Murchison River Gorge Walk Murchison River Gorge Walk
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Learn moreAbout Murchison River Gorge Walk
The Murchison River Gorge Walk is a 38km trail from Ross Graham Lookout to The Loop, through the dramatic landscape of Kalbarri National Park. With no marked trail or route this hike provides ample challenges to test experienced walkers.
Extensive pre-planning is essential, as well as experience with route-finding, general navigation and locating drinking water sources along the way. A high level of fitness is required due to the physical challenges; including rock-hopping up and down the many narrow rock ledges high above the river while carrying a heavy pack; chimneying up and through narrow rock crevices; trudging through soft sand; and regularly stripping off to float your back-pack across the river when swimming becomes necessary where the gorge narrows and the walls steepen.
The full walk typically takes 4 days though can be done as shorter two-day walks, with lighter packs. Permission is required before embarking on this challenge. The Parks and Wildlife Rangers in Kalbarri are the best source of information on safely walking in the gorge.
Kalbarri Visitor Centre
(08) 9937 1104
- [email protected]
- Visit website
- 70 Grey Street, Kalbarri WA 6536
Other Links
-
Down Under Discoveries Blog
Down Under Discoveries Blog
Be trail ready for Murchison River Gorge Walk
Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.
Time / Duration
3-4days
Length
38km
What To Pack
Group B - Hiking & Long Distance Trails (Bushwalks and/or longer trails) required.
What To Pack
Group B - Hiking & Long Distance Trails (Bushwalks and/or longer trails)
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Insect repellent
- Plenty of drinking water (as a minimum carry and drink 1 litre of water per hour of walking, per person).
- PLB or satellite phone
- Clothing to suit the activity, environment and weather conditions.
- Map/ Compass, do not rely on your phone in remote locations.
- Snacks/ Meals to keep your energy levels up on longer walks
- Extra food and water in case of unexpected delays
- Rubbish bag to remove all your rubbish
- Reference material such as wildflower wildlife guides.
- Whistle (for emergencies, six short blasts per minute)
- Small trowel for toilet emergencies, and a few sheets of toilet paper in a small waterproof bag.
- Personal first aid kit (check that items are clean, properly sealed, have not exceeded expiry dates and that used items have been replaced).
- Torch/ Headlamp
- Binoculars and camera (optional)
Additional Useful Items
Permission must be provided from Kalbarri Rangers, and all hikers/groups must register prior to entering the gorge.Bush Walk
Class 5
Extreme trail with very rough surface, and may have very steep hills, arduous rock hopping or rock scrambling. Limited or no directional signage. For very experienced bushwalkers with navigation and emergency first aid skills, and high level of fitness.
Visit Trail Tips for further information.
Difficulty Notes
Hazards & Warnings
The Gorge Walk is classed as ‘Grade 5’ in difficulty; with no track and no marked route.Facilities
- Camping
- Lookouts
Best time of year
July to October for wildflowers
Fees
National Park Fees
Trail Access
Access to the following sites are 36km from town on the Kalbarri-Ajana Road. These are sealed roads suitable for any vehicles, with a loop-carpark, toilets & shelter.
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