The Z Bend Walk in Kalbarri is an absolute banger if you’re short on time but still want to experience the magic of Kalbarri National Park. It’s a 2.6km return track that takes around an hour or so, depending on how long you spend soaking up the views—and trust me, you’ll want to linger. The trail leads you to a stunning lookout over the Murchison River gorge, with those iconic red cliffs that WA is known for.

The walk itself is a bit of an adventure—there are ladders to climb, so make sure you’re in decent shoes. It’s not too hard, but it’s not a casual stroll either. If you’re feeling brave, you can head down to the river for a swim in the natural pools—it’s so refreshing after the walk, especially on a hot day. And Kalbarri gets HOT, so aim to go early in the morning before the sun kicks into overdrive. There’s not heaps of shade along the way, so slap on the sunscreen, pack a hat, and bring plenty of water.

If you’ve got time, pack a picnic—it’s a beautiful spot to just sit and take it all in. Unfortunately, it’s not pet-friendly since it’s inside the national park, so your furry mates will have to sit this one out.