Kalbarri Scenic Flights Abrolhos Islands, Pink Lake & Gorges Grand Flight

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The longest of Kalbarri's sightseeing flights: 1 hour 45 minutes out over the sea to the coral-ringed Abrolhos Islands, back via the bright pink Hutt Lagoon and home over the gorges of Kalbarri National Park.

Days

1 hour 45 minutes

Age

All ages, children with an adult

Group size

Shared flight in a small plane

Start / finish

Kalbarri Airport / Kalbarri Airport

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Fixed-wing light aircraft, a window seat for everyone

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Kalbarri Scenic Flights Abrolhos Islands, Pink Lake & Gorges Grand Flight

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Included experiences

Abrolhos Islands — low over East and West Wallabi and the reefs
Super Tubes — see the surf break from above
Hutt Lagoon — fly over the Pink Lake
Kalbarri National Park — return over the river gorges
Coastal cliffs and Bluff Point — follow the coast south

Kalbarri Scenic Flights Abrolhos Islands, Pink Lake & Gorges Grand Flight

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

TAKE-OFF: KALBARRI AND THE COAST SOUTH

Your flight starts at Kalbarri Airport, about 15 minutes' drive east of town on the road in from the highway. After a short safety video you walk out to a small fixed-wing plane where every seat is a window seat, and the pilot's commentary comes through your headset. Kalbarri Scenic Flights has flown sightseeing trips over this stretch of the Mid West coast for more than 30 years. The plane heads out over Kalbarri and the mouth of the Murchison River, which runs about 800 km from the inland to the sea, then follows the red coastal cliffs south to Bluff Point. The cliffs are Tumblagooda sandstone, more than 400 million years old.

ACROSS THE SEA TO THE ABROLHOS ISLANDS

From the coast you turn out to sea past Gantheaume Bay, named by the French expedition of Nicolas Baudin after a French admiral. It's about 20 minutes' flying across open water to the Houtman Abrolhos, a chain of 122 islands and coral reefs about 65 km offshore. They are the southernmost true coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, kept warm by the Leeuwin Current. Their name is said to come from an old Portuguese warning, "open your eyes", for sailors coming near the reefs.

LOW OVER THE WALLABI GROUP

The plane drops low past East Wallabi Island and West Wallabi Island, named for the tammar wallabies that live on them. It was in this group that the Dutch ship Batavia was wrecked in 1629, and the survivors who held out against the mutineers on West Wallabi built stone shelters there, the oldest European buildings in Australia. You also pass over the surf break known as Super Tubes. For about 20 minutes you circle the islands, where coral shows bright through the shallow water. Look for sea lions, dolphins and, in season, whales.

HUTT LAGOON AND HOME OVER THE GORGES

On the way back you cross the Pink Lake at Hutt Lagoon, about 14 km long and coloured by the Dunaliella salina algae, which is farmed here for beta-carotene, a food colouring and a source of vitamin A. The last leg runs home over Kalbarri National Park, where the Murchison River has cut a gorge about 80 km long through the same red sandstone. It's a flight only, with no landing on the islands, and you touch down at Kalbarri about 1 hour 45 minutes after take-off.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Kalbarri Airport terminal on Fawcett-Broad Drive, about 10 km east of town along Ajana Road, opposite the turn-off to the river gorges. Be there 30 minutes before take-off for the safety video and pre-flight form; boarding closes 15 minutes before.
Departure time: Your take-off time is confirmed when you book.
Duration: About 1 hour 45 minutes in the air.
Minimum age: No minimum age. Children fly with an adult, and babies under 12 months travel free on a parent's knee (one per booking).
Suits: Anyone who can get into a small plane safely, including people with limited mobility or cognitive disabilities. The terminal has no steps and has disabled parking. Service animals can't fly, as the planes are too small.
Please note: Weights are declared when you book and the pilot may check them. Some seats take up to 120 kg, so online bookings are capped at 120 kg per passenger; let us know when booking if anyone is heavier. Pregnant passengers need a doctor's certificate saying it is safe to fly.

What to bring

One carry-on bag of up to 3 kg per person

What is included

1 hour 45 minute scenic flight from Kalbarri Airport
A window seat for every passenger
Pilot commentary through headsets

Not included

Transport to and from Kalbarri Airport (about 10 km from town)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 2 reviews

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

A fantastic day with Crystal on the Grand Tour, taking in the sights around Kalbarri and landing on the Abrolhos Islands. She was a great pilot, guide and companion for the six hours, and the island is a hidden treasure.

Graham Eddy Verified· Travelled 12th September 2023

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(5/5)

We did the Grand Tour flight and loved it. It was a really special thing to do and one we won't forget.

Jess Mercer Verified· Travelled 8th September 2022

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