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.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn on to Gorge Access Road (NP) then drive for 19.5 km
Turn right onto Z Bend Access Road (NP) and drive for another 5.4 km
+
-
Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the Z Bend carpark at the end of Z Bend Access Road, Kalbarri National Park, head along the sandy path behind the informative shelter, passing a 'Warning: Heat Kills' sign. Once you reach the 'Z Bend Lookout' and 'River Trail' sign, turn left and head down the rocky steps. Follow the trail ahead past the 'Four Ways' sign (to your right) and continue the Four Ways Trail.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
There is a toilet (about 60 m back from the start).
There is a car park (about 10 m back from the start).
There is a BBQ (about 9 m back from the start).
Find the sign at the start.
After another 15 m veer left, to head along Four Ways Trail.
After another 2.8 km (at the intersection of Four Ways Trail & Four Ways Emergency Access) continue straight, to head along Four Ways Trail.
After another 40 m come to "Four Ways".
Four Ways
Four Ways
This is a point along the river where two side gorges meet the Murchison at a four-way junction and makes a great final view of this beautiful part of the gorge.
+
-
This is a point along the river where two side gorges meet the Murchison at a four-way junction and makes a great final view of this beautiful part of the gorge.
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 2.8 km to get back to the start.
+
-
Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Four Ways Trail
Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length
5.7 km
Time
2 h to 3 h
Quality of track
Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required
Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather
Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
Bushwalk
2 h to 3 h
Toilet: There is one -61 m back from the start.
{{title}}
There is a car park (about 10 m back from the start).
There is a BBQ (about 9 m back from the start).
Find the sign at the start.
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 2.8 km to get back to the start.