Z Bend River Trail is a 2.6km, grade 4 return hike, located in Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia. The hike should take approximately 0.75hrs to complete.

Hike Summary

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.  

Notes

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.