KALBARRI NATIONAL PARK

Surprisingly unsung, Kalbarri National Park’s lack of renown belies its beauty, impressive scenery and adventure potential. Along the coast, you can walk next to colourful sea cliffs and the dazzling blue of the Indian Ocean, teeming with whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Inland—where the Murchison River cuts 80 kilometres through Tumblagooda Sandstone—walking tracks explore sheer and narrow gorges lined by red, purple, and white-banded cliffs. Extended wilderness walks are also possible, including an adventurous multi-day off-trail route the Murchison River Gorge’s length. And Kalbarri’s sculpted sandstone walls hold not just opportunities for spectacular hiking; they contain some of Western Australia’s favourite rock climbing routes, along with stunning canyoning options. There’s paddling, too. In times of high water, there’s impressively scenic whitewater paddling with grade 1-3 rapids, while the Murchison River’s lower reaches offer perfect year-round flat water paddling. In spring, overlay all these adventures with the kaleidoscopic colour of Kalbarri’s profuse wildflowers—the park is home to more than 800 species.

WHEN TO GO

Kalbarri National Park remains open throughout the year, but it can be extremely hot between December and April. Summer temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celsius, and it is dry and windy. Rainfall is low, with most falling between May and August. Late July to September is the best time to visit for Kalbarri’s amazing wildflowers. The park has more than