The 186,000 hectare park surrounds the lower reaches of the Murchison River (the second longest river in WAat 820km long), which has cut a magnificent 80 km gorge through the red and white banded sandstone to create formations such as Natures Window & The Loop, Z-Bend and Hawks Head, with gorgeous scenic views at the Ross Graham Lookout and views of the town and river mouth at Meanarra Hill. Her natural talents include getting overly excited 24/7, impersonating Cher in Karaoke and multi-tasking too many hobbies at once. The spokesman said two other crocodiles have previously been removed from the river in 2013 and 2014, but since the 3.8 metre male was captured near Graham's Creek further downstream, further sightings had not been confirmed. Winters are warm with moderate precipitation. Phone: + 61 8 9937 1104| Email: bookings@kalbarri.org.au Here impressive cliffs and caves have been eroded by the waves crashing against the shore for millions of years. One of the most iconic landmarks in Kalbarri National Park is Natures Window. A spider in the West Australian outback. [9], The Murchison River was named by the explorer George Grey, whose boats were wrecked at its mouth on 1April 1839, during his second disastrous exploratory expedition; the name honours Grey's patron, the Scottish geologist Sir Roderick Murchison. When river flow is low, the estuary accumulates sediment from the ocean, narrowing the river channel; this sediment is evacuated to the ocean during periods of high flow, but high flow also brings sediment into the estuary from upriver. You really do feel like youre all alone in the middle of the Australian outback inside the park(when really, youre not that far from civilization at all). A crowd favorite amongst locals and visitors alike is the outdoor cinema. Take in the history and beauty of the Lynton Convict Hiring Depot located between Kalbarri and Northampton. Read our privacy policy for more info. Search the list of Kalbarri Tours here. Project officer, Marilyn Connell, said it was a surprise to see something other than turtles in the footage. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Australia. Approximately 150 bird species have been observed including the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), osprey (Pandion haliaetus), wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax) and Australian pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus). Where the farmland meets the ocean, the drive to Lucky Bay alone is worth the trip out here. National Parks. We could have walked further down the hillto the river but chose not to do so. I love exploring national parks and small, lesser known towns. What makes Kalbarri National Park so attractive for visitors isscenic andphotographic opportunities, picnicking, abseiling, rafting and canoeing (only after heavy rains) and hiking trails. If you're asking whether there are crocodiles this far north in Queensland, then the answer is very much yes. How long does it take to drive to Kalbarri from Perth? Statue of woman looking for the men returning from Lynton Convict Depot near Northhampton, WA, Supervisor's cottage Lynton Convict Depot, Sandfords Mill at Lynton Convict Depot 1854. Another sign along the way that directs you to the river trail. Inland areas can often be more than 10C (18F) higher than along the coast and in town. Theres also seating area nearby to relax and unwind. But that doesn't mean it gets boring here. In 2011/12 they completed a trip around Australia. The drainage lines from these lakes merge to form the Murchison River about 90km (56mi) north-northeast of Meekatharra. We set out to answer some frequently asked questions and relay our experience with the service. From here the river flows west, then southwest, then west to the Indian Ocean. In the meantime, residents are being warned to be on alert, and not to swim, or let domestic animals near the water. There's enough to do to make it a three night stay . The waters are totally protected by the surrounding reef and very clear. If you have more time, drop into the West Loop Lookout! Snorkeling at the Blue Holes is also one of the best free things to do in Kalbarri. Going forward they will continue to travel as they plan for the next few years. KALBARRI VISITOR CENTRE &CONTACT DETAILS, Located along the Kalbarri Town Foreshore, Grey St. It is here that you can find the small coastal community of Kalbarri. Pin em! Visitors can enjoy phenomenal views over the Murchison gorge and park hinterland from the West Loop Lookout, which is a very short walk from the car park. One of the best things to do in Kalbarri is to experience the local market. Northampton between Kalbarri and Geraldton holds the title as one of the oldest settlements in Western Australia. It wouldnt be a trip to Tasmania without a visit to one of their many wineries and the Tamar Valley is home to more than two dozen wineries. My rock puns are getting boulder by the minute. We saw our first free emus. Id love to admire them from the Kalbarri Skywalk. A very, Flirting with Chewbacca at the #Perth midnight screening of #StarWars #TheLastJedi I also won best fan costume!, Road Trip to Kalbarri, Part 1: Kalbari National Park & Natures Window, Kalbarri National Park Information Walk Trail Guide, Road Trip to Perth Hills: Mundaring Weir Dam, Road Trip through Wildflower Country & Camping at Coalseam Conservation Park, Diving the Haunted Alkimos Shipwreck on Halloween, Exploring WA by Motorbike: Legal Trail Riding Areas, Backyard Beekeeping in Western Australia: A Rewarding Hobby. Kalbarri is on the tourist route because of the National Park. That sounds as though you should go looking - DON'T. Time to put the sand flag to work Lancelin, Our first view of the limestone pinnacles, Some of the limestone shapes were pretty big, Close up of the centre of the HMAS Sydney Memorial, Looking through the centre of the Memorial. Cream Magazine by Themebeez, Things to do in Kalbarri, WA: Best tours & accommodation prices, Kalbarri accommodation costs from $109 per night. You should plan your trip to coincide with the wildflower season (July to October) like my boyfriend and I did. The western section is all about the coastal views, and the eastern section about the gorges carved by the Murchison River. Pop into the local fish and chips shop and head down to the beach for epic sunsets over the Indian Ocean. Experience the beautiful wildlife at Rainbow Jungle Kalbarri, before heading to the shoreline to feed the local Pelicans. Subscribe to Perth Girl and get the latest on quirky things to see & do in Perth City and Western Australia. No camping is permitted in Kalbarri National Park. So glad we brought water with us even though it wasnt that hot (we visited in early Spring, September) it was still pretty exhausting! If you love charming, sandstone buildings, then Northampton is the town for you. This section of coastline is also great for those who love to explore rock pools like me. [4] From Kalbarri there are scenic cruises along the Murchison River and flights over Kalbarri National Park. Canoeing up and down the river is very popular and there You can see them just off the beach from many places in Western Australia. The Bigurda Trail, an 8km clifftop walk, connects the two. Kalbarri locals have told how a 3-4m great white shark has remained in the area for almost a week menacing boat users.Mar 22, 2012. A saltwater crocodile suns itself on the banks, as seen from a Daintree River cruise. More fossilied ripples, set in stone forever! Skilled in digital marketing - she enjoys spreading fun and informative content through blogging and social media. If you love your whale-watching, then again aim to go between June and November, because thats when humpback whales and their calves pass by Kalbarris coast on their annual migration. The lake gets its shimmering pink color from the carotenoid-producing algae. Thanks for the info. Theres a limestone reef system here, which is home to dozens of fish species. About 30 different arthropods have been recorded including a dragonfly called the Pilbara tiger (Ictinogomphus dobsoni) and the savanna black tree ant (Tetraponera punctulata). [19] 15 to 20 men were left stranded at the Three Sister galena mine and had to be rescued by dingy.[20]. What is the biggest national park in Australia? You can read that here. The beautiful reality is, once you enter Kalbarri National Park, you are actually taking a journey back in time, 420 million years ago. The Kalbarri Skywalk is pretty spectacular. The major geographical features of the park include the Murchison River gorge which runs for nearly 80 km (50 mi) on the lower reaches of the Murchison River.Spectacular coastal cliffs are located on the coast near the mouth of the Murchison River and the town of Kalbarri. Its a rocky track to the start of and around the Loop so wear good footwear (not thongs) and take water but, in the heat of the day in summer, reconsider doing this route; choose early morning or late evening - you will also see more animals. You also cant help but think to yourself how the traditional custodians of the land here, the Nhanda people, managed tosurvive in such a beautiful, but very harsh and dangerous landscape. The Loop Trail is a 9-kilometer hike through the Murchinson River Gorge. "Many people swim in the river as well, so we're really trying to get the word out for people to be very croc wise and maybe kayaks and swimming isn't really that great an idea.". How many nights do I need in Kalbarri? The 9km Loop Trail gives hardy walkers all the best views, although if you just want to look through Natures Window, its a 800m return walk from the Loop car park. Australia's oldest running coal-fired power station is about to close. This famous surf break, in remote Western Australia, is renowned across the state and recognized as a National Surfing Reserve. My hand brushed across one and it stuck into my hand! Tickets cost $18 per adult and $10 per child (2-10). Back to the corrugated sandy dirt roads, Kalbarri Peter, and our Spot, overlooking Kalbarri National Heat kills warning sign, Kalbarri National Park, Close up of rocks, Kalbarri National Park, Rocks and the loop, Kalbarri National Park, Great facilities at Hawks Head, Kalbarri NP, Enjoying a day on the water at Monkey Mia, The track must be bad - lower tyre pressures, Instructions on how to lower tyre pressures, Clear waters and marine life at Skipjack Point. The discovery has put the turtle project on hold, though Ms Connell said she suspected the turtles might be why the crocodile was spotted where it was. Breaking down the numbers nationwide, NSW clocked the highest number of unprovoked attacks in 2021, with eight in total according to Taronga Zoo's Australian Shark-Incident Database two of these were fatal. If you have found this site helpful, please book TOURS and ACCOMMODATION through our booking partners. If youd prefer to spend your time on the beach, Kalbarri does have a few Indian Ocean beaches. If you are headed north, we recommend heading up to Shark Bay, the town of Denham, and the spectacular Francois Peron National Park. The coastal area contains several wind and water eroded rock formations including a sea stack and a natural bridge. Open all school & public holidays (except Christmas Day). Kalbarri National Park is one of the most impressive national parks in Western Australia. The Z bend is the other way at the T junction and again from the car park it is a short walk, this time with some steps to the lookout. Snorkeling at the Blue Holes in Kalbarri is a popular attraction for visitors. A saltwater crocodile caught on a turtle-monitoring camera on the Mary River, in Queensland, is the first confirmed sighting of the reptile so far upstream since the 1960s. Is Kalbarri worth visiting? Thanks so much for sharing your tips! More fossilied evidence of what happened here over 420 million years ago! If coastal walking is your thing, then head slightly further south to Eagle Gorge or Natural Bridge. Kalbarri can easily be explored in a weekend. Police have set up a special unit to track the crocodiles and are using bait in cages along the riverbank . You can see why its called Natures Window, right? Its the best place to spend a few days on the drive from Geraldton to Carnarvon, and is mostly surrounded by the marvellous Kalbarri National Park. Here, the 2.6km Z Bend River Trail involves steep descents and climbing up ladders as you get close to the Murchison River. haha, what can I say I had to quickly do a pose! The Nautilus Retreat in Kalbarri is a studio apartment that is perfect for a weekend getaway for couples. Croc caught on camera at Tiaro Queensland for first time since the 1960s. We pit two of the Top Ends best against each other to decide once and for all, is Litchfield or Kakadu better? Muggers get their name from the Hindi word for crocodile, "maggar mach". Made it to the base of the Murchison River. At the start of the trail it tells you Natures Window is a 1 km return (so allow 30 to 45 minutes) while the Loop Trail is 9km in total (allow 3 to 5 hours). Established as a brewery in 2018, Finlays has been tantalizing everyones taste buds since. Plus, we went in Spring, so it wasnt excruciatingly hot either. Love a good thrill? It flows for about 820km (510mi)[2] from the southern edge of the Robinson Ranges to the Indian Ocean at Kalbarri. Three of these unprovoked attacks involved wobbegong sharks. The best time to see whales in Kalbarri is from June to mid-November. Again it warns heat kills and loose rocks ahead! A new addition to the Loop area of Kalbarri National Park is the Kalbarri Skywalk. Albany | Australind | Bremer Bay | Broome | Bunbury | Carnarvon | Cervantes | Collie | Coral Bay | Dawesville | Denham | Derby | Dunsborough | Dwellingup | Eagle Bay | Exmouth | Fremantle | Geraldton | Henley Brook | Jarrahdale | Jurien Bay | Kalgoorlie | Kojonup | Lancelin | Mandurah | New Norcia | Norseman | Northam | Perth | Pinjarra | Preston Beach | Waroona | Yallingup | York. [9], The mouth of the estuary is a small delta, closed by a sandbar except for a narrow channel. Following Cyclone Emma in 2006, much of the catchment area received 100 millimetres (4in) of rainfall. The inland section of the Kalbarri National Park is home to the ancient Murchison River. Find the perfect vehicle to hit the road! Road Trip Life in outback Western Australia. The national park plays host to a number of things to do for those who enjoy being active. The Murchison River is a few million years old and time has helped it . Walkways hug the cliffs edge, extending out over the precipice for expansive views over the Murchinson River making its way steadily through the national park. Other activities include abseiling in the gorge and horseback riding, as well as scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing and swimming in the Indian Ocean at Red Bluff Beach and the small beach at Pot Alley. The drive from Perth to Kalbarri takes just over six hours. The only observed bat in the park is the Finlayson's cave bat (Vespadelus finlaysoni). [4], The western edge of the park protects the coastline south of the town which features cliffs more than 100m (328ft) high. I like this shot the sun is kissing the Murchison river. Z-Bend, Kalbarri. Sri Lanka is home to around 2,500 to 3,500 saltwater crocodiles, more than half of which are found in national parks. A must on the list of the best things to do in Kalbarri is a trip to the local microbrewery. Some of my pics below at West Loop Lookout in Kalbarri National Park: Basking it in. Why are black swans becoming stranded in the ocean off WA? The town of Kalbarri is most widely recognized for the national park that surrounds it. The protected waters of the Blue Holes are a great place for little ones to explore under the sea. Step back in time 420 million years ago at Kalbarri National Park in Western Australia. You get to eat your catch after pulling up the lobster pots. Nearing the Z-Bend Lookout after the relatively easy trail walk. We were actually quite impressed that we were allowed to range over the cliff tops if we chose. After all, Western Australia is the biggest state in Australia, so were used to driving here, and driving alot! A crowd favorite amongst locals and visitors alike is the outdoor cinema. The views from the Skywalk are incredible. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Step back in time 420 million years ago at Kalbarri National Park in Western Australia. Fortunately with Karaijini being so far inland and due to the fact that it is far enough south, there are definitely no crocodiles in Karijini. Despite being in operation for only a few short years, the Lynton Convict Hiring Depot is one of the best-preserved facilities of its kind. You will also see fossilised burrows left by ancient worms that once sheltered in the sand here, and tracks and trails where animals have crawled across the damp sedimentary surface. Check out some of my pics below: The Z Bend is a popular tourist lookout on the Murchison River Gorge in Western Australia. Monday Saturday 9am-5pm / Sundays Off-Peak: 9am-1pm / Sundays On-Peak: 8am-5pm If that sounds like you, then spend your morning hanging off Z-Bend Gorge with Kalbarri Abseil. Dept. Tickets cost $18 per adult and $10 per child (2-10). One of the things that they are aware of is the fact that to live your dream then you actually have to do something and that's what they did. Other activities are hiringa paddleboard or Kayak on the Murcishon River, joining a cannoning and abseiling tour, or hiking/trail walking through the rigged outback inKalbarri National Park. We dont spam! A humble perspective: Sizing myself up next to this beauty of rock formation. Even if you dont plan to don a wet suit, watching the surfers from Jakes Point is a must on any Kalbarri itinerary. This company offers full and half day paddling adventures along the Murchison River. Oct. Set between the lovely cities of Carnarvon and Geraldton in Western Australia, the coastal town of Kalbarri is, without a doubt, best known for the stunning national park set right on its doorstep. The thinly bedded, red and white banded rocks you will see through most of the river gorge was deposited millions of years ago on tidal flats. The Kalbarri Abseiling tour will give you the opportunity to view Z-Bend Gorge from a different perspective. ? Natures Window is a naturally formed rock arch that gives a window-like effect as you look down at the Murchison River Gorge. We took our children on a boat along the river, very safe and a nice easy way to see the river banks. It has a mean annual flow of 208gigalitres, although in 2006, the peak year on record since 1967, flow was 1,806gigalitres.[3][2][5]. This is largely because it is broken up into two sections. Take a look through my collection of photos below to get a visual idea of what Kalbarri National Park is like.