carnarvon gorge faq: how to get there, when to visit, and where to stay

Planning a trip to Carnarvon Gorge? Here’s a complete guide covering how to get there, the best time to visit, where to stay, and how long you should spend exploring this iconic Queensland national park.

how do i get to carnarvon goRGE?

Carnarvon Gorge is tucked between Emerald and Roma, so most visitors come in from the north via Rolleston or from the south via Injune.

From Emerald (244km, approx 3hrs)
Head south through Springsure and Rolleston
Continue along the Carnarvon Highway
Look for the Gorge signs about 60km south of Rolleston

From Roma (246km, approx 3 hrs)
Head north to Injune and continue up the Carnarvon Highway
Turn off at the Gorge sign about 100km north of Injune

Do I need a 4WD?
Nope! The road is sealed almost all the way – just a short stretch of gravel near the end. There are a couple of creek crossings, but they’ve been upgraded and usually reopen quickly after rain.

Can I fly?
There are regular flights from Brisbane to both Emerald and Roma. You can then pick up a hire car and enjoy a cruisy country drive.

Essential tips
1. ⚠️ Always check road conditions before travelling
2. Fuel up in Rolleston or Injune (there’s no fuel at the Gorge)
3. For supplies, Rolleston has basics, Springsure has a SPAR, and Emerald has the major supermarkets
4. Try to arrive before sunset – kangaroos can be out in the late afternoon

Carnarvon Access Road

when is the best time to visit Carnarvon gorge?

You can visit year-round… but the locals will tell you the Gorge truly shines in the cooler months.

Here’s how each season stacks up:

March to October
Pros:
• Cooler temps (April–Sept) = perfect hiking weather
• All accommodation and tour activities are open
• Carnarvon Great Walk is open
• Campfire season
Cons:
• Nights can get chilly
• Peak season (esp school holidays) = more people
Book ahead unless you love a last-minute adventure

November to February
Pros:
• Peace, quiet, and fewer walkers
• Perfect time for swimming in the Rock Pool
• Lush and green after summer rain
Cons:
• It can get hot, really hot, so plan to hit the trails early (out by 5am and back by 10am)
• Storms are common, particularly in the afternoon
• Some operators take a well-earned break, but BIG4 Carnarvon Gorge is open year-round

Boolimba Bluff

where can i stay at carnarvon gorge?

Whether you’re into cosy cabins or rolling out the swag under the stars, there’s a stay to suit your style. Just remember, places fill fast during school holidays, so book early.

BIG4 Holiday Parks Carnarvon Gorge
Open year-round
✔️ Cabins and safari tents
✔️ Powered/ unpowered sites
✔️ Bush Bar, campfires, and platypus spotting at Carnarvon Creek!

Sandstone Park Carnarvon Gorge
Open March – October
✔️ 360° panoramic views of the gorge
✔️ Spacious camping and caravanning sites
✔️ Pet-friendly

Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge
Open March – October
✔️ Safari-style cabins
✔️ Pool and restaurant
✔️ Just 3km from the main walking tracks

Queensland National Parks Camping
There are two campgrounds:
1. Carnarvon Gorge Camping Area
✔️ Near the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area
✔️Open during Queensland school holidays (except Dec–Jan)
✔️ Toilets provided, no showers
2. Big Bend
✔️ Walk-in bush camp at the end of the main track (9.7km)
✔️ Open year-round
✔️ Toilets provided, no showers

If everything’s booked out…
Don’t panic, there are a few options within an hour’s drive:
Rolleston: hotel and caravan park accommodation
Wallaroo Outback Retreat: glamping-style stays on a working cattle property
Lake Nuga Nuga: off-grid lakeside camping with zero facilities but all the views

HOW much time SHOULD I spend at carnarvon gorge?

If you can swing it, three full days is the sweet spot. Enough time to tick off the icons, soak up the serenity, and enjoy a campfire evening (or two).

Here’s how each option stacks up:

1 Day
If you only have one full day at the Gorge (no travel), set the alarm early and hit the big four: Moss Garden, Amphitheatre, Ward’s Canyon, and the Art Gallery. That’s around 14km return.

2 Days
Day 1: Walk to the end of the main track (9.7km one-way), stopping at your favourite side tracks on the way back
Day 2: Pick up the remaining side tracks at a relaxed pace: far less distance and more time to wander and wonder

3 Days
Do everything in the 2-day plan plus:
Guided tour: discover hidden details, wildlife, and cultural connections that bring the Gorge to life (highly recommended early in your stay!)
Boolimba Bluff: usually tackled on its own due to the steep Class 4 climb, but the views are next-level
Nature Trail: wander through local flora and fauna; if you’re lucky, you might even spot a platypus
Rock Pool: cool off in the natural swimming hole
Mickey Creek: rock-hop into a gorge so narrow you can touch both sides with outstretched arms
Visitor Information Centre: learn about the Gorge’s geology, wildlife, and cultural stories

4 Days
Holiday mode unlocked!
Slow mornings, starry nights
Wildlife watching and extra swims
More time to sit next to those towering sandstone walls and just be

Carnarvon Gorge isn’t just about kilometres – it’s about connection

The verdict?
One day = a taste
Two days = a solid sample
Three days = chef’s kiss
Four days = holiday mode unlocked

Images courtesy of Tourism & Events Queensland

Scroll to Top