The Bigurda Trail is an 8.5km hike nestled within Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia. Classified as a moderate grade 3 hike, it offers stunning coastal views and takes roughly 3.5 hours to complete. The trail starts at Eagle Gorge and traverses south along the coastal cliffs, culminating at the Natural Bridge.
South of Kalbarri township, a majestic coastline unfolds. Here, the relentless Indian Ocean collides with the ancient Australian landmass, carving out steep chasms, rocky inlets, and unusual rock formations. The powerful waves relentlessly sculpt the multicolored layers of sandstone and limestone, creating a dramatic and ever-changing landscape.
A string of lookouts peppers the impressive southern coast, offering breathtaking panoramas. The Bigurda Trail itself follows the cliff tops between Eagle Gorge and Natural Bridge, providing a comfortable 8km one-way journey. Between July and November, you might even be lucky enough to spot migrating whales from these vantage points.
The Bigurda Trail offers flexibility for hikers of all interests. It can be traversed in either direction or completed as a challenging 17km return trip. For shorter walks, there are multiple access points at Island Rock, Grandstand, and Shellhouse entries. This allows visitors to tailor their experience to their fitness level and time constraints.
While the Bigurda Trail boasts an excellent surface for hiking, it's important to be aware of the challenging conditions. The trail is exposed with minimal shade, making it prone to high temperatures. Additionally, caution is necessary due to the presence of high cliffs and drop-offs along the path. Be sure to stay on the marked trail and wear appropriate footwear for safe navigation.
Total distance: 8551 m
Max elevation: 93 m
Min elevation: 41 m
Total climbing: 323 m
Total descent: -317 m
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Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Kalbarri National Park awaits exploration, boasting the Eagle Gorge Lookout Carpark. This carpark is situated just 6 kilometers south of the Kalbarri townsite, within the park itself. The park is a scenic destination located approximately 590 kilometers north of Perth, translating to a road trip of 6 to 7 hours.
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Kalbarri National Park pays respect to the Nanda people as the traditional custodians of this land. The park itself encompasses the lower Murchison River, where the river has carved a magnificent 80km gorge through red and white banded sandstone. A breathtaking perspective of this natural wonder can be obtained from the Kalbarri Skywalk, a dual-platform structure jutting out over the gorge. Numerous walking trails descend into the gorge, allowing visitors to experience its colorful splendor firsthand.
The park also boasts an impressive coastline sculpted by wind and wave erosion. Here, towering cliffs plunge 100 meters towards the ocean, offering equally stunning vistas. Particularly during spring, the wildflowers blanketing the landscape add another layer of vibrant beauty.
The town of Kalbarri, situated at the mouth of the Murchison River, serves as a vibrant hub for both fishing and tourism. This town provides a convenient base for exploring the park's many offerings. Activities range from sightseeing and picnicking to more adventurous pursuits like abseiling, rafting, and canoeing. Don't forget to book tours in advance for these activities to ensure a spot.
With so much to see and do, allow ample time to fully experience Kalbarri National Park. For panoramic vistas of Murchison Gorge, be sure to venture out onto the Kalbarri Skywalk. It's important to note that summer temperatures can be extreme. To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit, plan hikes during the cooler months (May to October). When embarking on hikes, prioritize safety: start early in the morning, carry sufficient water (1 liter per hour per person), wear sun protection, comfortable clothing, and sturdy footwear. As there's no potable water available within the park, remember to bring your own supply.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Looking for things to do in Kalbarri National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
