July 4: Kalbarri, Kalbarri!
Kalbarri, Kalbarri!I had to go a little out of the way to get there, but Nature’s Window at Kalbarri National Park was well worth it! This wind eroded opening in layered sandstone beautifully frames a view of the Murchison River and the surrounding valley, providing a virtual explosion of color.
Riding through the western part of Kalbarri National Park last night, I stopped at the grandstand viewpoint to admire the rocky orange seaside cliffs gently sloping down to the sparkling light blue waters of the western Australian coast. Tufts of green scrubby bushes dotted the sandy bluffs and cotton candy shaped white clouds floated by in the sky.
Descending into the city of Kalbarri, the seashell-shaped white sandy beach surrounded shimmering seawater home to resident dolphins and seasonal humpback whales, providing a picturesque launching point to visit more of the park today.
After a great night’s rest, I headed east on route 354 before turning north into the eastern park entrance across from the small local airport and followed the smaller access road almost 20 miles to the trailhead for the hike to the iconic viewpoint.
The walk itself was mesmerizing, as I clambered up and over and around red and white banded rocks with rippled surfaces, apparently formed when they were deposited millions of years ago on tidal flats. Looking to the side I could see the deep walls of the gorge showcasing red, orange, yellow, and white layers of sandstone. Down near the river’s edge gnarled leafy trees and bushes provided additional pops of color.
Stepping into the naturally formed window, I marveled at all the deep rich hues of stone, the light and shadows cast by the rising sun, and the silvery blue waters of the Murchison River beyond.
It was hard to leave such a breathtaking spot, but with several hours of riding to my next destination, I hit the road. Continuing on route 354 and then turning north on highway one, I then veered off onto route 353 towards Denham, admiring more of the deep orange earth on both sides of the road and keeping an eye out for the wild emu, kangaroos, and spiney ant eaters known to populate the area, passing a picturesque view of shell beach along the way. What a great day on the bike!
