Kalbarri
WA 6536 • Rest of WA
About Kalbarri
Kalbarri is a spectacular coastal town on Western Australia's Mid West coast, located 592 kilometres north of Perth at the mouth of the Murchison River. With a permanent population of around 1,500 that swells to 8,000 during holiday seasons, it's primarily a tourism and fishing community. Named after a Nanda man and an edible seed, the town sits on Nanda traditional lands and offers a unique combination of coastal cliffs, river gorges, and semi-arid landscapes.
Tourism drives Kalbarri's economy, with 200,000 visitors annually drawn to the Kalbarri National Park, Nature's Window, the Z Bend lookout, and dramatic coastal cliffs plunging 100 metres into the sea. Daily pelican feeding, charter boats on the Murchison River, and exceptional wildflower displays in winter round out the attractions. The town suits retirees, tourism workers, and those seeking a remote coastal lifestyle with outstanding natural beauty. The 2021 Cyclone Seroja caused significant damage, but the community has rebuilt.
Kalbarri falls under postcode 6536 and is governed by Northampton Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Geraldton electorate.
Location
Transport & Commute
Bus Services
- Transwa N1, N2 — Perth via Geraldton 8-9 hours
Commute to Perth CBD
🛣️ Very remote location. Geraldton (167km south) is the nearest major centre with airport. Car essential for daily life.
Small town centre is walkable but most attractions and services require driving.
Supermarkets Nearby
No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.
Schools
-
PO Box 584 (Hackney Street)
Housing Costs 2021 Census
Demographics
Population Growth
Gender Distribution (Census 2021)
Income Comparison
Country of Birth 2021 Census
Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)
- 1. England 99
- 2. New Zealand 39
- 3. Scotland 14
- 4. Germany 11
- 5. Ireland 10
- 6. Philippines 8
- 7. Thailand 8
- 8. South Africa 7
- 9. Wales 7
- 10. Canada 4
- 11. Indonesia 4
- 12. Netherlands 4
- 13. Taiwan 4
- 14. France 3
- 15. Italy 3
Ancestry 2021 Census
Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)