Kalbarri, located on Western Australia’s Coral Coast, is the perfect destination for a family getaway. With its stunning national parks, beautiful beaches, and a wide range of outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, from toddlers to teens and parents alike. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or opportunities to explore nature, here’s a guide to the best family-friendly activities in Kalbarri.
1. Explore Kalbarri National Park: Nature’s Window and Z Bend
Kalbarri National Park is one of the region’s highlights and offers several family-friendly hikes and lookouts that are sure to captivate children and adults alike. Nature’s Window, an iconic natural rock arch, is easily accessible and provides a fantastic photo opportunity while offering sweeping views of the Murchison River Gorge. The short walk to Nature’s Window is manageable for most kids, making it a great way to introduce them to the park’s stunning landscape.
For a more adventurous outing, take the family to Z Bend, where you can enjoy spectacular views from the lookout or take a more challenging hike down into the gorge. The Z Bend River Trail provides a bit of rock scrambling fun, and kids will love exploring the rocky landscape.
What we love: The mix of easy walks and more adventurous hikes makes Kalbarri National Park suitable for families with children of all ages.
Good to know: Bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months, and consider an early start to beat the midday heat.
Location: Kalbarri National Park, WA 6536
Image © Tourism Western Australia
2. Visit Rainbow Jungle: A Colorful Parrot Sanctuary
A must-visit for families with animal lovers, Rainbow Jungle is one of Australia’s premier parrot sanctuaries. Home to hundreds of colorful birds, Rainbow Jungle offers interactive exhibits where kids can get up close to a variety of parrot species, including rare and endangered birds. The maze-like aviary and walk-through enclosures make it a fun, hands-on experience for kids and parents alike.
The sanctuary also has a shaded picnic area and a play area, making it a perfect spot for a family day out.
What we love: The opportunity for kids to learn about conservation while enjoying the colorful spectacle of hundreds of birds.
Good to know: Don’t forget your camera, as the brightly colored parrots make for great photo opportunities.
Location: 14 Bridgeman Rd, Kalbarri, WA 6536
3. Chinaman’s Beach: Safe Swimming and Fun in the Sun
Chinaman’s Beach, located along the Murchison River, is the perfect beach for families with young children. The calm waters make it an ideal spot for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking, while the soft sand is perfect for building sandcastles. Parents can relax on the beach while the kids enjoy the shallow waters, and nearby picnic areas make it easy to spend a whole day here.
There are also playgrounds and shaded seating areas, so you can take a break from the sun while still keeping an eye on the little ones as they play.
What we love: The family-friendly vibe and the calm, shallow waters, perfect for younger children.
Good to know: The beach is located right in the heart of town, so you’re never far from shops and cafes.
Location: Chinaman’s Beach, Kalbarri, WA 6536
4. Kalbarri Canoe Safari: Paddle Down the Murchison River
For a fun and unique adventure, join the Kalbarri Canoe Safari, where families can paddle down the scenic Murchison River. The guided tour starts with a 4WD ride through the bush before launching your canoes for a relaxing paddle along the river. The tour is designed for all skill levels, making it a great option for families with children, and offers plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife, including birds, fish, and sometimes even kangaroos along the riverbanks.
Kids will love the excitement of the 4WD ride and the peaceful paddle down the river, with plenty of time to stop for a swim and enjoy the stunning scenery.
What we love: The combination of adventure and nature, with plenty of wildlife spotting and family-friendly paddling.
Good to know: Tours are suitable for children of all ages, and life jackets are provided.
Location: Murchison River, Kalbarri, WA 6536
Image © Tourism Western Australia
5. Blue Holes: Snorkeling Adventure for Kids
Take the family on an underwater adventure at Blue Holes, a protected marine sanctuary located just south of Kalbarri. The shallow lagoon is perfect for snorkeling, with clear waters and plenty of colorful fish, coral, and marine life to discover. Even young children can enjoy snorkeling here, as the calm waters are safe for beginners, and the reef is easily accessible from the shore.
Blue Holes is also a great place for rock pooling at low tide, allowing kids to explore and learn about marine life up close.
What we love: The safe and shallow waters make Blue Holes a perfect introduction to snorkeling for kids.
Good to know: Don’t forget to bring reef shoes, as the rocky shoreline can be a bit slippery.
Location: Blue Holes, Kalbarri, WA 6536
6. Kalbarri Mini Golf and Arcade: Fun for All Ages
For a break from outdoor adventures, head to Kalbarri Family Entertainment Centre, where kids and parents can enjoy a round of mini golf. The fun and quirky course features challenging obstacles and is great for a bit of family-friendly competition. After a game of mini golf, kids can explore the arcade, which offers a range of games and activities to keep them entertained.
It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon, especially if you’re looking for a break from the beach or the sun.
What we love: The combination of mini golf and arcade games provides plenty of fun options for kids and parents alike.
Good to know: The entertainment center is open year-round, making it a great rainy-day activity.
Location: 5 Porter St, Kalbarri, WA 6536
7. Whale Watching Along the Coastal Cliffs
If you’re visiting Kalbarri between June and November, take the family to one of the many coastal lookouts for a chance to spot migrating humpback whales. Lookouts like Natural Bridge, Island Rock, and Red Bluff offer stunning views of the ocean, where whales can often be seen breaching and playing in the water.
Kids will be amazed by the size and grace of these majestic creatures, and the breathtaking coastal scenery makes it an unforgettable family outing.
What we love: Watching the excitement on kids’ faces as they spot whales for the first time.
Good to know: Bring binoculars for a closer view, and visit in the morning or late afternoon for the best whale sightings.
Location: Coastal Lookouts, Kalbarri National Park, WA 6536
Image © Tourism Western Australia
8. Sandboarding on the Dunes
For an adventurous and fun family activity, try sandboarding on the Kalbarri Sand Dunes. This exciting sport is similar to snowboarding but on soft, sandy slopes, and it’s a great way to burn off some energy while enjoying the outdoors. You can rent sandboards in town and head out to the dunes, where kids and parents can slide down the sandy hills and race each other to the bottom.
Sandboarding is a hit with kids of all ages and provides plenty of laughs and excitement.
What we love: The thrill of racing down the sand dunes, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Good to know: It’s best to go sandboarding in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Location: Kalbarri Sand Dunes, Kalbarri, WA 6536
Final Thoughts
Kalbarri is an ideal destination for families, offering a wide range of activities that cater to kids and parents alike. Whether you’re exploring the natural beauty of Kalbarri National Park, snorkeling in the calm waters of Blue Holes, or paddling down the Murchison River, there’s no shortage of fun and exciting things to do. With its stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and family-friendly atmosphere, Kalbarri is the perfect place to create lasting memories on your next family holiday.