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    Kalbarri NP

    Australia

    Kalbarri NP

    National Park

    Kalbarri National Park, about six hours north of Perth, combines two landscapes: red sandstone gorges along the Murchison River inland and high cliffs on the Indian Ocean. The town of Kalbarri at the river mouth is the starting point.

    by Felix Gillen

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    7. Kalbarri NP
    Kalbarri National Park, about six hours north of Perth, combines two landscapes: red sandstone gorges along the Murchison River inland and high cliffs on the Indian Ocean. The town of Kalbarri at the river mouth is the starting point.

    Sights

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Nature's Window

    1Nature's Window

    Nature's Window is a wind-carved rock arch of layered sandstone, through which you look out onto a loop of the Murchison River. It's about 500 meters from the car park. The Loop Walk continues from here around the river loop, in summer only in the early morning, after which it is closed due to heat.
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    Kalbarri Skywalk

    2Kalbarri Skywalk

    The Kalbarri Skywalk consists of two steel platforms that jut out over the edge of the gorge, approximately 100 meters above the river. Accessible, with a kiosk and information panels about the Nanda culture.
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    Z Bend Lookout & River Trail

    3Z Bend Lookout & River Trail

    At the Z Bend, the Murchison River winds in tight curves through the gorge. A short path leads to the viewpoint, while the steep River Trail descends via rock steps and ladders to the river. Only with sure footing and enough water.
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    Island Rock & Natural Bridge

    4Island Rock & Natural Bridge

    South of town, on the coast, are Island Rock, a freestanding rock pillar, and the Natural Bridge, a wave-sculpted arch. Both are just minutes from the car park. From June to November, you often see humpback whales.
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    Restaurants & Cafés

    1

    Finlay's Fresh Fish BBQ

    Casual open-air spot in Kalbarri, serving grilled fish and seafood, perfect after a day at the National Park.
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    Dining and Drinks

    In the park itself, there's only a kiosk at the Skywalk. In Kalbarri town, you'll find cafés, a supermarket, a pub, and several restaurants serving local fish.

    Western Rock Lobster

    The spiny lobster is the region's most important catch; in season, it features on many menus.

    The History

    The land belongs to the Nanda. In 1629, the crew of the sunken Batavia marooned two mutineers on the coast near the river mouth; they are considered the first European inhabitants of Australia. Their fate is unknown.The explorer George Grey named the river in 1839 after the British geologist Roderick Murchison. The town of Kalbarri only emerged in the 1950s as a fishing village; the national park was founded in 1963.

    Exploring the National Park

    A car is essential. It's around 570 kilometers from Perth, and a good two hours from Geraldton. The roads to the gorges and coast are paved. You'll need a National Park Pass for the park, which is valid for all parks in Western Australia.In the gorges, take at least three liters of water per person; there are no supplies.

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    Nearby

    Shark Bay

    Shark Bay on the West Coast has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991: a vast, shallow bay with seagrass meadows, dugongs, the dolphins of Monkey Mia, stromatolites, and a shell beach. A good eight hours' drive north of Perth.
    Perth

    Perth

    Perth, one of the world's most remote major cities: sunny, relaxed, long Indian Ocean beaches, vast Kings Park, and port city Fremantle nearby.

    Coral Bay

    Coral Bay is a tiny place on the southern Ningaloo Reef, around 1,100 km north of Perth. The reef starts directly at the beach, and from here, boats go to manta rays and whale sharks.

    Exmouth

    Exmouth, at the tip of the North West Cape, is the gateway to the Ningaloo Reef and the Cape Range National Park. Here, you can snorkel from the beach over corals and swim with whale sharks in autumn.
    Dunsborough

    Dunsborough

    Dunsborough lies on the tranquil Geographe Bay in the northern Margaret River Region, approx. 250 km south of Perth. Sheltered beaches with shallow waters make it popular with families.To the northwest, Meelup Regional Park stretches to Cape Naturaliste with its lighthouse. Many cafés and restaurants line Dunn Bay Road in town.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash, Pexels. Each photo carries its credit.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI