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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light for photos

Ross Graham Lookout
Best Time
Golden hour light for photos

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

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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ross Graham Lookout
Kalbarri National Park
Panoramic views of the Murchison River gorges, perfect for sunset photography.

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
Kalbarri National Park
Adjacent to Ross Graham, offering more stunning vistas of the Murchison River and surrounding landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Views
Park Entry & Permits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
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
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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ross Graham Lookout is located in Kalbarri National Park, approximately a 6-hour drive north of Perth, Western Australia. The park encircles the township of Kalbarri. Ensure you have a National Parks and Wildlife permit, which can be purchased at the entry station.
Yes, there is a small carpark area near the lookout and the trailhead for the river trail.
Public transport options to Kalbarri National Park are limited. It is best accessed by car, making it ideal for a road trip from Perth.
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.
Yes, there are public toilets available near the carpark at Ross Graham Lookout.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
The walk from the carpark to the main lookout is an easy, short 200-meter walk. However, the trail down to the river is more challenging with steps and rocks.
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.
Yes, you can swim in the Murchison River, but be cautious of submerged rocks. 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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Murchison River Gorges
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. 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.
Adjacent to Ross Graham, Hawks Head Lookout provides another excellent vantage point, offering complementary views of the river and gorges. 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.
Photography at Ross Graham Lookout
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. 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.
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. The natural beauty and dramatic landscapes make it easy to capture memorable images, even with just a smartphone. Remember to check the weather conditions, as dramatic skies can add an extra layer of visual interest to your photographs.


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