Kalbarri National Park

Kalbarri National Park is a coastal and inland national park in Western Australia known for its dramatic red sandstone gorges cut by the Murchison River and for coastal cliffs on the Indian Ocean. The park combines inland river scenery with coastal headlands and beaches.

Key visitor highlights include the carved gorges and lookout points such as Nature’s Window, the Z-Bend and The Loop, plus the coastal cliffs and beach access along the park’s ocean frontage. The park also features two cantilevered skywalk platforms that give elevated views into the gorge.

The landscape is the product of long-term erosion of sandstone and conglomerate by the Murchison River and marine processes on the coast. Vegetation and wildlife vary with distance from the coast and along the river corridors.

The park is centred on the town of Kalbarri on the Indian Ocean coast and lies roughly 500 km north of Perth by straight-line distance; the town serves as the usual access point for visitors.

• Viewing and conditions: Nature's Window and the river gorge lookouts are best visited in the early morning or late afternoon for softer light and cooler temperatures. Summer can be very hot and water levels vary seasonally.
• Trail notes: Short walks from roadside car parks provide access to the major lookouts; some trails include stairs and exposed sections so wear sturdy shoes and carry water.

What to See #

• Nature's Window: A natural sandstone arch and window in the river-gorge rim that frames views into the Murchison River Gorge and is reached by a short walking track from a roadside car park.
• Z-Bend Gorge: A river bend and steep-walled section of the Murchison Gorge reached by the Z-Bend walking trail, known for lookout points and a stair descent into the gorge.
• The Loop: A looped walking route along the gorge rim that offers panoramic views and photographic vantage points over the winding Murchison River.
• Coastal cliffs: Sea cliffs and coastal headlands along the Indian Ocean coast offering high coastal outlooks and lookouts over offshore islands and surf zones.
• Kalbarri Skywalk: Two cantilevered viewing platforms opened in 2020 that provide elevated views across one section of the Murchison River Gorge with short paved approaches from the car park.