An iconic extension of ‘everything Perth’, a road trip to Kalbarri is a true Perth staple. Growing up, our annual family holiday was always a trip down south, but as soon as I got my driver’s licence I began exploring more of our magnificent coastline. Slow road trips to Kalbarri, plus some awesome Kalbarri hikes, are some of my favourite memories.
If you came here looking for some epic Kalbarri hikes, you’re in the right place. This list is grouped according to the location of the hikes – some are by the coast, others are in the main part of Kalbarri National Park, and there are some closer to town.
My most important Kalbarri hikes advice
Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind if you go hiking in Kalbarri is the heat. It’s easy to be deceived by the cool wind hammering off the ocean – but as soon as you step inland and into the gorges in Kalbarri National Park, it becomes a different story.
Once you’re down in those gorges there’s no room for error. There’s no wind, no shade, and no water…and it can get 10°C hotter down in the valleys than up the top. This is why it’s so important to come prepared. If you’re tackling any of the Kalbarri National Park hikes during summer (or on a day when the forecast is above 25°C), leaving before 6am is a MUST. This is even more vital if you’re planning a longer hike, and it doesn’t matter how fit you are – the heat will eventually get you.
I’ve attempted The Loop trail before in April, starting at 8am. I thought it was early enough in the day to miss the heat, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. I didn’t even make it a third of the way before deciding to turn around. By the time I got back to my car I was pretty cooked, and I was so grateful that I had my car fully stocked with food and water.
Best time of year to go on a hike in Kalbarri
Because of the stifling heat in the gorges during summer at Kalbarri, the winter months are the best time of year to visit. May to October are typically the coolest months, and if you visit from the end of August through to October you might also be lucky enough to see the landscape in its spectacular spring splendour.
Just imagine a rolling carpet of pink and yellow wildflowers, or even a rare orchid or two…the possibilities are endless. The roaming wildlife at Kalbarri is pretty impressive too – you’re in with a chance to see echidna, rock wallabies, huge birds of prey, plus some pretty songbirds.
Kalbarri National Park
The Kalbarri National Park is a big and beautiful National Park. It is frequented by lots of visitors and is the perfect destination for a short getaway if you’re based in Perth. The drive from Perth to Kalbarri is about 600km and will take approximately 6 hours of driving to complete.
Kalbarri National Park is quite geographically split, but the two parts I will refer to most in this article are the coastal section and the main inland section.
One thing to remember, as I already mentioned above, is to come prepared for your Kalbarri hikes. Be sure to always carry plenty of drinking water with you because there is absolutely nowhere to refill your water in Kalbarri National Park. This means that not only do you need to carry a bare minimum of 3 litres of water on any hike, but that you should also keep a 10L or 20L water container in your vehicle. Of course, water intake is a very individual thing, but 3 litres per person is a good minimum starting point. If you’re visiting outside of the winter months or planning to hike more than 2km, it’s highly likely you’ll need more than 3 litres.
Are dogs permitted in Kalbarri National Park?
Just like any other National Park in WA, dogs are not permitted to enter Kalbarri National Park.
Drones in Kalbarri National Park
The information around flying a drone in Kalbarri National Park is a little bit shady. The official information on the DBCA National Park website states that drones are permitted for recreational uses in Kalbarri National Park. You must of course follow the CASA guidelines (which are linked on the DBCA website), as well as the Parks-specific drone flying guidelines on the DBCA website. There are some other websites out there that list additional drone-flying rules for Kalbarri National Park, but I couldn’t find any citations or sources to verify those additional rules.
Hikes in the heart of Kalbarri National Park
Access to the trails in the main inland hub of Kalbarri National Park is via Ajana-Kalbarri Road. There is a turnoff to the Kalbarri National Park entrance which has a toll booth, so you can pay your National Park Entry Fee there if you haven’t pre-arranged a Parks Pass. A Parks Pass offers way better value for money than day entry, and there’s plenty of options including Holiday Passes with 5-day, 14-day and 4-week options.
It takes about 10 minutes of driving to get to the toll booth/Park Entrance from Kalbarri town centre, then another 20 minutes to get to the National Park’s main natural attractions.
The main inland area of Kalbarri National Park is 2WD accessible, with sealed roads all the way from Kalbarri to the attractions. Each trail listed below has 2WD sealed road access, with sealed carparks, long drop toilets and some shaded picnic table areas.
1. River Trail & Z Bend Lookout
This is easily my favourite hiking trail in all of Kalbarri. The River Trail meanders through dense scrub before slowly descending down into the gorge to the Murchison River. The end point is a beautiful place for a refreshing swim. Along the way, you can stop off at the Z Bend Lookout and peer over the River below – it’s a pretty impressive view!
Here’s what you need to know about the River Trail:
Type: Out and back
Distance: 2.6km return
Time: Allow 2 hours
Elevation gain: 102m
Difficulty: Moderate (rock scrambling & ladder climbing required)
If you’re no good with navigation or just want to know your pace on the trail, you can check it out and record your walk on AllTrails.
Kalbarri’s 400-Million Year Old Fossils
One thing you should know about Kalbarri National Park is that it’s an important site for ancient fossils. Most of the rocks you’ll see around the National Park and Kalbarri itself are made of a rock formation called the Tumblagooda Sandstone. It’s believed to be around 400 million years old.
If you look closely, you’ll see all sorts of weird and wonderful trace fossils in the rocks – these are fossils that preserve an animal’s behaviour. The predecessors to our modern-day scorpions and centipedes were very busy at Kalbarri all those millions of years ago – burrowing, walking across the sand, digging for food, and hunting. Today, you can see the remnants of their busy lives preserved in the rocks of the gorges and coastal cliffs. Lookout for strange vertical columns through the rock layers, and parallel trackways on the surfaces of the rocks – these are the trace fossils!
Z Bend Lookout
To get to the Z-Bend Lookout, follow the signs along the River Trail. It is a very short detour off the main trail, and only takes about 15 minutes to get to from the carpark. Just steps before you get to the lookout, you will see a perfectly-preserved, perfectly placed trace fossil! These are the tracks of an ancient creature called a eurypterid, a hard-bodied creature akin to a scorpion. Step across to the lookout to see the famous Z Bend – a tight bend in the river with steep sandstone cliffs looming over on both sides. I’ve walked to the Z Bend Lookout right on sunset before, and was surprised (and very excited) to spot some cheeky black-flanked rock wallabies scrambling through the scrub. These adorable little guys were once thought to be extinct here, so if you see one make sure you give it plenty of space.
River Trail Hiking Must-Know
Once you’ve had enough of viewing it from above, head back along the trail to start your descent down to the river. The start of the River Trail is relatively flat and sandy, with a few wide limestone steps. After a few sharp turns in the trail you’ll start heading down through the gorge… this is where it gets a bit more fun!
It’s pretty much a straight line down through the gorge to the river, so there are lots of big rock steps and steep ladders to climb down. The trail is very well marked with lots of man-made steps and railings to help you along the way. Although lots of fun, the steep ladders and big steps can be a challenge if you’re limited with mobility.
Most of the trail will be shaded, particularly through the gorge. That is because of the high rock walls that block out most of the direct sun. But as you already know, shade does not equate to cool temperatures in Kalbarri’s gorges.
Swimming on the River Trail
After you climb down the final ladder, you will see some big shady gum trees and the cool Murchison River beyond. Make your way down to the water’s edge and breathe it in! When I visited in May the water was cold and calm, and the air hot. I found myself a shady spot on the rocks and got straight into the water. Beware of submerged rocks and strong currents if you plan to swim – be sure to watch the water for a while to see how quickly it’s flowing, and step into the water slowly. It would be both easy and terrifying to get swept downstream in the wrong conditions – be sensible and only ever swim within your limits.
How long does it take to hike the River Trail?
You could easily complete the River Trail in just over an hour (there and back), but rushing something so beautiful seems like a crime if you ask me! I took about 2.5 hours to complete the trail – which included a stop to admire the Z Bend, a slow ramble down through the gorge, and a long lunch picnic and swim in the river. This trail could be a half-day adventure complete with lunch and a good book, or you could shorten it to just over an hour if you’ve got a jam-packed schedule.
2. Nature’s Window
One of the most popular places in the Kalbarri National Park, Nature’s Window has much more than just the infamous sandstone window. There’s also incredible wildlife and ancient fossil tracks everywhere.
Although it’s one of the shortest walks in the National Park, you won’t get there without some effort. There is a large staircase at the very start of the trail that leads onto the wide limestone track. The track will take you downhill all the way to Nature’s Window – so it’s easy-going to get there. But word to the wise – it’s uphill all the way back.
There’s lots of information boards along the way, and some great views across the gorge and river. Here’s some key information about the hike to Nature’s Window:
Type: Out and back
Distance: 1.1km return
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 57m
Time: Allow 1 hour (could be completed in 30 minutes)
If you really want to soak up the view and search for some cool fossils, allow yourself at least an hour. The trail can get very busy during the day, so go as early as possible if you want to avoid crowds (and having to line up to get a photo in the window!).
3. The Loop
The Loop Trail in the Kalbarri National Park starts and ends at Nature’s Window. This trail will test your tenacity, but the opportunity for reward is high. If you want to escape the crowds at Nature’s Window, the Loop Trail is a great option – but you’ll need to have a plan before you arrive on the day.
Type: Loop
Distance: 9.2km
Elevation Gain: 272m
Difficulty: Hard
Time: Allow 2.5 hours minimum
Open times: Closed after 7am daily from November to March
The Loop Trail is closed to hikers after 7am during summer – meaning that if you haven’t started walking by 7am, that you should not attempt the trail. Temperatures down in the gorge are 5° to 10°C hotter than up the top, so by the time midday rolls around, you’ll know all about it.
Warning Signs on the Loop Trail
The warning signs at the start of the trail are a bit hectic, but they’re there for a good reason. I attempted the trail one year in May but didn’t have a plan before I set out. I knew I didn’t want to try to walk the whole trail, but I still somehow underestimated how challenging it would be. By 10am I had started walking, but I only had about 2 litres of water with me. I knew it was way too hot, and I was way too unprepared to be walking, so I decided to just walk down to the river and come back again. I’ve worked countless 12-hour shifts outside in the desert (as a geologist!), and yet I was still shocked at how much the hike shattered me. By the time I was back to the car I needed some serious shade and a long cool-down.
The Loop Trail Nitty-Gritty
The entire hike can be completed in 2.5 hours, but as someone who constantly stops to look at birds, butterflies, and rocks, I would personally allow about half a day to complete the Loop Trail. The trail is generally walked in an anticlockwise direction, so the first half of the trail follows the top of the ridge. This part is not shaded but if there’s any breeze around, that’s the place you’ll get it.
Eventually you will descend down to the riverbed where the trail starts to loop back around. From there it’s riverbank walking the rest of the way. There’s lots of big gum trees dotted along the riverbank, and some amazing rock faces to peer up at. If it’s early in the day you’re likely to get a bit of shade – but don’t expect it to be cool down there.
As for flies – expect plenty. My best advice is to wear a fly net – no amount of bug spray can help you in that situation! The trail is well marked and easy to follow, but there are some wide-open sections along the river where you can easily lose the trail markers. As long as you’re following the river in the right direction, you shouldn’t be able to get too lost.
4. Kalbarri Skywalk
One of Kalbarri National Park’s newest and most impressive attractions is the Kalbarri Skywalk. While this one isn’t much of a hike, it’s something you won’t want to miss.
After you arrive in the carpark, it’s a short stroll along a sealed footpath to get to the skywalk. The great thing is that it’s an all-access trail, with no stairs or steep descents all the way from the carpark to the far edge of the skywalk. There are two huge, cantilevered viewing platforms that stretch out 100 metres high above the gorge. Standing at the very edge, you can peer straight down into the Murchison River.
A hot tip for when you’re standing out there – hold on tight to your valuables. The floor is a slotted surface, the perfect size for car keys and phones to slip through. And if you want to keep your hat, make sure you hold onto it. Look straight down and you’ll see countless lost hats on the rocks below!
There are not additional entry fees for the Kalbarri Skywalk, but you will need to pay standard National Park entry to get there. There’s also a café right behind the skywalk called…you guessed it, the Skywalk Café. It’s typically open from April to October, but the exact dates change each season. Open hours during this time are Tuesday to Saturday from 8am to 1pm, and it’s closed on Sundays and Mondays.
5. Four Ways Trail
A much less frequented hiking trail in Kalbarri National Park, Four Ways Trail is an underrated delight. The trail starts and ends at the same carpark as the Z Bend and River Trail (at the end of Z Bend Access Road). Here’s what you need to know about the Four Ways Trail:
Type: Out and back
Distance: 5.8km return
Elevation gain: 183m
Difficulty: Moderate/hard (rocky and sandy trail)
Time: Allow 2 to 3 hours
Although Four Ways Trail is not quite as interesting as the River Trail, it does have its own unique charm. Plus, it gives you direct access to the Murchison River, perfect for a morning of swimming. As always, take care when swimming by avoiding the water if it’s flowing fast or after heavy rains. Don’t forget to save some energy for the walk back though – it’s uphill all the way.
Hikes Close to Kalbarri Town
There are a few easy walking trails that are within a 10 minute drive of the Kalbarri town centre, but not in the main inland section of the Kalbarri National Park. They’re quick and easy to get to, and perfect if you want a taste of what the National Park has to offer.
6. Meanarra Hill Lookout
Meanarra Hill is located only 7km out of Kalbarri, which is less than a 10 minute drive. The Lookout walk itself is a super short, super easy stroll to the lookout which offers views across town and the ocean. It is a 500 metre return walk from the carpark located at the top of Meanarra Hill. Have a look out across the landscape and see if you can spot the Murchison River mouth and trace it back to Nature’s Window.
Meanarra Lookout makes an awesome spot to watch the sunset.
7. Malleefowl Trail Loop Walk
This is the longer walk trail you can take from the top of Meanarra Hill, a great little loop you can add on to the Lookout walk. The Malleefowl Trail Loop is, as its name suggests, a loop trail. It is a total of 1.9km and will take between 30 minutes and an hour to complete. The trail is mostly flat and quite easy, but there is a steep rocky section at the start. Once you pass this though it’s smooth sailing. There are some information boards along the way and it’s a very well-marked trail.
8. Murchison Inlet Stroll
While this isn’t technically a hike, it is a beautiful place to take a stroll and soak in everything Kalbarri. The sandy inlet flat is the main attraction in town – you can’t miss it. There are lots of grassed areas and sheltered spots that are perfect for swimming, sunset-watching, kayaking, picnics, BBQing, and fishing. There are also playgrounds, a boat ramp, and cafés along the main strip of town, plus you can check out the daily pelican-feeding at the rotunda.
Coastal Section of Kalbarri National Park
Vastly different to the heart of the Kalbarri National Park, the coastal section is windy and rugged, but just as spectacular. The rocks are the same formation, the Tumblagooda Sandstone, with just as many intriguing fossils and features to find. The walking trails at each location listed below connect the natural attractions along this section of coastline (the Bigurda Trail). Take your pick and walk as far or as little as you’d like.
9. Red Bluff Lookout
Perhaps the most famous of Kalbarri’s coastal attractions, Red Bluff is a sight to see. If you’re lucky, you could even spot a whale from the lookout during winter. The hike to Red Bluff Lookout is 1.1km return and takes only about 15 minutes to complete. It’s a nice easy, flat walk on top of the cliffs to get to the lookout, and parking is at the end of Red Bluff Road. This is a super convenient walk that’s only a 5 minute drive south of Kalbarri.
10. Red Bluff Lookout to Red Bluff Beach
While this one is not technically a hiking trail, you can walk from the Red Bluff Lookout down to Red Bluff Beach. Take a stroll over the red rocks and poke around like a curious kid! Check out the layered sandstone, search for fossils and watch the ocean crash onto the rocks. You can walk over the top of the red cliffs until you get to the Red Bluff Beach carpark, and from there you can get down to the beach. You can take any route you want, just be careful near the water’s edge. Because there is no official trail, avoid stepping on wet rocks or trampling over shrubs if you can – this will make sure not only you stay safe, but that the natural environment stays in pristine condition.
11. Bigurda Trail
The Bigurda Trail is the main trail that follows the Kalbarri cliffs along the coast. It goes all the way from the Natural Bridge Lookout in the south to the Eagle Gorge Lookout in the north. The trail is a total of 16.7km return and takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete. With a total of 362 metres elevation gain, plus the strong winds that often batter the coast, this trail can be quite a challenging walk. Given that the terrain and scenery can be quite repetitive, most people choose short sections of the trail to walk, like the ones listed below.
If you do decide to tackle this trail all in one go, make sure to carry plenty of water and a fly net! If there’s no wind, the flies are relentless out there.
12. Shell House & Grandstand Rock Gorge
About halfway along the Bigurda Trail you can find the Grandstand Lookout carpark. From the carpark you can take a short stroll out to the Lookout, and then continue north to the next lookout. This is a 600 metre return section, and will only take about 10 minutes to complete. The trail is a flat, paved trail, making it very beginner friendly and an easy way to see some of the Kalbarri coast.
13. Eagle Gorge Beach
If rugged beaches are your thing, you’ll love Eagle Gorge Beach. This one is relatively easy to access, with a 1.1km return walk trail. The first part of the trail is a paved path that takes you to Eagle Gorge Lookout. From there you can keep heading down to the beach on the well-worn dirt path. If you do make it down to the sand, make sure to keep watch for big waves. Definitely do not try to swim there either, it is a very rough beach.
14. Mushroom Rock Nature Trail
If you don’t want to keep backtracking to see the attractions at Kalbarri, this loop trail will keep you interested. It’s pretty much the only loop trail along the coastal section of Kalbarri National Park and it offers a little bit more diversity. The Mushroom Rock Nature Trail is a 2.1km loop and will take 30 minutes to an hour to complete.
15. Natural Bridge to Island Rock
This part of the coastal trail offers perhaps the most bang for your buck. If you park at the Natural Bridge carpark, you can easily access 3 great lookouts in under an hour. From the carpark, head out along the Bigurda Trail to Island Rock Lookout, Castle Cove Lookout and Natural Bridge Lookout. The walk is 1.8km return and can easily be completed in 30 minutes to an hour. There’s a boardwalk along the trail and a toilet at the carpark, making it a super easy and convenient stop.
16. Pot Alley Beach Trail
Head to the end of Pot Alley Road to discover this quick stroll to the beach. In less than 10 minutes, you can complete this 500 metre return walk and enjoy this rugged and isolated part of the coast. Pot Alley Beach is another non-swimming beach, so lookout for big waves and stay well clear of the shoreline.
Hikes Further Out (Kalbarri National Park)
South-east along Ajana-Kalbarri Road past the main Gorge Access Road, you’ll find Hawks Head Road. You can access a few more great hikes there, and it’s the perfect quiet spot to lookout for the adorable and endangered black flanked rock wallaby. Being less frequented, this spot tends to be a bit more chill during the day.
17. Ross Graham River Walk
The first of two main areas at Hawks Head Road, you’ll find the 800 metre return walk called the Ross Graham River Walk. It’s a fairly easy stroll that takes less than 20 minutes to complete, with a lookout on the way. The trail goes all the way down to the river where you can swim and relax. The carpark and day use area have picnic tables with shelters, and toilets.
18. Hawks Head Lookout
A bit further along Hawks Head Road you’ll come to the Hawks Head Lookout. This is a super easy, family friendly, 300 metre return walk. You can complete it in less than 15 minutes and it is a lovely place for a lunch-time picnic.
Extreme Adventure
This wouldn’t be a Kalbarri Hikes articles without mention of the Murchison River Gorge Walk. A word of warning though – this is for experienced hikers only and should not be attempted by anyone during summer.
19. Murchison River Gorge Walk
The Murchison River Gorge Walk is perhaps the most spectacular of all the Kalbarri hikes, as you simply follow the river from the Ross Graham Lookout all the way to Nature’s Window. This is a hugely challenging walk because there is no marked trail and no water available. Hikers must find freshwater pools along the way to replenish their water supplies. Here’s the basic information to know about the Murchison River Gorge Trail:
Distance: 38.6km (one way)
Elevation gain: 788m
Grade: 5
Difficulty: Hard/expert only
The window to tackle this hike is relatively limited. Summer hiking is a no-go due to the dangerous heat and lack of water, and winter hiking is also ill-advised because the volume of water in the Murchison can make some sections completely impassable.
If you do want to head out on this challenging hike, here’s what you’ll need to do and know:
- Plan in advance
- It’s a multi-day hike that takes anywhere from 2 to 4 days to complete
- There is no trail to follow
- You must carry all your overnight camping gear (including food and water) on your back
- There’s limited water availability depending on when you go, so you must have the correct skills to search and find water
- You should not attempt this trail on your own
- You need to get permission from the Kalbarri Parks and Wildlife Rangers before attempting the hike
- You must carry emergency first aid and an emergency communication device with you (and know how to use them)
There are narrow sections with rock walls either side where you’ll have no choice but to swim, plus there are lots of narrow rock ledges and soft sandy sections. Once you get over the physical challenges, you will be completely amazed at the serenity of the Murchison River and the looming red Tumblagooda Sandstone. Spectacular and rewarding, this is a once-in-a-lifetime trail for an experienced hiker.
Can you swim at the gorges in Kalbarri?
Yes, you absolutely can swim in the gorges at Kalbarri. There are lots of safe places to swim in the Murchison River, but there are also quite a few unsafe places too. As always when you choose to swim in a wild place, be sure to assess the situation before making the decision to get in the water. Here are some things to consider to help you stay safe when swimming in Kalbarri’s Murchison River gorges:
- Evaluate your own swimming ability – don’t go in the water if you can’t swim.
- Look at the water flow – if you can see the water flowing quickly, it’s probably unsafe to swim in.
- Has it been raining? If it’s rained a lot recently that’s usually a good sign that the currents will be strong, and it will be unsafe to swim.
- Don’t ever jump into the water on the first go – the river is filled with big rocks and boulders which you can’t see from the surface.
- If you’re unsure, just dip your feet in instead!
- Flash flooding is not uncommon in the Murchison River, so be aware of conditions when you enter the National Park.
When I visited Kalbarri National Park in 2023 (during the month of May), tropical cyclone Ilsa had only just passed through. Heavy rains battered a huge area of land to the north which didn’t take long to funnel into the Murchison River. Of all the times I’ve visited Kalbarri over the years, I’ve never seen the Murchison so full of water…and it was flowing fast too. There’s no way it would have been safe to swim in any part of the river during that time.
Keep it Clean
As always, our incredible landscapes only stay pristine if we look after them. Keep the waterways clean by putting sunscreen on after you get in the water, not before. Take all your rubbish with you until you find a bin to put it in, and be sure to stick to trails when hiking. Never take rocks as souvenirs out of the National Park, as tempting as it may be, and don’t trample the delicate shrubs and flowers.
Heading north along the WA Coast?
There’s so much more to see along Western Australia’s magnificent coast, so why not extend your road trip? Check out this guide to all your camping options in Coral Bay – one of the prime places to access the Ningaloo Reef.
If you’re thirsty for more wildlife, look no further than Yardie Creek at Cape Range National Park near Exmouth. You’ll see adorable rock wallabies, osprey, flying foxes, bower birds, and so much more. Read the article to discover it all!
