10 Free & Low Cost Things to Do in Kalbarri (2026)
You don’t need to spend a fortune to experience the absolute best of Western Australia’s Coral Coast. While national park gorges and boat charters are popular highlights, finding the best free things to do in Kalbarri—from feeding wild pelicans to marine snorkelling—is surprisingly easy.
Whether you’re visiting on a family holiday, a road trip adventure, or just keeping an eye on the budget, here are 10 of the best free and low-cost things to do in Kalbarri.
Best Free Things to Do in Kalbarri for Families
1. Watch the Daily Pelican Feeding on the Foreshore
- Cost: Free (gold coin donation appreciated)
- Location: Kalbarri Foreshore (opposite Pelican Cafe on Grey St)
- When: Daily at 8:45 AM
Every morning at 8:45 AM sharp, local volunteers gather on the grassy foreshore to feed the town’s resident pelicans. This community tradition has been running for decades, featuring an entertaining educational talk about the birds and giving kids a chance to hand-feed fish to these incredible creatures.
2. Snorkel the Natural Rock Pools at Blue Holes
- Cost: Free
- Location: Red Bluff Road (just south of town)
Declared a Fish Habitat Protection Area, Blue Holes is a protected sanctuary of shallow marine limestone rock pools teeming with tropical fish, hard corals, and sea life. Because it’s sheltered from heavy swells, it’s one of the best and safest spots in WA for a free family snorkel.
Local Tip: Head down during low tide when conditions are calm and clear.
3. Spot Humpback Whales & Sunsets at Red Bluff Lookout
- Cost: Free
- Location: End of Red Bluff Road
Rising 100 metres above the Indian Ocean, Red Bluff offers panoramic views across the rugged coastal cliffs and ocean horizon. It’s the ultimate spot to watch a Coral Coast sunset or bring a pair of binoculars between June and November to spot migrating humpback whales breaching offshore.
4. Unwind & Swim at Chinaman’s Beach
- Cost: Free
- Location: River foreshore at the mouth of the Murchison River
One of the best free things to do in Kalbarri in summer is to hit the local beaches. Situated where the river meets the ocean, Chinaman’s Beach features calm, sheltered waters perfect for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and family picnics. With shaded gazebos, grassy lawns, and barbecue facilities, it’s one of the most relaxing free spots to spend an afternoon in town.
5. Stroll the Island Rock & Natural Bridge Boardwalks
- Cost: Free
- Location: Kalbarri Coastal Cliffs (Kalbarri National Park Coastal Section)
While the inland river gorges require a national park entry pass, the coastal section of Kalbarri National Park is completely free to enter! Stroll along the well-maintained boardwalks between Island Rock and Natural Bridge to witness dramatic ocean arches carved out by centuries of crashing waves.
6. Catch 360-Degree Views from Meanarra Hill
- Cost: Free
- Location: Off Ajana-Kalbarri Road (10 mins from town)
Sitting 207 metres above sea level, Meanarra Hill provides sweeping 360-degree views across the entire town, the Murchison River mouth, and the surrounding inland national park. It’s an ideal stop for panoramic photos at sunrise or dusk.
7. Let the Kids Loose at the Foreshore Nature Playground
- Cost: Free
- Location: Kalbarri River Foreshore
Located right alongside the river, the Kalbarri Nature Playground is packed with climbing structures, swings, and water-play features. It’s surrounded by shaded seating and nearby coffee spots, making it a great free stop for families traveling with younger children.
8. Walk the Mushroom Rock & Rainbow Valley Trail
- Cost: Free
- Location: Coastal Cliffs access parking
- Distance: 3km loop
For a short coastal hike, the Mushroom Rock trail winds past ancient 400-million-year-old sandstone formations, fossilised worm burrows, and colorful cliff faces. Trailside signage explains the fascinating geological history of the area along the way.
9. Watch the Local Surfers at Jakes Point
- Cost: Free
- Location: Jacques Point Road
Recognised as a National Surfing Reserve, Jakes Point is famous worldwide for its powerful left-hand point break. Even if you don’t surf, sitting on the rocks or watching the action from the elevated lookout is classic local entertainment.
10. Grab a Budget Lunch or Pub Special
- Cost: Low-Cost
- Location: Town Centre & Foreshore
Exploring on a budget doesn’t mean skipping local eats. You can grab freshly baked pies from Red Bluff Bakery for a quick park lunch, or head down to the local pub for mid-week dinner specials and happy hours.
Looking for more ways to save on your trip? Check out our complete guide to [Kalbarri Deals & Discounts] for accommodation offers and travel savings, or browse our [Kalbarri Restaurants & Cafes] guide to find current menus and cheap eats around town.
From morning pelican feedings to coastal hikes, there are endless free things to do in Kalbarri without breaking your travel budget.
Here are answers to the most common questions travelers ask about discovering free things to do in Kalbarri
What are the best free things to do in Kalbarri with kids?
The daily pelican feeding on the river foreshore and the Kalbarri Nature Playground are two of the best free family-friendly activities in town. Swimming at Chinaman’s Beach and exploring the shallow marine rock pools at Blue Holes are also fantastic zero-cost options for children.
Can you visit Kalbarri National Park for free?
You can access the coastal cliffs section of Kalbarri National Park (including Island Rock, Natural Bridge, and Mushroom Rock) completely free of charge. However, entering the inland gorges—such as Nature’s Window, the Kalbarri Skywalk, and Z-Bend—requires a Parks and Wildlife day pass ($17 per vehicle).
Where is the best free spot to watch the sunset in Kalbarri?
Red Bluff Lookout offers the most spectacular free sunset view in town, rising 100 metres above the ocean with sweeping views along the coastal cliffs. Meanarra Hill and the Murchison River foreshore are also great free locations to catch the evening light.
Is the pelican feeding in Kalbarri free?
Yes, watching the daily pelican feeding on the Kalbarri foreshore at 8:45 AM is free to attend, though a small gold coin donation to the local volunteers who care for and feed the birds is welcomed.
Are there free snorkeling spots in Kalbarri?
Yes, Blue Holes is a protected Fish Habitat Protection Area located just south of the town centre that is free to enter. Its shallow, calm limestone pools make it a safe sanctuary for snorkeling with tropical fish and marine life at low tide.