Z Bend Lookout is a 1.2km, grade 3 hike located in the Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia. The hike should take around 45 mins to complete.
Hike 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 Car Park.
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 Car Park 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.
Route and GPX file
If you have a GPX or KML file for this hike and are happy to share it, please upload your file here.
Tips
Start Point: Z Bend Road, Kalbarri National Park, 585km North of Perth (6 hours)
End Point: Z Bend Road, Kalbarri National Park, 585km North of Perth (6 hours)
Region: Kalbarri National Park, Coral Coast
For more information, a location map and GPS file please visit Trails WA.
Trail location
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
One of Western Australia’s best known parks, with its scenic gorges though red and white banded sandstone and its soaring coastal cliffs. Kalbarri National Park surrounds the lower reaches of the Murchison River, which has cut a magnificent 80km gorge through the red and white banded sandstone to create formations such as Nature’s Window and The Loop, Z-Bend and Hawks Head, with scenic gorge views at the Ross Graham Lookout and views of the town and river mouth at Meanarra Hill.
Suggest an edit
Does this hikes information need updating? Sometimes the route, trail features or access conditions change.
Gear to consider

My 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. Everyone, and every hike, is different, so customise your outdoor kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
The HiiKER app helps you to find 1,000’s of the best bushwalking and hiking adventures, with reviews, photos, and great places to stay. I’m excited to have partnered with HiiKER to offer members of Trail hiking Australia Community an exclusive deal to help you get outdoors with extra confidence with premium mapping, planning and tracking features. Claim your offer here.
Let someone know
Let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Fill in an online trip intentions form to privately send important details about your adventure to your emergency contact. They can then inform emergency services if you don’t return on time.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.