Top Things To Do in Kalbarri

Kaya/hello. I’m Wendy, a proud local who enjoys travelling and exploring Western Australia.

I’ve visited Kalbarri on the Coral Coast numerous times with my family – camping and staying in private accommodation. And now I’m sharing the must-see spots and activities that make Kalbarri a popular Perth getaway.

This post may contain affiliate links (of companies I book through). This means I may receive a small commission if you book through them. You can read the disclaimer for more information.

Best Free Things To Do in Kalbarri Western Australia

Kalbarri Visitor Centre

70 Grey Street

Your first stop should be the Visitor Centre. It is open Monday to Friday 9 am – 5 pm and weekends and limited public holidays 9 am – 1 pm. Check directly for any seasonal changes.

I always pop in to see the friendly staff and get up-to-date information on the area, including new attractions and tours.

Feeding of the Pelicans

⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars

Every morning at 8.45, volunteers feed the local Pelicans. You can find them on the Kalbarri foreshore opposite Murchison Caravan Park. This feeding is one of the most popular things to do in Kalbarri for families.

I arrived at 8:30 and got a seat but they were all filled by 8:45. The volunteers gave a short talk about the pelicans then let some of the children feed them. Twenty minutes later it was over.

This activity is great for families. Otherwise I would give it a miss and look out for them later on in the day when the pelicans hang around the river waiting for fish scraps. The feeding can be crowded during school holidays with only a few children picked to feed.

As the pelicans are wild, there may only be one or two that arrive for the feeding.

The Pelican feeding is a free event, but a gold coin donation is appreciated.

Kalbarri National Park

Kalbarri National Park is my favourite free thing to do in Kalbarri. I love the views and hikes that this park offers.

From exploring the majestic gorges carved by the Murchison River to marvelling at the panoramic views from Nature’s Window, my Kalbarri National Park guide is packed with essential tips, activities, and breathtaking sights that will elevate your Kalbarri experience.

Kalbarri Beaches

The most popular beach in Kalbarri for families is the one closest to town, Chinaman’s Beach. It is at the mouth of the Murchison River and is protected, so it is very calm. You can also hire Canoes, Kayaks, Paddleboats, Sup boards, Sailboats and motorised dinghy (no skippers ticket needed). There are outdoor cold-water showers at Chinaman’s Beach too.

Back Beach is great for watching the sunset and surfing.

Blue Holes is part of a limestone reef with parts submerged, creating “holes”. Around 70 species of fish are home here, which makes it ideal for snorkelling. As the reef protects it, it is my favourite spot for swimming too.

My children enjoyed wading through the shallow rock pools in search of marine life.

Surfing

Jacques Point (known as Jake’s Point by the locals) is a popular surfing beach in Kalbarri providing a perfect left hand surf break along the point. It is safe for experienced surfers except when the swell is big, then only advanced surfers should try this break.

Kalbarri Sightseeing Tours

Kalbarri Reefwalker Ocean Discovery

⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars

A good way to see a different perspective of these incredible cliffs is on a Sunset Coastal Cliff Cruise. This tour takes you up close to Jacques Point, Red Bluff, Mushroom Rock, Rainbow Valley, Pot Alley and Eagle Gorge. When the sun dips into the ocean, the rocks take on their red colour.

I haven’t yet done this tour but hope to on our next visit to Kalbarri so I can review it fully.

Kalbarri Scenic Flights

⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars

This is the ultimate way to see Kalbarri, where you will spend an unforgettable 1 hour and 45 minutes in the air exploring this stunning area. Fly over the mouth of the Murchison River, coastal cliffs and Bluff Point, then past Gantheume Bay to the Abrolhos Islands.

As you descend low past East Wallabi, West Wallabi and the surf break called Super Tubes, you will see the beautiful coral through the crystal clear water. Return to Kalbarri via Pink Lake and see this natural phenomenon from the best viewpoint to admire the spectacular pink hues.

Flights depart from Kalbarri Airport on Fawcett-Broad Drive, 11 km from Kalbarri town centre.

This was out of my budget on our trips but it would be amazing to see Kalbarri from the air if you have the money.

See Prices & Availability of the Scenic Flight here

The Pink Lake

Hutton Lagoon, one of Western Australia’s Pink Lakes, is near Port Gregory and half an hour’s drive from Kalbarri. The best time to visit Pink Lake is mid-morning to midday on a clear day. The lake lies below sea level, so seawater seeps into it. During winter, the levels increase, but by mid-summer, 95% is a dry salt flat. We visited in April, and it was pretty dry.

Pink Lake gets its bubblegum pink colour from the presence of the algae Dunaliella salina, which produces carotenoids. This site is the world’s largest microalgae production plant.

I’ve seen the lake dry in summer and filled in spring after the winter rains. I preferred it dry as the pink was more vibrant. If it’s cloudy, there’s still a pink hue but not the bright bubblegum pink you may see in instagram photos.

The best place to view Pink Lake is on Port Gregory Road, where there is also parking. For the best experience and to see its true pink hue, a scenic flight is the way to go. Again, I haven’t managed to do this yet.

A fun way to see it, is on a Pink Lake Buggy Tour – another activity on my list when we return to Kalbarri.

Kalbarri Wilderness Cruise

⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars

Kalbarri Wilderness Cruise offers tours along the Murchison River, the only tour operator to do so. Depending on the season, there may be morning and sunset cruises to choose from.

Travel 6 km up the river to look for some of the prolific birdlife and maybe spot a kangaroo or emu. The cruise includes an informative commentary about the region’s history, animals and plants.

Complimentary tea/coffee on all cruises and a licensed bar (No BYO).

Kalbarri Activities

Kalbarri Abseil

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars

Kalbarri Abseil offer tours where you’ll hike the river trail followed by abseiling the cliffs.

Tours start at Z Bend Gorge in the Kalbarri National Park.

Boating on the Murchison River

⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars

If you don’t have your own boat (like me), hire one from Kalbarri Boat Hire. The vessels don’t require a skipper’s ticket, are easy to drive, and are big enough for a family of five. Rates start at A$70 for an hour.

It was windy on the way back in the afternoon and a bumpy ride (we all got wet and cold, so take a towel or waterproof jacket).

You’ll find the boats and kiosk on the beachfront.

Whale Watching Cruise

⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars

From June to November, about 22,000 Humpback Whales pass the Kalbarri coast. They leave Antarctica, head north for warmer waters to give birth, and then return with their calves.

Book your Whale Watching Tour with Kalbarri’s longest-running whale-watching company, Reefwalker Ocean Discovery.

Tours depart from the jetty across the road from the Kalbarri Beach Resort.

Quad Bikes

⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars

Kalbarri Wagoe Beach Quad Bike Tours offer a guided self-drive Quad Bike & Beach Buggy Tour. Wagoe Beach is 20 km south of Kalbarri and a well known reef fishing spot with white sandy beaches.

Fishing

If you’re keen on fishing, there are a few different options in Kalbarri:

Off the foreshore jetties – cod, bream, and mulloway

Sandspit in front of Sea Rescue building – whiting

Murchison River – mud crabs and blue swimmer crabs

Red Bluff Beach and Wittecarra – tailor and mulloway

Deep Sea Fishing – pink snapper, coral trout, red emperor, and baldchin groper

Fishing is not allowed at Blue Holes or Chinamans Beach. Check the department of fisheries for up to date information regarding a fishing licence, bag and size limits, and fishing rules.

Horse Riding

⭐️ RATING: 4.4/5 Stars

Big River Ranch has a range of horses and ponies to suit all riders based on your riding ability. The tour starts at the ranch where a safety briefing takes place, followed by a guided trail ride through forest and across the banks of the Murchison River.

1 Ranch Court, Kalbarri

Tennis

The Kalbarri Tennis Club has courts at the Kalbarri Sports and Recreation Centre on Porter Street. Social tennis is on Wednesday & Friday at 4:30pm onwards.

Costs are A$10 ball fee for non-members and can be booked at Kalbarri Sports and Dive
(Shop 3, Kalbarri Arcade Ph 9937 1126).

Golf

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars

The 18-hole grassed golf course at Kalbarri Golf Club is in a picturesque setting with views of the ocean. Visitors are welcome and no booking is required.

Haselby St, Kalbarri

Skate Park

Kids will enjoy the small Kalbarri Skate Park opposite the Kalbarri Edge Resort on Porter Street.

Lawn Bowls

Join in the fun at Kalbarri Golf & Bowling Club with social bowls on Sundays at 1:30 pm for 2 pm start (except club championships or open days).

Haselby St, Kalbarri

Rainbow Jungle & Outdoor Movies

Due to extensive damage from Cyclone Seroja, the Kalbarri attraction Rainbow Jungle is now closed. Outdoor movies are also closed at the present time. More information can be found on their Facebook page.

Kalbarri Attractions Map

Kalbarri maps are available at the Tourist Information Centre. Alternatively, download the Kalbarri map, Kalbarri detailed map, and Kalbarri National Park map.

Join The Western Australia Expert Facebook Group