Australia’s CORAL COAST Holiday Planner 2018 the KALBARRI region The Kalbarri region is a favourite family holiday destination offering a range of water and land-based activities. Situated where the Murchison River meets the , Kalbarri has soaring river and coastal gorges with protected swimming bays. The Kalbarri National Park offers superb walking trails and boasts over 800 species of wildflowers which create an awe-inspiring display from July to October each year. South of Kalbarri, the seaside towns of Port Gregory and Horrocks offer a laid back beach getaway with great swimming, fishing, surfing and windsurfing. Head inland to Northampton to see heritage buildings and learn about the area’s fascinating history.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: March – January ROCK LOBSTERS: 15 November – 30 June DEEP SEA FISHING BAN: 15 October - 15 December

52 australiascoralcoast.com NORTHAMPTON Distance from : 466km Look out over the spectacular Northampton is one of the oldest settlements in Western outside of Perth. 1 Kalbarri National Park coastal It was declared a town site in 1864 and classified as a historic town by the National cliffs or snap a photo at Nature’s Trust of Australia in 1993. When stopping by, make sure to visit the town’s Rose Garden. Window. Historic Buildings Walk Northampton Railway Precinct 2 See pink! Photograph Port Pick up a copy of the Hampton Road In 1879 the first public railway of Western Gregory’s unique and spectacular Heritage Walk brochure from the Australia was opened between Gwalla in Pink Lake – Hutt Lagoon. Northampton Visitor Centre, formerly Northampton and Geraldton. The Gwalla the police station and courthouse built in Railway Station walk trail displays remnants Visit Horrocks Beach, named 1885. The Heritage Walk includes buildings of the station with interpretive signage. 3 Australia's #1 mainland beach such as Sacred Heart Convent, Our Lady The second railway station was open in for 2018. in Ara Coeli Church and the Northampton 1913 (the Mary Street Railway Precinct) Join a morning rock-lobster pot Family Store building which has continued which includes the station office, carriages, 4 pulling tour (seasonal) and throw to operate as a drapery store since platform, weighbridge and railway it on the BBQ for dinner. 1913. See the Northampton Motors and memorabilia. Machinery Restoration Shed, which houses Catch a left-hand break at a collection of over 200 small engines Oakabella Homestead 5 Jacques Point, one of two and machinery of various vintages, and Visit the most haunted house in Western National Surfing Reserves in Chiverton House Museum. Australia to take in the land of ghosts . and beautiful scenery. Located south of Northampton, the pioneering stone Check out the historic buildings homestead, Oakabella is classified by 6 on Northampton’s Hampton Road the National Trust. Discover the historic Heritage Walk. homestead and mini museum on a tour or simply stroll around the grounds, enjoying Enjoy family time on a quad barista coffee and scones. 7 biking tour or visit the open-air bird sanctuary and maze.

Fish, surf, swim and camp at 8 Lucky Bay or 4WD your way to the gorgeous campsite of Little Bay just north of Horrocks.

Discover unique endemic orchids 9 and other wildflowers during Winter/Spring all over Kalbarri.

Visit WA’s most haunted house, 10 Oakabella Homestead near Northhampton.

#australiascoralcoast 53 HORROCKS Distance from Perth: 489km The hamlet of Horrocks, was named best mainland beach in Australia’s 101 Best Beaches for 2018, offering 7km of coastal and aquatic immersion. On approach the undulating hills open up to a village on the Indian Ocean, encrusted by a unique reef system which has creates a lagoon setting making for a very safe swimming beach. Affordable, accessible and authentic - Horrocks is a haven for those wanting to escape the crowds. It’s about the Locals Horrocks is a quintessentially Australian beach village, bringing classic coastal characters that are so laid back - thongs are considered dressy! The sandstone escarpment following the Bowes River is rich with Indigenous culture including the Willy Gully Caves featuring rock art created by the Aboriginal Nhanda people – describing their traditions, ideas and values. 4WD Little Bay and Bowes River The 4WD tracks to Little Bay and Bowes River are picturesque locations for fishing with Bowes River a significant habitat for bird life. Little Bay is a short 4WD track which opens to a small camp ground. Cast a line from the jetty or the beach and try your luck reeling in mulloway, snapper, whiting and herring.

PORT GREGORY Distance from Perth: 513km Port Gregory is located south of Kalbarri near the mouth of the Hutt River. This picturesque fishing village is encircled by five kilometres of exposed coral reef. Originally developed to serve the Geraldine mine, the town is now a holiday destination for fishing and diving. The Pink Lake – Hutt Lagoon The Ruins of Lynton Convict The beautiful Hutt Lagoon, referred to as the Hiring Station Pink Lake, can be found on the scenic coastal On the drive to Port Gregory is the road between Port Gregory and Kalbarri. The historic Lynton Convict Hiring Station. pink lake is named due to colour created by Tucked away at the foot of rolling hills, the algae bloom producing beta-carotene. the station’s stone buildings once housed Depending on the time of day, the season convicts who worked on the Geraldine Northampton, Horrocks and the amount of cloud cover, the lake mine and local pastoral stations. The and Port Gregory Visitor changes colour from red to bubble-gum convict facilities were built in 1853 with Information pink to a lilac purple. The best time of day some of the main buildings carefully Northampton Visitor Centre to visit is mid-morning on a cloudless day. restored. It’s a great stop to stretch your 202 Hampton Road, legs or take a photo whilst reading the TOP TIP: Fly or Drive? Do both! Take a Northampton WA 6535 interpretative signage. Cross over the scenic flight over the lake from either Tel: +61 8 9934 1488 fence at the turnstile and follow the path Geraldton or Kalbarri. E: [email protected] to the top of the hill for panoramic views. Website: www.northampton.com.au

54 australiascoralcoast.com KALBARRI Distance from Perth: 577km Kalbarri is encircled by two distinctly different landscapes. East of the town are the rust-red inland river gorges with rock formations as old as 400 million years. To the west are towering ocean cliffs, plummeting into the waves below. Kalbarri offers a wealth of activities and attractions for people of all ages and interests, from swimming, fishing, surfing and hiking to abseiling, quad biking and whale watching. Snorkel the Blue Holes Top Australian surf break at Chinaman’s Beach fish sanctuary Jacques Point The tranquil setting of Chinaman’s Beach Renowned for exceptional snorkelling, Blue Jacques Point, (locally known as ‘Jakes’) on the Murchison River is in the heart of Holes is a fish habitat protection area and was the second registered National Surfing Kalbarri, making it a popular swimming forms part of an inshore coastal limestone Reserve in Western Australia. Renowned spot for families. Take advantage of the reef system. The reef features sections that for its superb left-hand reef break along warm year round sunshine and take a are permanently submerged by the ocean the point, it allows spectators on the beach swim in the refreshing clear waters. (sub-tidal) and areas that are exposed at close up views of the surfing action. This low tide (intertidal). The reef incorporates break is suited to experienced surfers, with Top spot for Fishing irregular depressions or ‘holes’ thus giving the bay a better option for beginners. Kalbarri boasts some of WA’s best shore and the ‘Blue Holes’ stretch of coast its name. boat angling. Tailor and mulloway are the Pelican Feeding main targets for shore anglers, with gardie FACT: Fishing is totally banned Each morning at 8.45am, Kalbarri’s resident and samson fish also reeled in. Try estuary at Blue Holes to preserve this pelicans head to the grassed area on the fishing or drop a net to yield blue swimmer unique environment. foreshore near the Grey and Wood Streets and mud crabs. Fishing charters are popular, for breakfast. Local volunteers arrive to satisfying both the serious angler and Bird Sanctuary, Maze & feed the pelicans fish whilst tourists enjoy novice. They regularly return with a bounty Outdoor Cinema the spectacle. The tradition started with a of fish including mackerel, tuna, snapper, Kalbarri is home to Rainbow Jungle, local Kalbarri fisherman who cleaned his dhufish, coral trout and bald chin groper. considered one of Australia’s best parrot catch and threw the scraps to the pelicans. Important: There is an annual deep-sea habitats and the country’s largest free A gold coin donation is much appreciated to (20m+) fishing ban from Cervantes to Kalbarri flight aviary. The tropical gardens are home help the volunteers with the cost of fish. from 16 Oct - 16 Dec. Visit www.fish.wa.gov.au to hundreds of colourful birds from Australia for further information and bag limits. and overseas. Try solving the outdoor maze or enjoy an evening under the stars at the outdoor cinema (seasonal) in the parrot sanctuary. Bring a picnic or visit the licenced snack bar and enjoy a gourmet wood fired pizza. Quad Bike the Beach Kalbarri offers a host of activities to explore the National Park and coastline. However one of the best ways to explore is by quad- biking – ride your own 4 wheel quad bike or buggy along Wagoe Beach.

#australiascoralcoast 55 KALBARRI NATIONAL PARK Kalbarri National Park is one of the most spectacular parks in Western Australia. The Z-Bend Hike Covering more than 180000 hectares, the park is located on the lower reaches of A 600 metre walk from the car park the Murchison River and extends west to the 100m high Coastal Cliffs. All roads brings you to what many consider to be are sealed and suitable for two wheel drive vehicles. the most breathtaking view of the park. The Z-Bend gorge lookout plunges 150m Kalbarri Skywalk down to where red river gums create a Inland Gorge Sites striking contrast against the earthy hews This innovative tourism precinct in Kalbarri of the Tumblagooda sandstone. Hikers will Over the past 400 million years, the river National Park is due to open at West Loop enjoy the 6km Four Ways Trail (Idinggada has cut magnificent deep red and white in late 2018. It will include two skywalks that Yina) or the Z-Bend River Trail with steep banded gorges 80 kilometres long, on its will project some 25m and 15m beyond descents and ladder climbs leading to way to the sea. Explore the depths and the gorge rim, more than 100m above river access with spectacular scenery. heights of the river gorges and admire the the Murchison River. It will include a kiosk, floral beauty of the vast, rolling sandplains. interpretative displays, shade shelters Wilderness Wildflowers Fees apply when entering the inland and toilets, and the site will be wheelchair From July to October, around 800 species gorge sites. accessible. The project also includes sealing of wildflowers progressively burst into Ross Graham Lookout and the roads to West Loop, Nature’s Window, bloom around Kalbarri and within the Z-Bend which have been completed. Visitor Kalbarri National Park. Here you’ll find an Hawk’s Head access has also been improved with sealed array of flowers mainly along the tops of Ross Graham is the easiest site in the park roads into Meanarra Hill. coastal cliffs and gorges. Many species to access the Murchison River’s edge, are endemic to the region including the with a short walk from the car park. It Iconic Nature’s Window Kalbarri spider orchid, cats paw and is an ideal location to take a dip in the Located just 500 metres from the Loop Murchison rose. Other flowers include river, walk along its banks or picnic. Enjoy carpark, Nature’s Window is one of WA’s river gums, gold and orange banksias, star the views from the Hawk’s Head picnic most iconic natural attractions. To access flowers and grevilleas. Contact the Kalbarri area or wander down the path to the the icon, walk down a picturesque trail Visitor Centre for information on where to lookout above the river. This path is also to the rock formation that perfectly find seasonal wildflowers. wheelchair accessible. frames the rugged upstream view of the Murchison River. Nature’s Window FACT: Drinking water is not marks the beginning and end of the Loop available in the National Park, (Class 4 hike), an 8km walking trail which always carry your own supply. concludes at the Loop lookout providing views of the winding gorge below.

hike the FO UR WAYS TRAIL

56 australiascoralcoast.com Bigurda Trail Coastal Cliff Sites Bigurda trail connects Eagle Gorge to Natural Kalbarri’s coastal gorges feature magnificent, Bridge and provides stunning coastal towering cliffs that plummet 100m to the views with great photo opportunities. waves far below. Starting at Red Bluff, named This unique walk offers a vast array of by Willem de Vlamingh in 1697 translated wildflower species from July to November. from “on red high”, the dramatic coastal cliffs Dolphin pods are a common sight, as extend 13 kilometres to the National Park’s well as humpback whales. Bigurda is the southern boundary. Numerous sign-posted Aboriginal name for a small Kangaroo. pathways and lookouts are provided for safe exploration of the ruggedly beautiful Pot Alley Pot Alley was named by local cray coastline. Look for migrating whales from fishermen after losing many cray pots to late June to November. this hazardous cove. Park on the rocks Natural Bridge and Island Rock to enjoy the spectacular ocean scenery Only a short walk from the carpark, visitors amidst the expansive rugged gorges or can enjoy stunning coastal views and look walk the short track to the hazardous and out over the Natural Bridge for marine life, remote beach below. including whales and dolphins. The resilient Rainbow Valley & Mushroom 360° sunset views at Island Rock was once part of the shoreline Meanarra Hill and now stands as a solitary ‘sea stack’ Rock Nature Trail Take the short walk to learn how this area Informative signage along the path takes against the ocean's forces. was once part of an ancient coral reef you back 400 million years. Allow between system. At 207m above sea level this is the one and two hours to stroll the marked Eagle Gorge perfect vantage point for 360° views of circuit that connects Rainbow Valley and Take in views from the Eagle Gorge Kalbarri and the Murchison River flowing Mushroom Rock. Marvel at the varied lookout, named after the wedge-tailed into the Indian Ocean. It’s a great place for geological formations and see kangaroos eagles that nest in the gorge. These photos, especially at sunset! magnificent birds can often be seen feeding (best seen at dawn and dusk) soaring through the sky searching for prey. among the coastal heath and wildflowers. For anyone seeking a little extra, take the Rust rocks of Red Bluff Kalbarri Visitor Information stepped rocky path to discover a secluded Kalbarri Visitor Centre Red Bluff beach is a popular location beach that is well worth the effort. 70 Grey Street, Kalbarri WA 6536 for fishing and swimming. Featuring a Phone: (08) 9937 1104 picturesque white sandy beach contrasting E: [email protected] against striking rust red rocks. The Bluff Website: www.kalbarri.org.au is particularly spectacular at sunset or for whale watching from the lookout.

rust coloured cliffs at RED BLUFF

#australiascoralcoast 57 KALBARRI ACCOMMODATION | GENERAL SERVICES

Kalbarri Wagoe Beach Quad Bike Tours Rainbow Jungle Enjoy an unforgettable day of fun, discovery and adventure exploring Kalbarri’s, Wagoe Beach Open Mon to Sat 9am-5pm & Sunday 9am-4pm on a guided self-drive Quad Bike Tour. By being part of this tour you will not only get to see Come experience a touch of magic at the amazing Rainbow Jungle - Australia’s Best Parrot some of the magnificent sand dunes, pristine beach and wildlife at Wagoe, you will get to Habitat. Wander amongst the parrots, along pathways, through landscaped tropical ride your own 4 wheel quad bike or buggy. gardens, past waterfalls, fountains and lily ponds. You may like to spot passing whales We will collect you from your accommodation in our courtesy bus and safety instructions, from our whale watching tower or catch a night time movie at Parrotiso’s Outdoor Cinema helmets and complimentary light refreshments are provided. @ Rainbow Jungle. All new maze now open. • Picnic areas available • Ample parking • Unique souvenirs and gifts Wagoe Farm, George Grey Drive, Kalbarri WA 6536 Cafe now open • Dine in • Takeaway • Drive thru coffee Tel: (08) 9936 6060 Email: [email protected] Red Bluff Road, Kalbarri WA 6536 www.kalbarriquad.com Ph: (08) 9937 1248 • www.rainbowjunglekalbarri.com

Kalbarri Scenic Flights Kalbarri Edge Resort Oakabella Homestead & Tea Rooms Abrolhos, Pink Lake, Kalbarri & Beyond. In the heart of Kalbarri Central location to park the van, stay a few nights and explore View the spectacular Abrolhos Islands, Luxury 2 and 1 bedroom spa suites and Located between Geraldton and Northampton 3kms west off NWC Highway Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake, Monkey Mia as studio apartments • Restaurant • Pool • Under new management and pet friendly well as scenic gorges and cliffs of Kalbarri, • Room service • Dishwashers • King beds • Camping ground with amenities - stay 2 nights, get the 3rd night FREE - open all year often not visible by road, in comfort with • Conference room • Adjacent to skate park • Tour WA’s own heritage listed and most haunted homestead and museum our well informed pilot. • Taste our famous scones and Devonshire tea in the airconditioned comfort of our licenced cafe (Gluten Free Scones now available) 38 Grey Street, Kalbarri, 6536 Porter Street, Kalbarri WA 6536 • Discover the ancient gorge and seasonal waterfall at Oakabella Creek Tel: (08) 9937 1130 Freecall: 1800 286 155 Cafe open 7 days 9am-4pm, tours daily 10am & 2pm (closed Wednesdays) E: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 423 Starling Road, Bowes, WA, 6535 (NSW Coastal Hwy) • Tel: (08) 9925 1033 www.kalbarriaircharter.com.au www.kalbarriedge.com.au [email protected] • www.oakabellahomestead.com.au

Horrocks Beach Caravan Park Kalbarri Cellars Liquor Store Stay with Summerstar • Extensive wine range, great choice of WA Wines, huge sparkling selection A relaxing holiday destination located between Kalbarri and Geraldton. A truly unique • ‘Ready to’ drinks, spirits & liqueurs, cocktail supplies holiday destination that offers a quiet, unspoilt surrounds. We boast, deluxe self-contained • Australian, boutique and international beers holiday units, large shady sites and a well-equipped BBQ area just across from calm • Gourmet cheeses and patés swimming & fishing beaches. Horrocks Beach is pet friendly when you stay on a site. • Friendly service You won’t be sorry you stopped in to visit us here at Horrocks! OPEN 7 DAYS Monday to Saturday 10am – 8.30pm • Sunday 12 noon - 8pm 1 North Court, Horrocks Tel: +61 8 9934 3039 Email: info@ horrocksbeachcaravanpark.com.au S UMMERSTAR Grey Street, Marine Shopping Centre, Kalbarri WA 6536 (next to the Post Office) TOU RIST PARKS www.horrocksbeachcaravanpark.com.au HORROCKS Email: [email protected] • Ph: +61 8 9937 1361

58 australiascoralcoast.com ACCOMMODATION | TOURS & CHARTERS | VISITOR CENTRE KALBARRI

Kalbarri Visitor Centre Ask the locals... P (0 8) 9937 1104

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camp under the stars on the MURCHISON RIVER

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