Z Bend facts for kids
The Z Bend lookout is a popular spot for visitors in Western Australia. It's found in the amazing Kalbarri National Park, about 30 kilometres (19 mi) east of the town of Kalbarri. This lookout gets its name because the Murchison River Gorge makes a sharp, zigzag bend here, looking just like the letter "Z"!
From the Z Bend, you get an incredible view of the deep gorge. You can see the ancient rock layers of the Tumblagooda Sandstone. These rocks were formed over millions of years from sand and mud left behind by old rivers and seas, piling up to be more than 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) thick! The Murchison River has slowly carved its way through these layers, creating the stunning gorge we see today.
Visiting the Z Bend
The Z Bend is a great place to explore and enjoy nature. It's one of four main lookouts in the Kalbarri National Park.
What You'll Find There
- Parking and Picnic Areas: When you arrive, there's a car park with picnic tables and toilets nearby. It's a good spot to have a snack before or after your adventure.
- Walk to the Lookout: From the car park, it's about a 500 metres (1,600 ft) walk to reach the main Z Bend lookout. This path is usually easy to follow.
- Path to the River: For those who are more adventurous, there's a path that goes down about 50 metres (160 ft) to the very bottom of the gorge, right to the bed of the Murchison River. This part of the walk can be a bit challenging, so make sure you're prepared!
