This comprehensive guide provides everything first-time visitors need to know for a successful trip to the Kalbarri Skywalk in Western Australia, including essential details on park passes, arrival times, and accessibility. You will learn how to navigate the 37-kilometre journey from Kalbarri town centre, what facilities are available on-site in Kalbarri National Park, and how to combine your visit with other nearby gorge lookouts.
| Location | Kalbarri National Park (Inland), Western Australia |
|---|---|
| Entry Price | $17 per vehicle (standard) / $10 (concession) |
| Opening Hours | 24-hour access (daylight hours recommended) |
| Best Time to Visit | Sunrise or early morning (6:00 am – 10:00 am) |
| Parking Availability | Ample sealed parking for cars, RVs, and coaches |
| Typical Visit Length | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
If you just want to book a tour that takes in the Kalbarri Skywalk, try this innovative evening tour that includes a stargazing session.
Overview and Heritage
The Kalbarri Skywalk, known as Kaju Yatka in the local Nanda language, consists of two cantilevered platforms that project 25 and 17 metres beyond the rim of the Murchison River Gorge. Suspended 100 metres above the valley floor, the structures offer a panoramic view of a landscape forged over 400 million years. The rusted hues of the weathering steel beams were chosen to mirror the deep ochre and red of the Tumblagooda Sandstone, ensuring the engineering feels like a natural extension of the cliff face rather than an intrusion upon it.
Standing on the metal mesh flooring, you can hear the low rush of the wind through the scrub and the distant movement of the Murchison River far below. The air here often carries a scent of dry eucalyptus and sun-baked earth, particularly as the morning light strikes the gorge walls.
It is a place of immense cultural significance to the Nanda people, whose stories and artwork are embedded throughout the precinct. The presence of these ancient stories, alongside the tactile, industrial feel of the handrails and the vast silence of the outback, creates a sense of profound scale that stays with you long after you leave the ledge.
How to get to the Kalbarri Skywalk
The skywalk is located 37 kilometres inland from the Kalbarri town centre. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes via the Ajana-Kalbarri Road.
The entire route is fully sealed, making it accessible for all two-wheel-drive vehicles. From town, drive east until you see the signposted turn-off for the National Park (Inland Gorges). Follow this road through the park gates; the skywalk is clearly marked and situated at the end of a well-maintained bitumen track. Note that while the road is excellent, you should be vigilant for kangaroos and emus, especially if driving near dawn or dusk.
If you’d prefer not to drive, there are tours to the Kalbarri Skywalk picking up at Kalbarri hotels.
Alternatively, take a multi-day tour, such as Autopia’s seven day trip from Perth to Exmouth along the Coral Coast. This tour also takes in the Pinnacles then Nature’s Window and Z Bend in Kalbarri National Park, Shell Beach in Shark Bay, the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse and the Lancelin sand dunes.
Parking at Kalbarri Skywalk
There is a large, purpose-built bitumen car park located just 150 metres from the skywalk platforms. It includes dedicated bays for long vehicles such as caravans, trailers, and large motorhomes.
Parking is included in your $17 National Park entry fee, and there is usually sufficient capacity even during the busier winter months. However, the car park can fill quickly during the July school holidays. For those with limited mobility, there are clearly marked accessible parking bays situated closest to the start of the paved pathway leading to the lookouts.
This national park entry fee was checked on the Explore Parks site in February 2026.
Opening hours at the Kalbarri Skywalk
Technically, the skywalk is accessible 24 hours a day, as there are no gates that close at night within this section of the park. However, it is strongly recommended to visit during daylight hours.
There is no artificial lighting on the platforms or the pathways, making nighttime visits a safety risk unless you are part of an organised stargazing tour. The Skywalk Kiosk generally operates from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, though these hours are seasonal and may be reduced during the extremely hot summer months of December and January.
Best time to visit the Kalbarri Skywalk
The most comfortable time to visit is between May and September when the daytime temperatures are mild. If you visit between August and October, you will also see the spectacular Western Australian wildflowers in bloom across the sandplains.
Regardless of the season, aim to arrive at sunrise or by 8:00 am. The morning light illuminates the gorge walls directly, providing the best conditions for photography. In summer, temperatures at the gorge can exceed 40°C by midday; visiting early allows you to experience the site before the heat becomes oppressive.
Facilities at the Kalbarri Skywalk
The precinct is well-equipped for visitors. There are modern, composting toilets located near the car park that are maintained to a high standard.
The Skywalk Kiosk serves coffee, cold drinks, and light snacks, though it is wise to bring your own water as there is no treated drinking water available in the park. Shade shelters with integrated seating are scattered around the entrance to the platforms, providing a place to rest out of the sun. The entire site, from the car park to the very tip of the skywalks, is designed for universal access with flat, step-free pathways.
Nearby attractions
Because the skywalk is deep within the inland section of the park, it is best paired with other gorge lookouts. Nature’s Window is only a 10-minute drive further into the park and is the most famous rock formation in the region.
The Z-Bend lookout is also nearby, offering a more rugged perspective of the river’s sharp turns. For those wanting to see the contrast of the landscape, the Kalbarri Coastal Cliffs (such as Natural Bridge and Island Rock) are located south of the town centre and can be visited in the afternoon to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Practical questions about visiting Kalbarri Skywalk
Is it free?
No, you must have a valid Western Australia National Park pass to enter. A day pass costs $17 per vehicle and can be purchased at the park entry station or the Kalbarri Visitor Centre.
What time should I arrive?
Arriving by 7:30 am is ideal to avoid the heat and the largest crowds. Photographers should aim for the first hour after sunrise.
How long should I allow?
Allow approximately 45 minutes to an hour to walk the paths, read the interpretive signage, and spend time on both viewing platforms.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the platforms have high, secure railings and the mesh flooring is safe for children. There are also life-like statues of local wildlife that younger visitors enjoy finding.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the entire skywalk precinct is class 1 accessible, meaning the paths are flat, sealed, and suitable for unassisted wheelchair users and prams.
Are there nearby cafés?
There is an on-site kiosk serving refreshments. For a full meal, you will need to head back into the Kalbarri townsite, which is 30 minutes away.
Can you bring food?
Yes, you can bring your own food. There are picnic tables and shade shelters available, but please ensure all rubbish is taken with you as there are no bins in the park.
Is public transport reliable?
There is no public transport to the inland gorges. You will need a private vehicle or you must book a seat on a commercial tour departing from Kalbarri town.
Where is the best parking?
The main car park at the end of the skywalk access road is the only place to park. It is very close to the attraction and has plenty of space for all vehicle types.
While the skywalk is a highly accessible and safe environment, visitors should remain mindful of the intense Australian sun and the rugged nature of the surrounding terrain. Even though the paths are paved, the heat can be deceptive. Always carry more water than you think you will need, and stay on the marked trails to protect the fragile sandstone edges of the gorge.
More Coral Coast travel
Other Coral Coast travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Guide to tackling the Three Bays Walkway in Green Head.
- A tale of mutiny and murder on the Houtman Abrolhos Islands.
- The extraordinary history of the Hamelin Pool stromatolites in Shark Bay.
- An adventure to Inscription Point on Dirk Hartog Island, Shark Bay.
- What it’s like to swim with whale sharks on the Ningaloo Reef.
