Pros & cons
PROS
- Rewarding 6 km return hike to the Murchison River
- Facilities at Z Bend car park (toilets, picnic shelters, BBQs)
CONS
- Steep climb out and some rock scrambling
- Extreme heat in summer; occasional seasonal closures
Overview
Idinggada Yina—better known as the Four Ways Trail—is a 6 km return, Class 4 hike from the Z Bend precinct down to the Murchison River. The name comes from the view at river level, where the gorge opens in four directions. Expect a rocky, uneven track with a steep climb back out—nothing technical, but you’ll feel it.
What You'll See
- Big, banded sandstone walls carved by the Murchison River over hundreds of millions of years, classic Kalbarri geology.
- Seasonal wildflowers in spring, plus a good chance of spotting kangaroos, emus, echidnas, thorny devils, and raptors like wedge‑tailed eagles.
- A calm river setting at the turnaround, with some hikers taking a careful, conditions‑dependent dip.
Trail Details
- Start/parking: Z Bend car park (sealed 2WD access). You’ll find shade shelters, toilets, and picnic facilities here; there are no facilities down in the gorge.
- Track character: Well‑signed mix of rock and sand with uneven footing; pockets of rock scrambling near the river. Plan on roughly 1.5–2 hours for most hikers.
Conditions & Safety
- Heat is the real hazard. Inland gorge temps can soar to around 50°C in summer—carry plenty of water (3–4 L per person) and start early.
- The Loop Trail elsewhere in the park closes from 7 am in the hot months; treat Four Ways with the same caution in heat.
- The inland river gorge area (including Z Bend/Four Ways) closes for about a week in the first half of February for goat control each year.
- No potable water in the park; bring your own. Flies can be persistent—repellent helps.
Culture & Context
Kalbarri embraces Nanda stories across the landscape, reflected in Indigenous trail names like Idinggada Yina. Nearby, the Skywalk precinct offers interpretive signage sharing local history and culture.
Best Time to Visit
- Season: Spring (roughly September) brings wildflowers and milder temps.
- Time of day: Hit the trail at sunrise for cooler air, softer light, and fewer people—recent notes from September hikers back this up. Late morning to midday is hotter and busier.
Who It’s For
Moderate hikers who don’t mind a steep return and some scrambling. If you want a quieter alternative to the park’s headline spots, Four Ways feels pleasantly under‑the‑radar but still delivers big gorge drama.
Where it is
-27.6482, 114.4566Idinggada Yina (Four Ways)
Tips for Idinggada Yina (Four Ways)
- 01Start at sunrise to beat the heat and have the gorge mostly to yourself.
- 02Carry 3–4 liters of water per person; there’s no drinking water in the park.
- 03Expect some rock scrambling near the river; sturdy footwear is essential.
- 04Pack insect repellent—flies can be annoying, especially on warm days.
- 05Check for the early‑February goat control closure before you go.
Amenities
Near Idinggada Yina (Four Ways)
All places →All trails →
0.1 mi awayZ Bend River TrailShort, adventurous gorge descent to the Murchison RiverChallenging · 1.6 mi · 2 hr
0.1 mi awayZ Bend Lookout TrailShort, stairy stroll to a blockbuster Murchison Gorge viewpointEasy · 0.8 mi · 45 min
0.1 mi awayFour Ways TrailSteep gorge walk to a swimmable river junction and big viewsChallenging · 3.7 mi · 2 hr
0.4 mi awayZ BendShort walk to a big gorge, with a rugged river descentParking · Restroom
6.3 mi awayThe Loop WalkIconic gorge circuit past Nature’s Window with river ledges and sandChallenging · 5.6 mi · 4 hr
6.6 mi awayKalbarri SkywalkTwin cantilevered platforms soaring over Murchison River GorgeRestroom · Parking
6.6 mi awayNature's WindowRock arch framing the Murchison River gorgeTrailhead · Parking
6.6 mi awayKalbarri Skywalk KioskHandy cafe by the Skywalk for coffee, wraps and a viewFood · Restroom
