Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Sky walk? What time is it open? Do I need to book tickets? How much does it cost?
The Kalbarri Skywalk is located 37kms from the township of Kalbarri, on a sealed bitumen road, this is about a half an hours drive.
It is located in the Kalbarri National Park, to enter the area you will need to purchase a national park DAY PASS, $15 per vehicle per day, concession $8 per vehicle per day. These can be purchased from the Kalbarri Visitor Centre, WA Parks & Wildlife head quarters or at the entry fee station when you enter the inland river gorge national park (Natures Window, Kalbarri Skywalk & Z Bend).
The Skywalk does not open and close as such, it is accessible 24/7 but it is recommend to visit the area during daylight hours.
This area is accessible to all abilities (wheelchair friendly) and the attraction is located just 150m from the car park.
Credit: @suvarnaarora
Where is Natures Window?
Natures Window is located in the Kalbarri National Park, all roads are now sealed, you can collect a map at the Kalbarri Visitor Centre.
How far is it to Natures Window?
37.5kms (35 min drive) from the Kalbarri town centre.
Google maps directions can be found by clicking here.
Do you need a park pass to get into the National Park?
Yes, for the Inland River Gorges at Ross Graham and Hawks Head. The same pass can be used for Natures Window, The Skywalk, Loop trail and Z-bend Gorge. A National park pass is required.
Passes can be purchased from the Visitor Centre at $15 per vehicle per day or $8 for Concession per day.
We also retail a 5 day pass for $25, that can be used for other parks in WA if you are traveling in the area.
Day passes can also be purchased at the Park entry, where payment can be made with cash or card. A ticket machine is located at the main entrance to the park that is available 24hours a day.
The coastal sites are all free entry.
What are the opening hours of the National Park?
The park is open from sunrise until sunset.
Does the Kalbarri National Park have closures?
The Kalbarri National Park Inland River Gorge area is closed for one week every year in the first half of February. This is the annual goat control program, for confirmed dates please contact the Kalbarri Parks & Wildlife office on 08 9937 1140.
Are the roads all sealed in Kalbarri?
Yes, the roads into Kalbarri from the north and south are sealed. All roads in the Kalbarri National Park are sealed and suitable for all vehicle types including camper vans. You are not permitted to tow, boats trailers etc into the ZBend, Loop and Natures Window River Gorge roads and surrounding areas.
There is an area where you can unhitch just beyond the entry station, although there are very limited spaces. We recommend unhitching in town to avoid disappointment. There are many long-vehicle car parks in town where you can leave any trailers, boats or caravans.
You can tow into the Hawkes Head and Ross Graham look outs and roads.
You can tow into the Coastal Gorge National Park area with large turn around options with the exception of Pot Alley lookout which is not suitable for vehicles towing or buses as it is a very steep winding road.
What is the best time to go into the Gorges?
In the summer months, we recommend sunrise or as early as possible. Temperatures can reach at least 10 degrees hotter in the park, than the Kalbarri town forecast.
You must also carry your own water (at least 3 to 4 litres per person if attempting a longer walk such as the Loop). Refillable water from your car is necessary if you are doing more than one walk or look-out. There is no fresh water available in the park.
Is there any free camping in Kalbarri?
No Free Camping is permitted within Kalbarri, you can find all our camping options here on our site:
https://www.kalbarri.org.au/accommodation/camping-options
Can you camp in the National Park?
No camping is Not permitted in the park, camping options are listed here:
https://www.kalbarri.org.au/accommodation/camping-options
What’s the best time to go to the beach?
Mornings are best during summer months, to avoid the southerly winds which usually come in late morning. Winter months, the beaches are beautiful at all times. Weather can change, it is always recommended to check the forecast.
Where can you snorkel in Kalbarri?
Blue Holes Beach is perfect for snorkeling, great for families and a lovely beach. Red Bluff is also popular for the experienced snorkeler only, when the water conditions are calm and safe!
Where is the safest place to swim?
Blue Holes Beach is protected by a large reef, keeping the waters calmer, and safer to swim and snorkel. Chinaman's beach and the stretch of beach along the foreshore is also very safe as the river mouth blocks ocean swells and currents from entering the town beaches.
Is it safe to swim in the river?
Yes, the river is quite safe to swim in. Chinaman’s Beach is popular, where there is safe shallow water for younger children to paddle. Chinaman's also gives a little bit of protection on those windy days.
Just in front of the pelican feeding area is also popular with young families.
What can we do with children in Kalbarri?
There are many activities for families in Kalbarri including Pelican Feeding which is run by volunteers daily at 8.45am, Mini Golf, Pony Rides, Snorkelling and swimming at Blue Holes. We have a great skate park and a couple of awesome playgrounds. Paddle boats and dinghy hire is also available on the foreshore.
We have listed a few activities for you here:
https://www.kalbarri.org.au/explore/things-to-do
https://www.kalbarri.org.au/tours
Can you take your own kayaks down the Gorges?
No it is not recommended, the gorge track is long and winding. It is very difficult to carry a kayak into this area. We advise to paddle up the Murchison from Kalbarri township or take a canoe tour. Options can be discussed at the Kalbarri Visitor Centre.
How far up the river can you paddle in a kayak?
The furthest would be approximately 16kms, but you may come across some rocks and sand bars that you will need to pull your craft over.
Is there a Surf School?
No, Kalbarri has a reef break at Jakes Point and also Siphons which are surf breaks only suitable for very experienced surfers. The sheltered bay at Jakes is where the local kids learn to surf, be aware of rips in the area and always supervise children.
What tours are running this week in Kalbarri?
Speak with our friendly and helpful staff at the Visitor Centre, we also have a list for you here:
https://www.kalbarri.org.au/tours
Where can you fish in Kalbarri and what do you catch?
Fishing is prohibited at Blue Holes and Chinamans Beach but you can cast a line anywhere else.
The jetties on the foreshore are popular spots for cod, bream and mulloway. Whiting can be caught from the sand spit in front of the Sea Search & Rescue building whilst
Red Bluff Beach and Wittecarra offer tailor and mulloway.
Deep sea fishing is also very popular for boat owners and catches include Pink Snapper, Baldchin Groper, Coral Trout, Red Emperor.
Mud Crabs and Blue Swimmer crabs can be caught along the river so bring your crab pots.
Crayfish can also be caught but you must have a licence to catch these tasty crustaceans.
The Visitor Centre sells a local Fishing Guide for $5 written by a local fisherman, a must have for the keen angler.
The Kalbarri Sports and Dive Shop also keep you updated with what's being caught and where on their blackboard updates daily.
https://www.kalbarri.org.au/kalbarri-sport-and-dive
What are the tide times in Kalbarri?
Tide times are printed and displayed in the Kalbarri Visitor Centre.
You can also check them online or using your preferred weather or tide app.
What is the weather forecast for the next few days
We have a weekly print out inside the Visitor Centre, or follow this link from our website.
https://www.kalbarri.org.au/plan/climate
Who has the best coffee in Kalbarri and the best Restaurant?
All our Restaurants and Cafes offer great coffee and a dining experience for everyone. They often have daily specials with local seafood. Pick up a dining guide from the Kalbarri Visitor Centre.
https://www.kalbarri.org.au/dine
Are there public showers?
Public showers are located at the toilet block at Sally's Tree carpark on the river foreshore and at Chinaman's Beach toilet block.
Where are the ATMS
Kalbarri Motor Hotel, Kalbarri IGA, Kalbarri Newsagency (NAB).
Is there a supermarket in Kalbarri?
Yes, we have the IGA located on the foreshore on the corner of Grey St and Auger St.
Why is the Pink Lake pink?
Hutt Lagoon boasts a pink hue created by the presence of carotenoid-producing algae Dunaliella salina, a source of ß-carotene, a food-colouring agent and source of vitamin A. Depending on the time of day, of the season (time year) and the amount of cloud cover, the lake changes through the colour spectrum from red to bubble-gum pink to a lilac purple. The best time of day to visit is between mid-morning and mid-afternoon.
It is not guaranteed to always be pink as this is a naturally occurring phenomenon.
How far is it to Shark Bay?
375km, approx 4 hours one way.
When is the Visitor Centre open?
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 2pm
Sunday 9am - 1pm
*Public holiday opening hours are subject to change.
Our location is here: