Carnarvon Gorge

The incredible Carnarvon Gorge National Park, hidden in the rugged ranges of Capricorn's Central Highlands, is a wonderland of rainforest, creeks and cliffs and should be number one on your list of secret spots to visit in Australia. Whether you come to the park because of its geological appeal, its rare and ancient  Indigenous rock art or for its delightful walking tracks, you will surely be struck by its magnificence and grandeur.

Wander amongst soaring palms, cycads and she-oaks and you can't help but feel calming of the mind and soul. The Gorge is a great place to see wildlife, with over 173 species inhabiting or visiting the park. Enjoy birdwatching and at night use a torch to spot native sugar glider possums and bush-stone curlews. Keep an eye out for other native animals such as the elusive platypus, kangaroos, king parrots and fig birds.

Carnarvon Gorge is a place that you can explore over an extended period of time or at short intervals. We recommend that you take at least three days to walk the 21km of graded tracks and explore the side gorges and Aboriginal art sites. Learn about the area's significance to the Aboriginal people by taking the 500m self-guided walk to Balloon Cave. Discover ancient Aboriginal stencilling, engraving and freehand paintings dating back tens of thousands of years, concealed within the towering sandstone escarpments.

On-line Camping Bookings for Carnarvon Gorge National Park can be made through the EPA site. Accommodation is also available at Takkarakka Bush Resort and Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge.
Nearby you'll find a variety of spectacular parks & gorges to explore - Expedition National Park, Ka Ka Mundi, Salvator Rosa, Blackdown Tableland, Isla Gorge & Nuga Nuga.

Click here for a National Parks link and search page.

Getting Here
Carnarvon Gorge is readily accessible by 2WD drive vehicles and caravans all year round but care should be taken after heavy rain, especially in the summer months. Long periods of wet weather may cut access roads, so it is best to check on the latest conditions before exploring the region. 4WD vehicles are recommended  for some parts of the park.

By road, Carnarvon Gorge is connected to Sydney and Cairns by the Great Inland Way, one of the greatest and most diverse touring routes of Australia. From Rockhampton, drive 270km west along the Capricorn Highway to Emerald, then drive 135km south-east to Rolleston via Springsure, then a further 61km south to the Carnarvon Gorge turn off. 
PETROL: please note that there are no petrol facilities in the area. Be sure to fill-up in Injune or Rolleston.