Kalbarri Township:

Kalbarri Town is located at the mouth of the Murchison River, with the back drop of the Indian Ocean and the Zuytdorp cliffs Famous for many a shipwreck. Kalbarri town was Gazetted in the early 50`s population is around 2000 many in the crayfishing & Tourist Industry. Tha name Kalbarri comes from the aboriginal word for "edible seed" and also they say from one of the local aboriginal tribesman. The Murchison River is named after Sir Frederick Murchison by Lt George Gray who was shipwreck along the coast. The most famous piece of history for this part of the coast is the Batavia Mutiny and Massacre off the coast, at the "Abrolhos islands" Portugese for 'keep your eyes open"

This is where over 300 people were shipwrecked on the vessel "Batavia" and the mutiny and massacre took part. Two of the sailors Wouter loos and Jan Pelgromm were marooned by Capt Pelseart for there part in the mutiny & massacre at Wittecarra Creek near Red Bluff in the Kalbarri area.This is believed to be the first permanent landing of white men in Australia.

Kalbarri Wildflower wonderland

Kalbarri is also famous for its wildflowers, most of which bloom from late July through spring and into early summer. The species-rich heathlands provide a spectacular floral display. There are vivid gold and orange banksias, grevilleas in white, yellow and red, green and red kangaroo paws, featherflowers in many coloured shades, smokebushes, starflowers and many more.

Twenty-one plant species are found only here, mainly in the coastal cliff tops and gorge country. One of the best known is the Kalbarri catspaw, a small yellow or red plant that is usually seen on recently burnt country from August to September. It is confined to the Kalbarri area. There are also several orchids that can only be seen in and near the park, including the Kalbarri spider orchid and the Murchison hammer orchid.

Kalbarri Animals

Kalbarri is also a rich environment for birds and other animals. Most of the native mammals are nocturnal, but western grey kangaroos and emus can be seen during the day. Emus are Australia's largest native bird and the second largest flightless bird in the world. The father does all the parenting and can be seen with his brood of chicks until they are 18 months of age. Ospreys soar from the sea cliffs and wedge-tailed eagles patrol the gorges. The rare tammar wallaby was once found in the area, but has not been located near Kalbarri for many years. The bizarre and ferocious-looking thorny devil, which is only about nine centimetres long and eats ants, also thrives in the park.

Fauna Reconstruction Site

As part of the department's Western Shield program, Kalbarri has been identified as a "fauna reconstruction site", providing for the recovery of existing fauna and the reintroduction of species no longer found in the Park.

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What to see and do:

1         Coastal Cliffs:

2         RED BLUFF - The coastal cliffs to the north extend over 200 km to Shark Bay and are notoriously rugged.

3         MUSHROOM ROCK - See how the natural forces of wind, water and even worms have created weird yet delicate shapes.

4         RAINBOW VALLEY - Sands and silts containing an assortment of minerals have layered, compacted and weathered to form this spectrum in stone. Rainbows may be seen in the sea mist.

5         POT ALLEY - The view south from the carpark truly captures the splendour and beauty of this coast.

6         EAGLE GORGE - Enjoy the panorama from the crest or wander down into the tranquil depths of the gorge where you will discover a delightful beach.

7         SHELLHOUSE AND GRANDSTAND - Continual pounding by the Indian Ocean claims massive chunks of this soft limestone coast, leaving remnant cliff formations.

8         ISLAND ROCK - The resilient Island Rock was once part of the shoreline, but now stands as a solitary 'sea stack'.

9         NATURAL BRIDGE - As the coastline slowly yields to the force of the ocean, the fracturing and decaying of the cliffs sculpt some rather precarious rock formations.

10     River Gorges:

11     THE LOOP - Several lookouts are positioned around the Loop to give different perspectives on the switchback course of the Murchison River. Nature's Window is a natural rock arch which superbly frames the upstream view.

12     Z BEND - It is a moderately easy 500 m walk to the rock lookout which overhangs the Murchison. Visitors should take extreme care in this gorge risk area.

13     HAWKS HEAD - Enjoy the majestic gorge view from the picnic area.

14     ROSS GRAHAM LOOKOUT - This gorge is relatively shallow and it is an easy wander down to the river pools.

15     Walktrails and Hikes:
Signs mark short walks from the carparks to the best view points. Longer hikes are more difficult and include the following:

16     MUSHROOM ROCK NATURE TRAIL - This is a leisurely 2 hour return walk. Information is available along the track to explain the botanical and geological features.

17     COASTAL TRAIL - Allow 3 to 5 hours to make this one-way 8 km hike. Arrange to be dropped off at Eagle Gorge and picked up at Natural Bridge. Enjoy the magnificent seascapes from the heights of the cliffs.

18     AROUND THE LOOP - This 6 hour walk begins and ends at Nature's Window at the Loop. This trail is not marked but the easiest route is as follows. From Nature's Window, walk east along the cliff top to the first river bend, then down along the ledges and flood plain at water level to return to Nature's Window, keeping the river to your right at all times.

Please Note - Due to the hazardous terrain, groups undertaking long hikes should consist of at least 5 experienced people. This is the smallest group considered self-sufficient in an emergency. Overnight groups must notify a park ranger before and after completing the hike. All rubbish must be carried out of the gorge.

19     Rafting and Canoeing Kalbarri:
Soon after heavy rains, the Murchison River becomes deep enough to navigate. Only the experienced and well equipped should attempt this hazardous journey and park rangers should be contacted for advice about making this trip.

20     Fishing Kalbarri:

Kalbarri boasts some of the best easy accessible all year round fishing spots wheather it be from the shore or Boat. The river mouth is great for Bream, Whiting, Cod, Mulloway and Tailor. Red bluff Beach is excellent for surf fishing with the chance of catching Mackeral,Tailor,Mullaway or cod. And theres some excellent reef fishing with the coastal cliffs.

21     Watching Whale Kalbarri 

Whale Watching and Dolphin spotting as become a past time in Spring with the Humpbacks Migrating along the coast. You can see them from the coast or go on a charter boat.