Kalbarri Coastal Cliffs

With panoramic views of Kalbarri’s dramatic coastal cliffs, Sunset Stays offers a front-row seat to one of Western Australia’s most awe-inspiring natural landscapes. We highly recommend exploring each lookout along the coastline to fully appreciate its raw beauty.

Wander along scenic walking trails where towering sandstone cliffs drop over 100 metres into the Indian Ocean below. This stretch of rugged coastline showcases ancient rock formations, eroded cliff faces, and sweeping ocean vistas—perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Safety Reminder: Please stay on designated paths and lookout points at all times. Avoid standing near cliff edges or unstable overhangs, and be cautious of slippery rocks and powerful wave surges. 

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Natural Bridge
Class 1, 200m return

This lookout is a short walk from the carpark, where visitors can enjoy stunning coastal views. Be on the lookout for marine life, including whales and dolphins.

The Bigurda Boardwalk
Class 1, 1.2Km return

This raised boardwalk connects Island Rock to Natural Bridge, accessible from either carpark. A shaded shelter along the way provides a stunning place to sit, relax and enjoy the views over the horizon. The adventurous can continue on to the Bigurda Trail.

Island Rock
The resilient Island Rock was once part of the shoreline, now standing as a solitary ‘sea stack’ against the forces of the ocean. Viewing platforms are a short distance from the carpark, providing spectacular views of this geological oddity.

Shellhouse Grandstand
This site gave the impression of a shell shaped house on the side of the cliff to fisherman at sea. The terraced rock face is best viewed at sunset with glowing light on the sandstone cliff.

Bigurda Trail
Class 3, 8km one-way (16km return)

Bigurda is Nanda for a small kangaroo also known as the euro.
Connecting Eagle Gorge to Natural Bridge this sandy trail provides stunning coastal views with great photo opportunities. This unique walk offers a vast array of wildflower species from winter through to the end of spring. Dolphin pods are a common sight, as well as Humpback Whales. Some parts have uneven surfaces with loose stones, hugs the coastline and is close to the clifftop – watch your step.

Eagle Gorge
As you take in views from the Eagle Gorge lookout, watch for seasonal whales and seabirds while listening to the pound of the waves below. For anyone seeking a little extra, take the stepped rocky path to discover a secluded beach that’s well worth the effort.

Pot Alley
Pot Alley was named by local cray fishermen after losing many pots to this hazardous cove. The view south from the cliff top truly captures the rugged beauty of this coastline. Take the winding, rocky walk down to the beautiful beach. Great to explore, however swimming is not recommended, the life buoy reveals the danger of this coastline.

Mushroom Rock Nature Trail
Class 3,3 km loop

This loop trail takes you on a contrasting journey of discovery. Informative signage along the path takes you back 400 million years to a time when Australia was known as Gondwanaland and marine life ruled the planet. See a range of rock formations from worm tubes to round boulders and banded colours of sandstone layers. At dawn or dusk witness kangaroos feeding amidst the coastal heath and rocky outcrops, the ocean never being far from sight.

Red Bluff lookout
Class 1, 500m

Red Bluff has an elevation point the highest in the area. With 100m of soaring cliff face, this iconic landmass can be seen from various locations around Kalbarri.

Pederick Lookout
Class 1, 300m

Interpretive signage located along this path, reveals the intriguing history of the area. From Pederick Lookout see sandy beaches below and the striking Zuytdorp Cliffs to the north. Continue further to complete the Red Bluff to Beach Trail.

Red Bluff to Beach Trail (Gaba Gaba Yina)
Class 3, 1.4km return

Hike down from Pederick lookout to Red Bluff beach, see amazing views across the Indian Ocean, impressive rock formations and reward yourself with a swim at the bottom. This track is steep with loose surfaces.

Meanarra Hill Lookout
This should be your first stop in the morning on the way out to the River Gorges. Just a few kilometres out of town this limestone capped peak is visible from several different locations around Kalbarri. At 207m above sea level this is the perfect vantage point for 360° views of Kalbarri and the Murchison River flowing into the Indian Ocean.

Kalbarri National Park
Access to the following sites are 36km from town on the Kalbarri-Ajana Road. These are sealed roads suitable for any vehicles, with a loop-carpark, toilets & shelter.
**Please ensure you have adequate drinking water as there is limited/no water available**

Kalbarri Skywalk (Kaju Yatka)
Offering breathtaking views from the West Loop, you will feel like you are floating on air as you walk on the 25m or 17m cantilevered platforms 100 metres above the million year old formed river gorges. View the stories of the local Aboriginal Nanda people, experience an interactive adventure with sculptured wildlife and be inspired by natural artwork. This is accessible to all abilities.

Natures Window
Class 3, 1km return

Walk down a picturesque trail to one of WA’s most iconic natural attractions. Natures Window perfectly frames the river and is top on the list of photo opportunities.

Loop Hike
Class 4, 8km return

Keen and well prepared walkers can continue walking from Natures Window further into the gorge system and complete the 8 km Loop Trail – a challenging but impressive walk. Along the way you’ll pass vantage points that provide different perspectives on the switchback course of the Murchison River.

Z-Bend Lookout
Class 3, 1.2 km return

Considered by many to offer the most breathtaking view of the park, the gorge plunges 150m down where red river gums create a striking contrast against the earthy Tumblagooda sandstone.

Z-Bend River Trail
Class 4, 2.6km return

Access from the Z-Bend lookout path, this demanding hike provides river access. Expect loose rocks, steep descents and ladder climbs with spectacular scenery along this trail.

Four Ways Trail (Idinggada Yina)
Class 4, 6km return

Starting at the Z-Bend car park, this strenuous hike descends to the river with the return leg more challenging. For those interested in geology and landforms this stunning hike is a must.

Hawks Head
Class 1, 200m return

Hawk’s Head is aptly named after the shape of the rock structure seen from the lookout. Enjoy the gorge views from a picnic area or wander down the sealed path to the lookout above the river.

Ross Graham Lookout and River Trail
Class 3, 600m return

Named after the first school teacher in Kalbarri, Ross Graham was a devoted conservationist who aided in the exploration of the Murchison River. This lookout offers breathtaking views over the gorges. Take a short walk from the lookout down to the river’s edge and relax under the shady canopy.

Murchison River
The Murchison River is the second longest river in WA, at 820 kilometres long and has a catchment area of 82,000km2 (larger than Tasmania!)
The river starts its journey in the range lands near Meekatharra, traveling across dry plains, hills, salt lakes and gorges with many tributaries forming this massive catchment area.

Heavy rainfall from the movement of decaying tropical cyclones can often result in floodwaters reaching Kalbarri up to three weeks later.
In extreme flood events, muddy brown water can be seen emptying into the ocean creating a stark contrast between blue water and brown.

Pelican Feeding
Feeding is at 8:45 am every morning on the Kalbarri foreshore opposite Murchison Caravan Park.
A gold coin donation is appreciated to help cover the cost of fish.
We thank our volunteers who make it an enjoyable experience unique to Kalbarri.
We cannot guarantee pelicans or volunteers will show every day of the year.

Whale Watching
Experience the awe of whale watching in Kalbarri between June and November, with peak sightings from July to October. Watch humpback whales migrate along the dramatic coastline, either from popular vantage points like Red Bluff, Pot Alley and Natural Bridge, or up close on a guided boat tour.

Local operators offer 2 to 2.5-hour tours, many with 100% sighting guarantees. Choose from small group cruises, family-friendly trips, or private charters. Dolphins and other marine life are often spotted too, making it a memorable ocean adventure.

Wildflowers
From July to October, more than 12,000 wildflower species carpet the Mid West region with their vivid and vibrant beauty, 60 per cent of which are found no where else on Earth. Some also are very hard to find so tread lightly and be prepared to walk to find the more rare and smaller species.
The climate does play a role in the abundance and variety that appear in the National Parks every year. If we experience a particularly dry winter there will be less flowers and the rarer species harder to find. One thing we can tell you is that you will be amazed at what you will experience in the Kalbarri National Park areas.
Beginning in late June, the dry sand plains and coastal and river gorges of Kalbarri National Park transform into a vivid display of colour. In the five months that follow, over 1,100 species of WA wildflowers can burst into bloom.

**Note Kalbarri Visitor Centre has some great pamphlet information to link to**

Tours

For more information or to book a tour contact the Kalbarri Visitor Centre on 08 9937 1104 or visit their web page www.kalbarri.org.au 

Chinaman’s Beach
Chinaman’s Beach is an ideal spot to take a swim in the turquoise blue waters where the Murchison River meets the sea. This is a lovely beach area for families and kids, a sheltered beach cove that makes an afternoon swim on a summers day the perfect spot to refresh. Gorgeous views, shade shelters, a toilet block and a barbeque area make this a favourite beach destination, if you are lucky the dolphins may even make an appearance at sunset. Apart from being the local swimming beach, the point at Chinamans Beach is also a great spot to fish, try off the rocks or from the wheelchair accessible platform.
* No fishing on the beach/ No pets allowed.

Murchison River
The Murchison River stretches the entirety of the Kalbarri township, swimming spots start at Chinaman’s Beach and continue northwards for 1.5kms. The salt water from the ocean moves into the river mouth daily with tidal movement making this estuary ideal for swimming in certain areas. Boating, fishing, swimming, paddling many water adventures to be had on the Murchison River.

Kids nature playground, BBQs, shade shelters, toilets and jetties are a few of the facilities you will find along this river foreshore. Fishing is allowed in permitted areas/ pets in permitted areas, there is a dog exercise area at the northern end of the river foreshore.

Blue Holes
A visit to Blue Holes beach is a must do for every visitor to Kalbarri. Not only is Blue Holes a sheltered swimming beach, it is also a Fish Habitat Protection Area which makes it an interactive ocean adventure in and under the water, THE place to get in the water with your goggles and snorkel. The limestone reef system is home to more than 70 species of finfish, 11 species of coral, crustaceans, western rock lobsters and much more. Morning visits are recommended at this popular swimming spot. There is a shade shelter and a toilet block at this beach. Location is just a five minute drive from the heart of Kalbarri or a short walk/bike ride on the Melaleuca Walk Trail 2km.
* No fishing/ No pets allowed.

Back Beach
A 10 minute walk from town and the start of our reef coastline, Back Beach is a great place to explore shallow rock pools or to take in a sunset. Trails from this area lead to Chinaman’s Point and the Zuytdorp memorial lookout.

Siphon Beach
Marking the southernmost boundary of the Fish Habitat Protection Area, Siphon Beach is an ideal stretch of shoreline to take in an early morning stroll. It is a relatively quiet spot with a beautiful reef break. Dog friendly.

Jakes Point – National Surfing Reserve
One of the state’s most famous and remote surfing breaks, Jakes Point is on most surfers bucket list. The elevation at Jakes Point creates a natural grandstand for spectators to watch surfers and dolphins riding this world class wave. This iconic lefthander is a National Surfing Reserve, stand only metres from the powerful waves and be in awe of Mother Nature, she does put on a spectacular visual display here, waves as big as 10ft create an energy and buzz when the swell is pumping. Take a walk from Jakes Point to Red Bluff and enjoy the striking views between these two iconic locations.

Just down the beach, Jakes Bay provides protected areas from the prevailing summer sea breeze. Jakes Bay offers a safer option for the novice surfer or the perfect training ground for the next generation of talent to learn how to surf. A couple of shallow rock pools for the little ones away from the moving water make this a child friendly beach area.
Both areas are dog friendly, there are shade shelters and a toilet block.

Wittecarra Beach
This stretch of beach from Wittecarra Beach south to Red Bluff is a popular choice for beach fishing, it is the only beach destination within the township of Kalbarri with 4WD access to the water. Situated between Jakes Point and Red Bluff, this is a scenic location with many natural wonders, watch the powerful waves crash into the sandy banks, view pods of dolphins passing close by offshore and spot whales migrating north/south between late May to mid October. Maybe even see a sleepy seal taking a nap on the beach. This is a dog friendly area.

Red Bluff Beach
Red Bluff Beach is at the start of the coastal national park, this is a sheltered cove surrounded by million year old Tumblagooda sandstone rock escarpments that majestically contrast the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Offering breathtaking views with the stunning Red Bluff as a back drop spend time exploring in and out of the water in this area. A swimming spot when the waters are calm, a place to spend some time fishing or walk the marked beach trail (1.4km) along the rugged coastal landscape. Grab your camera for a visit to Red Bluff Beach, it is a photographers paradise. This beach has a shade shelter and toilet facilities.
* No pets allowed.

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