Spectacular Kalbarri Skywalk opens in Western Australia

A spectacular new attraction has opened in Western Australia, despite the state's borders remaining closed to both international and domestic tourists.

The Kalbarri Skywalk, in the state's Coral Coast region about 500 kilometres north of Perth, offers spectacular views of the Kalbarri National Park.

Consisting of two platforms jutting 25 and 17 metres beyond the rim of the Murchison River Gorge, the Skywalk is part of a $24 million project improving the infrastructure and accessibility of the national park which saw more than 460,000 visitors last financial year.

The platforms stand 100 metres above the gorge and the development showcases the culture and stories of the region's traditional owners, the Nanda people, including works by local indigenous artists.

With the state border still closed, WA environment minister Stephen Dawson encouraged locals to visit the new attraction.

He said the Skywalk "complements the existing natural beauty of the surrounding area, and I'm pleased to say that with universal accessibility, they can be enjoyed by all who visit the national park."

"The Kalbarri Skywalk will further cement Kalbarri's reputation as an international destination and one of Australia's most popular destinations. I would encourage all Western Australians to add this new attraction to their bucket list."

The Kalbarri Skywalk is reminiscent of the Grand Canyon Skywalk in Arizona, US, which opened in 2007 and features a drop of 150 metres beneath a glass walkway and is 350 metres above the Colorado River at the base of the canyon.

See also: Six of the best: Ways to see the Grand Canyon