Z Bend Lookout, Kalbarri NP

Overview

Visitors can admire the spectacular views of the Murchison River Gorge, from the overhanging rock formation of the Z bend lookout, a moderately easy walk from the carpark.

Z Bend Lookout

Amazing views from the lookout over the Murchison River

Photo Credit: Breeanna Waight

View trail map

About the Trail

One of the most spectacular lookouts in Kalbarri National Park, Z Bend Lookout is suitably named after the tight bends the Murchison River has carved into the Tumblagooda Sandstone.

A short walk, including some stairs will take you from the carpark to the barricaded lookout on the edge of 150m high cliffs. Take the time to enjoy the colours of the lush river red gums contrasting against the rich red sandstone cliff formations. If visiting during wildflower season from July to October this experience is heightened by a sea of flowering natives, including Flame Grevillea, Bird Beak Hakea, Starflowers, orchids and the Pink Poker.

After enjoying the lookout, you can have lunch in the picnic area, using the barbeque and sheltered areas.

For those with a good level of fitness, the more adventurous Z Bend River Trail takes you down into the gorge up to the river's edge. This trail is physically demanding and extreme care should be used in gorge risk area.

Need to Know

  • Time

    15 minutes return

  • Distance

    1.2km return Length is 1.2km.

  • Trail Start

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

  • Trail End

    Return to carpark via same trail

  • Degree of Difficulty

    Easy - Suits majority of fitness and experience levels.
    Bush Walk: Grade 3 - Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections a rough surface and many steps. Walks up to 20km.

  • What to Pack?

    Adequate water, no drinking water available in park.

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

    • Minimum 2 litres of water per person per day
    • Sturdy shoes
    • Sun hat or bike helmet (compulsory in WA)
    • Sunglasses, sunscreen (30+) and insect repellant
    • Binoculars and camera (optional)
    • Map or guide book where suggested
    • Snacks and/or lunch depending on length of trail
    • Clothes to suit the activity and potential weather conditions including a water/windproof jacket
    • First Aid kit

  • Best Time of the Year

    July to October for best viewing of wildflowers

  • Facilities

    Wheelchair access is limited to the picnic area only as there are steps to the lookout.

    • BBQ Facilities
    • Car Park
    • Lookouts
    • Picnic Area
    • Public Toilet
    • Shaded Area
    • Sheltered Area
    • View Platform

  • Fees

    National Park fees apply

  • Hazards & Warnings

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

  • Prohibited Items

    No pets or camping in the National Park

  • Access to the Trail

    6 hours car or bus drive from Perth to Kalbarri, 20 minutes from Kalbarri to Park. 2WD vehichle is adequate, however Natures Window/Z Bend Rd prohibits large vans, motorhomes, cars towing caravans and trailers

  • Trail Contact

    Department of Parks and Wildlife Disctrict Office - Geraldton
    Telephone: (08) 9964 0901
    Web: http://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/site/z-bend
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    Twitter: @exploreparkswa