Walking Carnarvon Gorge in the Carnarvon National Park

Carnarvon Gorge was one of the highlights of our travels through Queensland. This gorge has so much of interest and beauty.

The white sandstone cliffs and tall Carnarvon Fan Palms, interesting side features including creeks, Aboriginal rock paintings and caves make Carnarvon Gorge a worthwhile destination for a few days sightseeing and walking.

We stayed at Takarakka Bush Resort to be near for an early start to the walk along the creek and to side features which takes all day.

For those not able to take long walk, there are short walks from the track prior to the main car park and park headquarters. See Aboriginal rock painting at Baloon Cave and at Mickey Creek Gorge walk through a narrow gorge cut by the creek.





After the first creek crossing into the main gorge, a walk trail to the top at Boolimba Bluff takes you up 1,000 steps, and incorporates a ladder in one section. The lookouts at the top show views eastwards where the valley widens. A nice walk to start the leg muscles working.









Most people walk the Gorge as far as Big Bend (ten kilometres each way) and visit side features. This can be done in one full on day, or some people stay for a week and go a little further, each day.

Walking along the creek line is fairly flat and easy for all age groups and fitness levels, but for the numerous creek crossings on stepping stones. You will cross the creek around 23 times on the walk as far as Big Bend.












Some of the side features involve a climb, but all are short. There are two Aboriginal rock painting galleries with reasonable access involving a few steps.



The amphitheatre has ladder access, and takes you into a cave with sheer walls.

Wards Canyon was my favourite.


The Boowinda Creek side walk is heavy going on a stony floor. The end of the trail at Big Bend is not much further along Carnarvon Creek.


Remote walks include an 86 kilometre loop from Boowinda Gorge which can take a week through rugged country, climbing high into the ranges and to the ‘roof of Queensland’.



Read more about the Carnarvon National Park and our other 2009 Travelogues and come touring Australia with us.