Kalbarri Sunset Cruise: Coastal Cliffs & Jacques Point

The rocks change color as the sun goes down over the water.

A two-hour sunset cruise departing Kalbarri Maritime Facility travels south along the coast past Jacques Point, Red Bluff, Mushroom Rock, Rainbow Valley, Pot Alley and Eagle Gorge, with stops at key sites and an expert crew guiding you through the Murchison River mouth and along the cliffs. The boat is a 50-foot vessel with viewing access from all deck areas, and you're welcome to bring your own drinks and nibbles onboard.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset cruise along Kalbarri coastline

• Depart Kalbarri Maritime Facility
• Cruise through Murchison River mouth
• View Jacques Point and Red Bluff
• See Mushroom Rock Trail by boat
• Pass Pot Alley secluded bay
• Stop briefly at Jakes surf break
• Cruise past Eagle Gorge and lookout
• Enjoy sunset and photo opportunities

The Experience

You board at Kalbarri Maritime Facility and head out through the Murchison River mouth as the afternoon light starts to shift. The route runs south along the coastline for roughly two hours, stopping briefly at each of the major sites—Red Bluff with its rock formations and high lookout, the Mushroom Rock visible from the water where the trail runs above it, Pot Alley's private secluded bay, Jacques Point where bottle-nose dolphins sometimes appear near the surf break, and Eagle Gorge with its incredible rock formations and the lookout perched on the cliff edge. The crew knows the local sea conditions and the story of each stop, and they point out details most visitors miss from the shore.

The 50-foot vessel gives you viewing space across the deck, so you're not crowded into one spot. As the sun lowers, the coastal cliffs shift from their daytime colors into reds and oranges—the rocks literally take on the color of fire, which is why people come back to Kalbarri for this particular cruise. The light changes fast, so bring a camera; the cliff backdrops at Eagle Gorge (the turnaround point) are the most dramatic for photos. You can bring your own drinks and food onboard, so many travelers pack a bottle to mark the sunset.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, and the crew can accommodate infants in prams or strollers. Service animals are welcome. If you don't have a car, public transportation options run to the Maritime Facility, and the transport itself is wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

• Guidance and local sea knowledge from the expert crew.
• access to a premium 50-foot vessel with viewing space across all deck areas.
• stops at Jacques Point, Red Bluff, Mushroom Rock, Rainbow Valley, Pot Alley and Eagle Gorge.
• unlimited photo opportunities of the coastal cliffs as the light changes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Reefwalker Ocean Discovery Kalbarri

Is this one for you?The cruise departs from Kalbarri Maritime Facility, which is accessible by public transport if you don't have a car—this settles the logistics for travelers staying in town without a rental. The two-hour window fits a free afternoon or the last part of your day, and you're welcome to bring your own drinks, so you're not locked into the boat's bar or paying extra for refreshments.

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Top questions

What exactly is Jacques Point and why do people stop there on the cruise?

Jacques Point is a world-class surf break located on Kalbarri's coast where the cruise stops briefly. It's a great spot to watch surfers in action, and the local bottle-nose dolphins sometimes appear in the area, making it one of the most memorable stops on the route.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the Kalbarri sunset cruise?

Yes, you're welcome to bring your own drinks and nibbles onboard. Many travelers pack a bottle to toast the sunset, and there's no restriction on what you bring as long as it's your own.

How long does the sunset cruise take and when does it depart?

The cruise runs for two hours and departs from Kalbarri Maritime Facility. The exact departure time aligns with the sunset, so timing shifts with the season—the crew will confirm the precise time when you book.

What makes Eagle Gorge the turnaround point on this cruise?

Eagle Gorge is a secluded beach with incredible rock formations and a lookout perched high on the cliff above. It marks the southern end of the route and offers the most dramatic cliff backdrop for photos as the sun sets, which is why the boat turns around there.

Is this cruise suitable if I'm not very fit or have mobility concerns?

The cruise is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and the deck has viewing areas across the vessel, so you can position yourself comfortably. The crew can also accommodate infants in prams or strollers if needed.

What's the difference between seeing Mushroom Rock from the boat versus the walking trail?

The Mushroom Rock Trail is a walk on land, but the cruise passes by the rock formation from the water and you see the part of the trail from the boat. Seeing it by water gives you a different angle and takes no walking effort, which is why many visitors do both during their stay.