Blue Holes (Kalbarri)

Meet the site

Blue Holes is Kalbarri's best snorkelling spot: a limestone reef platform just south of town where erosion has carved lagoon pools – the 'blue holes' – that fill with clear water inside the protection of the outer reef. Since 2000 the area has been protected as the Kalbarri Blue Holes Fish Habitat Protection Area, with fishing prohibited, and the Kalbarri visitor centre notes more than 70 fish species, 11 types of coral and western rock lobsters.

The pools are shallow – mostly 1-3 m – with ledges and overhangs where crays hide, patches of hard and soft coral and sponges, and a mix of subtropical and temperate fish: wrasse, dart, butterflyfish, herring, tailor, damselfish and juvenile reef fish, with the occasional octopus. The small lagoon gives what one guide calls an 'aquarium-like' experience.

It suits families and snorkellers of any experience in calm conditions, and there is little reason to bring scuba. The limestone is sharp, so reef shoes are essential. Facilities include a shade shelter, picnic tables and a toilet block. Snakes can be encountered on the dune paths.

Nearby Red Bluff and Jakes Point are primarily surfing and scenic spots, and the Kalbarri National Park coastal cliffs to the south are spectacular but unsafe for entry. The Zuytdorp wreck lies far to the north below the Zuytdorp Cliffs. Kalbarri has no dive shop or air station, so scuba divers must bring filled cylinders from Geraldton; for snorkellers, a mask, fins, reef shoes and a rash vest are all that is needed. The protection area's rules also prohibit collecting shells and marine life.

What you might see

Western rock lobster, wrasse, dart, butterflyfish, herring, tailor, damselfish, octopus, hard and soft corals, sponges

Location

Limestone reef platform with sheltered lagoon pools 2 km south of Kalbarri town, protected as the Kalbarri Blue Holes Fish Habitat Protection Area (no fishing); 70+ fish species and 11 coral types in 1-5 m.

Facilities nearby

Car park, shade shelter, picnic tables, toilet block; town shops 2 km. No air fills in Kalbarri.