Carnarvon Gorge

Immerse yourself in wilderness and embrace Mother Nature as you wind through the deep and dramatic gorge system, carved out by wind and rain over millions of years.

As you marvel at the geological wonder of Carnarvon Gorge, you start to wonder why stay for just one night when there’s so much more to explore.

WHAT TO DO

WALKING

From the Carnarvon Visitor Information Centre, you can fit the top four attractions of Moss Garden (pictured), Amphitheatre, Art Gallery and Ward’s Canyon into a (mostly!) leisurely four-hour roundtrip.

Mickey Creek Gorge track is another popular walk because it’s relatively easy and quick (3km return) but also stunning, especially when it branches off to Warrumbah Bluff. Start from the Mickey Creek carpark, which is a 4km drive from the national park entrance.

Enhance your Carnarvon Gorge adventure with a guided tour by one of the commercial operators.

To truly Explore More of the national park, we recommend setting aside at least three days to walk the tracks, explore the side gorges and visit Aboriginal cultural sites.

highlights

Rock Art on sandstone overhangs are some of the finest Aboriginal rock imagery in Australia. The best place to find this is the Art Gallery (pictured), where more than 2000 engravings, ochre stencils and freehand paintings adorn the 62m-long sandstone walls.

Wildlife There are loads of opportunities for birdwatching! More than 170 bird species inhabit or visit the park. A night walk with a torch can reveal gliders, possums and bush stonecurlews.

Swimming Take a refreshing dip in the Rock Pool, the only place designated for swimming.

Rewan Memorial On your way into Carnarvon Gorge, visit the Rewan Memorial, erected to honour the lives of the Australian and US soldiers who were aboard a Dakota C-47 aircraft that broke up in a violent storm in 1943.

Other FAVOURITES

Gaze out to distant ranges at Boolimba Bluff, which towers 200m above Carnarvon Creek.

Rock crossings are all part of the fun on Carnarvon Gorge’s main walk.

Big Bend is about a 4-hour return hike from the national park’s visitor area.

Boowinda Gorge. Rock-hop into this sculpted side gorge, 100 metres upstream of Cathedral Cave.

ESSENTIALS

Access Carnarvon National Park is located between Injune and Rolleston. The 45km access road is fully sealed and classed as an all-vehicle road.

No fuel is available at Carnarvon so fuel up on your way at Injune or Rolleston.

Facilities Near the entrance to Carnarvon Gorge itself, a large, grassy picnic area is set amongst towering eucalypts and cabbage palms. Wheelchair accessible toilets and tables, gas barbecues are available.

Visitor Centre is open 8am to 4pm, seven days a week. This centre is not staffed but features educational displays about the national park.

Supplies Bring your own water, food and other essentials. There is a small shop at Breeze Holiday Park open to all travellers.

Camping in the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area is available during the Easter, June-July and September-October Queensland school holidays. Permits are essential and bookings must be made at the Visitor Information Centre in Emerald or online with QLD National Parks – Carnarvon. Privately-run accommodation is available year round – more information here.

ADVENTURE ESCALATED

Take a four-wheel-drive adventure to these other sections of Carnarvon National Park:

Salvator Rosa Rocky sandstone crags and spires dominate the skyline. Enjoy crystal clear springs and colourful wildflower displays. Camp under the timeless night sky next to the Nogoa River.

Ka Ka Mundi (access via Springsure) Drive though the undulating sandstone country and discover stately bottle trees emerging from silver brigalow forest. Camp by the springs and watch abundant birdlife.

Mount Moffatt (pictured, access via Injune) Enjoy spectacular views from the Consuelo Tableland, the highest plateau in Queensland.

Pack your hiking gear and take on the Carnarvon Great Walk, which links the Carnarvon Gorge and Mount Moffat sections of the national park.

The full circuit is 87kms so you’ll need six to seven days, good preparation, and high-level bush walking experience to complete this amazing journey.