Australia’s

CORAL COASTHoliday Planner 2018

BEST TIME TO VISIT: March – January

ROCK LOBSTERS: 15 November – 30 June

DEEP SEA FISHING BAN: 15 October - 15 December

the KALBARRI regionThe Kalbarri region is a favourite family holiday destination offering a range of water and land-based activities. Situated where the Murchison River meets the Indian Ocean, 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.

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NORTHAMPTONDistance from Perth: 466km

Northampton is one of the oldest settlements in Western Australia outside of Perth. It was declared a town site in 1864 and classified as a historic town by the National Trust of Australia in 1993. When stopping by, make sure to visit the town’s Rose Garden.

Historic Buildings WalkPick up a copy of the Hampton Road Heritage Walk brochure from the Northampton Visitor Centre, formerly the police station and courthouse built in 1885. The Heritage Walk includes buildings such as Sacred Heart Convent, Our Lady in Ara Coeli Church and the Northampton Family Store building which has continued to operate as a drapery store since 1913. See the Northampton Motors and Machinery Restoration Shed, which houses a collection of over 200 small engines and machinery of various vintages, and Chiverton House Museum.

Northampton Railway PrecinctIn 1879 the first public railway of Western Australia was opened between Gwalla in Northampton and Geraldton. The Gwalla Railway Station walk trail displays remnants of the station with interpretive signage. The second railway station was open in 1913 (the Mary Street Railway Precinct) which includes the station office, carriages, platform, weighbridge and railway memorabilia.

Oakabella HomesteadVisit the most haunted house in Western Australia to take in the land of ghosts and beautiful scenery. Located south of Northampton, the pioneering stone homestead, Oakabella is classified by the National Trust. Discover the historic homestead and mini museum on a tour or simply stroll around the grounds, enjoying barista coffee and scones.

1 Look out over the spectacular Kalbarri National Park coastal cliffs or snap a photo at Nature’s Window.

2 See pink! Photograph Port Gregory’s unique and spectacular Pink Lake – Hutt Lagoon.

3 Visit Horrocks Beach, named Australia's #1 mainland beach for 2018.

4 Join a morning rock-lobster pot pulling tour (seasonal) and throw it on the BBQ for dinner.

5 Catch a left-hand break at Jacques Point, one of two National Surfing Reserves in Western Australia.

6 Check out the historic buildings on Northampton’s Hampton Road Heritage Walk.

7 Enjoy family time on a quad biking tour or visit the open-air bird sanctuary and maze.

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

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

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

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PORT GREGORYDistance 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 LagoonThe beautiful Hutt Lagoon, referred to as the Pink Lake, can be found on the scenic coastal road between Port Gregory and Kalbarri. The pink lake is named due to colour created by the algae bloom producing beta-carotene. Depending on the time of day, the season and the amount of cloud cover, the lake changes colour from red to bubble-gum pink to a lilac purple. The best time of day to visit is mid-morning on a cloudless day.

TOP TIP: Fly or Drive? Do both! Take a scenic flight over the lake from either Geraldton or Kalbarri.

The Ruins of Lynton Convict Hiring Station On the drive to Port Gregory is the historic Lynton Convict Hiring Station. Tucked away at the foot of rolling hills, the station’s stone buildings once housed convicts who worked on the Geraldine mine and local pastoral stations. The convict facilities were built in 1853 with some of the main buildings carefully restored. It’s a great stop to stretch your legs or take a photo whilst reading the interpretative signage. Cross over the fence at the turnstile and follow the path to the top of the hill for panoramic views.

Northampton, Horrocks and Port Gregory Visitor Information

Northampton Visitor Centre202 Hampton Road, Northampton WA 6535

Tel: +61 8 9934 1488E: info@northampton.com.auWebsite: www.northampton.com.au

HORROCKSDistance 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 LocalsHorrocks 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 RiverThe 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.

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KALBARRIDistance 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 fish sanctuaryRenowned for exceptional snorkelling, Blue Holes is a fish habitat protection area and forms part of an inshore coastal limestone reef system. The reef features sections that are permanently submerged by the ocean (sub-tidal) and areas that are exposed at low tide (intertidal). The reef incorporates irregular depressions or ‘holes’ thus giving the ‘Blue Holes’ stretch of coast its name.

FACT: Fishing is totally banned at Blue Holes to preserve this unique environment.

Bird Sanctuary, Maze & Outdoor CinemaKalbarri is home to Rainbow Jungle, considered one of Australia’s best parrot habitats and the country’s largest free flight aviary. The tropical gardens are home to hundreds of colourful birds from Australia 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 BeachKalbarri 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.

Top Australian surf break at Jacques PointJacques Point, (locally known as ‘Jakes’) was the second registered National Surfing Reserve in Western Australia. Renowned for its superb left-hand reef break along the point, it allows spectators on the beach close up views of the surfing action. This break is suited to experienced surfers, with the bay a better option for beginners.

Pelican FeedingEach morning at 8.45am, Kalbarri’s resident pelicans head to the grassed area on the foreshore near the Grey and Wood Streets for breakfast. Local volunteers arrive to feed the pelicans fish whilst tourists enjoy the spectacle. The tradition started with a local Kalbarri fisherman who cleaned his catch and threw the scraps to the pelicans. A gold coin donation is much appreciated to help the volunteers with the cost of fish.

Chinaman’s BeachThe tranquil setting of Chinaman’s Beach on the Murchison River is in the heart of Kalbarri, making it a popular swimming spot for families. Take advantage of the warm year round sunshine and take a swim in the refreshing clear waters.

Top spot for FishingKalbarri boasts some of WA’s best shore and boat angling. Tailor and mulloway are the main targets for shore anglers, with gardie and samson fish also reeled in. Try estuary fishing or drop a net to yield blue swimmer and mud crabs. Fishing charters are popular, satisfying both the serious angler and novice. They regularly return with a bounty of fish including mackerel, tuna, snapper, dhufish, coral trout and bald chin groper.

Important: There is an annual deep-sea (20m+) fishing ban from Cervantes to Kalbarri from 16 Oct - 16 Dec. Visit www.fish.wa.gov.au for further information and bag limits.

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KALBARRI NATIONAL PARK Kalbarri National Park is one of the most spectacular parks in Western Australia. Covering more than 180000 hectares, the park is located on the lower reaches of the Murchison River and extends west to the 100m high Coastal Cliffs. All roads are sealed and suitable for two wheel drive vehicles.

Inland Gorge Sites Over the past 400 million years, the river has cut magnificent deep red and white banded gorges 80 kilometres long, on its way to the sea. Explore the depths and heights of the river gorges and admire the floral beauty of the vast, rolling sandplains. Fees apply when entering the inland gorge sites.

Ross Graham Lookout and Hawk’s HeadRoss Graham is the easiest site in the park to access the Murchison River’s edge, with a short walk from the car park. It is an ideal location to take a dip in the river, walk along its banks or picnic. Enjoy the views from the Hawk’s Head picnic area or wander down the path to the lookout above the river. This path is also wheelchair accessible.

FACT: Drinking water is not available in the National Park, always carry your own supply.

Kalbarri SkywalkThis innovative tourism precinct in Kalbarri National Park is due to open at West Loop in late 2018. It will include two skywalks that will project some 25m and 15m beyond the gorge rim, more than 100m above the Murchison River. It will include a kiosk, interpretative displays, shade shelters and toilets, and the site will be wheelchair accessible. The project also includes sealing the roads to West Loop, Nature’s Window, Z-Bend which have been completed. Visitor access has also been improved with sealed roads into Meanarra Hill.

Iconic Nature’s Window Located just 500 metres from the Loop carpark, Nature’s Window is one of WA’s most iconic natural attractions. To access the icon, walk down a picturesque trail to the rock formation that perfectly frames the rugged upstream view of the Murchison River. Nature’s Window marks the beginning and end of the Loop (Class 4 hike), an 8km walking trail which concludes at the Loop lookout providing views of the winding gorge below.

The Z-Bend HikeA 600 metre walk from the car park brings you to what many consider to be the most breathtaking view of the park. The Z-Bend gorge lookout plunges 150m down to where red river gums create a striking contrast against the earthy hews of the Tumblagooda sandstone. Hikers will enjoy the 6km Four Ways Trail (Idinggada Yina) or the Z-Bend River Trail with steep descents and ladder climbs leading to river access with spectacular scenery.

Wilderness WildflowersFrom July to October, around 800 species of wildflowers progressively burst into bloom around Kalbarri and within the Kalbarri National Park. Here you’ll find an array of flowers mainly along the tops of coastal cliffs and gorges. Many species are endemic to the region including the Kalbarri spider orchid, cats paw and Murchison rose. Other flowers include river gums, gold and orange banksias, star flowers and grevilleas. Contact the Kalbarri Visitor Centre for information on where to find seasonal wildflowers.

hike the FOUR WAYS TRAIL

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Coastal Cliff Sites Kalbarri’s coastal gorges feature magnificent, towering cliffs that plummet 100m to the waves far below. Starting at Red Bluff, named by Willem de Vlamingh in 1697 translated from “on red high”, the dramatic coastal cliffs extend 13 kilometres to the National Park’s southern boundary. Numerous sign-posted pathways and lookouts are provided for safe exploration of the ruggedly beautiful coastline. Look for migrating whales from late June to November.

Natural Bridge and Island RockOnly a short walk from the carpark, visitors can enjoy stunning coastal views and look out over the Natural Bridge for marine life, including whales and dolphins. The resilient Island Rock was once part of the shoreline and now stands as a solitary ‘sea stack’ against the ocean's forces.

Eagle GorgeTake in views from the Eagle Gorge lookout, named after the wedge-tailed eagles that nest in the gorge. These magnificent birds can often be seen soaring through the sky searching for prey. For anyone seeking a little extra, take the stepped rocky path to discover a secluded beach that is well worth the effort.

Bigurda TrailBigurda trail connects Eagle Gorge to Natural Bridge and provides stunning coastal views with great photo opportunities. This unique walk offers a vast array of wildflower species from July to November. Dolphin pods are a common sight, as well as humpback whales. Bigurda is the Aboriginal name for a small Kangaroo.

Pot Alley Pot Alley was named by local cray fishermen after losing many cray pots to this hazardous cove. Park on the rocks to enjoy the spectacular ocean scenery amidst the expansive rugged gorges or walk the short track to the hazardous and remote beach below.

Rainbow Valley & Mushroom Rock Nature Trail Informative signage along the path takes you back 400 million years. Allow between one and two hours to stroll the marked circuit that connects Rainbow Valley and Mushroom Rock. Marvel at the varied geological formations and see kangaroos feeding (best seen at dawn and dusk) among the coastal heath and wildflowers.

Rust rocks of Red BluffRed Bluff beach is a popular location for fishing and swimming. Featuring a picturesque white sandy beach contrasting against striking rust red rocks. The Bluff is particularly spectacular at sunset or for whale watching from the lookout.

360° sunset views at Meanarra HillTake the short walk to learn how this area was once part of an ancient coral reef system. At 207m above sea level this is the perfect vantage point for 360° views of Kalbarri and the Murchison River flowing into the Indian Ocean. It’s a great place for photos, especially at sunset!

Kalbarri Visitor InformationKalbarri Visitor Centre70 Grey Street, Kalbarri WA 6536Phone: (08) 9937 1104

E: bookings@kalbarri.org.auWebsite: www.kalbarri.org.au

rust coloured cliffs at RED BLUFF

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Kalbarri Cellars Liquor Store• Extensive wine range, great choice of WA Wines, huge sparkling selection • ‘Ready to’ drinks, spirits & liqueurs, cocktail supplies • Australian, boutique and international beers • Gourmet cheeses and patés • Friendly serviceOPEN 7 DAYS Monday to Saturday 10am – 8.30pm • Sunday 12 noon - 8pm

Grey Street, Marine Shopping Centre, Kalbarri WA 6536 (next to the Post Office) Email: kalbarricellars@bigpond.com • Ph: +61 8 9937 1361

Kalbarri Edge ResortIn the heart of KalbarriLuxury 2 and 1 bedroom spa suites and studio apartments • Restaurant • Pool • Room service • Dishwashers • King beds • Conference room • Adjacent to skate park

Porter Street, Kalbarri WA 6536 Freecall: 1800 286 155 Email: info@kalbarriedge.com.au www.kalbarriedge.com.au

Kalbarri Scenic Flights Abrolhos, Pink Lake, Kalbarri & Beyond.View the spectacular Abrolhos Islands, Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake, Monkey Mia as well as scenic gorges and cliffs of Kalbarri, often not visible by road, in comfort with our well informed pilot.

38 Grey Street, Kalbarri, 6536 Tel: (08) 9937 1130 E: info@kalbarriaircharter.com.au www.kalbarriaircharter.com.au

Oakabella Homestead & Tea Rooms Central location to park the van, stay a few nights and exploreLocated between Geraldton and Northampton 3kms west off NWC Highway• Under new management and pet friendly • Camping ground with amenities - stay 2 nights, get the 3rd night FREE - open all year • Tour WA’s own heritage listed and most haunted homestead and museum• Taste our famous scones and Devonshire tea in the airconditioned comfort of our

licenced cafe (Gluten Free Scones now available) • Discover the ancient gorge and seasonal waterfall at Oakabella CreekCafe open 7 days 9am-4pm, tours daily 10am & 2pm (closed Wednesdays) 423 Starling Road, Bowes, WA, 6535 (NSW Coastal Hwy) • Tel: (08) 9925 1033 info@oakabellahomestead.com.au • www.oakabellahomestead.com.au

Rainbow JungleOpen Mon to Sat 9am-5pm & Sunday 9am-4pmCome experience a touch of magic at the amazing Rainbow Jungle - Australia’s Best Parrot Habitat. Wander amongst the parrots, along pathways, through landscaped tropical gardens, past waterfalls, fountains and lily ponds. You may like to spot passing whales from our whale watching tower or catch a night time movie at Parrotiso’s Outdoor Cinema @ Rainbow Jungle. All new maze now open.• Picnic areas available • Ample parking • Unique souvenirs and gifts Cafe now open • Dine in • Takeaway • Drive thru coffee

Red Bluff Road, Kalbarri WA 6536 Ph: (08) 9937 1248 • www.rainbowjunglekalbarri.com

Kalbarri Wagoe Beach Quad Bike ToursEnjoy an unforgettable day of fun, discovery and adventure exploring Kalbarri’s, Wagoe Beach on a guided self-drive Quad Bike Tour. By being part of this tour you will not only get to see some of the magnificent sand dunes, pristine beach and wildlife at Wagoe, you will get to ride your own 4 wheel quad bike or buggy.We will collect you from your accommodation in our courtesy bus and safety instructions, helmets and complimentary light refreshments are provided.

Wagoe Farm, George Grey Drive, Kalbarri WA 6536 Tel: (08) 9936 6060 Email: wagoe1@westnet.com.au www.kalbarriquad.com

Horrocks Beach Caravan ParkStay with SummerstarA relaxing holiday destination located between Kalbarri and Geraldton. A truly unique holiday destination that offers a quiet, unspoilt surrounds. We boast, deluxe self-contained holiday units, large shady sites and a well-equipped BBQ area just across from calm swimming & fishing beaches. Horrocks Beach is pet friendly when you stay on a site.  You won’t be sorry you stopped in to visit us here at Horrocks!

1 North Court, Horrocks Tel: +61 8 9934 3039 Email: info@ horrocksbeachcaravanpark.com.au www.horrocksbeachcaravanpark.com.au

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camp under the stars on the MURCHISON RIVER

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Kalbarri Visitor CentreAsk the locals...P (08) 9937 1104