Kalbarri travel guide

Kalbarri

The most picturesque coastal town in the state, Kalbarri sits at the mouth of the Murchison River where it winds through shoals of sand to the ocean. At the entrance a triangular rock rises above the surf and marks the difficult zigzag passage through the reef to the ocean. The reef protects the calm waters of the inlet, forming a safe harbour for the crayfishing fleet moored here and a tranquil place for swimming, sailing and fishing. A long grassy foreshore lines the riverbank and the town is laid out along the foreshore, facing the sparkling blue water of river and ocean.

Kalbarri Wildflower Centre (T/F9937) 1229, 1 km north of town, behind the tourist info bay, Jun-Nov, 0900-1700, $3.50, children free, tours daily at 1000, has a large number of the local wildflowers in a small area bordering the national park. A 2-km trail takes in hundreds of species, bursting into flower from July to October.

Opposite Rainbow Jungle is a parking bay for an ocean beach. Once on the sand it is about 4 km north to Chinamans Rock and beach at the mouth of the Murchison River, and 800 m south to Jakes, Kalbarri’s well-known surf break. This is not recommended for beginners, though the bay just before it is great for boogie-boarding, as is Red Bluff beach 1 km further south.