List of Bushwalks in Kalbarri National Park

Environment

Shellhouse and Grandstand

Shellhouse and Grandstand

620 m return

15 min to 30 min

Starting from the car park at the end of Grandstand Road, Kalbarri National Park, this walk takes you past Shellhouse and Grandstand via the Bigurda Trail. Shellhouse and Grandstand are a couple of lookouts in Kalbarri that offer excellent views of the dramatic coastal cliffs and the features that have been sculptured in them by the wind and water over their lifetime. Most of the coastline is limestone, but here the limestone has weathered away, leaving the red iron-rich sandstone exposed. The banding of different layers of coloured sandstone is memorable. Ocean-torn cliffs glow in the late afternoon as the setting sun shines on the sandstone rock faces. Dolphins and whales frequent the coastal fringes between July and November. Wide flat paths provide quick and easy access to these theses awesome lookouts on the rugged coast. The car park is surrounded by a bitumen path, and there is level access between the bays and the footpath. The bitumen path extends for the first few metres towards the lookout, and then the surface becomes firmly compacted gravel. Stay on the track as much as possible and be extra careful of the cliff edges and overhangs. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from the car park at the end of Ross Graham Road, Kalbarri National Park, this walk takes you past the Ross Graham Lookout, then down to the Murchison River and back. This area provides the easiest access point in the national park to the Murchison River. A short walking trail from the car park leads to the river's edge. It includes a lookout with spectacular panoramic views. The day-use area has toilets and a picnic shelter. If you visit in late July, you will be greeted by an abundance of colour as the wildflowers are in full bloom. The park is famous for its wildflowers and has several species that can only be seen here, such as the Kalbarri spider orchid and the Kalbarri catspaw, as well as other common species. Also, you may be lucky enough to see grey kangaroos and emus. Follow the path to the lookout, then continue down the path to reach the shady banks and tranquil pools of the Murchison River. The trail to the river is quite steep, with many rock steps. The trail becomes muddy and slick at the end of the track due to seepage, so care is required. For your safety, keep to the path and lookout. Keep an eye out for the undercut cliff edges and unstable footing. December to April can be very hot. Walk in the cooler parts of the day, and carry an adequate water supply. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Ross Graham River Walk

760 m return

15 min to 30 min

Ross Graham River Walk

Environment

Natural Bridge, Castle Cove and Island Rock lookouts

Natural Bridge, Castle Cove and Island Rock lookouts

770 m return

20 min to 30 min

Starting from the Natural Bridge car park, this walk takes you on a stroll in Kalbarri National Park, visiting Castle Cove and Natural Bridge Lookout. Bring your binoculars and cameras as the open views are amazingly photogenic and suitable for wildlife observation. The red-banded cliffs of Kalbarri are also another highlight that visitors can enjoy. It is even possible to see migrating whales between June and November. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Mushroom Rock Nature Trail

Mushroom Rock Nature Trail

2.1 km circuit

40 min to 1 h

Starting from the dirt car park at the end of Mushroom Rock Road, this walk takes you on a circuit in Kalbarri National Park. This walk offers visitors chances to experience rock formations that were created by ancient erosive forces. The red cliffs that have been shaped by the wind and water rise as much as 100 over the sea level. It is also possible to enjoy open views of the Indian Ocean. There are certain sections that can be slippery due to wet rocks and uneven surfaces. Walkers should proceed with caution. Wearing hiking shoes is advised. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Z Bend Lookout and River Trail

Z Bend Lookout and River Trail

2.5 km return

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

2.5 km

Return

Walk

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Starting from the Z Bend car park at the end of Z Bend Access Road, Kalbarri National Park, this walk takes you past the Z Bend Lookout and down to the Murchison River Gorge via the River Trail. This fairly demanding hike provides river access from the Z Bend Lookout, with spectacular scenery throughout the hike. The trail is relatively flat for the first part, with well made rocky steps providing a gradual descent to the lookout. Fit walkers can make their way down into the gorge and the river as well. The steep descent into the gorge involves some scrambling, ladder climbs, and narrow chasms to get to the bottom. Although relatively clear and straightforward, much of the trail is along unmodified rocky surfaces. Once at the bottom, you can cool off with a swim in the river before heading back to the car park. Facilities at the car park include informative displays, gas barbecues, picnic shelters and toilets. Beware of loose rocks and unstable surfaces, and be careful with foot placement to avoid sprains. Avoid doing this walk during the wet autumn due to high river levels and dangerously hot summer months. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from the Z Bend car park at the end of Z Bend Access Road, Kalbarri National Park, this walk takes you down to the Murchison River and back via the Four Ways Trail. Following the Four Ways Trail, the hike initially passes through the typical mix of low heath and mallee common to the Kalbarri area, then begins to descend into a side gorge leading to the river. The scenery gets more interesting as the gorge deepens. The Four Ways Trail ends at the Murchison River gorge, providing a spectacular viewpoint of its namesake. The well-marked trail is a mixture of sandy and rocky surfaces, with a continuous gradient down to the river. The steep uphill return journey back to the car park is more challenging. Facilities at the car park include informative displays, gas barbecues, picnic shelters and toilets. Beware of loose rocks and unstable surfaces, and be careful with foot placement to avoid sprains. Avoid doing this walk during the wet autumn due to high river levels and dangerously hot summer months. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Four Ways Trail

5.7 km return

2 h to 3 h

Environment

Red Bluff, Mushroom Rock and Pot Alley

Red Bluff, Mushroom Rock and Pot Alley

6.8 km return

2 h to 3 h

Starting from the car park at the end of Red Bluff Lookout Road, Kalbarri, this walk takes you past Red Bluff Lookout, Mushroom Rock and Pot Alley. Enjoy amazing views over the ocean from the dramatic coastal cliffs of Red Bluff, read about the ancient fossils, and explore the relatively isolated beach at Pot Alley. The Red Bluff coastal cliffs were named by Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh in 1967. You can easily watch for the migrating humpback whales from here as the 100 metres high cliffs provide a panoramic angle of the ocean. After visiting Red Bluff Lookout, the hike heads over to the car park at the end of Mushroom Rock Road to start the Mushroom Rock Trail. The trail immediately descends to the coast along a purpose-built walk track, leading to Mushroom Rock and the Rainbow Valley gorge. The fascinating shape of Mushroom Rock has been created by the strong winds and water eroding away the rock over many years. Informational signposts along the trail reveal heaps of information about the flora and fauna of the area and more. Even though the track is quite straightforward by itself, there are directional signposts all along. After visiting Mushroom Rock, you'll head along some coastal cliffs, accompanied by the waves crashing into the rocks below you. Later on, you'll get to an intersection. The track to the right takes you to Rainbow Valley Road, from where the hike continues to Pot Alley. Pot Alley is a picturesque ocean gorge boasting spectacular ocean scenery amidst the expansive rugged gorges. As with the rest of the Kalbarri National Park coastline, Pot Alley faces west, which is ideal for viewing amazing sunsets. You can have a swim here and enjoy the refreshing ambience for a bit. Stay on the trail and look out for slippery/loose rocks as well as steep parts. Take extra care when it's windy. The water can be rough and there are rocks underneath, so take care when swimming. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Nature's Window and The Loop Trail

Nature's Window and The Loop Trail

9.2 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 4 h

Starting from The Loop car park at the end of Loop Access Road, Kalbarri National Park, this circuit walk takes you past Nature's Window and along the Murchison River via The Loop Trail. Enjoy the view over the river through the stunning rock formation, then continue along the path across ridges and gorges. The track is challenging to follow at times, with markers becoming few and far between and situated on different elevations in parts. In summer, it can get extremely hot on the walk, so rather choose cooler months. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Murchison River Gorge Walk

Murchison River Gorge Walk

38.5 km oneway

11 h to 2 days

Starting from Ross Graham Lookout, Kalbarri National Park, this one way walk takes you to The Loop along the Murchison River. Enjoy the views of ancient rock formations and cascading waters during the wet season from Ross Graham Lookout, then continue along the beautiful landscape that Kalbarri National Park offers throughout the walk. The riverbed is a result of millions of years of geological activity. Keep in mind that there is minimal signage, and certain sections of the walk can be hard to navigate, as is it steep and rocky. A decent amount of bushwalking experience is required. Also, bushwalkers need permission before they visit the area. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment