The Loop and Z Bend Gorge
The Loop and Z Bend Gorge
4.5
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4.5
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bluebay06
La Spezia, Italy2,533 contributions
July 2021
We parked at the car park (where there are picnic sheltered areas) and from there we walked the 600 m of the moderately easy Z Bend walking trail that leads to the lookout. Along this path we could see many flowers of different colors and species. From this lookout there is an amazing view of the tight bend that the Murchison River has carved into the red sandstone of this National Park. More or less 150m below the dark brown water of the river flows on the bottom of the gorge passing the rocks that obstruct its flow. The vast majority of visitors stop at this lookout and do not go along the existing trails. Near the lookout starts a short but more difficult trail that leads to the bed of the river. We wanted to do it but due to the heavy rain we returned back after a few meters. Having done this trail two years ago, we can still confirm that it is very interesting and enjoyable, but it requires some level of fitness. This lookout is one of the most popular in Kalbarri National Park and is sometimes relatively crowded with tourists.
Written 26 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mars
Melbourne, Australia158 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
The Z Bend walk is closed apparently due to flooding so I did the 8km Loop walk. Started just as the sun was rising and finished in about 3 hours. There are distance markers which was helpful.
The hardest part for me which I wasnt expecting and only lasted like 30 seconds was a small climb right on the river - I ended up crawling it because I wasnt sure if my footing or handling might fail and I didnt want to fall into the river lol. Otherwise that walk by the river was the most glorious part for me - so ethereal and so beautiful.
The last 1-2km is on sand and then back up the path to the carpark felt so hot (it was only 26degrees) and the flies were annoying by that point so I deeefinitely recommend a hat with netting for your face.
I generally always hike solo and I felt fine throughout. I only had 2L of water and only drank a quarter but my drinking habits have always been bad but it's good to have water because of the heat!
The hardest part for me which I wasnt expecting and only lasted like 30 seconds was a small climb right on the river - I ended up crawling it because I wasnt sure if my footing or handling might fail and I didnt want to fall into the river lol. Otherwise that walk by the river was the most glorious part for me - so ethereal and so beautiful.
The last 1-2km is on sand and then back up the path to the carpark felt so hot (it was only 26degrees) and the flies were annoying by that point so I deeefinitely recommend a hat with netting for your face.
I generally always hike solo and I felt fine throughout. I only had 2L of water and only drank a quarter but my drinking habits have always been bad but it's good to have water because of the heat!
Written 10 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bozeman-Dublin
Trim, Ireland11,390 contributions
July 2023 • Friends
Z-Bend and The Loop is just a beautiful stop within the mesmerising Kalbarri National Park. It is a short drive from Natures Window and is free to see once you have paid at the entry station into the N.P.
There's a small car park and then a short, easy walk downhill through the bushes on a relatively good path to the Z Bend lookout. Obviously climb up on the main rocky outcrop for beautiful views of the z Bend in the river, but also make sure to go down the little ravine to the left of the rock as you approach for a lovely framed view of the gorge below.
There's a small car park and then a short, easy walk downhill through the bushes on a relatively good path to the Z Bend lookout. Obviously climb up on the main rocky outcrop for beautiful views of the z Bend in the river, but also make sure to go down the little ravine to the left of the rock as you approach for a lovely framed view of the gorge below.
Written 20 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole S
Greater Perth, Australia89 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
A little 1.2km round walk and totally worth it. Wildflowers were out in force. Absolutely stunning views. If you are up for it and have time, you can follow the trail down to the river bend and its only another 2km round trip. Wore hubby out so couldn’t do it this round.
Written 18 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonique Life
Australia1,604 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
What an amazing hike. It has ladders to make it slightly better for the difficult rock climbing sections. It is quite steep at times but it’s only a short 2.6 km return hike so take your time. You first part to the lookout is easy, then you go down further to the water which is a more difficult hike. The coolest part was going through the narrow path towards the middle, this hike is great for adventurous people who want a challenge, wear appropriate shoes and be sun smart.
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Written 19 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
caddyandbellA
Perth, Australia5,799 contributions
July 2022
We started to do the Loop Bend walk back in 2020 but hadnt brought water with us so turned back.Deterrmined to do it this time we did.Friends with us had not brought any water so we shared along the way.The day was not hot and was cloudy so we continued.At first you wonder why it is a class 5 as it seems quite flat and easy.As you make your way down to the bottom of the Gorge you soon find out you will be scrambling over rocks and through narrow passageways.Beautiful walk with swans,goats and other wildlife.Well worth the walk but go prepared and take your time.We did it in around 2 hours and that was taking it easy.There are sign posts letting you know how far you have come along the way so you know how far you still have to go
Written 31 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brad
Hong Kong, China178,243 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
There are a handful of interesting hikes you can attempt within Kalbarri National Park including the popular Loop and Z Bend Trails.
The Loop Trail is located near the iconic Nature's Window. This is a challenging 9km loop trail that takes a few hours but takes you through remarkable landscape along the rim of the Murchison River before descending down into the gorge where you walk several km along its shoreline and cliffs. During the spring, the trail was lined with beautiful flowers. We found kangaroos and lots of birdlife in the gorge as well.
The Z Bend trail is located at the carpark around 8 km south. There are a couple of trails here including a short and easy 1.2 km out-in-back walk to a nice viewpoint into the Murchison Gorge. There is a separate and longer trail down to the river that is around 2.6 km but it was closed during our visit due to recent rains and river level.
We really enjoyed the Loop Trail finding it a moderately challenging and overall quality hike if this is something you are looking to do in Kalbarri. Even during winter, best to start early as it still gets rather hot down in the gorge. The Z Bend Lookout trail is very easy and accessible for any and everyone, worth doing if you want to get out and walk about and take in nice viewpoints into the gorges of Kalbarri.
The Loop Trail is located near the iconic Nature's Window. This is a challenging 9km loop trail that takes a few hours but takes you through remarkable landscape along the rim of the Murchison River before descending down into the gorge where you walk several km along its shoreline and cliffs. During the spring, the trail was lined with beautiful flowers. We found kangaroos and lots of birdlife in the gorge as well.
The Z Bend trail is located at the carpark around 8 km south. There are a couple of trails here including a short and easy 1.2 km out-in-back walk to a nice viewpoint into the Murchison Gorge. There is a separate and longer trail down to the river that is around 2.6 km but it was closed during our visit due to recent rains and river level.
We really enjoyed the Loop Trail finding it a moderately challenging and overall quality hike if this is something you are looking to do in Kalbarri. Even during winter, best to start early as it still gets rather hot down in the gorge. The Z Bend Lookout trail is very easy and accessible for any and everyone, worth doing if you want to get out and walk about and take in nice viewpoints into the gorges of Kalbarri.
Written 9 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sandra
Canberra, Australia71 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We did the Loop walk mid May. We were told to arrive early and were glad we did. We started the walk at sunrise and it took just over 3 hours. That excludes the time to walk to natures window and back which is another 1 km. The walk is spectacular. You walk across the ridge and then head down to the river, the river stretch is about 3km into the walk and is rocks first and then becomes sand. The rock stretch is the hardest bit, here you are walking along the rocks and there is one pinch point where you have the climb through a small rock area to get across. We found that the hardest part but took it slow and managed it. The climb out over the last 500m is steep but manageable. Take extra water as it is much hotter down in the gorge, we also had fly nets as the flies were bad along the last stretch next to the river. Look out for the swans and don’t forget your camera. The loop is a great walk and well worth it - how else can you see the river up close and get into the gorge! If you are going in summer remember that they close the trail at 7am.
Written 20 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jürgen S
Munich, Germany10 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Z Bend Lookout is great on its own, but the Z Bend River Trail is just beautiful. You climb down through a canyon to the Murchison River, not much water. The landscape is breathtaking, a new impression at every corner. Going up is of course more strenuous at 36 degrees, but every step is worth it 🤩
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate N
Perth, Australia252 contributions
Oct 2020
The Outback of West Australia is the most awesome scenery in the world. The land is billions of years old.
Make sure your fit and able to get down to bottom and back up. Using a stick is good to help you get back up.
Well worth the walk.
Make sure your fit and able to get down to bottom and back up. Using a stick is good to help you get back up.
Well worth the walk.
Written 14 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greetings to all, may I know can we take our hired 6 berth motorhome on the road to The Loop and Z Bend?
Thanks.
Written 17 April 2018
You should be fine, just take it easy on the dirt roads
Written 22 April 2018
Hi,I was wondering how much does it cost to do the loop and z bend gorge tour ,with a tour bus company?we r docking in Geraldton around April 26 and assume we will b picked up and taken on tour from there.
Written 2 March 2015
Hi,I would like to know what the cost of doing the Kalbarri National.Park tour as we are doing a PO cruise at the end of April and docking in Geralton and the tours booked from the ship seem very expensive .also what is the distance from Geralton to the park and how long would it take ? Thanks
Written 1 March 2015
hi there, it takes at least 2 hr drive to kalbarri and another maybe 45 minutes drive to the Gorge. Please have cash on hand or a credit card bcos they don't have an eftpos facility at the gate.
Remember to bring bathers if weather permits so you can soak in the sun.
Have fun and good luck!
Written 9 January 2017
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