Explore Kalbarri National Park

WILDFLOWERS and spectacular scenery are the hallmarks of this wonderful West Australian wilderness.

Natures Window Kalbarri

KALBARRI National Park is famous for its spectacular scenery, which features rugged coastal cliffs and towering river gorges, and its magnificent springtime display of wildflowers.

Native plants

The spectacular floral displays for which Kalbarri is famous occur from July through to late October. During this time, the vast heathlands that dominate the park transform into a wildflower wonderland of green and red kangaroo paws, banksias, grevilleas, featherflowers, smokebushes, starflowers and many more. More than 40 orchid species appear in June and July. Twenty-one plant species are found only in the Kalbarri area, including the Kalbarri catspaw, the Kalbarri leschenaultia and the Murchison hammer orchid. Elsewhere in the park are acacia, melaleuca thickets and patches of mallee, while the river is lined with river red gums and swamp she-oaks.

Camping and accommodation

This is a day-visit park only, there are no campsites (ranger permission is required to camp overnight). Open fires are not permitted but there are free gas barbecues at The Loop and Z Bend. Drinking water is not available so carry your own supplies. The town of Kalbarri, on the coast, has a full range of accommodation options.

Things to do

Adventure sports: After heavy rains, the Murchison River is deep enough for rafting and canoeing, but this is a wilderness adventure for the experienced only. Park rangers should be advised in advance.

Rock-climbers and abseilers can indulge their passion in the park's gorges with a licensed tour operator at Z Bend and Hawks Head.

Bushwalking: There are several walks and trails in and around the gorge, including some short walks of 400m or so to the best lookouts in the park. Longer walks include Loop Walk Trail (8km circuit, 3-4 hours) from Nature's Window. Experienced hikers will enjoy the challenge of the unmarked route from Ross Graham Lookout to The Loop (38km, four days), complete with river crossings (can be broken into shorter two-day hikes). This is hazardous terrain; long overnight hikes should only be undertaken by groups of at least five experienced people, and you must register with park staff. Along the coast, Rainbow Valley to Mushroom Rock circuit (3km) has trailside signs explaining the botanical and geological features of the area. For magnificent views from the cliff tops, the Coastal Trail (8km one way) leads south from Eagle Gorge to Natural Bridge.

Scenic views: Do not miss Nature's Window at The Loop, which overlooks the Murchison Gorge, and the breathtaking scenery at Z Bend lookout, where the gorge plunges 150m to the river below. Hawk's Head Lookout above the Murchison River is accessible by wheelchair. Lookouts such as Mushroom Rock, Pot Alley and Eagle Gorge offer ocean views and whale-watching sites.

Go2 - KALBARRI NATIONAL PARK

The park is 533km north of Perth; 167km north of Geraldton; 1km east and south of Kalbarri. Access: From north or south via North West Coastal Highway to Ajana Kalbarri Rd, which runs through the park.

Park information: Geraldton, ph [phone].

Size: 183,004 ha

Permits: Ranger's permission required for overnight camping.

Best season: All seasons; spring for wildflowers and autumn, winter and spring for bushwalking.

Visitor information: Kalbarri [phone], 1800 639 468.

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