As home to some of Western Australia’s most striking landscapes, from rugged coastal cliffs to majestic inland gorges, Kalbarri National Park is the perfect place for an adventure! And if you’re looking to explore this natural beauty on foot, you’re in luck — the park boasts a variety of hiking trails that cater to all fitness levels, offering the perfect way to immerse yourself in the wild charm of Kalbarri.
But which walk is right for you? After all, there are many to choose from! At D’Guy Journeys, we’re lucky enough to call Kalbarri National Park our backyard, so we’ve curated a list of the 10 best hikes and trails you can find here. So, lace up your boots and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
If you have any questions about our Kalbarri Tours or Kalbarri Shuttle, please just get in touch for all the answers you need.
The Loop Walk is a Must-Do in Kalbarri National Park!
Starting with a can’t-miss for avid hikers, the Loop Walk is a 9 km circular trail that takes you on a journey through the heart of Kalbarri’s famous Murchison River Gorge. For some, this trail requires a half-day commitment, while others may need closer to a full day. However long it takes, though, this trail offers stunning views of dramatic sandstone cliffs and the winding river below.
Along the way, you’ll pass by the iconic Nature’s Window, one of the park’s most photographed natural features. Make sure to bring plenty of water, as the terrain can be challenging, especially in warmer weather. This hike is best tackled in the cooler morning hours… and don’t forget your camera – the vistas here are out of this world!
Looking for a guided experience that includes Nature’s Window, Z Bend Lookout, and more of the park’s famous attractions? We think you’ll love our Kalbarri Inland and River Gorges Tour! This four-hour tour will save your feet all that walking, while still showing you the best that Kalbarri National Park has to offer.
The Loop Walk Summary
- Length: 9 km loop (3 to 5 hours)
- Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging
- Start/End point: Nature’s Window
Marvel at the Views from Kalbarri National Park’s Z Bend Lookout
If you’re after a shorter walk with equally breathtaking views, the Z Bend Lookout is a fantastic option. This 1.3 km return trail offers a relatively easy walk to a viewing platform that overlooks the impressive Z-shaped bend of the Murchison River.
You’ll marvel at the steep red cliffs towering above the river, creating a truly unique geological formation. For those seeking a bit more adventure, there’s an option to descend into the gorge itself. This route is more strenuous but well worth the effort if you’re keen to explore the gorge floor.
Be sure to check out our picks for the 5 Best Kalbarri Geologic Formations for more must-see sights!
Z Bend Lookout Walk Summary
- Length: 1.2 km return (45 to 60 minutes)
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Start/End point: Z Bend
Please note that the Z Bend Lookout and Z Bend River trails are similar but different. The summary above is for the Lookout Trail. The Z Bend River Trail is 2.6 km return, takes up to three hours to complete, and is a challenging route.
Embrace the Challenge of the Four Ways Trail
For a more off-the-beaten-track experience, the Four Ways Trail offers a rugged 6 km return hike through one of the most dramatic sections of the Murchison River Gorge. As the name suggests, the trail brings you to a point where four arms of the gorge meet, creating an awe-inspiring natural crossroads.
The walk is moderately challenging, with steep sections and rocky terrain, but the reward is complete solitude and views that make you feel as though you’re discovering Kalbarri National Park for the first time. This trail is a bit of a hidden gem, so don’t miss it if you’re after a more remote adventure.
The Four Ways Trail Summary
- Length: 6 km loop (2 to 4 hours)
- Difficulty level: Challenging
- Start/End point: Z Bend
Enjoy the Easier Pace of the Hawk’s Head Lookout Walk in Kalbarri National Park
If you’re after something shorter and more accessible, the Hawk’s Head Lookout Walk is perfect. It’s a 200-metre paved trail leading to a spectacular lookout over the Murchison River. The view here is named after the shape of a nearby rock formation that resembles a hawk’s head, and it’s a great spot for a quick break or a peaceful moment of reflection.
The easy access makes it a great option for families or anyone with limited mobility, and the lookout itself provides a fantastic photo opportunity.
Hawk’s Head Lookout Walk Summary
- Length: 400m return (20-30 minutes)
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Start/End point: Hawk’s Head car park
The Ross Graham Lookout Walk is Another Short and Easy Trail
The Ross Graham Lookout Walk is a 200-metre trail that takes you to a scenic viewpoint over the Murchison River. This lookout is particularly special as it provides access to the river itself, making it one of the few places in the park where you can easily reach the water.
On a hot day, a paddle in the river is a welcome relief. The walk is gentle and family-friendly, and you’ll be rewarded with picturesque views of the river meandering through the red rock gorge.
Ross Graham Lookout Walk Summary
- Length: 200m return (30 minutes)
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Start/End point: Ross Graham Lookout Car Park
There is also a Ross Graham River Trail. It’s 700m return if you start at the car park, or 500m return from the Lookout.
Soak Up the Breathtaking Views Across Kalbarri from the Meanarra Hill Lookout
For panoramic views of Kalbarri town, the Murchison River, and the Indian Ocean, the Meanarra Hill Lookout is unbeatable. This short 400-metre walk takes you to the top of the hill where you’ll find a lookout platform with 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. It’s the perfect spot for sunrise or sunset, with the golden light illuminating the cliffs and river below.
The trail is easily accessible and suitable for all fitness levels, making it a great option for those who want to enjoy spectacular scenery without a long hike.
Malee Fowl Trail Loop Walk Summary
- Length: 1.5km loop (1 hour)
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Start/End point: Meanarra Hill car park
Take in Kalbarri’s Rugged Coastal Beauty at Red Bluff Lookout
Moving to the Kalbarri Coastal Cliffs, the Red Bluff Lookout offers an easy 100-metre walk to one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the area. Here, you’ll find towering red cliffs plunging into the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
The contrast between the red rock and the blue sea is simply breathtaking, and if you’re visiting between June and November, keep an eye out for migrating humpback whales! The lookout is easily accessible, only a five-minute drive south of town, and perfect for a quick stop to take in the coastal beauty.
Red Bluff Lookout Walk Summary
- Length: 1.1km loop (15 minutes)
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Start/End point: At the end of Red Bluff Road
Breathe in the Sea Air on Kalbarri’s Bigurda Trail
For those keen on a longer coastal hike, the Bigurda Trail is an 8 km one-way trail that follows the cliff tops from Eagle Gorge to Natural Bridge. This relatively easy hike offers stunning views of the coastline, with sheer cliffs, hidden coves, and endless ocean vistas. It’s a great trail for wildlife spotting, and you might catch a glimpse of sea eagles, ospreys, and dolphins.
The trail is well-marked and mostly flat, making it suitable for most fitness levels. Don’t forget to bring a hat and sunscreen, as the coastal winds can be deceivingly cool while the sun still blazes overhead. Find out for yourself what makes exploring this amazing coastal area one of the top 5 things to do in Kalbarri!
Bigurda Trail Summary
- Length: 8 km one way (3 to 5 hours)
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Start/End point: Eagle Gorge to Natural Bridge
Discover Some Kalbarri Icons on the Natural Bridge to Island Rock Walk
This short 1.8 km return walk links two of Kalbarri’s most iconic coastal formations: Natural Bridge and Island Rock. And you can also visit Castle Cove Lookout along the way! This part of the coastal trail offers perhaps the most bang for your buck. It hugs the cliff edge, offering unbeatable views of the rugged coastline and the ocean below. Both Natural Bridge and Island Rock are awe-inspiring geological features that have been shaped by centuries of wind and waves.
It’s a relatively easy walk and perfect for those who want to take in some of the park’s coastal wonders without committing to a longer hike. Are you already itching to plan your own adventures in this remarkable national park? We think you’ll love reading our Ultimate Guide to Kalbarri National Park when you have finished here.
Natural Bridge to Island Rock Walk Summary
- Length: 1.8 km return (30 mins to 1 hour)
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Start/End point: Natural Bridge Car Park
The Murchison River Gorge Walk is the Ultimate Kalbarri Trek!
If you’re up for a real challenge, the Murchison River Gorge Walk is a multi-day trek that takes you deep into the heart of Kalbarri’s gorges. This trail is only for experienced hikers, as it involves navigating steep descents, river crossings, and challenging terrain. It is strongly recommended to not attempt this walk as a solo hiker, but rather as part of a group.
Because the trek requires overnight camping in the national park, you and everyone else in your group must organise a permit for this beforehand. You can do this by contacting the Kalbarri National Park and Wildlife Ranger at: [email protected]. And reserve our Kalbarri shuttle for your travel needs! We’ll take you where you need to go in comfort.
The effort involved in this trek is well worth it, though, as you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views of the towering red cliffs, hidden pools, and ancient landscapes. This is a true wilderness experience, and it’s one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the remote beauty of Kalbarri National Park.
Murchison River Gorge Walk Summary
- Length: 38km one-way (4 to 6 days)
- Difficulty level: Very difficult
- Start/End point: Ross Graham Lookout to The Loop
As we near the end of this blog, let us point you in the direction of another — Top Kalbarri Hotels as Recommended by Locals. Find your perfect accommodation here in the place we call home.
Adventure Awaits on Our Kalbarri Tours!
We hope you’ve found our picks for the 10 best hikes and trails in Kalbarri National Park inspirational and informative! Remember, if you want to truly get to know this special place, you can’t beat our guided experiences. Browse our Kalbarri Tours to find the perfect fit for your needs. And learn more about our tailor-made Custom Tours in Kalbarri too!
Do you have any questions for the D’Guy Journeys team? Please don’t hesitate to contact us! We’re here to help however we can.
