Access to these sites is 11km from town along the Kalbarri-Ajana Road. Turn off at The Loop/Z-Bend Road. The roads into all inland gorge sites are fully sealed and accessible to all types of vehicles, with shade shelters, toilets and picnic facilities. This is a day use park only and as such no camping is permitted.
MEANARRA HILL LOOKOUT
This should be your first stop in the morning on the way out to the River Gorges. Just a few kilometres out of town this limestone capped peak is visible from several different locations around Kalbarri. At 207m above sea level this is the perfect vantage point for 360° views of Kalbarri and the Murchison River flowing into the Indian Ocean. Take a picnic and enjoy the views from the sheltered seating area. There is informative signage along the walk to the top depicting the histories of the region. This lookout is also a great spot to watch the sun set over the town.
KALBARRI SKYWALK (KAJU YATKA)
The magnificent Kalbarri Skywalk is now open. Offering breathtaking views from the West Loop, you will feel like you are floating on air as you walk on the 25m or 17m cantilevered platforms 100 metres above the million year old formed river gorges. A visit here will not only thrill you with excitement but it will also be a thoughtful discovery. View the stories of the local Aboriginal Nanda people, experience an interactive adventure with sculptured wildlife and be inspired by natural artwork. This is accessible to all abilities. It is an impressive jaw dropping experience.
NATUR
ES WINDOW
CLASS 3, 1KM RETURN
Walk down a picturesque trail to one of WA’s most iconic natural attractions. Nature's Window perfectly frames the river and is top on the list of photo opportunities. Sunrise provides an incredible view as Nature's Window faces east so you witness the sun rising through the window. Visiting in the later afternoon is also a great time as the setting sun provides gorgeous lighting against the Tumblagooda sandstone, creating an amazingly colourful scene.
LOOP HIKE
CLASS 4, 8KM RETURN
Keen and well prepared walkers can continue walking from Natures Window further into the gorge system and complete the 8 km Loop Trail – a challenging but impressive walk. Along the way you’ll pass vantage points that provide different perspectives on the switchback course of the Murchison River.
*** Please be aware - THE LOOP TRAIL (8km) will need to be started NO later than 7am (from Nov to April, due to high seasonal temperatures) it is CLOSED from 7am onwards every day (all other areas of the park are open, please visit with due care).This is a safety restriction, due to high temperatures within the inland national park, for more information please contact the Kalbarri Parks & Wildlife Office on 08 9937 1140.
Z-BEND LOOKOUT
CLASS 3, 1.2 KM RETURN
Considered by many to offer the most breathtaking view of the park, the gorge plunges 150m down where red river gums create a striking contrast against the earthy Tumblagooda sandstone. At this lookout you get spectacular views of the Murchison River as it winds through the landscape and a chance to see the fossilised Eurypterid tracks. This lookout is another great area to taking striking photos.
Z-BEND RIVER TRAIL
CLASS 4, 2.6KM RETURN
Access from the Z-Bend lookout path, this demanding hike provides river access. Expect loose rocks, steep descents and ladder climbs with spectacular scenery along this trail. The beautiful colour of the surrounding rocks are a sight to see and despite being a shorter hike, it is extremely rewarding. Swimming down at the bottom of this trail is refreshing but be weary not to dive in as rock ledges can be hidden under the water.
FOUR WAYS TRAIL (IDINGGADA YINA)
CLASS 4, 6KM RETURN
Starting at the Z-Bend car park, this rocky and uneven hike descends to the river with the return leg more challenging as you ascend the same path you came down. As you reach the rivers edge, the gorge system can be seen spanning in four directions, hence the name "Four Ways" but be sure to stick to the white markers on the trail. For those interested in geology and landforms this stunning hike is a must, be sure to take the time to soak in the views as you reach the bottom. In season, a beautiful array of wildflowers can be seen blooming along the trail.
Access to the following sites are 36km from town on the Kalbarri-Ajana Road. These are sealed roads suitable for any vehicles, with a loop-carpark, toilets & shelter. This area of the park can be quieter, yet still a must to visit if time permits.
HAWKS HEAD
CLASS 1, 200M RETURN
Hawk’s Head is aptly named after the shape of the rock structure seen from the lookout. Enjoy the gorge views from the seating area or wander down the sealed path to the lookout above the river. This quieter area of the park is no less stunning with rich earthy colours providing the perfect backdrop for a picnic at the undercover area. This area is very accommodating with the lookout being wheelchair accessible.
ROSS GRAHAM LOOKOUT AND RIVER TRAIL
CLASS 3, 600M RETURN
This area is closer to the start of the Murchison Gorge system and puts you close to the river with a more open feel to the environment. Named after the first school teacher in Kalbarri, Ross Graham was a devoted conservationist who aided in the exploration of the Murchison River and was also the first teacher in Kalbarri. The lookout offers breathtaking views over the gorges. Take a short walk from the lookout down to the river’s edge and relax under the shady canopy.
DOES THE KALBARRI NATIONAL PARK HAVE CLOSURES?
The Kalbarri National Park Inland River Gorge area is closed for one week every year in the first half of February. The Kalbarri National Park Inland River Gorges will be CLOSED from Monday 10 February until Friday 14 February 2025 inclusive. This is the annual goat control program, for more information please contact the Kalbarri Parks & Wildlife office on 08 9937 1140.
The closure will include all roads and fire breaks leading into the inland gorges and day use sites including the: