Western Downs

Carnarvon National Park
Carnarvon National Park
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Carnarvon Gorge is an oasis in the semi-arid heart of Queensland. Hidden
amongst the towering white sandstone cliffs the steep-sided gorge with narrow,
vibrantly coloured sides was carved by Carnarvon Creek.
Carnarvon Gorge is popular for family camping holidays. Most visitors stay several
nights to walk the 21km graded tracks, explore side gorges and view Aboriginal
rock art which adorns the walls of sandstone overhangs.
The main walking track on the gorge floor criss-crosses the crystal clear waters of
Carnarvon Creek. Sections of track are steep and rough and some tracks have
steps and ladders. For the more adventurous, there are also many challenging
tracks, lookouts and gorges to explore.
Spend a quiet morning or late afternoon watching for platypus along the Nature
Trail walk. The Moss Garden is a picturesque rocky overhang featuring a tumbling
waterfall and luxurious growths of ferns and moss. Climbing and entering through
a narrow rock crevice, The Amphitheatre presents an awe-inspiring rock chasm
with perfect acoustics. Walk to Wards Canyon – here the moist shaded
environment supports the growth of rare king ferns (Angiopteris evecta) found in
only three other locations throughout Australia. The Art Gallery is the site of some
of the best Aboriginal rock paintings and stencils.
The Gorge is the best
known part of the
298,000ha Carnarvon
National Park, which also
includes drier and less
developed sections at
Mt Moffatt, Ka Ka Mundi
and Salvator Rosa.
Walkway through Carnarvon Gorge
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