Kalbarri National Park’s Z-Bend is one of the most striking and family-friendly highlights of the Murchison River gorges. Just a 35–40 minute drive from Kalbarri town on a sealed road, the Z-Bend precinct offers spectacular views, well-marked paths to lookouts, and a more adventurous river trail for confident walkers. Families with children of varying ages can tailor their visit to suit energy levels and the weather, with everything from quick viewpoint strolls to a half-day hike. National park entry fees apply and can be paid at the entry station or online, and it’s best to visit early or late in the day during the cooler months.
For an easy and impressive introduction, start with the Z-Bend Lookout. From the car park, a short, well-formed path and boardwalk lead to fenced platforms that frame sweeping views over the red-rock gorge and the winding Murchison River far below. Preschoolers can usually handle this section with ease, and it’s the perfect option when it’s hot, when you’re short on time, or if you have little legs in tow. While some sections near the approach are smooth enough for a pram, steps and boardwalks make full pram access to the platforms impractical, so plan to park the pram and walk the last stretch. The geology is a showstopper—layered Tumblagooda Sandstone glows in the sun—and wildlife sightings are common, from birdlife to the occasional kangaroo. Picnic tables and a shelter near the car park make it easy to linger for snacks or lunch.
Families keen for more adventure can attempt the Z-Bend River Trail, which descends into the gorge to reach the river. This track is roughly 2.6 kilometres return and often takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours with kids, depending on stops and comfort with the terrain. It’s a genuine bushwalk: expect steep sections, uneven rock, ladders and narrow ledges, plus some hands-on scrambling. It’s not suitable for prams, and parents should carefully assess whether it’s appropriate for their children—confident walkers around six to eight years and older typically manage well with close supervision. A framed hiking carrier can work for toddlers, but ladders and exposed sections can make carrying challenging, especially in warm conditions. The reward is significant: shady pockets by the river, dramatic cliff walls, and fantastic photo opportunities at water level. There’s no rule that you must go all the way; turning back at the first ladders or any point you feel uncertain still delivers memorable views.
Given the outback setting, preparation matters. Temperatures can soar, particularly from October to March, so start early, wear hats and sunscreen, and pack plenty of water—around one to one-and-a-half litres per person for a lookout-only visit, and two to three litres per person for the river trail. Everyone should wear sturdy, closed shoes with a good grip. Phone coverage can be unreliable, and there are no bins, so carry out all rubbish. Toilets are available at the Z-Bend car park but not on the trail. Remind kids to stay on the marked paths, watch for snakes in warmer months, and keep a safe distance from edges. The river can look tempting for a paddle, but rocks may be slippery and currents vary with conditions; if you do let kids wade, choose calm shallows and supervise closely.
Packing a simple kit makes the day run smoothly: water, snacks or a picnic lunch, sun protection, insect repellent (especially after rain), a small first-aid kit, and perhaps spare socks for little paddlers. A lightweight carrier helps with toddlers on the lookout approach, and trekking poles can boost confidence for older kids on the descent. Aim to visit between April and September for milder weather, and consider winter to spring for wildflower colour. Early mornings bring cooler temperatures and soft light, while late afternoons are beautiful but require enough time to climb out of the gorge before dusk.
If you’re planning a shorter outing, pair the lookout stroll with a picnic at the car park tables and you’ll still get the quintessential Z-Bend “wow” without committing to the descent. For a half-day adventure, do the lookout first, then continue down part or all of the river trail, turning around whenever the terrain or energy levels suggest it’s time. Nearby, you can round out your day with other family-friendly sights: the Kalbarri Skywalk offers breathtaking, accessible cliff-top platforms (plus a kiosk area), Nature’s Window is a classic photo spot with a short walk, and back in town the foreshore Playgrounds and gentle beaches are perfect for wind-down time. On calm days, the Blue Holes marine sanctuary can be a lovely snorkel option—always check local conditions.
Above all, visit responsibly. Stick to marked tracks to protect the fragile gorge environment, keep a respectful distance from wildlife, and check park alerts for closures, heat warnings, or road updates before you go.
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After spending 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie McNichol made the move to Perth in 2010. As the Co-Founder and Editor of Buggybuddys, she has been able to use her experience and passion for helping families to create a trusted online resource for parents across Perth.
Jennie is the proud mother of two daughters, aged 16 & 14 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.
