Skip to Content Skip to Navigation Show Trail Map Show About the Trail Show Important Trail Details Read Trail Reviews
Add Favourites
Support Our Trails

Z Bend River Trail, Kalbarri NP Z Bend River Trail, Kalbarri NP

Bush Walk  in Coral Coast

  • 1-3 hours
  • 2.6 km
    • Bush Walk Grade 4

      Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.

For the more adventurous hikers, once admiring the views from the Z Bend Lookout, you can embark on the trek down into the gorge, meandering between boulders and river red gums to reach the Murchison River.

Tumblagooda Sandstone contrasting against the waters of the Murchison River
Earn 3 Points Popular Trail Wildflower Wanderer
Donate to support this trail
Logo for Leave no Trace Initiative

Trails WA supports the seven principles recommended by Leave No Trace Australia for minimising your impacts when using the trails.

Learn more

One of the most scenic locations in the Kalbarri National Park, the Z Bend is suitably named after the tight bends the Murchison River has carved into the Tumblagooda Sandstone gorge.The Z Bend can be admired from a lookout or it can be experienced first hand by taking an hour long hike descending down into the gorge. As you climb over boulders, through passages and down ladders, keep a look out for the endemic wildflower species Kalbarri Spider Orchid  as well as many other wildflowers Pink Poker, Flame Grevillea, Starflowers and many more orchids and flowering natives.

Once in the gorge if the season permits you can have a swim and cool off in the waters of the Murchison River, or walk along the rock edge and enjoy the calm surroundings.

When returning to the carpark ensure you take the time to sit back and relax, use the bbq facilities to enjoy a picnic lunch.

As this is a gorge risk area, extreme caution should be used.

Geraldton Parks and Wildlife Office

(08) 9964 0901

Kalbarri Visitor Centre

(08) 9937 1104

National Parks

Other Links

  • Australia’s Coral Coast

    Comprehensive information on the Coral Coast region including destinations, things to see and do, accommodation and tours.


Downloads

Be trail ready for Z Bend River Trail, Kalbarri NP

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

Time / Duration

2 hours return

Length

2.6km return to carpark

What To Pack

Group B (Bushwalks and/or longer trails) required.

Trail Start

Z Bend Lookout Carpark, Z Bend Road, Kalbarri National Park, 585km North of Perth (6 hours)

Get directions

Trail End

Return to carpark via same trail

Get directions

Bush Walk

Grade 4

Bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited.

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Difficulty Notes

Steep descent down into gorge, including ladders, tight passages and climbing over boulders

Hazards & Warnings

December to April can be very hot, walk in the cooler parts of the day, carry adequate water supply

Facilities

Wheelchair access limited to picnic area, trail unsuitable for wheelchairs.
  • BBQ Facilities
  • Car Park
  • Lookouts
  • Public Toilet
  • Shaded Area
  • Sheltered Area
  • View Platform

Best time of year

July to October for best viewing of wildflower season

Fees

National Park fees apply

Trail Access

22WD vehicle is adequate, however Natures Window/Z Bend Rd prohibits large vans, motorhomes, cars towing caravans and trailers

Prohibited Items

No pets or camping in the National Park
More tips for being Trail Ready
Edge shaped like mountain horizon
topography pattern

Complete Z Bend River Trail, Kalbarri NP to earn badges and points!

Earn points and badges and become a "TrailsWA Expert" by completing trails and leaving reviews.

Earn 3 Points

Earn 3 points towards
your TrailsWA level

Popular Trail Wildflower Wanderer

Earn the Popular Trail , and Wildflower Wanderer badges when you complete this trail.

Edge shaped like mountain horizon
Alt text

1 trail goers have rated Z Bend River Trail, 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.

Louisa Larado

Reviewed 7 Jan 2023, 8:17am

Fantastic trail with stunning views at the bottom.

Like this trail? Explore others nearby

More around Coral Coast

Supported by great organisations

Trails are free and bring so many benefits to our community by providing opportunities to have fun, get fit, socialise, explore and challenge yourself. But they also have to be managed and maintained which only is made possible through terrific sponsors, donations and/or volunteering.

topography pattern