Western Australia is a diverse state full of amazing places. From the unusual native wildlife such as kangaroos, cute quokkas of Rottnest Island, bottlenose dolphins at Monkey Mia, whale sharks at Exmouth, and freshwater crocodiles and snakes at Broome to some of the best beaches in Esperance with white sand and gorgeous coastline, you can find a variety of places to see and never get bored.
Apart from the wildlife and beaches, the raw beauty of National Parks here is jaw-dropping as well and can’t be ignored. Kalbarri is one such place that has rugged outback with beautiful beaches making it a perfect family holiday destination for people living in Perth and a Perth to Kalbarri road trip is the best way to explore it. If you are visiting Perth from overseas then chances are you already have an epic road trip planned hence adding Kalbarri as a stop is totally worth it and doable.
In this post, you will find a 4-day itinerary for Perth to Kalbarri Road trip and the stops you can make along the way since the drive from Perth to Kalbarri takes more than 6 hrs. I have also included a lot of photography and travel tips.
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WHERE IS KALBARRI?
Kalbarri is a coastal town in the midwest located approximately 570kms north of Perth city and is a part of Australia’s Coral Coast. Though this distance might not seem too much for some, the remoteness of the roads in Western Australia shouldn’t be underestimated. It can get really boring driving on straight roads so one should take frequent breaks while driving long distances.
Kalbarri has a great mix of spectacularly wild coastline plus, inland an arid and remote national park called Kalbarri National Park. The town of Kalbarri is quiet but pretty and it sits at the edge of the Murchison River. There is so much to see and do in Kalbarri that you are almost spoilt for choices, and often feel like you need an extra week to fit everything in.
HOW FAR IS KALBARRI FROM PERTH?
The distance from Perth to Kalbarri is around 570 km and it’s an easy 6-7 hrs drive. When I say easy it means the road quality is excellent so you won’t have any difficulty in driving or navigating but the route is monotonous and can get boring without any actual views for some hours. I would suggest taking small breaks in between.
The drive time of the journey will vary depending upon the stops you make along the route.
HOW TO GET FROM PERTH TO KALBARRI?
Perth to Kalbarri by Car
Kalbarri can be easily reached by car in 6-7 hrs and it is the best and most convenient way. There are 2 routes available, one is state route 60 and National Route 1 and the other route is via Brand highway. They both take more or less the same time to reach Kalbarri but I would suggest keeping on state route 60 for a scenic route along the Indian Ocean Drive.
Perth to Kalbarri by Bus
It is also possible to catch the bus from Perth to Kalbarri with TransWA and Integrity coach services. Timetables, ticket prices, and route details are available at the TransWA and Integrity websites.
Choosing to take a bus will block your options to do the sightseeing on your terms when you reach Kalbarri. This option is great for people who want to have a relaxed trip and are willing to join tours.
Opt for a flight
The least favorite but most scenic option is to take a flight from Perth to Kalbarri. You can choose to fly with Kalbarri Scenic Flights from Jandakot Airport in Perth which is the most famous flight to take you to Kalbarri. There is another option to fly to Geraldton airport and then take a bus to Kalbarri but in my opinion, this is a complete waste of time. Also, it would cost a lot of money but it definitely can be an experience to cherish for the future.
BEST TIME TO VISIT KALBARRI
The weather in Kalbarri is hot in the summers (read extremely hot) so the best time to drive from Perth to Kalbarri is during the winter months from June to September. But, winter months also mean rains so if you are looking for the best Kalbarri weather then head there in the month of August – September.
During this month, the weather is cool in the morning and hot but bearable in the afternoon. You will also find wildflowers that make nature around the region so picturesque. I would suggest completely avoiding visiting the region after mid-October as the heat can get really intense and you will not be able to do any trails.
SUMMARY OF PERTH TO KALBARRI ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
This 4-day itinerary will give you ample time to rest, have breakfast & lunch, and enjoy the trip without being fully on the go. Here is a summary of the places that are being covered in this post. Make sure not to miss any when you are in Kalbarri.
You can choose to switch the locations as you seem fit or follow this itinerary without changing anything.
DAY 1 — Leave early from Perth and take a few pit stops in between to see the beautiful coastal towns of Cervantes, Jurien Bay, and Geraldton. Stop at Hutt Lagoon to marvel at the pink lake before making the final stop at Kalbarri.
DAY-2 — Blue Holes -> Red Bluff Lookout-> Pot Alley -> Island Rock -> Natural Bridge
DAY 3 — Nature’s Window, The Loop, Z bend lookout, and River Trail
DAY 4 — Skywalk, Hawk’s Head lookout, Pinnacles Desert, back to Perth
LOVE ROAD TRIPS? You can’t miss this one – Perth to Esperance Road Trip: An Exciting 14 Day Itinerary
PERTH TO KALBARRI ROAD TRIP ITINERARY
DAY 1 – Perth to Kalbarri (Via Hutt Lagoon)
After picking up your car or campervan, leave towards the north of Perth on Mitchell highway turning towards the Indian Ocean drive. Depending on how much time you have, you can make pit stops on your way to Kalbarri or you can reach there directly.
If you are thinking about where to stop between Perth and Kalbarri then stopping along the way to explore the coastal beach towns of Cervantes, Jurien Bay, and Geraldton is a great option. It will help you cover the long-distance to Kalbarri easily and you won’t get tired of driving a long distance in one go.
Even if you don’t want to stop and see these coastal towns, taking a few breaks at the fuel stations is good for stretching those legs. One of the highlights of this road trip and a mandatory stop that you have to make is at Hutt lagoon pink lake. It should take around 6 hrs from Perth to reach pink lake.
Hutt Lagoon
It would be a crime to not make a stop at the beautiful Pink Lake in Port Gregory, Hutt lagoon when you are on this road trip from Perth to Kalbarri. Since it’s on the way so you just can’t miss this gem.
If you haven’t seen a pink lake before then you would be in for surprise because it is one of those places that’s actually look exactly the way you see on social media mostly Instagram. It is really pink but the color will vary depending upon the time and season of the year you visit.
The color of the lake is pink due to the algae present in it and these algae are used as a food coloring agent in food and cosmetics. The best time of the day to visit pink lake is between 10 am – 2 pm. It is most vibrant on a clear sunny day when the sun is overhead.
If you want to see the Pink lake from a bird’s eye view then book your flights from here. It will be a flight with many awe moments.
It should take you around 30 min from Hutt lagoon to reach the town of Kalbarri. I took a campervan for this trip as I wanted to experience van life for a few days.
Upon reaching, settle down in your hotel or campsite, have your lunch/dinner and rest for some time. Depending upon the time you have on this very first day, you can explore the beautiful beach area of Chinamans which is in close proximity to almost every hotel and campsite. It’s a great place to have the feel of what Kalbarri has to offer.
Interested in knowing all about Hutt lagoon? Read here – A Useful Guide to visiting Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake Kalbarri
DAY 2 – Explore the Coastal Cliff sites (Wild Coastline)
By taking Route 60 from Perth to Kalbarri, you must have enjoyed the scenic drive but this day is to explore the coastline from close. As scenic as the coastline of Kalbarri looks, it’s pretty wild and rugged too, so always be cautious and stay away from the cliffs.
Blue Holes
Start your day early by swimming in this beautiful nature preserve called Blue Holes. Kalbarri’s coastline is surrounded by a huge reef and has a lot of marine life which means there are many protected beaches. Blue Holes is one of the best spots for swimming and is renowned for snorkeling which is located along Red Bluff Road.
It is a fish habitat protection area and acts as a natural aquarium. One can see a lot of fish and other sea creatures including crabs. Walk along the pristine white sand or explore the tranquil clear water. It is a safe spot for kids to swim as well.
Photography Tip: If you wish to photograph these stunning natural holes then I suggest going early morning not necessarily sunrise. The soft golden glow is much better to take pictures here. If you have a drone then it’s a plus as a drone shot is what I suggest.
Red Bluff Lookout & Beach
Located just 5 mins away from the Blue Holes, Red Bluff Lookout is very safe and easily accessible. A short walk from the car park to the lookout offers great scenic views and huge sandstone cliffs. The lookout is sealed and is a great spot for whale watching.
Hike down from the lookout to the beach and you will be amazed by the rust-red rock formations. The beach is even good and safe for swimming and fishing.
Suvarna’s Tip: If you wish to see the stunning coastline and many natural attractions in between then the 8 km Bigurda Trail is just the best trail for you. The Trail starts from Red bluff beach and ends at Natural Bridge.
Pot Alley
Located super close to Red Bluff on the same road is a picturesque ocean gorge with the rugged beauty of the coast. Views from the car park give you a glimpse of the wild ocean and the red sandstones provide a gorgeous contrast with the blue ocean.
Venture down to the small secluded beach by walking through all the rock formations. It is a great place for fishing. Beware when the tides are high and do not go down to the beach at that time.
Island Rock
Follow the same road for 9 mins which will take you to a car park and a short walk of 2 mins will take you to the lookout point and will provide you with a stunning view of Island Rock.
Island rock along with Natural Bridge is a part of coastal cliff sites. It was once a part of the shoreline but years of strong forces of ocean and wind have caused it to be a standalone ‘sea stack’. Still tenuously connected to the coastline, Island Rock has an appearance similar to the Twelve Apostles in Victoria. Can you see the similarity?
Island Rock is a part of the Bigurda Trail that I mentioned before. If that 8km trail is too much for you, then you can start the trail from Island Rock and finish it at Natural Bridge. Follow the boardwalk that starts from the lookout point here and it will take only 20 mins to reach the Natural Bridge.
This way you get to enjoy the Island Rock and Natural Bridge more closely. These 2 points are actually a good spot for whale watching too.
Photography Tip: The lookout has amazing views and a great place to photograph but if you want to take the same picture as I did then follow the boardwalk and a short walk of around 200m will bring you closer to the Island Rock. You will be able to identify this location pretty easily then.
Exact Coordinates: -27.824240, 114.112924
Natural Bridge
The last spot for the day is Natural Bridge. As the name suggests it is a fully formed limestone rock “bridge” still attached to the coastline of Kalbarri.
Only a short walk from the car park, you can enjoy stunning coastal views and look out over the Natural Bridge for marine life, including whales and dolphins. Natural Bridge is a great place for sunset.
You can view this unique formation from the safety of the lookout enclosures that have been provided. It’s an easy spot to go to, that is accessible all year round. As I have mentioned earlier, you can also spot Whales from this lookout point during July – October.
DAY 3 – Explore the Kalbarri National Park
This day is going to be filled with the raw nature and beauty of Kalbarri National Park which is totally going to surprise you. Western Australia is majorly known for the white sand beaches of Esperance and Albany but the National Parks here are totally mind-blowing as well.
Visiting Kalbarri National Park is the main reason for people to take a Perth to Kalbarri trip. There are so many things to do in Kalbarri National Park that will totally want you to return again.
You can also choose to fly over the breathtaking Kalbarri National Park and see the spectacular Murchison River Gorges along with informative commentary. Book this incredible experience here.
Opening Hours and Entrance Fee for Kalbarri National Park: All the inland gorge sites mentioned on Day 3 and Day 4 are open from 6 am – 6 pm (from sunrise to sunset). It is highly dangerous to access these locations in dark, some of which include hiking.
The entrance fee is 15 AUD per vehicle.
Some essential Information about Kalbarri National Park –
✦ You cannot camp overnight in the national park. It’s not allowed.
✦ Please bring along your own drinking water as there is none in the park. Also, there are no water fountains anywhere in Kalbarri as per my knowledge.
✦ Any car whether a 2WD or 4WD, a campervan/RV can access the park.
✦ If you are interested in taking a tour rather than exploring yourself then contact Kalbarri visitor centre.
Nature’s Window
The most iconic natural attraction and landmark in Kalbarri that has made it famous is Nature’s window. Formed by the erosion of Tumblagooda Sandstone thousands of years ago, the natural arch formation is the perfect frame for the Murchison River. Mother nature can be quite an exhibitionist, right?
The whole area around Nature’s window is beautiful and gives you a 360-degree view of the National Park. It is just 500m, around 10 mins walking from the parking lot and it’s the best place to watch the sunrise. The spot gets crowded pretty easily even early in the morning.
I recommend visiting at sunrise and soaking in the beautiful scenery as you watch the sun coming up through the natural framing of Nature’s window and lighting the Murchison River.
The Loop
One of the trails, the Loop which is an 8 Km challenging walk that starts and ends at Nature’s Window. It is one of the spectacular walks that shows you the power and force of the Murchison River that has carved gorges through the landscape.
Once you get to the marker post for the loop which is further down from Nature’s Window on the left side, keep walking through the path. The whole walk is marked and will take you to the amazing views of the river and along the edge of the cliff.
After a while, the steep descent down to the river bank will take you to the sandy beaches and some possible swimming areas too. The path right next to the river is rocky and signs too few and far in between.
The walk up isn’t too difficult and after a few kilometers of cliff walking you will finally come to the end of the loop and back to Nature’s Window.
Suvarna’s Tip: The temperature in Kalbarri National Park can rise up to 50°C in summer so do not continue with this hike in hot weather. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and carry sunscreen, a hat, and at least 3-4 liters of water per person. There is no drinking water in National Park and very limited shade along the trail.
Z bend Lookout & River Trail
One of the most unique and amazing locations in Kalbarri National Park, the Z bend is aptly named because of the tight bends that the Murchison River has carved into Tumblagooda Sandstone.
The lookout point involves a walking trail and is at a short distance of around 600m from the car park. The view is just spectacular and you will be able to see the bends in Z shape clearly along with the gorge.
Photography Tip: Sunset at the lookout is much better than sunrise because the light gets harsh too quickly after an hour of the sunrise which is when the peaks will get some light.
There is also a hiking trail that goes down to the gorge and if you are willing to follow it, you will be amazed by the beauty and force of nature. As you climb over the boulders, steep ladders, and follow the tight passages of this adventure trail, make sure to keep an eye out for the wildflowers if you visit between July – October.
Some important travel tips to note and remember:
✦ Allow a minimum of 2 hours to return for this hiking trail.
✦ It’s an easy-medium trail with a steep descent down in the gorges including ladders and boulders to climb in some areas.
✦ The trail is very well directed and you will have no problem finding the path.
✦ There is no drinking water available so make sure to carry enough with you.
✦ Though people swim here (only when the season permits) but I found the water filled with algae so I wouldn’t recommend it.
DAY 4 – Kalbarri to Perth (Via Pinnacles Desert)
Skywalk
One of the highly anticipated Kalbarri tourist attractions, the Skywalk was opened in June 2020 in Kalbarri National Park. Since then the number of people taking a road trip from Perth to Kalbarri has increased. Kalbarri skywalk boasts stunning vistas of the Murchison River, red cliffs, and bushland as far as the eye can see.
These twin skywalks are made 100m apart and there is a skywalk kiosk that is open to serve food and drinks as you soak in the beautiful views. The kiosk is open from 7.30 am to 2 pm daily offering casual dining, takeaway food, and beverages.
The Skywalk is in the similar rustic red colors as the surroundings so it blends so well and is accessible to people of all ages and abilities. It’s a must-visit when you are in Kalbarri.
Photography Tip: A sunrise is much better to see and photograph as there are very few people at that time. Also, watching the sun’s rays fall over bushland, and making it shine is such a surreal view. Make sure to take out your drones for the best pictures but a camera is good too if you don’t have a drone.
Hawk’s Head Lookout
Hawk’s head lookout is an amazing vantage point that provides gorgeous views of the Murchison River and river gorge. The lookout is at a very short walk from the car park and looks best on a clear sunny day. It is aptly named as there is a hawk-shaped rock formation visible from the lookout.
There is a sheltered picnic area and toilets with disability access making it a perfect spot to spend some time and have a short walk around the area.
Pinnacles Desert
The Pinnacles are the most unique and fascinating landscape located within Nambung National Park near the town of Cervantes and one of the best places to visit as a day trip from Perth. These limestone formations were formed millions of years ago and are a major tourist attraction in the region because of how other-worldly they look.
There is a loop (Pinnacles loop) that is open all year round and can be covered via car or on foot giving you stunning vistas of Pinnacles all around and a lookout for better views. You don’t need to have a 4WD to visit the Pinnacles or to do the loop, it is easily accessible by any car but you have to leave the trailers at the car park.
If you wish to discover the story of Pinnacles then visit Pinnacles Discovery Centre which is open daily 9.30 am – 4.30 pm. It also has toilet facilities. There is an entry fee of $15 per private vehicle carrying up to 12 occupants for Nambung National Park. Visiting the Pinnacles at any time is good but visitors are expected to leave the park at 9 pm.
The Pinnacles Desert looks spectacular at night and is one of the favorite places for photographers to shoot the milky way. If you wish to see it during the night you can go on your own or join a nighttime tour.
PERTH TO KALBARRI ROAD TRIP MAP
FINAL THOUGHTS
Is kalbarri Worth Visiting?
I would say it’s definitely worth it despite the long drive. If you are doing a road trip from Broome to Esperance or Perth to Exmouth then it’s worth adding a few days to explore Kalbarri as there are a lot of things to do in Kalbarri. If you have even less time then I suggest visiting Kalbarri National Park and skipping the coastline.
Kalbarri National park is beautiful, rugged, and raw. I wasn’t really expecting it to be this amazing but it took me by surprise. I am sure to return someday again to explore more of this place. The laid-back vibe of the town is also something that you will enjoy when you visit.
PLANNING A TRIP TO AUSTRALIA? DON’T MISS THESE POSTS.
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- Perth to Esperance: An Exciting 14 Day Road Trip Itinerary
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Wow! Natural Bridge looks amazing. I want to visit all on your detailed travel guide. Thanks for sharing!
There are some stunning places to visit along this route that I would love to go to one day!
What an incredible road trip! These sights look stunning! Blue Holes and the Pink Lake look magical! Isn’t nature amazing?? Skywalk looks great too! Your photos are breath-taking! Thanks for the great guide!
The landscapes are so stunning in this area! I remember having seen some of those photos in your Instagram feed and I was amazed! I am happy to know more about this scenic drive!
Wow, Kalbarri looks absolutely incredible and the coastline is particularly gorgeous!! I can’t wait to visit one day and this is such a thorough and comprehensive guide!
I can’t wait to get back to Australia so I can go here!
I was meant to drive up to Kalbarri when I visited Perth a few years ago but never ended up doing it – it looks beautiful and hopefully I will make it up there next time
This is a great guide. I’m hoping to make it to Australia when borders open up again and Western Australia is high on my list. These photos are gorgeous and I can’t wait to see some of these places myself.
Wow this looks like such an epic road trip! All your photos are simply stunning and I wish I can experience all the beautiful nature with my own eyes 🙂
This looks like a fantastic coastal route to drive along! I’ll definitely save this for when I travel to this area.
Great detail! Beautiful images! Thank you for sharing!
I’ve never been to WA but I’m hoping to next year and Kalbarri looks like somewhere I’d love to go ! Thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures and lots of helpful advice.
The itinerary is as usual, so descriptive and fascinating. Thanks for sharing this, Suvarna. I have always wanted to visit Sydney and Melbourne and never thought about Perth as it is quite remote. You made me reconsider my decision regarding the same. 🙂