Carnarvon Gorge - an Outback oasis & a hikers paradise:

"Magnificent grandeur, in Queensland's sandstone country, with abundant wildlife"

Huge towering sandstone cliffs makeup this amazing narrow gorge with absolutely beautiful lush vegetation including ancient cycads and fan palms. The park is home to 173 species of birds, 60 species of mammals, 22 frog species, 90 reptile species and attracts 70,000 visitors per year. It is truly a nature lovers paradise.

I regard Carnarvon Gorge as one of the best bushwalking sites we have explored and it is one of the few places we have easily seen a platypus in the wild.

Our purpose with this post is to give you just enough insight to spark your curiosity and enable you to plan your own expedition of discovery. Blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures.

There is also a wealth of cultural history with some of the finest rock art in Australia which is of great significance to the Bidjara & Karingbal people. In fact, the art gallery in Cathedral Cave is world renowned for it's stencil & engraving technique.

The gorge is the most visited feature in Carnarvon National Park which is 30km long and 600m deep.

There are short walks such as The Nature Trail, Mickey Creek & Rock Pool being all less than 3km return. Then there are medium walks like Boolimba Bluff, Moss Garden, Amphitheatre, Wards Canyon and the Art Gallery which vary between 7-10km return. For the more adventurous, there are long walks like Cathedral Cave & Boowinda Gorge and Big Bend at around 20km return.

Hiking is the primary activity in the park and you need to think carefully about what distance you can manage as it is very hot even in June to Aug. It is very easy to struggle on the return journey in these conditions even though most of the walks are at ground level. This was our experience where we felt we bit off more than we could chew. Take plenty of water and wear good hiking shoes.

The Amphitheatre being a 60m high chamber

There is an excellent variety of accommodation available including a caravan park with cabins and safari tents. There is also a Wilderness Lodge and an Outback Retreat. The park is very popular so it is necessary to book ahead.

The Nature Trail

An excellent way to get an overview of the park is to take a scenic helicopter ride.

There are no supplies in the park so bring everything you need with you including water.

On our visit there was a medical clinic for emergencies.

The Moss Garden

The road into the park is sealed other than the last 500m. You may be met by this cunning horse on the way into the park who blocks the road, waits for you to stop then strolls up to the driver, sticks his head right in and expects a treat before he lets you pass.

David & Rosemary Allan – the faces behind:

May adventure & discovery be your constant companions.

Reflection:

For me, a trip is memorable when I am enriched by a deeper sense of connection to a place which triggers an emotional or spiritual response. This comes from feelings of Awe when I feel part of something bigger. Such as, seeing dramatic landscapes, being caught up in the history and sensing the passion of the human spirit.

A memorable experience will cause me to day dream about the next trip even more than the last trip.

Remember: Your adventure begins the moment you decide to go.