The coastal town of Kalbarri is a popular holiday resort, famous for its fishing as well as its wild and beautiful scenery. The coastline is steeped in history and has witnessed many shipwrecks over the centuries. The first known Europeans to live in Australia were marooned in the Whittecarra Gully near Red Bluff. They were sailors, Walter Loos and Jan Pelgrom, who had taken part in the 'Batavia' mutiny and massacre of 1629. Kalbarri today has two main industries, tourism and crayfishing.
Fishing is also a popular pastime.
A pleasant way to enjoy the sights is to take a cruise up the Murchison River on the Kalbarri River Queen ferry. Every morning at 8.45am, the pelicans are fed on the foreshore of the river opposite Fantasyland museum. The region round Kalbarri is a photographer's paradise with its river gorges, rugged coastal cliffs, wildflowers in season and dramatic sunsets. Kalbarri National Park offers breathtaking scenery where the gorges of the Murchison River slash abruptly into the sandplain exposing layers of brilliantly coloured sandstone. The 'Loop' and 'Z' bend gorges are well worth visiting with superb views from the banded cliffs.