Reply To: Camping in kalbarri.

Hi James, the Kalbarri Visitor Center website has a link to the road closure schedule for this winter, or you can just google “Kalbarri road closure” to find all the details. It appears closed til the end of September.

I wrote this “guide” for some friends earlier this year so perhaps you will find something useful too:

In the interest of keeping everyone happy in Kalbarri National Park (including the Department of Environment) please note:

1) IMPORTANT: “It is a strict requirement that all overnight groups register with Park staff before making the trip”. You must filling out the form available at National Park Headquarters at the entrance of Kalbarri town on Adjana-Kalbarri Rd. Last year, we didn’t register one weekend and the ranger came down the gorges to check on us since our car hadn’t moved from the car park for a few days. We got by. The ranger was lenient this time. He just wants to be aware of who is in the gorges in case he has to organise search and rescue.

2) IMPORTANT: If you do stay in the gorge and pitch a tent/bivvy, please hide them during the day so it’s not visible from the lookout. My understanding is that a bivouac is allowed within the National Park only for registered overnight hikers. Climbers may be unofficially tolerated but it’s best if we ALL keep a low profile. Alternatively, Kalbarri town offers 3 star camping with showers, Fish & Chips and cold beers! h t t p : // w w w . kalbarri.org.au/accommodation

3) If you are freezing and absolutely need a campfire, keep it clean/small and reuse existing pit.

4) Do your business at least 100m downstream from the promenade / (away from the river please) and bury your waste/paper at least 15cm deep. Sanitary products should be packed out.

5) Avoid stashing gear for the “next trip”, just go lighter!

6) Don’t write the name of the climb (or anything else) with chalk or charcoal at the bottom of the route!

7) Leave the place as tidy as possible during the day, take all rubbish out when it’s time to go home, perhaps even brush the holds when finishing a route.

8) Last but not least, don’t leave any permanent rope on the descent section of the adventure wall. The ranger mentioned that it could lead to some litigation issues if some tourists used our ropes and injured themselves. If you see a static rope there and you are last, please put it away.

Basically, register and leave no trace, enjoy this special place. I wish everyone a good winter season.

Climb safe.
Remi