Kalbarri National Park

Introducing Kalbarri National Park

With its magnificent river red gums and Tumblagooda sandstone, the ruggedly beautiful national park (per car $9) contains over 1000 sq km of gorgeous bushland, stunning river gorges and magnificent coastal cliffs. There’s myriad wildlife, including 200 species of birds, and spectacular wildflowers such as banksias, grevilleas and kangaroo paws between July and November.

To get to the river gorges from Kalbarri, head 11km east along Ajana Kalbarri Rd to the turn-off, and follow the 20km stretch of dirt to the gorges. A number of lookouts provide superb gorge vistas: at the Loop (400m from the car park) there’s a natural rock arch framing the view upstream, ‘nature’s window’ (and an 8km walk for the more adventurous); from Z-Bend (500m from the car park) the gorge plunges 150m to the river below; at Hawk’s Head there are great views from the picnic grounds; and from Ross Graham you can access the river.

The park extends south of Kalbarri to a string of rugged coastal cliff faces, including Red Bluff, Rainbow Valley, Pot Alley, Eagle Gorge and Natural Bridge. A walking/cycling path from town goes as far as Red Bluff (5.5km), passing Jakes Point, an excellent surf break. From the cliff tops you may spot humpback whales (August to November) and dolphins (year-round).

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009