Z Bend River Trail is a 2.6km, grade 4 hike located in Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia. The hike should take around 1.5 hours to complete.
Hike overview
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.
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 Car Park 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.
Route and GPX file
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Tips
Start Point: Z Bend Lookout Car Park, Z Bend Road, Kalbarri National Park, 585km North of Perth (6 hours)
End Point: Z Bend Lookout Car Park, 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.
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Gallery
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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.
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Explore Safe
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.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
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
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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.