Due to the unmarked route and challenging terrain, meticulous pre-planning is crucial. You'll need strong skills in route-finding, general navigation, and identifying safe drinking water sources along the way.
The Murchison River Gorge Walk in Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia, is a 38-kilometer adventure designed to push your limits. This remote trail, stretching from Ross Graham Lookout to The Loop, traverses the park's dramatic landscapes and demands a high level of fitness and expertise.
Due to the unmarked route and challenging terrain, meticulous pre-planning is crucial. You'll need strong skills in route-finding, general navigation, and identifying safe drinking water sources along the way.
The hike throws various physical challenges your way. Be prepared for frequent sections with steep climbs and descents on narrow ledges while carrying a backpack. You'll also encounter technical maneuvers requiring navigating tight squeezes through rock crevices. The terrain itself varies, with sections of soft sand and potential river crossings that might necessitate swimming and floating your backpack across.
While the full hike typically takes three to four days, it's possible to break it down into shorter two-day segments with lighter packs.
- A permit is mandatory before embarking on this challenging trek.
- The Parks and Wildlife Rangers in Kalbarri National Park are your best resource for obtaining permits and valuable safety information specific to navigating the gorge.
Total distance: 38679 m
Max elevation: 166 m
Min elevation: 40 m
Total climbing: 818 m
Total descent: -854 m
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The Murchison River Gorge Walk begins at the Ross Graham Lookout Carpark situated within Kalbarri National Park. This carpark can be found along Ajana Kalbarri Road, approximately 585 kilometers north of Perth. The drive typically takes around 6 hours.
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Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the
AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
Kalbarri National Park pays respect to the Nanda people as the traditional custodians of this land. The park itself encompasses the lower Murchison River, where the river has carved a magnificent 80km gorge through red and white banded sandstone. A breathtaking perspective of this natural wonder can be obtained from the Kalbarri Skywalk, a dual-platform structure jutting out over the gorge. Numerous walking trails descend into the gorge, allowing visitors to experience its colorful splendor firsthand.
The park also boasts an impressive coastline sculpted by wind and wave erosion. Here, towering cliffs plunge 100 meters towards the ocean, offering equally stunning vistas. Particularly during spring, the wildflowers blanketing the landscape add another layer of vibrant beauty.
The town of Kalbarri, situated at the mouth of the Murchison River, serves as a vibrant hub for both fishing and tourism. This town provides a convenient base for exploring the park's many offerings. Activities range from sightseeing and picnicking to more adventurous pursuits like abseiling, rafting, and canoeing. Don't forget to book tours in advance for these activities to ensure a spot.
With so much to see and do, allow ample time to fully experience Kalbarri National Park. For panoramic vistas of Murchison Gorge, be sure to venture out onto the Kalbarri Skywalk. It's important to note that summer temperatures can be extreme. To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, plan hikes during the cooler months (May to October). When embarking on hikes, prioritize safety: start early in the morning, carry sufficient water (1 liter per hour per person), wear sun protection, comfortable clothing, and sturdy footwear. As there's no potable water available within the park, remember to bring your own supply.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
