If you think Kalbarri is only about the rugged coastline and the famous pink lake, you’re only seeing half the picture. Just 12km north of the town centre lies Murchison House Station, a 350,000-acre working pastoral station that offers a true leap back in time. Additionally, visiting Murchison House Station Kalbarri gives you the chance to explore unique outback history.
The 2026 Outback Revival
As travelers increasingly seek “slow travel” and authentic off-grid experiences, Murchison House Station has become a trending hotspot for those wanting to escape the bitumen. It’s a place where the red dirt of the Murchison meets the heritage of Western Australia’s pastoral pioneers. In fact, visiting Murchison House Station Kalbarri is ideal for anyone keen on discovering hidden gems in the region.
Rugged Adventures: Quad Bike Tours
The station’s guided 4WD quad bike tours are arguably the best way to witness the “Big Country.” These aren’t your average tourist trails. Instead, you’ll navigate sandy tracks, limestone ridges, and river floodplains that remain inaccessible to the general public. It’s raw, dusty, and incredibly rewarding.
A Living History
Established in 1858, Murchison House is older than the town of Kalbarri itself. A walk around the historic stone homestead and the pioneer cemetery provides a grounding perspective on the resilience of the early settlers. Indeed, the story of Murchison House Station Kalbarri is a fascinating chapter in Western Australian heritage.
Planning Your Visit
- Bush Camping: The official bush camping season reopens on April 1st. Now is the time to prep your 4WD for a self-sufficient trek to the north side of the Murchison River.
- Day Visitors: If you aren’t staying overnight, the Historic Homestead Walking Tour is a must. It usually includes a country-style morning tea with scones and coffee on the veranda. This is the perfect quiet contrast to a morning on the trails.
Local Tip: Keep an eye out for the local wildlife. The station is home to thousands of feral goats, emus, and kangaroos that frequent the riverbanks at dawn and dusk. Above all, wildlife sightings are plentiful when you visit Murchison House Station Kalbarri.
Experience the Murchison: Recommended Local Tours
While Murchison House Station is incredible to explore on your own, these local operators offer specialised ways to see the land. You get experiences that you simply can’t get anywhere else.
Kalbarri Quad Bike Safaris
For those who want a bit of adrenaline with their outback scenery, this is a must-do.
- The Route: They take you deep into the Murchison House Station pastoral land. You cross the river right at the homestead to access rugged bush tracks.
- The Experience: You’ll ride fully automatic, two-seater quad bikes through diverse terrain—from sandy tracks to rocky ridges. Meanwhile, keep an eye out for kangaroos, emus, and wild goats.
- Who it’s for: Suitable for everyone from beginners to experienced riders (drivers must be 18+ with a valid license). For families, Murchison House Station Kalbarri offers plenty of opportunities to make lifelong memories.
The Murchison Experience
If you prefer a slower pace combined with incredible local food, look no further.
- Canoe & Campfire: Their signature “Champagne Brunch” includes a peaceful canoe expedition along the Murchison River. Afterward, enjoy a hearty campfire meal.
- Bush Gastronomy: Expect unique regional dishes like kangaroo baby pies and slow-cooked goat meat with gnocchi. There is even Western Rock Lobster arancini, all prepared over an open fire.
- Heritage Focus: Tours often include a guided stroll through the Murchison House Station grounds. This allows you to immerse yourself in its 150-year history.
D’Guy Tours and Charters
If you want to sit back and let a local expert handle the driving, Guy and his team offer comprehensive sightseeing.
- The Skywalk Experts: They are the only land-based operators offering sundowner and stargazing tours at the Kalbarri Skywalk. The tours are complete with expert commentary on the night sky.
- Tailored Journeys: Beyond the station, they run highly-rated tours to the Pink Lake, coastal cliffs, and inland gorges. Often, they reach the best spots before the crowds arrive.
- Local Knowledge: With over 50 years of local history, Guy shares “quirky” stories and historical insights. These are stories you won’t find in the standard guidebooks.
Murchison House Station: Frequently Asked Questions
While the station is accessible for tours year-round, the Bush Camping season officially runs from April to October to avoid the extreme summer heat. For the best experience, visit during late autumn or winter when the weather is mild and the Murchison River is at its most scenic.
If you are visiting for a guided tour (like the Quad Bike Safaris) or the Historic Homestead, a standard vehicle is fine for the short drive from Kalbarri. However, if you plan to go Bush Camping on the north side of the river, a high-clearance 4WD is essential for navigating the rugged tracks..
Yes! Murchison House is one of the few places in the Kalbarri region that is dog-friendly. Since it is a working station with livestock and local wildlife, dogs must be kept on a lead at all times to ensure everyone’s safety.
Absolutely. Day visitors are welcome to explore the historic buildings, join a Homestead Walking Tour, or book a spot on one of the local tour operator adventures like the Quad Bike Safaris or The Murchison Experience.
We recommend wearing enclosed shoes and a hat, especially if you are heading out on the trails or exploring the shearing sheds. Don’t forget your camera—the mix of heritage buildings, flowering aloes, and outback vistas offers incredible photography opportunities.