Northhampton to Galena Bridge via Kalbarri
Starting in Northhampton, this route is an alternative route that takes you north to Galena Bridge via Kalbarri. This is a good ride, especially when the sea breeze comes in. The prevailing wind in the morning is an easterly, which will give you a good tail wind. Once the road turns north, the sea breeze, which is normally from the South West will give you another good tail wind.
The road is bitumen and wide enough in most places to ride safely out of the traffic. The traffic is light, and there is not many heavy vehicles using this road. There are several steep hills, both down and up, where I used my granny gear when riding a loaded touring bike. It is about 108 kms to Kalbarri. You will need to take plenty of water, as there are no water stops on the way, unless you are planning to go to Port Gregory, which is 6 kms from the route and 50 kms from Northhampton.
Red marks an alternative route. The satellite view is off, but the track can be seen.
The turn off to Kalbarri is in Northhampton directly opposite the Shire Caravan Park. You can fill up with water from the taps at the Shire Caravan Park. If coming into Northhampton from the direction of Geraldton, you will see the Tavern on the left. If you look to the right you will see the caravan park a short distance up the road.
At 42 kms is the turn off to Kalbarri. Continuing straight on for 6 kms will take you to Port Gregory. A few kilometres before this turn off, on the right is the Lynton Convict Station. These ruins are being restored, and it is free to stop in and look around. The carpark is a large gravel area, with a big log laying on it's side, which is a good place to lean the bicycle and BOB trailer. Be careful if you push your bike off of the car parking area, as I picked up three big thorns in the front tyre. Luckily I didn't get a puncture with thorn resistant tubes fitted.
Once you turn right at the turn off to Kalbarri, you are heading in a northerly direction, so if the sea breeze is blowing, you should have a good tail wind. It is 66 kms to Kalbarri from here. On the left you will see the pink lakes as you ride along. At about 43 kms you will see the welcome sign below. Just before this is a sheltered rest area, which has some shelter from the wind, and seating.
Welcome to Kalbarri. Sign at 23 kms out.
Once you pass the rest area, it is 23 kms to go, with the last few kms into Kalbarri a good down hill ride. Traffic is light except in holiday season. As you approach Kalbarri, you will see several turn offs on the left to the lookouts on the cliffs. There is some spectacular scenery along the coast here. As you approach Kalbarri, and see Wittecarra Creek, you may want to ride on the Melaleuca Cycle Walk Trail which starts just after crossing the creek.
Kalbarri
Once you reach Kalbarri, there are quite a lot of options for accommodation. There are also some excellent things to see and do. There are plenty of services, food, drink and bike spares available if required.
When leaving Kalbarri, there is a reasonable climb, where you will pass the airport on the right. This road will take you past Kalbarri National Park, and several other beautiful sights. The road is wide, and has some heavy vehicles and the occasional tourist coach.
Road to Murchison Station on the left about 7kms out of Kalbarri.
Kalbarri National Park (9 kms)
This turn off takes you to several lookouts over the Murchison Gorge area, Nature's Window, and the Z Bend. It's a 20 km corrugated gravel road (when I did it) to a T junction. Going left for about 9 km will take you to a lookout and picnic area. Going right for 5 kms will take you the Z Bend lookout and picnic area. Take plenty of water with you as there are no supplies.
Hawks Head Lookout and Ross Graham Lookout
About 25 kms after the National Park turnoff to the Z Bend Picnic Area, on the left is another turn off, which will take you to Hawks Head Lookout and Ross Graham Lookout.
Possible route via Geraldine Road
At about 21 kms past the turn off to Hawks Head Lookout, on the left is Warribano Chimney Road which leads to Geraldine Road. It is marked as a 4WD track, and takes you past the Warribano Chimney. The old Geraldine Mine was a lead mine. This route will take you to the highway, where you turn left, and about 2 kms to the north is Galena Bridge. It is marked in red in the above map.
Intersection - North West Coastal Highway and Ajana Kalbarri Road.
If you decided to stay on the bitumen, about 8 kms after Warribano Road you will come to the intersection with the North West Coastal Highway, which is Highway 1. If going North, turn left to proceed to Galena Bridge and the crossing of the Murchison River. If you want to go back to Northhampton, turn right and follow the highway.
Galena Bridge
Just 13 kms north of the intersection of North West Coastal Highway and Ajana Kalbarri Road is the Galena Bridge, which crosses the Murchison River. It has a rest area and picnic spot. The water can be brackish in the Murchison River. It depends on whether there has been rainfall inland. Water has been reported as fine for cooking and there is a good campsite.
Additional Resources
The following offsite links may also be useful if doing this ride:
- Port Gregory Caravan Park.
- Kalbarri National Park
- Kalbarri You''ll Love It!
Next Parts
If heading South the next leg of the route is Geraldton to Northhampton, if heading North the next leg is Galena Bridge to Carnarvon.
