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Murchison River Gorge Walk, Kalbarri NP Murchison River Gorge Walk, Kalbarri NP

  • Multiple day
  • 38 km
    • 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.

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.

Murchison River Gorge Walk
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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. Register with them before undertaking the walk.

Kalbarri Visitor Centre

(08) 9937 1104

National Parks

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Be trail ready for Murchison River Gorge Walk, Kalbarri NP

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

3-4days

Length

38km

Trail Start

Ross Graham Lookout, Kalbarri National Park

Get directions

Trail End

The Loop, Kalbarri National Park

Get directions

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.

Additional information

The Gorge Walk is classed as ‘Grade 5’ in difficulty; with no track and no marked route. Do not attempt unless you are experienced, have permission and are adequately prepared.

What To Pack

Hazards & Warnings

The Gorge Walk is classed as ‘Grade 5’ in difficulty; with no track and no marked route.

Biodiversity

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions undertakes 1080 baiting at this location to reduce the impacts of feral cats and foxes on native wildlife. 

Meat baits containing 1080 poison are laid in or around this area on an ongoing basis. 1080 is poisonous to humans and will kill domestic cats and dogs. Please leave your pets at home or prevent them from entering this area.

For further information contact your local Parks and Wildlife Service office or visit Western Shield.

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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Gorges

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2 trail goers have rated Murchison River Gorge Walk, Kalbarri NP as 5 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

Fayley Arthur

Reviewed 25 Mar 2023, 3:19pm

More of a 3 day rock hop, scramble and swim than a hike ... but amazing. Not for the unfit, unbalanced or anyone unsteady on their feet.
Chelle Fisher

Reviewed 11 Sep 2022, 9:26am

THE BEST hike in Kalbarri. I completed as a teen over 4 days and it really is a hike I will never forget. Looking forward to doing it again very soon.

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