Kalbarri is a magical coastal town where the Murchison River meets the sea, and one of its most beloved family traditions is the daily pelican feeding on the foreshore. This simple, low‑key experience has been delighting visitors since the 1970s, when local identity Cliff Ross first began feeding the resident pelicans. Today, a dedicated group of volunteers keeps the tradition alive, offering families a close‑up look at these magnificent birds in a relaxed, friendly setting.
Pelican feeding takes place every morning at 8.45am on the Kalbarri foreshore along Grey Street, opposite the Murchison Caravan Park. It’s an easy spot to find, with a semi‑circle of bench seating and plenty of grassy space where families can spread out. The river views are beautiful first thing in the morning, and arriving a little early gives you time to settle in, snap some photos and watch the pelicans cruising up and down the water as they decide whether to come ashore.
The experience is very much run at the birds’ pace. These pelicans are wild, not trained, so while an average of around four birds often turn up, their arrival can’t be guaranteed – some mornings there may be more, other days fewer, and occasionally none at all. When they do waddle up the sand, it feels a bit magical, especially for younger children seeing such large birds at eye level. Volunteers talk you through what’s happening, share a little of the history of pelicans in Kalbarri and sprinkle in fun facts about their impressive beaks and wingspans, keeping kids engaged while everyone waits quietly so as not to startle the birds.
Once the pelicans are comfortable on the shoreline, families are invited to move down from the benches to the sand for a closer look. Adults typically hang back while the kids gather at the front, and a lucky few are chosen to help with the feeding. Under the watchful eye of the volunteers, children are handed a small fish from the bucket and shown how to toss it a short distance towards the waiting birds. Watching those huge bills open and gulp down breakfast is fascinating, and there’s usually plenty of laughter and excited chatter as each child takes a turn.
Because the pelicans’ welfare comes first, there’s a strong focus on being calm and respectful around them. Parents are asked to keep little ones from running at the birds, and dogs are not permitted in the feeding area – the smell and movement of a dog can be enough to scare the pelicans away. The whole session generally lasts around 20–30 minutes, depending on how many pelicans arrive and how hungry they are. Once they’ve had their fill, they simply turn and glide back into the river, leaving everyone with a camera roll full of photos and a lovely holiday memory.
The pelican feeding is free to watch, but it’s completely volunteer‑run, and a gold coin donation is very much appreciated to help cover the ongoing cost of fish. It’s a gentle, affordable way to start your day in Kalbarri, especially for families travelling on a budget. After the feeding finishes, it’s easy to continue your morning with a stroll along the foreshore, a play at one of the nearby parks, or a coffee at a local café while the kids talk about which pelican was their favourite.
If you’re visiting Kalbarri with children, the pelican feeding is one of those must‑do experiences that really captures the charm of the town. It’s simple, unhurried and wonderfully close to nature – exactly the kind of holiday moment that sticks in kids’ minds long after you’ve driven home.
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Georgia Millad is a busy mum of two gorgeous girls. She contributes reviews of kid-friendly places and events around Perth, and has a mild obsession with grammar rules and spelling. Georgia has recently qualified as an EA, expanding on her mum skills to support kids in the classroom.
