I made it to the start of the Nature’s Window Loop Trail at 6:45 am.
It was February, and the trail is closed from 7 am.
For good reason.
The heat is intense in the summer months between November and February.
Feeling the heat … 8 am and already over 35 degrees in the Murchison Gorge - Kalbarri National Park
It took me just over 3 hours to complete the 9 kilometres of this impressive class 4 trail, with a couple of short stops for shade.
Despite the intense heat, this first and short immersion into this ancient landscape of white and red layered sandstone, weathered rocky ledges skirting the winding river, sandy riverbanks lined with paperbarks and reeds, black swans … it was a magical introduction.
Enough to make me want to come back for more.
And we did.
We walked the 38 km of the 80 km riverine system, from Ross Graham Lookout to Nature’s Window, twice more before offering it as one of our Edgewalkers adventures.
The first of these was also in February. There had been a dip in temperature rom low 40s to mid 20’s, I got permission from the head ranger to scope the gorge with a photographer for 4 days.
With water levels at their lowest, crossing back and forth across the river is easy, most of the time there are enough exposed rocks to step comfortably all the way across.
The second time was in June.
The difference was significant.
First, the lower temperatures made walking with 15 plus kilos of water and food much easier. We also did not need to drink as much water.
Edgewalkers guide Kirra Diconza, staying close to the edge of the Murchison River - Kalbarri National Park
Second, the higher water levels meant having to work out the safest place to cross the river and shorter distances covered every day.
It also meant having wet boots from the start.
Both times were breathtaking.
The Murchison Gorge is one of our regular walking adventures usually run in June or August. We love this raw West Australian wilderness.