| Cost | See Camps App |
|---|---|
| Location | Carnarvon Gorge National Park, QLD – 150 km north of Injune, 100 km south of Rolleston |
| Pet Friendly | Sandstone Park offers kennel hire (only pet friendly option) |
| Campfires | See Camps App |
| Facilities | Toilets at Moss Garden trail, visitor centre, Rock Pool and Big Bend camping area |
| Vehicle Access | Fully sealed road, no fuel at the gorge |
| In Camps App | Yes – all campground options listed |
We’re not talking about Carnarvon Gorge caravan parks – although those options are listed below! The Big 4 are the top 4 attractions people explore at Carnarvon Gorge National Park, and include caves, cliffs and waterfalls. We did these sandstone wonders and added in the challenging hike up to Boolimba Bluff at the end.
This is from the main section of Carnarvon Gorge National Park – there are other sections. Mt Moffat in the south and Ka Ka Mundi and Salvatore Rosa to the west.
You can walk right up to Big Bend and camp overnight, but you’d need to carry your tent and supplies. Instead we took those blasted stepping stones right to the last attraction and started there.
Note that the main gorge walking track crisscrosses the creek ten times on this route, one way! Although it is only Grade 3, thereby suitable for most ages and fitness levels – as well as creek crossings – you’ll find some short steep sections, ladders and lookouts. Each attraction is a few hundred metres off the main gorge track.
ART GALLERY
Our first stop is 5 km along the main gorge track. Track in 300m through cliff walls and steps of stones to a storyboard sandstone cliff. Sacred to the Bidjara and Karingbal Peoples, this was once a burial place. Along the boardwalk, signs help you discover different symbols and decipher meanings of the paintings and engravings.
Back to the main track and those stepping stones, look up to the gorge and forest.
WARDS CANYON
Just 270m, but there are a lot of steps and you pass little waterfall (Lower Aijon Falls) up to this little oasis. I think this is my favourite spot: walking along a tranquil fern filled creek to a cave. It was the seasonal home for the Ward brothers, possum hunters.
The world’s largest, king ferns tower over the creek, and the sandstone imposes over the lot. IT is the only place in central Australia where king ferns survived, you can read up why.
Get back to the stepping stones – the next attraction takes you up, up, up!
AMPHITHEATRE
Make sure you have your camera for this one! The Amphitheatre is only 630 m in, but there are a few obstacles. You’ll tackle flights of steps, ladders and hike through a narrow crack in the rocks, as it is the only way into this magnificent cavern. Open topped, watch the light in the 60 m high and learn about how the natural wonder formed.
MOSS GARDEN
Finally, the fourth attraction, and it is 650m from the trail. There’s seating here to admire the walls of moss, ferns and greenery, waterfall and pool. It was here we stopped for our picnic and soaked up the calming views.
Note: there is only one place you can swim at Carnarvon Gorge at the Rock Pool. You can walk or drive there – it is only 200m walk in from the Rock Pool car park.
From here we walked up to Boolimba Bluff, also off the main trail, just over 20km – and 20 creek crossing worth of stepping stones! I was getting quite confident at the end. We were absolutely shattered after our huge day, and early to bed. If you only have one day don’t do the bluff first! Unless you are super fit or determined, it will wreck you! Save it for after the Big 4, which is only about 14 km.
Next time, we’ll explore the Mt Moffat and Salvatore Rosa sections of Carnarvon Gorge and learn some bushranger history, plus have a swim at the Rock Pool. You could also do the Great Walk at Carnarvon Gorge National Park, and hike to Mickey Creek Gorge, Boowinda Gorge or Cathedral Cave!
HOW TO GET THERE?
Carnarvon Gorge is 150 km north of Injune and 100 km south of Rolleston, and 45 km from Carnarvon Highway. It is fully sealed but there is no fuel at the gorge.
AMENITIES
You’ll find toilets near the Moss Garden trail, at the visitor centre, Rock Pool and at the Big Bend camping area.
WHAT TO BRING
WHERE TO CAMP
All camping is seasonal. Sandstone Park offer kennel hire, they are the only pet friendly option for Carnarvon Gorge. There is also Big4 Breeze Holiday Parks Carnarvon Gorge. Close to the Visitor Centre and start of the main track is Carnarvon Gorge Camp, open Easter, winter and spring school holidays only. Make sure you prebook. There are a few free camps also closer to the highway, and options in neighbouring towns of Injune and Rolleston.
When we visited there NO availability, so we glamped at the beautiful Wallaroo Outback Retreat and loved our tour of the little known, and just as draw dropping Arcadia Valley. The Arcadia Valley road actually link Expedition and Nuga Nuga national parks.
Find all these campgrounds in the CAMPS App and guides. Big thanks to our youngest two for a fabulous day, and helping mum with all those tricky stepping stones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete the Big 4 attractions at Carnarvon Gorge?
The Big 4 attractions (Art Gallery, Wards Canyon, Amphitheatre and Moss Garden) are approximately 14 km return along the main gorge track. You’ll cross the creek 10 times one way using stepping stones. Allow a full day for exploring all four sites comfortably.
Can I swim at Carnarvon Gorge?
Yes, but only at the Rock Pool. You can walk or drive there – it’s just 200m walk from the Rock Pool car park. Swimming is not permitted at the other attractions.
What fitness level do I need for the Big 4 walks?
The main gorge walking track is Grade 3, making it suitable for most ages and fitness levels. However, you’ll encounter creek crossings, short steep sections, ladders and lookouts. Boolimba Bluff is more challenging at over 20 km return.
Are there camping options near Carnarvon Gorge?
Yes, several options exist including Carnarvon Gorge Camp (seasonal – Easter, winter and spring school holidays only), Big4 Breeze Holiday Parks, and Sandstone Park. All camping is seasonal and prebooking is essential. Free camps are available closer to the highway.
Can I bring my dog to Carnarvon Gorge?
Dogs are not permitted in the national park itself. However, Sandstone Park offers kennel hire and is the only pet friendly camping option for the Carnarvon Gorge area.
What facilities are available at Carnarvon Gorge National Park?
Toilets are located near the Moss Garden trail, at the visitor centre, Rock Pool and at the Big Bend camping area. There is no fuel available at the gorge.
Which is the best of the Big 4 attractions?
Wards Canyon is a favourite for many, featuring towering king ferns, a tranquil creek and a cave. The Amphitheatre is spectacular with its 60m high open-topped cavern. Each attraction offers something unique – Art Gallery for cultural significance, Moss Garden for its calming waterfall views.
How do I access Carnarvon Gorge from the highway?
Carnarvon Gorge is 45 km from Carnarvon Highway. The road is fully sealed. It’s 150 km north of Injune and 100 km south of Rolleston. Remember there’s no fuel at the gorge so fill up beforehand.
