Adventuring through Kalbarri

The Journey

One could argue that driving 7 hours from Perth to Kalbarri two days after relocating from Albany to Perth with two weeks to spare preparing for a 5 week adventure to South Africa may not be the greatest idea. It certainly did put me under a time pump when I had a trip to the other side of the world to pack and prepare for. Whilst also unpacking and moving from my 18 months living on the beautiful coast of Albany. However, the time pressure was so worth it!

Lucky for me driving was shared with one of my great friends who was adventuring with me. We headed up the coast early morning making our way through peak hour work traffic. Our first stop Jurien Bay, just 2 hours north of Perth. We didn’t stay long just dropped in for fuel and a of course road trip snacks. However, if you have never been to Jurien, I do highly recommend stopping over for a night and doing a sea lion tour.

Another two hours into the journey we stopped at Geraldton to stock up on food for the week as being budget travellers Geraldton is a much bigger city therefore the supermarket food is far cheaper.

The final leg of the drive was stunning! There had been an unusually large amount of rain so whilst there was a little bit of flooding on the roads the landscape was a lush green. Just before entering into Kalbari we stopped at Hutt Lagoon, an iconic site covering 70 square kilometres. The pink Lake is fed by marine waters through springs and gets its pink hue from caotenoid-producing algae, Dunaliella salina, which is which is a source of beta-carotene; a food-colouring agent; and a source of Vitamin A.

Kalbarri has an incredible array of activities on offer. With this being my first time in Kalbarri we ventured to the classic places.

Coastal Cliffs

One of the first stops in Kalbarri was its coastal cliffs, a testament to the raw power and beauty of nature. Stretching from Red Bluff to the coastal gorges, these ancient formations provide some of the most spectacular ocean views you’ll ever see. We made our way driving along the cliffs taking in the breathtaking scenery. Due to being July it was the timing of the annual Whale migration where the humpback whales make their way up from Antartica to the South Coast of Australia and up to Exmouth to have their babies. We were absolutely spoiled with sunsets and whales breaching and splashing amongst the horizon, getting close enough to the cliffs where we could even hear their calls!

Kalbarri National Park

Our next destination was Kalbarri National Park which spreads over 183,000 hectares, the park is renowned for its dramatic gorges, towering cliffs, and stunning vistas. The Murchison River, carving its way through the park, creates a series of spectacular gorges that are a sight to behold.

We began our exploration early morning to watch the sunrise at Nature’s Window, a natural rock arch that perfectly frames the rugged landscape beyond. The view was nothing short of breathtaking, with the red and orange hues of the cliffs contrasting beautifully against the clear blue sky.

For those seeking a bit more adventure, the Loop Walk offers a challenging 9.2km trek with equally rewarding views. The trail took us around 4 hours however, we had many stops to take photos and have a few snacks. The trail was absolutely magnificent and once again due to all the rain the gorge had many running waterfalls into it.

Surfers at Jake’s Point

The last stop was Jake’s point – due to poor ocean conditions the plan for snorkel at blue holes did not happen so instead we went out to Jakes point and I was able to set my camera up to get some fun shots of all the incredible surfers.

Final Thoughts: A Journey to Remember

My visit to Kalbarri, Western Australia, was an experience I will cherish forever. Kalbarri’s laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals made me feel right at home. From the awe-inspiring landscapes and rich marine life to the warm hospitality of the local community, every moment was a testament to the beauty and wonder of this incredible destination.

Whether you’re an avid adventurer, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Kalbarri has something to offer. I left with a heart full of memories and a camera full of stunning photographs, eager to return to this remarkable part of the world.