Central Queensland Sandstone Belt parks visitor guide (PDF, 4.0M)

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Photo: Adam Creed, EHP. Carnarvon Gorge is an oasis in the semi-arid heart of Queensland. The ever-flowing waters of Carnarvon Creek have carved a steepsided, spectacular gorge within ancient white sandstone. 8 Carnarvon Gorge lies hidden within the rugged ranges of Queensland’s Central Highlands. Over millions of years, water has eroded a deep and dramatic gorge system within the layers of soft, white sandstone— creating majestic cliffs that change colour with the movement of the sun and the change of seasons. Carnarvon Creek flows all year, giving life to a luxuriant growth of ferns, palms, shrubs and trees. Discover fern-filled side gorges, spectacular sandstone formations, abundant wildlife, ancient plants, Aboriginal rock art sites and many other features that make this such a memorable place. Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Area Mickey Not to scale Creek Macrozamia moorei fruit Rock Pool Baloon Cave Access From Roma, drive 90 km north to Injune and then a further 111 km along the Carnarvon Developmental Road to the signed turn-off. From Emerald, drive 135 km south-east to Rolleston via Springsure. From Rolleston, it is a further 61 km south to the Carnarvon Gorge turn-off. From the turn-off, drive 45 km to the park. The last 15 km of the road is unsealed and is normally suitable for conventional vehicles and caravans in dry weather. After heavy rain, the unsealed section of the road may become impassable. Creeks are subject to flooding. Check with the ranger or RACQ for road conditions before setting out. No fuel is available after leaving Injune or Rolleston. The nearest vehicle tyre and repair facilities are at Roma and Springsure. Carnarvon Creek Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge Takarakka Bush Resort The main gorge track leads walkers alongside Carnarvon Creek, past sheer cliffs and to shaded side-gorges. Camping You can camp in the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area only during Easter, June–July and September–October Queensland school holidays. Bookings are essential. Take a fuel stove. Open fires are not permitted. Remove all rubbish from the park. Basic supplies are available from Takarakka Bush Resort, 4 km away. A small campsite at Big Bend (10 km walk into the park) is open year round. Privately-run accommodation is available at all times of the year. Takarakka Bush Resort and Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge adjoin the park and are 4 km and 3 km respectively by road from the national park information centre. Both provide cabins, with Takarakka also offering camping facilities and powered sites. Takarakka Bush Resort Phone: (07) 4984 4535 Fax: (07) 4984 4556 Website: Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge Phone: (07) 4984 4503 / 1800 644 150 Fax: (07) 4984 4500 Website: Arcadia Valley Escape Phone: (07) 4626 7197 / 0427 267 197 Website:
Photo: Adam Creed, NPRSR. Things to do Walking Take a walk at Carnarvon Gorge and explore the natural beauty of this rugged wilderness. A minimum of three days is recommended to walk the tracks, explore side gorges and visit Aboriginal cultural sites. All tracks are fully signposted and lead either from the main road to the park information centre, or from the main track that starts in the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area. Remote walking Remote walks at Carnarvon Gorge must be carefully planned, well in advance. It is essential that all remote walkers: • check the Park Alerts section of the NPRSR website for current information on tracks and conditions • speak to a ranger about current conditions before departing on the walk • record trip details in a registration book at the park’s information centre, and log out of the book when you have completed your walk; and • carry a topographic map, compass and adequate drinking water. A GPS is also a valuable aid, but may not function in gorges. Make sure you know how to use any equipment before heading out. Carnarvon Great Walk The 86 km Carnarvon Great Walk links the Carnarvon Gorge and Mount Moffatt sections of Carnarvon National Park. Designed to be completed in six or seven days, the Great Walk allows experienced and well-prepared walkers the chance to explore more of the sandstone country’s most spectacular and remote landscapes. Right: Catch a glimpse of platypus and other creek life on an early morning or twilight stroll along the Nature Trail. Opportunities for birdwatching at Carnarvon are plentiful, with over 173 bird species inhabiting or visiting the park. A night walk with a torch can reveal gliders, possums and bush stone-curlews. Far right: The main gorge track leads walkers alongside Carnarvon Creek, past sheer cliffs and to shaded side-gorges. Walk planner All distances are return from the visitor area unless otherwise stated. Return trip distance 5 km 10 km 15 km 20 km Baloon Cave 1 km (approx 30 mins) return (from carpark) Nature Trail 1.5 km (approx 30 mins) return Mickey Creek gorge 3 km (approx 1.5 hrs) return (from carpark) Rock Pool 3.6 km (approx 1.5 hrs) return; 600 m return (from carpark) Boolimba Bluff 6.4 km (approx 3 hrs) return Moss Garden 7 km (approx 2.5 hrs) return Moss Garden and Amphitheatre 10 km (approx 3 hrs) return Moss Garden, Amphitheatre and Ward’s Canyon 11.7 km (approx 4 hrs) return Moss Garden, Amphitheatre, Ward’s Canyon and Art Gallery 14 km (approx 5 hrs) return Moss Garden, Boowinda Gorge and Big Bend 21 km (approx 7 hrs) return Moss Garden, Amphitheatre, Ward’s Canyon, Art Gallery and Cathedral Cave 22 km (approx 8 hrs) return Return trip distance 5 km 10 km 15 km 20 km Walking tip: Walk directly to the furthest point on the main track you intend to visit, taking the side tracks to other sites on the way back. Guided tours and talks QPWS rangers at Carnarvon Gorge run activities and guided tours during school holidays (except Christmas–New Year). Connect with nature through a range of hands-on activities and learn how to help look after this special park. Activities are offered for families, adults and children. All activities are free and visitors can register during the holiday period at Carnarvon Gorge information centre. Visit . Below: Aboriginal rock art at the Art Gallery and Cathedral Cave is regarded as some of the world’s finest examples of stencil and free-hand imagery. Carnarvon’s art sites are part of a landscape regarded in its entirety as a spiritual place. Photo: NPRSR. Class 3 track Class 4 track Picnic and day-use areas At the entrance to Carnarvon Gorge, a large, grassy picnic area is set among towering eucalypts and cabbage palms. Wheelchairaccessible toilets and tables, gas barbecues and drinking water are available. Parking is provided for buses, cars and includes allocated wheelchair-accessible spaces. The visitor information centre is a short walk from the picnic area and car parks. It is staffed from 8 am–5 pm, seven days a week. This can change during summer months as rangers attend to field duties. Speak to a local ranger for up-to-date track information and maps before embarking on walks. Other things to do Visitors can swim at the Rock Pool. Please supervise children and do not dive or jump into the water. To protect the Carnarvon Creek’s delicate aquatic ecology, swimming is not permitted in other sections of the creek. For more detailed information, pick up a copy of the Carnarvon Gorge park guide at the information centre on park. Photo: Brendan Moodie, NPRSR. Carnarvon Gorge section Carnarvon National Park Park guide 9
Page 1 and 2: Featuring Carnarvon National Park:
Page 3 and 4: Locality map Springsure To Emerald
Page 5 and 6: Photo: Brendan Moodie, NPRSR. More
Page 7: Flagstaff Hill WARNING: Cliff edges
Page 11 and 12: Things to do Take a circuit drive t
Page 13 and 14: Camping Starkvale camping area has
Page 15 and 16: Photo: Frank Carter, NPRSR. Nestled

Central Queensland Sandstone Belt parks visitor guide (PDF, 4.0M)

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