10 Best hikes and trails in Kalbarri National Park

Hiking/
Australia/
Western Australia/
Kalbarri National Park

Best trails in Kalbarri National Park

4.5(1,587 reviews)

Australia
:
#65 of 638 national parks

Kalbarri National Park is one of Western Australia's most spectacular and well-known parks. The park sits on the land of the Nanda people on the coast of the state. It's landscape consists of tall coastal cliffs and a red and white banded sandstone plateau that is crossed by the Murchison River gorge. You can see an array of colorful wildflowers during winter and spring. 200 different animal species live in the park including wallabies, echidnas, thorny devils, emus, eagles, pelicans, and bats plus many more.

Top trails

#1 - The Loop and Nature's Window

Nature's Window, a wind-eroded opening in the layered sandstone, frames a stunning view of the river. It is a moderate 800 metre return walk from the carpark. Keen and well prepared walkers can continue further along the trail into the gorge system and complete this challenging but spectacular walk. Along the way you'll pass vantage points that provide different perspectives on the switchback course of the Murchison River. The geology of the area is fascinating. The thinly bedded, red and...

#2 - Z Bend River Trail via Lookout

4.8(175)

•Moderate

•1.5 mi

This trail combines two great walks in Kalbarri National Park. It descends down to the river via the Z Bend Lookout and then heads back again with a bit of climbing needed to get up the rocks and the well-maintained ladders. Some scrambling is required due to loose rocks. The scenery is amazing with a mix of red rocks, trees perched in-between and water that flows through the Z bend of the gorge that creates a photogenic contrast of colours. Even more so when the wildflowers are in bloom,...

A very scenic and tranquil place to visit with a breath-taking view to boost! This trail is perfect for those who want to see the spectacular Nature's Window but avoid doing the longer loop trail around the park. To beat the crowds and see the window at it's best it is recommended to go early and catch the morning sunrise. The trail on the way down is a descent and the way back a climb which will certainly get those legs pumping. The terrain on the track can get a bit rough so wear...

#4 - Mushroom Rock Nature Trail

An enjoyable trail leading out to the unique Mushroom Rock and then taking you on a loop to further explore this harsh beautiful landscape. The trail consists of sandstone rocks and red dirt with a lot of steps, descending into and ascending out of gorges. Footing could be slippery. Enjoy the stunning views of the ocean and the waves crashing against the shore. Trail well defined and signed with information plaques providing mainly geological information. Kalbarri National Park is located...

Z-Bend Lookout is one of the most spectacular lookouts in the whole of Kalbarri National Park. The name comes from the tight bends the Murchison River has carved into the beautiful Tumblagooda Sandstone. From the carpark, it's just a short family friendly walk out to the barricaded lookout on the overhanging rock formation. Take your time to enjoy the stunning colours and views out over the gorge. The best time to visit is during wildflower season from July to October, where you'll catch a...

The trails name, Bigurda, comes from the name in the local language Nanda for a small kangaroo. This trail starts at Eagle Gorge and follows the coast to the Natural Bridge, it is a sandy trail for most of its length but once you arrive at Island Rock Lookout it changes to a mix red paved path and boardwalk. There is the chance to spot dolphins and whales from clifftops plus there are colourful wildflowers during winter and spring. It could be a point to point, but you would need to...

A great trail with a stunning descent into the gorge, the Four Ways Trail is a rewarding and steep walk through some beautiful country. This out-and-back trail also has the tempting option of a dip in the waterhole of Murchison River before heading back up to the carpark. The path is well signposted with the track being a mix of rocky and sandy sections. The track is lined with wildflowers in spring but is well worth doing at any time of year. The trail begins from the large carpark at the...

#8 - Bigurda Trail: Natural Bridge - Grandstand Gorge

This trail explores this amazing section of the West Coast of Australia in Kalbarri National Park. With stunning views out across the Indian Ocean and the limestone cliffs, this trail is not to be missed! The Bigurda Trail gets its name from the local language Nanda, "Bigurda" is a small kangaroo. This portion of the trail explores three amazing lookouts, Island Rock, Castle Cove and Natural Bridge Lookout. There is the chance to spot dolphins and whales from clifftops plus there are...

#9 - Kalbarri Skywalk

Float on air above the Murchison River Gorge whilst taking in the striking landscape. Kalbarri Skywalk is highly recommended, so if you're in the area do not miss out. As well as the sensational view off the platform there is a lot of interesting educational material for the family. They also host a stargazing tour at night. The route follows a well maintained path the whole way out, and there are wheelchair accessible viewing structures in place. The area has limited shade so bring plenty...

#10 - Natural Bridge to Island Rock

This is a great place for a picnic, while taking in the stunning natural surroundings. There are two lookouts, a toilet and picnic shelter, all of which have disabled access. The cliff-top lookouts are a great place for spotting a wide variety of marine life including whales and dolphins. The resilient Island Rock was once part of the shoreline, but now stands as a solitary 'sea stack'. Viewing platforms a short distance from the carpark provide spectacular views of this geological...

Showing results 1–10 of 23

Explore more trails

Visitor info

Passes & fees

Fee required

Kalbarri National Park charges a fee to enter. The fee varies depending on the vehicle used to enter the park (small vehicle, large vehicle, or motorcycle).

Get details from the park

Guides

Top Picks in Kalbarri National Park

8 trails

Explore more national park guides

Trail reviews for Kalbarri National Park

1,849 trailgoers Busiest in May

Alex Pimm

Oct 20, 2024

Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Spectacular walk. Amazing scenery. Took us about 45 minutes to do the loop including stopping to take photos. Relatively easy - some lose rocks in places (we did on a warm, dry day). Absolutely recommend. No fee/payment required to do the coastal walks at the Kalbarri National Park.

Mushroom Rock Nature Trail

Jutta Bradley

Jun 14, 2024•Walking

Difficult trail in Kalbarri National Park. One section required making way on knees/ stomach on narrow ledges over water. This may have been due to river height at the time. The rest of the walk was a hard Grade 3 with plenty of interesting and changing scenery.

The Loop and Nature's Window

Pascale Caduff

Nov 22, 2024

Easy to parkGreat views

Beautiful pictures of nature on this loop! everywhere it is described that this route may not be started after 7.00 o'clock due to the strong heat danger. There it is 10 degrees hotter than down in kalbarri on the coast. Very pleasant at around 30 degrees and no problem with the heat (I started at 5.30am, walked without rushing and made various photo stops and was back at the nature's windows starting point at 9.00am). It was a very nice morning program :)

This text has been translated.

Conditions: Bugs

The Loop and Nature's Window

Sally Bray

Sep 6, 2024•Hiking

A very easy, pleasant and short trail. Expansive views over Kalbarri, the National Park and to the ocean.

Difficulty: Easy

Malleefowl Trail Loop Walk

Parks

Headed to a park?

Take AllTrails with you

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Kalbarri National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Kalbarri National Park is The Loop and Nature's Window, which has a 4.8 star rating from 579 reviews. This trail is 5.7 mi long with an elevation gain of 790 ft.

What is the longest trail in Kalbarri National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Kalbarri National Park is Murchison River Gorge Walk. This trail is estimated to be 24.0 mi long.

How many trails are in Kalbarri National Park?

There are 23 trails in Kalbarri National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 1,587 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Kalbarri National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Kalbarri National Park has you covered. Murchison River Gorge Walk boasts the most elevation gain with 2,247 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Bigurda Trail, which will get you 1,446 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Kalbarri National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 camping trail in Kalbarri National Park which is Murchison River Gorge Walk with an average 4.1 star rating from 8 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Kalbarri National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 running trail in Kalbarri National Park which is Malleefowl Trail Loop Walk with an average 4.1 star rating from 34 community reviews.