The Kalbarri Skywalk is one of Western Australia’s newest and most stunning attractions, perched on a rugged cliff edge in Kalbarri National Park. It offers the remarkable experience of actually walking out over the Murchison River, and the vantage points of some seriously breathtaking views across the gorge.
In this guide, I share everything you need to know to plan your visit and tips to make it a memorable one.
Location
The Kalbarri Skywalk is located in the heart of Kalbarri National Park in Western Australia.
I recommend an extended road trip from Perth to Kalbarri, through the varied and unique landscapes of Australia’s Coral Coast. Extend the adventure and continue on further north to Exmouth, home to the incredible Ningaloo Reef.
If you need to hire a car for your road trip, I recommend comparing prices on Discover Cars to get the best price on car rentals in Perth. Alternatively, you could fly from Perth to Geraldton, and hire a car in Geraldton, to reduce driving time. However most visitors make the drive from Perth, due to limited flights that tend to be pretty pricey for the short flight!
In total, it’s a 6-hour drive from Perth to Kalbarri, or about 2 hours from Geraldton to Kalbarri Skywalk.
Did you know? Kalbarri is part of the Yamaji region, home to the Nanda traditional owners. On entry to the Skywalk, you’ll see ‘Kaju Yatka’ written which are the Nanda words for ‘sky’ and ‘to walk’ respectively.
The connection to culture and Indigenous heritage is prominent across the Skywalk site. Look for the Dreamtime serpent depicted on the path and interpretative signage in the area telling the story of the Nanda people.
How to Get There
From the coastal town of Kalbarri, it is a 10-minute drive along Ajana-Kalbarri Road to reach the road that leads into the National Park. Turn left onto this road, and you’ll then shortly reach the Park Entrance ticket booth.
After passing through the entrance, continue on this road before turning left at the T-junction towards the Skywalk and Nature’s Window. After this, there is one more left turn to reach your destination. But don’t stress – it’s very clearly signed, so you won’t get lost.
The road to Kalbarri Skywalk is fully sealed and in good condition – suitable for 2WD vehicles including small cars and campervans.
In total, it’s a 30-minute drive from Kalbarri town the Kalbarri Skywalk car park.
Tip: You can’t take caravans or trailers into Kalbarri National Park. It is recommended to unhitch and leave caravans in Kalbarri town before heading into the park.
Otherwise, there is a small area just after the ticket booth entrance where you can leave your van on the side of the road before heading further into the park.
Entrance Fees
There are no entrance fees to visit the Skywalk specifically, however, there is a fee payable to enter Kalbarri National Park.
The fee is currently $17 per vehicle (2024 pricing).
If you are visiting the National Park for more than one day or visiting multiple National Parks in WA during your visit, consider buying an unlimited Park Pass which saves you money compared to pay individual entrance fees (usually).
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Kalbarri Skywalk is between May and September when the weather is mild and usually dry.
In August and September, you’ll find the wildflowers beginning to bloom, which makes for a delightful time to explore Kalbarri.
You can visit the Skywalk at other times of the year, including the summer months between December and February. Just be warned that temperatures can be quite high, and the flies very persistent.
I highly recommend bringing a fly net if you visit between November – April.
I’ve visited the Skywalk twice now. The first time in April, we ventured out for sunrise which was a surreal experience. My second visit in August had unseasonal rain, but made for a beautiful sunset trip to the Skywalk when the rain stopped.
We even managed to do some stargazing and astrophotography as the night sky cleared up.
Kalbarri Skywalk Opening Hours
Kalbarri Skywalk is open 24 hours a day.
While there are no fixed visiting hours, it is recommended to visit during daylight hours to avoid active wildlife on the roads in the National Park after dark such as kangaroos.
On both of our visits at sunrise and sunset, we saw wildlife on the roads. Make sure to keep the high beam lights on, and drive with caution.
What to Expect?
As you venture into the Kalbarri Skywalk, brace yourself for a surreal experience walking over the cliffs with the ground visible 100 metres below you.
The Skywalk comprises two cantilevered walkways, each jutting out at different angles, providing an unobstructed panorama of the Murchison River gorges below.
Much more than a viewpoint, the skywalk is a place to connect and learn more about the culture and heritage of the area. Interpretative signage is dispersed throughout the area, providing insights into the land’s history and its deep significance to the Nanda people, the traditional owners of the region.
As we arrived before sunrise, I was startled when I thought I saw a large lizard in the bush… but it was just one of the many native animal sculptures you’ll find displayed across the area.
At the Skywalk area, you’ll find some additional amenities. These include bathrooms with composting (no flush) toilets and non-potable tap water. There are a few shaded undercover picnic tables.
The skywalk area is fully accessible to wheelchair users. From the car park, it is a short walk of a couple of hundred metres to reach the skywalk platforms.
Tips for Visiting
Here are some local tips to make the most of your visit:
- There are twin Kalbarri skywalks: These two walkways are different lengths at 25 and 17 meters respectively, over the gorge. Most people head to the first and closest skywalk but make sure to wander over and walk out over both for different perspectives.
- Bring water: There is no drinking water within the park, make sure to bring sufficient water with you and stay hydrated when hiking in the heat.
- Kalbarri Skywalk photos: Honestly, it’s hard to put your camera down when visiting this spot – there’s no shortage of picture-perfect moments. There are so many different perspectives and angles for photos at the Skywalk.
- Informative Displays: Take note of the detailed displays that narrate the story of the region, the geological history, and the rich heritage of the Nanda people.
- Drone use is permitted, but please read and follow these important guidelines.
After exploring the Skywalk, make a beeline towards the picturesque Nature’s Window (one of Western Australia’s most recognisable natural landmarks!). Kalbarri Skywalk to Natures Window is just a short 5-minute drive.
There is a short hike required from the car park to reach Nature’s Window which you can read more about in my detailed guide to visiting Kalbarri National Park.
Skywalk Kalbarri National Park Tours
D’Guy Charters offers tours to explore Kalbarri National Park, which includes transfers from Kalbarri town on the informative, guided tours.
I went on the delightful sundowner and stargazing Kalbarri Skywalk tour.
We enjoyed a (plastic) glass of bubbles on the skywalk while watching the sunset before enjoying a delicious packed picnic dinner made by a local chef in town. We then did some star gazing with Guy who pointed out the key constellations and set up his astronomy telescope for up-close and personal viewing of the night skies.
Kalbarri Accommodation
If you’re in need to accommodation in Kalbarri, these are my top picks in town:
- Budget – Kalbarri Palm Resort: Kalbarri Palm Resort has 2 pools, and all rooms have a kitchenette. Basic but functional value for money accommodation, only a 10 minute walk from the beach
- Mid-Range – Kalbarri Edge Resort: Just next door to Kalbarri Palm Resort is Kalbarri Edge Resort. I stayed in a one-bedroom suite with spa bath and kitchen, but they also have two-bedroom suites and smaller studios with kitchenettes. The rooms are more modern here than Kalbarri Palm Resort, and there is a heated pool.
- Luxury – River Retreats Kalbarri: would be my pick for the nicest accommodation in Kalbarri, and for couples looking for a little bit of a more comfortable stay after a day of adventuring. This adults-only accommodation has individual outdoor terraces plus a swimming pool.
Final Thoughts
A visit to the Kalbarri Skywalk in Kalbarri National Park WA is truly an unforgettable experience. Make sure to put this iconic attraction at the top of your list when visiting Kalbarri.
Make sure to check out my other Kalbarri guides, and happy adventuring!
Continue Reading:
- 35 Ideas for the Best Things to Do in Kalbarri
- Kalbarri National Park: Complete Explorers Guide
- Pink Lake WA: Guide to Visiting Hutt Lagoon
- Monkey Mia Dolphin Feeding Experience: What to Expect
- Ultimate Perth to Exmouth Road Trip Itinerary
- 25 Incredible Things to Do in Exmouth
- Best Whale Shark Tours in Exmouth (plus Essential Swim Tips)
- Top Six Beaches in Broome You Need to Visit
Summary FAQ
When was Kalbarri Skywalk built?
The $24 million Kalbarri Skywalk project was completed in 2020 and officially opened to the public on 12 June 2020.
How long does it take to walk Kalbarri Skywalk?
Allow yourself 30 minutes to 1 hour to explore the Kalbarri Skywalk, read the informative plaques detailing the history and heritage of the area, and have a rest break at one of the shaded picnic tables under the patio.
How high is the skywalk in Kalbarri?
The Kalbarri Skywalk is over 100 metres above the Murchison River, extending 25 metres over the cliff face.
Is the road to Kalbarri Skywalk sealed?
The road into Kalbarri Skywalk is fully sealed and accessible by 2WD vehicles, including campervans and buses.
What is the Kalbarri Skywalk cost?
There is no extra cost to access Kalbarri Skywalk, however National Park entry fees apply at a cost of $17 per vehicle (2024 pricing)
What are the opening hours for Kalbarri Skywalk?
As Kalbarri Skywalk does not close, you can visit it at any time.
As owners of the skywalk cafe and Nanda traditional owners, we are very disappointed to read here that you have told people that we are not consistently open and to bring their own food to the skywalk because of this ???
We have worked tirelessly thru the last 2 years to establish our business and bring our seasonal workers over to work thru the season….opening 7 days a week from April thru to November and modified hrs thru the off season, posting our changes on our Facebook page and Kalbarri visitors centre.
It appears that you never put foot into our cafe since we took over at the start of 2023 ?
Have you read our reviews ?
Did you check with the local visitors centre ?
Did you search for our Facebook to check our opening times ?
Please take down your comments about the cafe and do some research before posting hearsay .
You have put a lot of effort into this review but this will affect our profile and ultimately our business.
As a footnote DBCA and Tourism WA have put a lot of effort into giving the cafe a higher profile for us Nanda .
Tony Wilton,
Nanda Elder
As you have chosen not to respond to our concerns about your directions to the public regarding the cafe at the skywalk, we will now take it to Tourism WA and Govt Authorities
Dear Tony,
Your initial comment on this article was submitted on Saturday (and it is now Monday morning). As I maintain a work/life balance, I don’t screen comments over the weekend. Your message has been noted, however I don’t appreciate your tone.
At the time of writing this article, I shared information that had been provided to me by a local expert and tour guide about the operations of the café at the time of my visit (August 2022). A polite comment letting me know that there is new management and visiting hours are kept up to date on Facebook would have been sufficient and I would have happily updated this article to reflect this.
As it stands, based on your response and threatening message, I no longer feel comfortable mentioning this business in this article.
I wish you all the best in your future operations.
Kind regards,
Tess