Frequently Asked Questions
1)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.
2)How far is it to Natures Window?
37Kms, (A comfortable 25 min drive) from the Kalbarri town centre.
3)Do you need a park pass to get into the National Park?
Yes, for the Inland River Gorges at Ross Graham, Hawks Head, Natures Window, Loop and Z-bend Gorge a 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 travelling in the area.
Day passes can also be purchased at the Park entry where payment can be made with cash or card.
The coastal sites are all free entry.
4)What time does the National Park open/close
The park is open from sunrise until sunset.
5) 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 campervans.
However, 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 these can be unhooked just beyond the entry station.
You can tow vans etc into the Hawkes Head and Ross Graham look outs and roads.
You can take your caravans etc 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.
6) 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).
7)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
8)Can you camp in the National Park?
No, unfortunately camping is Not permitted in the park, camping options are listed here:
https://www.kalbarri.org.au/accommodation/camping-options
9)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 most days.
10)Where can you snorkel in Kalbarri?
Blue Holes Beach is perfect for snorkelling, great for families and a lovely beach. Red Bluff is also popular for the experienced snorkler only!
11) 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 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.
12)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.
13)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, Rainbow Jungle and Maze, 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.
We have listed a few activities for you here:
https://www.kalbarri.org.au/explore/things-to-do
https://www.kalbarri.org.au/tours
14) Can you take your own kayaks down the Gorges?
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.
15)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.
16) 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 and generally when the point is working so is the bay.
17)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
18)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
19)What are the tide times in Kalbarri?
Tide times are printed and displayed in the Kalbarri Visitor Centre, pop in and say Hi.
20)What is the weather forecast for the next few days
Our LED signage on the out side of the Visitor Centre gives the current daily temperature. We also have a weekly print out inside the Visitor Centre, or follow this link from our website.
https://www.kalbarri.org.au/plan/climate
21)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
22)Are there public showers?
We have outdoor cold showers located on the Foreshore at Chinaman's Beach.
23) Where are the ATMS
Kalbarri Motor Hotel, Kalbarri IGA, Kalbarri Newsagency (NAB), Kalbarri Marina Centre (Westpac).
24) Is there a supermarket in Kalbarri?
Yes, we have the IGA located on the foreshore on the corner of Grey St and Auger St.
25) 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, the season (time of 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.
26) How far is it to Shark Bay?
375km, approx 4 hours one way.
27) When is the Visitor Centre open?
Currently CLOSED until further notice.
Our location is here: