Elisha
A Perth to Kalbarri road trip is a classic Western Australia adventure. It’s the perfect way to escape the city and take in some of the state’s most breathtaking landscapes. From sand dunes and stunning turquoise bays to rugged sea cliffs and carved out gorges, it’s a truly incredible road trip from the coast to the outback.
Driving up to Kalbarri was the first thing I did when I arrived in Perth after crossing the Nullarbor. It completely surprised me with such beautiful nature and interesting scenery almost the entire way along Indian Ocean Drive.
If you’ve just got a short time for a coastal road trip in Western Australia during winter, then I highly recommend heading up to Kalbarri. While you could do this road trip in 4 days or less, allow yourself around 5 days to really appreciate the best places to see along the way. This guide breaks down how to spend 5 days driving from Perth to Kalbarri and back.
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Quick Overview of a Perth to Kalbarri Road Trip
- Perth to Jurien Bay: 218km
- Jurien Bay to Geraldton: 227km
- Geraldton to Kalbarri: 160km
- Kalbarri to Kalbarri National Park: 37km
- Kalbarri to Perth: 575km
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Best Time to Visit Kalbarri
The best time to explore Kalbarri is the cooler months from April until October. This is because Kalbarri gets extremely hot and windy in the summer, and it makes exploring the national park very uncomfortable. In fact, the hiking trails within Kalbarri National Park are closed after 7am for safety reasons during the warmer months.
In saying that, the coastal towns north of Perth on the way up, like Jurien Bay, can be visited all year round and are actually busier in the summer. But once you reach Kalbarri, it flips around and the winter months are actually the most popular time.
Keep in mind that the peak winter season, June to August, is the busiest time in Kalbarri, particularly the July school holidays. However, I visited at the beginning of the July holidays and I didn’t feel like it was too bad. But, I definitely recommend exploring early (from sunrise onwards) to avoid the crowds in the national park.
Kalbarri is also one of the best whale watching locations on the west coast. You can see the migrating humpback whales only during the cooler months from May until September. I saw lots of whales off the coast of Kalbarri in July!
Where to Stay Along the Way
There’s plenty of small towns between Perth and Kalbarri, so you have several choices of accommodation depending on your comfort level. From caravan parks to B&Bs and motels, you can find options for everyone.
There’s no camping in Kalbarri National Park; you’ll have to stay outside the park in town. But there are options for free camping if you’re on a budget. I’ll recommend specific accommodation and camping options below with my suggested itinerary.
Road Trip Essentials
- Reusable coffee cup
- Reef safe sunscreen
- First aid kit
- Refillable water bottle
- Walking shoes
- Day pack
- Healthy snacks
5 Day Perth to Kalbarri Road Trip Itinerary
If you have 5 days to explore north of Perth, this is my suggested Perth to Kalbarri road trip itinerary with recommended stops along the way at Lancelin Sand Dunes, The Pinnacles, Jurien Bay, Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake and more.
Day 1: Perth to Jurien Bay
- Distance: 218km
- Driving time: 2.5 hours
While the drive from Perth to Jurien Bay is just over 200km, there are a few beautiful things worth seeing on the way, including Yanchep, Lancelin, and The Pinnacles Desert. Here’s how I suggest planning your drive:
Stop 1: Yanchep
First stop I suggest is in Yanchep, just 45 minutes north of Perth city centre. Yanchep Lagoon is one of the most beautiful beaches close to Perth. The incredible crystal clear water is perfect for swimming and snorkelling, plus north of the lagoon you can find small waves for surfing as well. If it’s a warm day, jump in for a swim or go for a stroll along the footpath that hugs the coastline.
Stop 2: Lancelin Sand Dunes
Just an hour north of Yanchep, stop in at the small town of Lancelin. On the outskirts of town, you’ll find towering piles of white sand that seem quite out of place. These are actually the biggest sand dunes in Western Australia and they have become a popular spot for sand boarding and 4×4 driving.
At the entrance to the sand dunes, you’ll find a place to hire a sand board or buggy or four wheel dirt bike to cruise through the dunes. You can also drive into the dunes if you have a 4×4. Or, simply park your car in the public carpark and explore on foot for those in a 2WD.
Book This: Sandboard and Quad Bike Adventure in Lancelin
Stop 3: The Pinnacles Desert
Keep on driving 45 minutes up the Indian Ocean Drive and you’ll come to the turnoff for The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park. This otherworldly landscape is a very popular place to visit from Perth, and is especially beautiful in the late afternoon and around sunset time.
This incredible mini desert area just inland from the coast features thousands of limestone pillars rising out of the orange sand. Some reach up to 4m in height, but many are also much shorter than the average person. It’s an insane landscape to see and made even more beautiful with the long shadows and golden light of sunset.
There’s a short scenic tourist drive of 4.5km that loops through the park. It’s on hard packed sand, so it’s fine for 2WD under 7m long. You can stop at the several pullover spots and explore on foot, but don’t touch or climb the limestone pillars to help preserve them for the future. There’s also a loop walk that is about 1.6km if you prefer to explore on foot.
Most people simply do the drive, but I did both the drive and the walk and think it’s worth doing both if you have the time. There’s a park entry station manned with a ranger who will explain everything, check your pass and give you a map.
You’ll need a WA Parks Pass for all national parks in Western Australia. Get yours here!
Final Stop: Jurien Bay
Just half an hour further up the coast, I recommend heading to Jurien Bay to spend the night. This is a cute little coastal town with more accommodation and dining options than other towns between Perth and Geraldton.
Jurien Bay is known for its white sand beaches, sea lions swimming in the clear water, wildflowers during spring, and superb fishing in the bay. There’s also a 14km walking and cycling path known as the Turquoise Way Trail, which follows the coast and is a great way to explore the beaches. Or, hop on a Sea Lion Tour where you can swim with these fun creatures in the wild.
Where to stay: Try the Jurien Bay Motel Apartments for affordable and clean rooms just back from the beach or Jurien Bay Tourist Park for cabins and powered camping sites.
Prefer camping? Just north of town there’s Sandy Cape Recreation Reserve which is a basic campground on the beach for around $20 per night. For free camps, try Wandoo Rest Area about 20 minutes inland or Tuarts Reserve Rest Area, inland from Cervantes (no facilities at either spot, best to be self-contained).
Day 2: Jurien Bay to Geraldton
- Distance: 227km
- Driving time: 2.5 hours
If you arrived after sunset at The Pinnacles the day before, then you’ll likely want to explore Jurien Bay a little in the morning. Walk or cycle along the Turquoise Way Trail or book a Sea Lion Tour in town for the morning.
In the afternoon, drive up to Geraldton for the night, with a couple of stops along the way.
Stop 1: Green Head
Just 20 minutes up the road from Jurien Bay, you’ll pass Green Head. This tiny settlement has some beautiful little coves and a nice walking trail along Dynamite Bay to several lookouts. It’s worth stopping to stretch the legs.
Stop 2: Port Denison and Dongara
Just over an hour north of Green Head, you’ll find two towns next to each other: Port Denison and Dongara. You can poke around the shops and cafes on the street or go for a walk on the beaches.
Final Stop: Geraldton
About 45 minutes north of Dongara, you’ll come into Geraldton, the largest town on this stretch of coastline. The seaside city has emerged as a trendy holiday destination, with cafes and brewpubs in the main street and a long coast of beautiful beaches.
Head out to Point Moore Lighthouse at West End and the stunning Grey’s Beach, or visit some of the cultural attractions like the HMAS Sydney II Memorial and the Museum of Geraldton. If you’re looking for good food, Salt Dish is a fantastic cafe, Skeetas Restaurant overlooks the water with seafood and tapas on the menu or The Provincial cafe and wine bar.
Where to stay: Take a look at the studio apartments at Nesuto Geraldton with an outdoor pool, or Belair Gardens Caravan Park for cabins and powered camping sites.
Prefer camping? Self contained vehicles can try and score a spot at the 24 Hour RV Stop at the boat ramp in town or non-self contained vehicles can try the 24 Hour Stop at John Batten Community Hall in Drummond Cove. A great option is also Fig Tree Crossing Rest Area, a free camp (donations appreciated) just 15 minutes inland from town (toilets available).
Day 3: Geraldton to Kalbarri
- Distance: 160km
- Driving time: 2 hours
The drive from Geraldton to Kalbarri is a pretty easy journey, but it’ll take up most of your day with plenty of stops along the way. The first of course is the famous pink lake. Then, as you get closer to Kalbarri, you can explore the coastal section of Kalbarri National Park on your way into town.
Stop 1: Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake
You’ve likely seen Hutt Lagoon on Instagram. This iconic photo stop is just 100km north of Geraldton. You actually drive right past the lake on the way to Kalbarri, which is not something I realised until I got there. It’s a huge pink lake and you drive right around the northern edge of it, but it’s also worth stopping at the official lookout in Gregory to have a closer look.
Once you reach the lake, stick to the left and head for the Pink Lake Lookout just 5 minutes out of your way. From here, you can admire the incredibly bright colour (I think it’s the pinkest of the pink lakes I’ve seen in Australia so far!). The pink is due to the presence of the algae dunaliella salina, and it can alter in brightness depending on the algae levels. However, it’s generally brightest in full sun, so I recommend visiting between 10am and 2pm.
Stop 2: Natural Bridge, Island Rock Lookout, and Castle Cove
As you get closer to Kalbarri, there are several lookouts and short walks to check out as part of the coastal section of Kalbarri National Park. While many people just explore the gorge and inland river part of the park, I highly recommend stopping at all of these spots.
First up, is three lookouts which can be accessed really close together. The stunning sea cliffs are easily viewed from here, and it really blew me away how beautiful the coastline was in Kalbarri. Natural Bridge seems like something you’d see on the Great Ocean Road! It’s a natural rock formation that has been carved out by erosion into a small bridge, with a lookout platform not far from the carpark.
Then, continue to the next lookout on foot at Castle Cove. This has a stunning view of the cliffs. You can either walk on the Bigurda Trail or drive around to Island Rock Lookout, another beautiful vantage point of the cliffs. You might even spot whales and dolphins from here during winter.
Stop 3: Eagle Gorge Lookout
Drive to the next lookout, which offers another incredible view along the coastline that is easily reached from the carpark. You can also head down to the beach from there, which is much quieter than those in town.
I also found Eagle Gorge Lookout to be the best whale watching spot, and ended up staying an hour one morning watching the whales breaching in the bay!
Stop 4: Pot Alley
This tiny little cove has perhaps Kalbarri’s most picturesque beach, surrounded by towering sea cliffs worn over time by erosion, and a small patch of sand in the middle. It’s a bit of a rough track down from the small carpark, but worth it!
It’s also a popular fishing spot and some people like to take camp chairs and sit on the edge of the cliffs near the carpark to watch the sunset from here (which is usually quieter than Red Bluff).
Stop 5: Mushroom Rock Nature Trail
This incredible 2.5km loop walk is a completely underrated thing to do in Kalbarri. I hardly saw anyone on the trail when I did it, so I highly recommend you allow enough time on your Perth to Kalbarri road trip for this 1 hour walk.
The trail first descends down to the water where you can admire some rock pools and unique rock formations from where the spot gets its name, Mushroom Rock. From there, the trail climbs up and over the cliffs known as Rainbow Valley because of the unique colours of the rock layers left exposed by erosion.
The trail eventually heads back up to the carpark in a long loop. It does cover some rocky, uneven ground, so I recommend wearing proper walking shoes.
Stop 6: Red Bluff Lookout
Certainly one of the most popular lookouts in Kalbarri, Red Bluff Lookout offers 360 degree panoramic views just outside of Kalbarri town. You can easily access this spot via a paved path from the carpark that heads gently upwards.
You can see right along the coast in both directions, and also admire the view of Kalbarri township. In winter, many people will be up there with binoculars looking for whales. But the most popular time to be at Red Bluff Lookout is sunset. If you time your visit right as you come into town, watch the sunset from Red Bluff and you’ll be mesmerised by the golden glow against the rocky cliffs.
Stop 7: Jakes Point Surf
If you still have a bit of light after sunset, stop in at Jakes Point just on the edge of town. This is the prime surf spot in Kalbarri and you’ll always see surfers out there in winter. At low tide, you can walk almost right up to where the waves break, providing a great vantage point to watch the experienced surfers do their thing.
There’s more of a beginner break closer to the beach here as well. But only experienced surfers should head out to the point break where the waves can get quite big.
Final Stop: Kalbarri
Finally, you’ve arrived in Kalbarri! There were a lot of stops listed above, but you can relax at your accommodation for the night, before getting ready for an early morning the following day to explore Kalbarri National Park.
Kalbarri town is a quirky mix of outback and coastal hub. Located at the mouth of the Murchison River, it’s one of the most visited places in the Mid West region of Australia. It’s very much a tourist town, with plenty of accommodations and basic services, including fuel station, IGA, mechanical services, and medical facilities.
It’s quite a remote outpost, with very little around except for stunning landscapes and scenery. But for dinner, try Finlay’s Kalbarri, a micro brewery known for its delicious seafood and beer.
Where to stay: For a unique outback stay, try the studio suites at River Retreats Kalbarri just outside of town, or rent Salt The Studio for a bit of luxury in town. For a caravan park, Red Bluff Tourist Park gets rave reviews and is just back from the beach outside of town.
Prefer camping? You can camp at the rest area just 15 minutes south of town (at the Welcome to Kalbarri sign) or you can stay at the free camp on the Murchison River known as Galena Bridge Free Camp which is on the eastern side of the national park on the NW Coastal Highway (but a bit far from town).
Day 4: Kalbarri National Park
- Distance: 37km
- Time: 35 minutes
On day 4 you can finally explore the inland gorges of Kalbarri National Park, which is the section that is most famous. Of course, the skywalk and Nature’s Window get the most hype, but there’s plenty of other things to see in the park that are worthwhile.
I recommend getting up real early for this and try and be at the Skywalk for sunrise. Not only is it spectacular to see with the rising sun but it also means you can avoid the crowds that come from around 10am onwards.
Stop 1: Kalbarri Skywalk (Kaju Yatka)
It’s around a 35 minute drive from Kalbarri town to the Skywalk carpark on a good sealed road. Allow enough time to reach it before the sun comes up. Located just a few steps from the carpark, you’ll find two large platforms hanging over the edge of the gorge and a cafe that opens just after sunrise.
The view from the skywalk is spectacular as you gaze down to the Murchison River below and admire the colours of the rugged landscape. Considering it’s accessible to everyone (including wheelchairs), it’s quickly become one of the most iconic attractions in Western Australia.
At sunrise, you’ll likely have it almost all to yourself where you can gaze at the sun rising directly in front of you, lighting up the red rock of the gorge.
Stop 2: Nature’s Window and Loop Walk
Drive the short way to the Natures Window Carpark. From here, you can take the trail down to Nature’s Window and back, or continue on the longer and more difficult Loop Walk. This is easily the most incredible part of the park, in my opinion.
The short walk down to Nature’s Window is only about 500m one way from the carpark. It does require some rocky steps and uneven ground, so it’s not ideal for those who don’t have a good sense of balance.
The natural “window” is actually a wind-eroded opening in the layered sandstone that perfectly seems to frame a view of the river and gorge. Most people want to get a photo of themselves in the window frame, but take care of the cliff edges and be mindful of others also wanting to take a photo.
If you’re fit and prepared with water and some snacks, I highly recommend continuing on the loop walk. This 9km circuit takes you further into the gorge and is the best way to truly understand the scale of the place.
The trail first follows along the rugged ridge away from Nature’s Window, and it offers spectacular views of different parts of the gorge. It eventually heads steeply down to the river itself and its sandy banks, before climbing back up and completing a loop back to Nature’s Window and the carpark.
The walk should take 3-4 hours, depending on how many photos stops you take. During the warmer months, the trail is closed after 7am, but I suggest starting early even in the winter as it’s quite exposed.
After heavy rain, the trail can be partially flooded and closed. In this case, it’s still possible to complete half the loop down to the river, but then you must return the same way. Please obey any signage in the carpark and on the trail.
Stop 3: Z Bend Lookout and River Walk
Finally, jump back into your car and drive to the Z Bend Carpark for your next walk in Kalbarri National Park. From this carpark, you have a few options. The most popular walk is the 1.2km return fairly easy trail to Z Bend Lookout. This incredible platform offers a vantage point of the incredible sharp bend in the gorge.
You can also extend this walk by taking the Z Bend River Walk, which makes it 2.6km return all up. This trail takes you down into the river bed on a steep, rugged trail that requires some boulder climbing.
For another lesser known hike, you can also try the challenging 6km return walk to Four Ways, which also descends down to the river. After heavy rain, this is often closed, as it was when I was there, so you can’t always count on this being accessible.
Stop 4: Meanarra Hill Lookout
As you leave Kalbarri National Park and drive back to town, I recommend making a quick stop at the Meanarra Hill Lookout. Take the short, steep drive up this lookout off the Kalbarri Road to the carpark, from where you can take the short paved trail to this incredible outlook.
From the top of the hill, you can see over Kalbarri town, the mouth of the Murchison River entering into the ocean, and the sea cliffs in the distance. It’s not as commonly visited, but I still thought it was a worthwhile stop.
Back to Kalbarri town
Spend the final night of this Perth to Kalbarri road trip in Kalbarri again, after a long day of exploring and hiking. If you have enough energy in the afternoon, enjoy sunset again at Red Bluff Lookout or Jakes Point or even opt for a sunset cruise for a different perspective, before getting some rest for a long drive on the final day.
Day 5: Kalbarri to Perth
- Distance: 575km
- Driving time: 6 hours
On the final day of this Perth to Kalbarri road trip, it’s all about getting back to Perth after an epic few days. It’s a long drive of around 6 hours if you do it directly, but I certainly recommend taking some breaks along the way to stretch your legs.
Options to Extend This Road Trip
If you have more time and want to extend this road trip, then keep driving north to Shark Bay and Exmouth, for the ultimate west coast winter road trip.
Shark Bay
If you have another few days up your sleeve, then continue north from Kalbarri to Shark Bay. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Area known for its natural beauty and unique coastal landscapes not seen anywhere else in the world.
You’ll need at least a few days to explore the area with small towns, Denham and Monkey Mia, the main places to base yourself. You can’t miss where the red dirt meets the white sand in Francois Peron National Park, which is really only accessible for the most part by 4WD. If you don’t have a 4WD, there are plenty of tours heading out on day trips to see the main sights.
Exmouth (North West Cape)
With even more time, keep driving up to Exmouth, a place that has quickly become an iconic winter destination on the west coast. The entire North West Cape region is out of this world, home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, plus some of the best wildlife encounters in the country.
Most known for its whale watching season where many people visit just to tick off swimming with whale sharks from their bucket list, Exmouth is a once in a lifetime experience. Don’t miss Cape Range National Park just outside of Exmouth, home to excellent snorkelling and stunning gorges and canyons.
Want More Epic Road Trips in Australia?
- Perth to Esperance: Ultimate 10-Day South West Road Trip Itinerary
- Adelaide to Perth: Ultimate Adelaide to Perth Road Trip Across the Nullarbor
- Adelaide to Darwin: Ultimate Adelaide to Darwin Road Trip Itinerary
- Melbourne to Adelaide: Best 1 Week Melbourne to Adelaide Road Trip Itinerary
- Melbourne to Sydney: Melbourne to Sydney Road Trip Itinerary: 2 Week Coastal Route
- Red Centre: Ultimate Red Centre Way Road Trip Itinerary
- Great Ocean Road: Guide to the Ultimate Road Trip on the Great Ocean Road
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