Kalbarri National Park in Western Australia is on the Coral Coast region at the lower reaches of the Murchison River.
The Murchison River sets the most iconic features of the national park, in particular, Nature’s Window. Z Bend was being upgraded while we were visiting so it couldn’t be accessed, but this too will be a major feature of Kalbarri National Park.
Over the last 400 million years, the Murchison River has cut out amazing gorges in the red and white banded sandstone.
For the Coastal Cliffs 
part of the national park is freely accessible at any time of the day. The inland gorge locations is a separate part.
Inland Gorge Locations
The inland gorge locations require a vehicle permit and restricted to access during the day. The coastal locations are free to access.
Nature’s Window
Natures Window is a rock formation carved through layered sandstone that creates a beautiful view through the rock to the Murchison River flowing through the gorge below. The walk is a fairly easy 1-kilometre return path, taking about 40 minutes.
The Loop Trail
The Loop Trail is a longer class 4 walk, taking up to 5 hours to complete. The 9-kilometre trail continues from Nature’s Window and is a mix of rocky and sandy tracks. It follows along the gorge cliff tops in a loop along Murchison River to the pinch between the two parts of the river. The river is in a Loop shape which is where it gets its name. The trail drops down into the gorge to walk along the river’s edge. The trail then has a steep climb back up to come back to Nature’s Window. There is no shade along the walk so ensure you take water and are properly protected from the sun.
Z Bend and Kalbarri Skywalk
Z Bend has a lookout over the Murchison River, however, it was closed when we visited with work being carried out for upgrades to the area. Z Bend will have walking trails, informational signs, shade shelters, toilets, and a kiosk.
The main upgrade is the Kalbarri Skywalk, a new feature in the park due to be opened in the middle of 2020. The skywalk will extend out into the gorge about 100 metres above the Murchison River. The skywalk will be two platforms, with one of them extending out 25 metres from the edge of the gorge.
Hawk’s Head
Hawk’s Head Lookout provides views of the Kalbarri Gorges and Murchison River. It is named from a rock formation visible from the lookout that looks like a hawk.
The picnic area has shelter and toilet facilities with wheelchair access.
Ross Graham Lookout
The Ross Graham Lookout has views over the gorge and a short walk from the car park leads down to the river where you can explore and have a swim in the Murchison River.
The Ross Graham River Walk is 700m return and the easiest to reach the edge of the Murchison River.
Ross Graham Lookout is the start of the longest walk in the national park, a 38-kilometre class 5 walk to The Loop. The walk takes 4 days to complete so it is only for the most serious of walkers. The walk can be broken into two 2-day walks with Z-Bend in the middle. Advising the park ranger is required before attempting these hikes.
Meanarra Hill
Sitting 207 metres above sea level, Meanarra Hill provides a great spot for getting 360-degree views over Kalbarri National Park, the Murchison River, and the township of Kalbarri.
To get there:
From Kalbarri township, head north-east along Ajana-Kalbarri Rd. On leaving the township, follow for about 8.5km, taking you to Kalbarri National Park for Natures Window and Z Bend. Continue for another 25km to the turnoff for Hawks Head and Ross Graham Lookout.
From Northampton (north of Geraldton), head north on North West Coastal Hwy for about 47km and turn into Anjana-Kalbarri Rd. Follow Anjana-Kalbarri Rd for 29.4km, taking you to Kalbarri National Park for Hawks Head and Ross Graham Lookout. Continue for another 25km to the turnoff for Natures Window and Z Bend.
From Carnarvon, head south on North West Coastal Hwy for about 370km and turn right into Anjana-Kalbarri Rd. Follow Anjana-Kalbarri Rd for 29.4km, taking you to Kalbarri National Park for Hawks Head and Ross Graham Lookout. Continue for another 25km to the turnoff for Natures Window and Z Bend.
