Starting from the car park at the end of Ross Graham Road, Kalbarri National Park, this walk takes you past the Ross Graham Lookout, then down to the Murchison River and back. This area provides the easiest access point in the national park to the Murchison River. A short walking trail from the car park leads to the river's edge. It includes a lookout with spectacular panoramic views. The day-use area has toilets and a picnic shelter. If you visit in late July, you will be greeted by an abundance of colour as the wildflowers are in full bloom. The park is famous for its wildflowers and has several species that can only be seen here, such as the Kalbarri spider orchid and the Kalbarri catspaw, as well as other common species. Also, you may be lucky enough to see grey kangaroos and emus. Follow the path to the lookout, then continue down the path to reach the shady banks and tranquil pools of the Murchison River. The trail to the river is quite steep, with many rock steps. The trail becomes muddy and slick at the end of the track due to seepage, so care is required. For your safety, keep to the path and lookout. Keep an eye out for the undercut cliff edges and unstable footing. December to April can be very hot. Walk in the cooler parts of the day, and carry an adequate water supply. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start
At the intersection of Ross Graham Road (NP) & Ross Graham Lookout (-27.8113679,114.4727437)
Turn right onto Hawkes Head Road and drive for another 630 m
Turn right onto Ross Graham Road (NP) and drive for another 1.4 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the car park at the end of Ross Graham Road, Kalbarri National Park, head along the sealed path around the sheltered seating area, passing a 'Lookout 100m' and 'River 300m' sign (to your left) and a 'Welcome to Ross Graham Lookout' informative plaque (to your right). Follow the path ahead as it turns into a dirt trail, and head down the rocky steps to continue the Ross Graham River Walk.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Ross Graham Road (NP) & Ross Graham Lookout Start heading along Ross Graham Lookout (a footpath).
There is a car park (about 50 m back from the start).
Find the toilet at the start.
Turn right, to head along Ross Graham Lookout.
After 20 m to find the shelter.
After another 80 m veer right, to head along Ross Graham Lookout.
After another 6 m find the "Ross Graham Lookout" (10 m on your left).
Ross Graham Lookout
Ross Graham Lookout
The lookout is dedicated to Ross Graham, the first school teacher in Kalbarri. He was a devoted conservationist who aided in the exploration of the Murchison River, and advocated for the protection of the river gorges within a national park. The lookout offers breathtaking views over the gorges within Kalbarri National Park.
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The lookout is dedicated to Ross Graham, the first school teacher in Kalbarri. He was a devoted conservationist who aided in the exploration of the Murchison River, and advocated for the protection of the river gorges within a national park. The lookout offers breathtaking views over the gorges within Kalbarri National Park.
After another 265 m come to "Murchison River".
Murchison River
Murchison River
Take a short walk down into the gorge to the peaceful, shady and sandy bed of the Murchison River, where you can enjoy a swim in the refreshing waters. Additionally, kayaking and canoeing down the river can be quite fun after decent rainfall. Murchison River is the second-longest river in Western Australia. It starts its journey in the ancient lands of the Robinson Ranges and flows for about 820 km to the Indian Ocean at Kalbarri across an ever-changing landscape of dry plains, salt lakes, and rocky slopes.
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Take a short walk down into the gorge to the peaceful, shady and sandy bed of the Murchison River, where you can enjoy a swim in the refreshing waters. Additionally, kayaking and canoeing down the river can be quite fun after decent rainfall. Murchison River is the second-longest river in Western Australia. It starts its journey in the ancient lands of the Robinson Ranges and flows for about 820 km to the Indian Ocean at Kalbarri across an ever-changing landscape of dry plains, salt lakes, and rocky slopes.
Turn around here and retrace the main route for 380 m to get back to the start.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Ross Graham River Walk
Grading
Class 3/6
Moderate track
Length
760 m
Time
15 min to 30 min
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Gradient
Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)