Ross Graham Lookout
1 / 10

Ross Graham Lookout

4.5
·126 reviews·Kalbarri National Park, Australia

Discover breathtaking Murchison River gorges at Ross Graham Lookout, a must-visit in Kalbarri National Park for stunning views and rewarding hikes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour light for photos

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Ross Graham Lookout

Ross Graham Lookout

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover breathtaking Murchison River gorges at Ross Graham Lookout, a must-visit in Kalbarri National Park for stunning views and rewarding hikes.

4.5
(126 reviews)

"What a magical place once you make it down to the Murchison River!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack Plenty of Water 🧂

Essential for hikes, especially the trail down to the river. Avoid midday sun.

Wear Sturdy Shoes 🥾

Crucial for the steps and rock hopping on the river trail.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ross Graham Lookout

Ross Graham Lookout

Kalbarri National Park

Panoramic views of the Murchison River gorges, perfect for sunset photography.

Ross Graham River Trail

Ross Graham River Trail

Kalbarri National Park

A rewarding walk down to the riverbanks, offering a closer perspective of the ancient rock formations.

Hawks Head Lookout

Hawks Head Lookout

Kalbarri National Park

Adjacent to Ross Graham, offering more stunning vistas of the Murchison River and surrounding landscape.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for the Best Views

Visit during the golden hours for stunning photography, especially in the late afternoon when the sun illuminates the gorges. Avoid midday heat and crowds, particularly during school holidays. Pack plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes for the trails.

Park Entry & Permits

A National Parks and Wildlife permit is required to enter Kalbarri National Park. You can purchase this at the pay station upon entry. Plan your visit to avoid peak times if you prefer a quieter experience.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Early morning
Why
Escape the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Outside school holidays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Kalbarri National Park, Australia 🇦🇺 Localizado a cerca de 6 horas ao norte de Perth, o Kalbarri National Park é um destino único em Western Australia! O Park é dividido em duas áreas principais: 🌊 Parte costeira – com falésias, trilhas e mirantes perfeitos para apreciar o pôr do sol. 🏞️ Parte interior – onde ficam os famosos cânions do rio Murchison e a icônica Nature’s Window, uma formação ro...
@viajantestips
18.6K likes • 911.8K views

Pack Plenty of Water 🧂

Essential for hikes, especially the trail down to the river. Avoid midday sun.

Wear Sturdy Shoes 🥾

Crucial for the steps and rock hopping on the river trail.

WA is Beautiful🫶#perth #australia🇦🇺 #westernaustralia #travel #roadtrippin #perthtodo #kalbarriwa #zbendlookout #zbendkalbarri
@mansi_travel_bug
6.5K likes • 158.4K views
From Ross Graham Lookout in the inland national park to the Nature Trail along the coastal cliffs, you will surrounded by the best of Mother Nature both north and south of Kalbarri. Lookouts and trails offer adventure and education, memories to take home with you #Kalbarri ☀️ 🎥 @hungariansontheroad #Kalbarri #WAtheDreamState #SeeAustralia #CoralCoastHighway #Kalbarri🧡oftheCoralCoast
kalbarriwa
106 likes • 3.3K views

Sunset Photography 🌅

The light is magical in the late afternoon. Ross Graham Lookout is ideal.

Check Park Entry Fees 💰

A National Parks and Wildlife permit is required. Pay at the station.

Ross Graham Lookout and Hawks Head Lookout Kalbarri in winter 🧡🤎💙 #blessed #blessing #bythegraceofgod #thankyoulord #thankyoujesus #amen #kalbarri #hawkshead #rossgraham #wa
esterdestri
7 likes • 113 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack Plenty of Water 🧂

Essential for hikes, especially the trail down to the river. Avoid midday sun.

Wear Sturdy Shoes 🥾

Crucial for the steps and rock hopping on the river trail.

Sunset Photography 🌅

The light is magical in the late afternoon. Ross Graham Lookout is ideal.

Check Park Entry Fees 💰

A National Parks and Wildlife permit is required. Pay at the station.

Combine with Hawks Head 📍

Hawks Head Lookout is a short distance away and offers complementary views.

What Travellers Say

4.5
(126 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Ross Graham Lookout for its stunning views of the Murchison River gorges, especially during sunset. The easy access to the main lookout is appreciated, though the trail down to the river is noted as more challenging. It's a magical spot, but requires preparation with water and appropriate footwear.

"Not for the less agile as there is a fairly steep climb down to the Murchison River, but what a magical place once you make it down. Take plenty of water and avoid the hottest time of the day. You can swim, but be careful of submerged rocks"

Martin Hickey

"Jul 2025
Cam here during school holidays, not many people here. Another good vantage point for photo taking, it's a short walk from the carpark to the lookout, but it's a small space.
Toilet available here near carpark."

Matthew Yang

"This is one of two stops you can make along the south entrance to Kalbarri National Park where you find nice viewpoints of the NP and scenery around the Murchison River. You'll find a small carpark area, public toilet and a short 200 metre walk to a viewpoint. The views are really nice in the evening with the sun at your back.

There is also roughly 500 metre walk down to the river, the closest you can get to the river other than the Natural Window Loop Trail in the northern section of the NP. Overall a nice little spot to visit along with the stop at the nearby Hawks Head Lookout a just a short distance away."

Brad

What People Like

Spectacular gorge views
Golden hour light
Easy main lookout access

What People Dislike

Steep river trail
Can be crowded during holidays

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ross Graham Lookout is located in Kalbarri National Park, approximately a 6-hour drive north of Perth, Western Australia.TikTok+1 The park encircles the township of Kalbarri.TikTok Ensure you have a National Parks and Wildlife permit, which can be purchased at the entry station.Reddit

Yes, there is a small carpark area near the lookout and the trailhead for the river trail.Reddit

Public transport options to Kalbarri National Park are limited. It is best accessed by car, making it ideal for a road trip from Perth.TikTok+1

Many visitors explore Kalbarri National Park by car, stopping at various lookouts and trailheads. Renting a car in Perth is a popular option for a road trip.TikTok

Yes, there are public toilets available near the carpark at Ross Graham Lookout.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, a National Parks and Wildlife permit is required to enter Kalbarri National Park, where Ross Graham Lookout is located. You can purchase this at the pay station on entry.Reddit

Kalbarri National Park is generally open year-round, but it's always a good idea to check the official Parks and Wildlife Service website for any specific closures or alerts before your visit.

Entry fees are typically charged per vehicle or per person for a park pass. The exact cost can vary, so check the National Parks and Wildlife Service website for current pricing.

Yes, there is a pay station on entry to the park where you can purchase your National Parks and Wildlife permit.Reddit

Information on discounts for seniors, students, or families is usually available on the National Parks and Wildlife Service website. It's worth checking their site for any applicable concessions.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The Ross Graham River Trail is a 500-meter return walk from the carpark. It involves steps and some rock hopping to reach the riverbanks, requiring a moderate level of fitness.InstagramReddit

The walk from the carpark to the main lookout is an easy, short 200-meter walk.Reddit However, the trail down to the river is more challenging with steps and rocks.Reddit

The main lookout offers stunning panoramic views, especially in the late afternoon. The trail down to the river also provides unique perspectives of the gorge and water.Instagram+1

Yes, you can swim in the Murchison River, but be cautious of submerged rocks.Reddit The river trail offers the closest access to the water.

Allow at least 1-2 hours to enjoy the lookout, take photos, and complete the river trail if you choose to do it.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography Tips

The late afternoon, during the golden hour, is ideal for photography as the sun illuminates the gorges and river, creating beautiful light and shadows.TikTokReddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive gorge views. A tripod can be useful for sunset shots or if you're shooting in lower light conditions.

The main lookout provides a classic panoramic view. The trail down to the river offers more intimate shots of the water and rock formations.Instagram

Experiment with different angles from the main lookout, and don't forget to capture the textures of the rocks and the flow of the Murchison River from the trail below.Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the latest regulations with the Parks and Wildlife Service before flying a drone.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The main Ross Graham Lookout is easily accessible with a short, paved walk from the carpark, making it suitable for families with young children.Reddit The panoramic views are captivating for all ages. However, the Ross Graham River Trail involves steps and rock hopping, which might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.Reddit It's advisable to carry plenty of water and snacks, and to visit during cooler parts of the day to ensure everyone stays comfortable and energized.

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts

For those who love to hike, the Ross Graham River Trail offers a rewarding descent to the Murchison River.Instagram This 500-meter return trail requires a moderate level of fitness due to the steps and rocky terrain.Reddit It's a fantastic opportunity to get closer to the ancient rock formations and the river itself. Combine this with the easy walk to the main lookout and a visit to the nearby Hawks Head Lookout for a comprehensive exploration of the gorge's beauty.Instagram+1

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find Ross Graham Lookout to be a prime location, especially during the golden hours for stunning landscape shots.Reddit The interplay of light and shadow on the gorges is spectacular. The River Trail provides unique angles and textures to capture. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the landscape and a tripod for low-light conditions during sunrise or sunset.Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Murchison River Gorges

The inland section of Kalbarri National Park is renowned for its ancient river gorges carved by the Murchison River over millions of years. Ross Graham Lookout and the adjacent River Trail offer a fantastic introduction to this dramatic landscape. The trails here are designed to showcase the geological history, with layers of sandstone telling tales of a time when the area was submerged under water.TikTok+1 The sheer scale of the gorges is breathtaking, and the vibrant colors of the rock formations change throughout the day with the shifting sunlight.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, the Ross Graham River Trail descends to the Murchison River itself. This walk involves a series of steps and some rock hopping, making it a bit more challenging but incredibly rewarding.InstagramReddit Getting down to the river allows you to appreciate the power of the water that shaped this landscape and offers a unique perspective on the towering gorge walls. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and carry plenty of water, as this section can be demanding, especially in warmer weather.Reddit

Adjacent to Ross Graham, Hawks Head Lookout provides another excellent vantage point, offering complementary views of the river and gorges.InstagramReddit Visiting both lookouts in succession is highly recommended to gain a comprehensive appreciation of the Murchison River's grandeur. The combination of accessible lookouts and more adventurous trails makes this area a highlight for many visitors to Kalbarri National Park.Instagram+1

Photography at Ross Graham Lookout

Ross Graham Lookout is a photographer's dream, particularly during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.Reddit The way the light plays on the ancient sandstone gorges and the Murchison River creates a spectacular display of colors and shadows. Late afternoon is often favored as the sun is at your back, illuminating the landscape beautifully.Reddit Capturing the vastness of the gorge requires a wide-angle lens, allowing you to fit the dramatic cliffs and winding river into your frame.Instagram

Beyond the main lookout, the Ross Graham River Trail offers unique photographic opportunities. As you descend towards the river, you can capture close-up details of the rock textures, the flow of the water, and the imposing scale of the gorge walls from below.Instagram Be prepared for some uneven terrain and rock hopping, which can add an element of adventure to your shots. A tripod can be beneficial for capturing stunning sunset or sunrise images, especially if you plan to experiment with longer exposures to smooth out the water's surface.Instagram

Many visitors find the views from Ross Graham Lookout and Hawks Head Lookout to be incredibly photogenic, with the Murchison River providing a constant, mesmerizing element.Instagram The natural beauty and dramatic landscapes make it easy to capture memorable images, even with just a smartphone.TikTok Remember to check the weather conditions, as dramatic skies can add an extra layer of visual interest to your photographs.

You may also like