, off Shark Bay Rd, 22 km south-east... Find out moreEagle Bluff camping area 188 km
With 4 sites for 1-night stays only, among coastal vegetation on the foreshore, visitors will find a fine spot for birdwatching here, along with fishing and snorkelling. Bring in your own drinking water and a gas/fuel... Find out moreBreakaway camping area 192 km
Located just off Coalseam Rd from the Mingenew–Mullewa Rd, 34 km north of Mingenew, Breakaway camping area is set in a bush environment in an area noted for its wildflowers and mining heritage. Bring along a... Find out moreMiners Camp camping area 193 km
Basic facilities are provided in a natural bush setting that’s perfect for bushwalking and exploring the heritage associated with WA’s first coalmine. Come equipped with a gas/fuel stove and drinking water.... Find out moreGladstone camping area 194 km
In an open area in low coastal vegetation close to a popular fishing beach, Gladstone camping area is 6 km west of the North West Coastal Hwy, 146 km south of Carnarvon. It’s gas/fuel stove only and you neede to... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Kalbarri Tudor Holiday Park 1 km
This is a good quality park in an exciting seaside location. The park, not on the beach, is about 1 km from the centre of town. Bookings required in peak periods.... Find out morePort Gregory Caravan Park 54 km
Located in the centre of this small historic town, the park is neatly maintained and will appeal to those looking for a quieter location close to the seaside. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreBatavia Coast Caravan Park 119 km
On the outskirts of Geraldton, this spacious dog-friendly park is easily accessible from the North West Coastal Highway. The semi-rural quiet setting will appeal to many. The park is owner operated. Bookings are required... Find out moreSunset Beach Holiday Park 121 km
Located on the beach 6 km north of the city and in a quiet location, this is a popular park with tourists and is easily accessible from Highway One. The park is well appointed and a good base from which to explore the... Find out moreDouble Beach Holiday Village 136 km
Set at the mouth of the Greenough River just 10 km south of Geraldton, this large, wellshaded park is protected from the onshore winds. Cook in the camp kitchen or buy takeaway food from the park’s well-stocked... Find out moreMullewa Caravan Park 160 km
On the highest hill in town this council-operated park is as neat as a pin with kerbed roadways, green grass and most amenities. Mullewa is a great base for exploring this spectacular, wildflower region in springtime.... Find out moreSeaspray Beach Holiday Park 186 km
Located on the edge of the water, this park is a good base for a holiday in the town. The owners also operate the adjoining resort, restaurant and fishing charter. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreDongara Denison Beach Holiday Park 188 km
This smaller park is ideally located on an estuary and you can enjoy a stroll to the busy boat harbour. It has very good amenities and big motorhomes can fit here, although not on the ensuite sites. The park is busy in... Find out moreBlue Dolphin Caravan Park and Holiday Village 207 km
This is a smaller park with good tourist facilities. It is close to the heart of Denham and there is a supermarket right next door. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Kalbarri Murchison View Apartments
Sitting at the mouth of the Murchison River, and just 100 metres from the beach and amenities, the Kalbarri Murchison View Apartments are ideally located to explore the region. The self-contained apartments have two or... Find out moreIdeal for a family break or a romantic getaway, the Kalbarri Palm Resort is located in the town centre. The resort includes two pools, outdoor spa, cricket pitch, a tennis court and a playground. There are an assortment... Find out more
Offering river and ocean views and a range of villas, the Kalbarri Seafront Villas are located in the heart of town. All apartments are spacious and self-contained, with internet access, cable TV and complimentary dinghy... Find out more
The Kalbarri Tudor Holiday Park is just moments away from all that Kalbarri has to offer. On-site are cabins, caravan and powered camping sites, a brand-new pool and camp kitchen. There’s wireless internet... Find out more
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Riverside Sanctuary, Ajana 58 km
More than ten years ago, the owners of this sheep and wheat farm, inland from Kalbarri, noticed the environmental degradation on their property from many years of soil tillage compounded by erosion and compaction from... Find out moreRest areas around town
Murchison River Rest Area 53 km
120 km S of Billabong (L) or 61 km N of Northampton (R) Large secluded area well off the highway on the banks of the river in a natural bush setting. Good shade. GPS: S27 49.683 E114 41.309 ... Find out moreTanks Rest Area 59 km
70 km S of Billabong (L) or 111 km N of Northampton (R) Large area just off the highway surrounded by scrub. Limited shade. GPS: S27 24.838 E114 40.015 ... Find out moreNerren Rest Area 71 km
46 km S of Billabong (R) or 135 km N of Northampton (L) Large area just off the highway among some trees. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S27 12.714 E114 36.765... Find out moreNorthampton Park Area 84 km
Middle of town Large parking area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S28 20.911 E114 37.842... Find out moreOakabella Rest Area 97 km
17 km S of Northampton (R) or 34 km N of Geraldton (L) Small area just off the highway among a few trees. Limited shade. GPS: S28 28.525 E114 38.074... Find out moreCoronation Beach Camp Area 101 km
T/O 24 km S of Northampton (R) or 27 km N of Geraldton (L) Secluded foreshore camp area surrounded by low scrub 8 kilometres west of the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S28 33.135 E114 33.881... Find out moreBillabong Park Area 109 km
Opposite the roadhouse Large area just off the highway in the scrub. Limited shade. GPS: S26 48.989 E114 36.893 ... Find out moreEllendale Pool Camp Area 150 km
T/O 28 km S of Geraldton (L) or 37 km N of Dongara (R) Large campground located 27 kilometres east of the highway via Walkaway in a natural bush setting on the banks of Greenough River. Good facilities and shade. ... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Sport Fishing Classic: Mar.
Canoe and Cray
Carnival: June.