Pelican Feeding Point Kalbarri

Imagine a sunny morning on the coast, where graceful Australian pelicans strut importantly along the promenade waiting for breakfast. Pelican feeding in the town of Kalbarri is not just a tourist attraction, but a heartwarming tradition and a captivating spectacle that allows you to see the wildlife of a country as amazing as Australia at arm's length.

This daily event takes place on the bay foreshore under the guidance of local volunteers. It is both interactive and educational: while the birds receive their portion of fish, spectators are told fascinating facts about the lives, habits, and anatomy of these majestic creatures.

Kalbarri Pelican Feeding. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The area is equipped with comfortable benches arranged in a semi-circle under a canopy, making observation comfortable in any weather. It is an ideal spot for family relaxation, where children and adults can experience a wealth of positive emotions from interacting with birds in their natural habitat.

For more details about the event or additional information about the town, you can contact the visitor centre. The main contact details are provided below:

The main reason to head to the foreshore by nine in the morning is the unique opportunity to observe pelican behavior up close. You will see these massive birds dive toward the water or parade importantly along the shore, waiting for a volunteer with the coveted bucket of fish. This is the perfect moment for a photoshoot: the pelicans in Kalbarri are used to people and willingly pose against the backdrop of the ocean waves.

The educational component is of particular interest. Volunteers share their knowledge with great enthusiasm, explaining how pelicans migrate and how they survive the harsh conditions of the Australian climate. Children (and sometimes adults) are often allowed to take a direct part in the feeding under the strict supervision of specialists, which never fails to delight young naturalists.

After the last fish has been eaten and the birds fly off to go about their business, you can stroll along the picturesque promenade or stop by a nearby cafe to discuss what you've seen over a cup of coffee. Such a walk will be a wonderful and peaceful start to the day, full of harmony with nature.

Finding the meeting spot is easy: it is located in the heart of town on the foreshore, directly across from the popular Pelly’s Cafe. For those staying in the central part of town, the walk to the feeding point on Grey St is a pleasant morning stroll, as most hotels are within walking distance.

If you plan to arrive by car, there is a small parking area for about 10 cars nearby. During peak season, it fills up quickly, so it’s worth arriving early. In a small town like Kalbarri, public transport is limited, so a car or walking remains the best way to get around.

For precise navigation, you can use the coordinates 114.1673473, -27.7071448 or simply follow the signs on the foreshore, which will lead you directly to the special gazebo where spectators gather.

The tradition, which now seems like an integral part of the resort's life, began entirely by chance in 1975. The founder of this kind custom was local resident Cliff Ross. An avid fisherman, he often cleaned his catch on the shore and gave the scraps to the pelicans gathered nearby. The birds quickly grew accustomed to the treat and began coming to his house on Grey St every morning.

Over time, Cliff opened the Fantasyland museum here, and bird feeding transformed from a personal habit into a popular public spectacle. Even as business owners changed, the love for the feathered inhabitants of the bay remained constant. Today, the event is maintained by dedicated volunteers who have taken on the responsibility of caring for the birds and educating tourists.

Over the decades, this spot has become a true symbol of the harmony between humans and nature in Western Australia. Despite natural challenges, such as the powerful Cyclone Seroja, the Kalbarri community made every effort to restore the foreshore and preserve this unique long-standing tradition for future generations of travelers.

The feeding session itself lasts about 30 minutes, but we recommend allowing 45 minutes to an hour for the visit. This will allow you to arrive early (around 8:30 AM) to secure a good spot on the benches under the shelter and watch the majestic birds begin to gather at the shore in anticipation of their treat.

If you want to combine wildlife watching with a leisurely breakfast at one of the coastal cafes, plan to spend about an hour and a half here. This is plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere, take great photos, and listen to the volunteers' stories without feeling rushed.

Pelicans are punctual creatures, so the feeding follows a strict schedule: daily, seven days a week, starting at 8:45 AM. The process usually lasts about 30 minutes, until 9:15 AM, or until the volunteers run out of fish.

As this event depends on weather conditions and volunteer availability, it is recommended to check the latest information on the official Kalbarri Visitor Centre website or stop by their office the day before your visit. To get the best seats in the front row, we suggest arriving at the site by 8:30 AM.

After your morning encounter with the pelicans, don't be in a hurry to leave. The area around the foreshore offers many opportunities for relaxation and dining, and its proximity to natural landmarks allows you to create a full itinerary for the rest of the day.