A walk that earns its place on the bucket list: the Carnarvon Great Walk
The Carnarvon Great Walk is one of Queensland’s most iconic long-distance hikes. A remote, rewarding journey through the heart of the Central Queensland Highlands Sandstone Belt.
Stretching 87 kilometres, this unforgettable multi-day walk links Carnarvon Gorge and Mount Moffatt, taking walkers from cool, shaded gorges and flowing creeks to dramatic sandstone ridgelines and high-country plateaus. For those ready to take it on, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that delivers equal parts sweat, scenery and satisfaction.
When to visit
The Carnarvon Great Walk is open seasonally from early March to early October, offering the best conditions to explore this remote landscape without the summer scorch.
Planning info & maps
All official information, including permits, track updates, alerts and maps, is managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS).
🔗 Carnarvon Great Walk
QPWS also provides a Carnarvon Great Walk Topographic Map (pictured above) for planning and navigation. This one is non-negotiable – download and print a copy before your walk.
The walk at a glance
Distance: 87km circuit
Duration: typically 5–7 days (walking 10-20km each day)
Route: six sections (R1–R6)
Direction: walked clockwise, starting and finishing at the Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Area
Total climbing: 3,257m
Difficulty: ranges from moderate to very challenging (Grade 3–5)
Style: remote, multi-day walk requiring experience, preparation and self-sufficiency
👉 Full section-by-section descriptions and grades are available on the QPWS website.
Camping along the route
There are five camping areas on the Carnarvon Great Walk:
Big Bend walkers’ camp
Gadd’s walkers’ camp
West Branch walkers’ camp
Consuelo camping zone
Cabbage Tree camping zone
Camping permits are required and fees apply. Group sizes are limited to a maximum of six people, with a two-night maximum stay at each camp.
🔗 Book camping permits
Guided walks
For walkers wanting local knowledge and added support, Hike with Maree runs guided trips twice each year (May and August).
Unfortunately, the 2026 walks are booked out.
May 2027 walk: bookings open 1 June 2026
August 2027 walk: bookings open 1 September 2026
Maree also runs a helpful Facebook group packed with real-world tips and trail wisdom.
Food drops
If you’re walking independently and don’t want to carry a full week of supplies, Hike with Maree offers a halfway food-drop service to make planning easier.
Drop location: West Branch walkers’ camp
Food can be posted in advance or arranged locally.
Fitness & experience
The Carnarvon Great Walk is rated Grade 5, the most challenging category within Queensland’s Great Walks. While achievable for a wide range of people, it’s best suited to walkers who allow time to prepare.
Walkers who enjoy the experience most typically:
Have some experience with multi-day hiking
Are comfortable walking with a loaded pack
Allow time to build strength, balance and endurance
Prepare gradually so their bodies adapt safely
Many walkers allow three to six months to prepare, depending on their starting fitness. With the right training and mindset, the walk has been successfully completed by people of all ages and backgrounds.
Walker journals
Wondering what the walk is really like?
Walker journals and trip reports are a great source of insight from people who’ve done it.
Helpful reads include:
We Are Explorers – Carnarvon Great Walk
David Brewster Photography – Trip report
Passionate Nature – Carnarvon Great Walk report
You can also explore reviews, photos and GPX tracks via:
AllTrails and Trail Hiking Australia
Safety & preparation
This is a remote, multi-day walk where preparation matters (winging it isn’t an option!)
Before you go:
Check weather conditions and park alerts
Walk in a small group where possible
Carry sufficient water, food and navigation tools
Treat all water before drinking
Plan to reach camp well before sunset
Follow all safety signage and advice
In the end, the Carnarvon Great Walk isn’t just about the kilometres covered — it’s about the landscapes that challenge you, the moments that stay with you, and the quiet sense of achievement that comes from walking through one of Queensland’s most remarkable places.
Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland (banner) and Anja Sandring
