carnarvon gorge

Carnarvon Gorge National Park lies far off the usual tourists tracks. Therefore it is a very unspoiled natural park. There are no sensational attractions in the park but great nature.

Spend a day or two exploring this area. It is so beautiful. Not a really arduous hike but covers a variety of topography. Waterfalls, creek crossings, aboriginal art work, the amphitheatre is awesome. Check it out if your in the area

There had just been some big storms, so some of the creek crossings were flooded and some walking tracks closed. But the wildlife was abundant and the scenery stunning

I stayed here for two nights, with the main aim of doing the hike to Big Bend. Two days did not do this place justice and for anyone who enjoys Australia's natural beauty you certainly need more. I camped at the Takkarakka campground a few kms outside the National Park. Unpowered campsites were $30 per night, but included free hot showers, a coin operated laundry, clotheslines, and a powered camp kitchen with gas stoves, BBQs and washing up facilities. The park campground is closed over summer so Takkarakka may be the only option. Didn't quite make it to Big Bend as other attractions took our attention. Side trips to The Art Gallery and Ampitheatre are a must, and I really enjoyed exploring Boowinda Gorge right at the top of the walk. I also recommend a side visit to Warrumbah Gorge. There is a longer multi-day track for serious walkers, but I believe it's closed over summer.Take plenty of water and be prepared to get wet feet no matter which option you choose. Check road conditions before you leave. While I had no trouble with my small hatch, after rain there are a number of creek crossings into the park, and the dirt road may be washed out.

What a beautiful piece of Australia! We spent a day walking the trails and enjoying the wildlife.Fantastic Aboriginal art at The Gallery, the best I've seen! Trails are clearly marked but the river crossings are difficult in parts with no markings to help you find the track on the other side.Amazing rock formations and beautiful plants. Well worth a visit.

Absolutely gorgeous! We stayed at Takarakka resort, on one of the unpowered campsites. Woke up in the morning because of a kangaroo hopping around our tent. One of the most beautifull campsites I have ever been. It is worth the long ride to get there. If you are fit, you can do a 24 km hike in the gorge in one day, it will take you about 7 or 8 hours.

We spent a week at Carnarvon Gorge early September and had a wonderful time. A combination of relaxing and participating in a range of activities filling a week easily. My husband and elderly parents went and we were all able to enjoy a range of activities.My parents enjoyed some short walks while my husband and I a longer one. The evenings were still quite cool but the days were warming up so quite a good time to visit.We hope to go back and do some of the other walks in the future as we really enjoyed the Gorge and the range of activities on offer.See other reviews for Takarakka Bush Resort, Bandanna Station Sunsets and Helicopter Scenic flights.

Following "research" tips we booked a three night stay at Takarakka Bush Retreat in a permanent tent, (a raised floor, good bed, fan and adequately sized fridge), very clean amenities block and open community kitchen and beautiful setting with platypus viewing possible in Carnarvon Crrek which runs around the camp grounds. There is Wi-fi reception at the camp shop. We would highly recommend Takarakka. It is worthwhile to attend the 5pm talk given outside the camp shop.There are long walks and shorter options-all rewarding. The first afternoon we walked to Warrumbah Gorge and the Rock Pool. Then the next day walked to Big Bend and its offshoots, 24 kms, (7am-5pm), and while it was a big day, we made it and it meant not having to "back track" far along the main path another day to visit any missed sights. All options along this main track are worthwhile to visit. Having made it to all, we realised the effort involved was worthwhile and that it would have been a shame to have missed out on any. We walked to Boolimba Bluff, 3 hours, as a morning excursion the following day. Our wildlife watch included platypus, many kangaroos, including a very large male blocking the track!, an echidna, a Lace monitor lizard, a salamander, a catfish, a bustard, parrots, galahs, cockatoos. Some wild flowers were out as well.Recommend visiting in the milder times of the year. Have good walking shoes or sandals that can get wet, (lots of creek crossings), and that can handle walking on the uneven river cobble stones. Take plenty of water and some lunch/snacks. Start as early as possible in the day. A wonderful place to visit

Everything was spectacular. Facilities at Takarakka were great. Staff we also very helpful. To do the full Gorge takes plenty of balance and stamina. Especially for the multiple creek crossings. Try to do this hike in the cooler months if possible.

Stayed at the Wilderness Lodge for 3 nights - gave us 2 days exploring the Gorge. Advice was to walk as far as we felt able along the main gorge floor and then visit the side gorges on the way back. Aboriginal rock art was great - although we would have liked an addition to the signage that told us how old it was - (about 3000 years the Park Rangers told us later). Then the amazing Amphitheatre - a climb up some stairs. The Moss Garden was too much in that day so we went back the next afternoon for that - probably the most strenuous, but I am 67 and managed it easily. Wide creek crossing to paddle in too. Main gorge track is well maintained and an easy terrain to walk - some steps. Carry water. Lots of creek crossings - but even I didn't fall in. Good solid stones to stand on. Visited the Warrambuh Gorge on the Mickey Creek track. Unspoilt and fascinating. Highlight.

Think we chose a quiet time, out of school hols and just before it gets too hot to walk, so had many of the gorge's highlights to ourselves. A special, spiritual place filled with natural wonders and aboriginal history. Can't recommend it highly enough.

Stayed in the Gorge for two nights returning from Longreach. What a beautiful place. We stayed in the bush cottages near the Caravan Park, and you could just sit on your deck and enjoy the creek or the changing colours of the towering cliffs just over the creek. But may more treasures await those willing to do a little (or more) walking. Walked the full length of the Gorge and took the side diversions to enjoy a day of 8 hours walking, 400 Photos and two very sore feet. It was well worth the effort. Multiple crossings of the creek gave many opportunities for beautiful shots of the rippling waters or the reflections or silhouetted branches etc. Very clear aboriginal art is accessible on several of the shorter side tracks. There is opportunity to climb a set of latters and pass through a cliff into a beautiful oasis behind the rock. You can drip 10 degrees in temperature as you arrive at a very beautiful moss garden. So much more here - don't miss it.

Carnarvon Gorge is a special place to me .My father worked on adjacent Consuela Station before going to WWI. There is a photo of my mother's family on the board at the Ranger's Centre. My mother rode on horseback from Rolleston as a teenager in 1917. My husband and I first brought our six children to the Gorge in 1976. This time, 21 members of our extended family , aged from 2 years to 78 (me!) came and used various accommodation available at Taranaka: camp sites, Takatents, powered van site. All were excellent and good value. The grounds are tidy and well kept, and the staff extremely friendly.The children were entranced by the wildlife, especially the platypus and the echidna.We have spent the September holidays in parks all over SE Qld and Northern NSW and everyone agreed that this is the best experience. The children are all talking about when they return.

Carnarvon Gorge is a spectacular place, full of birds and animals and rock art, and amazing side canyons and geology. Take the day walking tour with Simon to get the full experience. He gives a talk at the Wilderness Lodge that is very interesting also.

We spent only 2 days here and it wasn't enough. The walks are well signed and range in their challenges but all worth doing. Moss Garden and Wards Canyon are simply beautiful. You would never believe that a place so green and lush in spots could exist so far inland. The drive in to the gorge was an experience in itself. We can't wait to go back