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Globetrotter
Travel Map
Queensland
ISBN 1859747795

CARNARVON GORGE
Carnarvon National Park

Introduction

"Spectacular Carnarvon Gorge lies hidden in the rugged ranges of Queensland’s Central Highlands. Over millions of years, Carnarvon Creek has gouged soft sandstone from the vertical white cliffs of the Gorge. The creek flows all year, giving life to a luxuriant growth of ferns, palms, shrubs and trees. Narrow side gorges are shaded for most of the day, providing moist havens for ancient remnant rainforests, ferns and mosses. Aboriginal rock art adorns the walls of sandstone overhangs."

This description is so good that all my souvenirs from this place are back again when I am reading it.

The distance from Brisbane is around 730 km. From Brisbane, the general direction is:

Toowoomba, Dalby, Miles, Roma.

From Roma, drive north 90 km. to Injune and then a further 111 km. to Wyseby.

From Rockhampton, directions are: Emeral, Springsure, Rolleston, and then Wyseby.

Most of the road between Rollestone and Wyseby is unsealed but usually suitable for conventional vehicles and caravans.

At Wyseby, take the signed turn-off to the park. From there, there is 45 km of unsealed and rough road. This part is also usually suitable for conventional vehicles and caravans at least in dry weather. After heavy rain, the road may become impassable.

It is then recommended to always carry enough food and water for few days. It is of course always better to check the conditions with the local rangers.

For the accommodation, not so many options. The closest possibility is the Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge. It is a privately owned cabin-style accommodation located few kilometers from the gorge section.

When I visited the place, the other option was the camp ground. Closer and cheaper but of course with less comfort. The camping ground was available at the park with the following facilities: a visitor information centre, a public telephone, toilet and cold showers. Upgrading the showers with hot water was planned for 99. The camping ground was very popular, particularly during school holiday and cooler months. It was required to book well in advance (up to 12 months in advance) to avoid any disappointment.

Unfortunately, for some reasons, the government decided to close it. The alternative is now to use the camping area that are now available at the nearby Takarakka Bush Resort. More information on services and facilities available in the region are listed on the Australian Nature Guides and Central Highlands Tourisim web sites

Do not forget that you are in a National park and that it is not permitted to collect firewood in the park. So bring your own gas cooking equipment and firewood from home.

Creek water is not suitable for drinking. Bring water containers so you can carry tap water from the camping area while out walking in the park.

Be also aware that rubbish bins are not provided nor rubbish collected in the park. Bring some strong garbage bags to store rubbish for disposal when you return home.

Details and other important information are included in the ‘Visitor Information’ sheet.

Now that you arrived into the park you are ready to enjoy the nature. Ready to walk?

Several well-marked walks are available in the park. It will takes you several days if you want to do all of them. You can also chose the option of an overnight hike. You will then use the basic camping area located at Big Ben. From there you can climb Battleship Spur which offers breathtaking views along the gorges and beyond. Probably also a marvelous place to watch the rising sun. If you do not have it yet do not forget to request to the office the information sheet called ‘Park Guide – Carnarvon Gorge Section’

FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR YOUR FIRST WALKING DAY IN THE PARK