The sun wasn’t that hot.  The track wasn’t that long. The going wasn’t that tough.

And yet, all along the short Kalbarri Natures Window walk, people were dropping like flies.

Nature’s Window Warnings

There are detailed warning signs above the steep staircase accessing the track below the gorge rim.  But the walk to Kalbarri National Park’s favourite attraction still looks deceptively easy.

Nature’s Window is a mere 400 m (1312 ft) from the car park.  So it’s easy to see hikers straggling along the track towards the knot of people on the ridge below.  They’re clearly visible from the trailhead. AND the light breeze above the rim keeps the temperature mild.

It looks easy.

So why would you not assume you could knock the Kalbarri Natures Window walk over while wearing inappropriate shoes?

Without water, or a hat? Or a reasonable level of fitness?

Below the rim, the temperature in the gorge is much higher and the sun beats down mercilessly with no breeze to cool the air. It’s hot and stuffy. And the return walk is relentlessly uphill all the way.

Just like the warning sign said.

How to Survive Nature’s Window

But surviving Kalbarri Natures Window Walk is easy if you follow my TOP 5 tips!

1. Wear real shoes.
2. Carry water.
3. Take your time.
4.  Don’t, under ANY circumstances, attempt the walk with a hangover!
5. Use the countless spring wildflower photo opportunities as an excuse for multiple rest breaks …

We awaited our turn for the obligatory Nature’s Window photo.  Far below, the Murchison river lazily curved around the rocky spur on which we stood.  It made a welcome distraction from the bickering English honeymoon couple already in the fast lane to divorce.

And the backpacker fiddling with an impossibly complex camera.  He would have captured the amazing panorama superbly had he actually known how to use it.

And the bogan family from hell endlessly conversing about the sneakers they’d be buying when they got to Bali …

I didn’t care about the above average probability our Window photos would bear an astonishing similarity to everyone else’s, because we were all taking them from the same place.

Finally, it was our turn to record our first Tumblagooda Sandstone experience.  And yes, my photos do look like everyone else’s!  But they’re mine.

The Loop Lookout

A few kilometres away, the Loop Lookout put Nature’s Window into perspective. It also showcased the aggressively scenic – with a far greater risk of heatstroke – 8 km (5 mile) Loop trail winding down to the river below and starting and ending at the Window car park.

So, next visit we’ll take the necessary precautions to walk the Loop trail!  Leave early in the morning.  Carry food and water.  Wear appropriate clothing.  Don’t walk with hung over backpackers.  And leave the stripper shoes at home …

But for now, we’re content with surviving the Kalbarri Nature’s Window Walk!

Want MORE?

• Kalbarri National Park
• Kalbarri, Western Australia
• Great Australian Lookouts

The post Surviving Nature’s Window – Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia appeared first on Australia by Red Nomad OZ.