WHERE
Between Roma and Emerald
ROAD IN
45km, fully sealed
FUEL
Injune or Rolleston only
MOBILE
Limited. Free Wi-Fi at the visitors centre
VISITORS CENTRE
8am to 4pm daily
DOGS
Not permitted in the park
Park Alerts: Ward's Canyon walk is closed until 31 December 2026, and the Carnarvon Gorge camping area is closed until 26 March 2027.
ABOUT THE GORGE
A spring-fed oasis in the sandstone ranges
Carnarvon Gorge is the best-known section of Carnarvon National Park, in Queensland's central highlands. Carnarvon Creek winds between towering white sandstone cliffs, fed by side gorges and permanent springs, making the Gorge a cool, green oasis in dry country.
The creek always flows, even after months without rain. Rain on the high country soaks slowly through the sandstone, then seeps out through the cliffs at places like the Moss Garden, keeping alive cycads, King Ferns, cabbage palms and pockets of rainforest.
298,000ha
Carnarvon National Park
9.7km
Main track to Big Bend
1932
Declared national park
Carnarvon Creek never stops flowing
HIGHLIGHTS
Carnarvon Gorge highlights
Nine places you'll want to see, from the famous side gorges off the main track to the quiet spots most visitors walk straight past.
8.6KM RETURN · 3 TO 4HR
Amphitheatre
A ladder through a narrow crack opens into a chamber about 60m deep.
7KM RETURN · 2 TO 3HR
Moss Garden
A small waterfall and walls dripping with mosses, ferns and liverworts.
9.2KM RETURN · 3 TO 4HR
Ward's Canyon
A cool side canyon sheltering King Ferns, among the largest ferns on Earth.
10.8KM RETURN · 3 TO 4HR
Art Gallery
Engravings and ochre stencils, among the finest Aboriginal stencil art in Australia.
6.4KM RETURN · 2 TO 3HR
Boolimba Bluff
A steep climb to a lookout high above the Gorge. Go early for the light.
18.4KM RETURN · 5 TO 6HR
Boowinda Gorge
A narrow, sculpted side gorge walked along its rocky creek bed.
OFF THE MICKEY CREEK WALK
Warrumbah Gorge
A tight, shady side gorge where the walls almost touch overhead.
400M RETURN · 10MIN
Rock Pool
The only designated swimming spot in the park. Watch for platypus at dusk.
WALKS
Carnarvon Gorge walks by distance
Distances are return, from Queensland Parks. Grade 3 walks suit most ages and fitness levels, with steps and creek crossings. Grade 4 walks are longer and rougher. Wear ankle-supporting boots on both.
THE CARNARVON GREAT WALK
87km through the high country
A multi-day circuit for experienced, self-sufficient walkers, with walk-in camping along the way. Book camping permits ahead.
GETTING THERE
How to get to Carnarvon Gorge
From the turn-off, the 45km road into the park is sealed and suits conventional vehicles and caravans.
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No fuel after Rolleston or Injune. LPG is only sold in Emerald or Roma.
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Vehicle and tyre repairs are in Injune and Rolleston.
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Carnarvon Creek rises fast after heavy rain. Check QLDTraffic or call 13 19 40 before you go.
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The nearest hospital is at Injune.
FROM THE SOUTH
Roma to Injune is 90km. Then it's 111km north on the Carnarvon Highway to the Carnarvon Gorge turn-off.
FROM THE SOUTH
Roma to Injune is 90km. Then it's 111km north on the Carnarvon Highway to the Carnarvon Gorge turn-off.
WHEN TO VISIT
The best time to visit Carnarvon Gorge
The cooler months, roughly April to October, are the best time to walk. Most of the region's 600 to 800mm of yearly rain falls from October to April.
MARCH TO MAY
Autumn
Warm days and cooling nights. Tours start in April as the heat eases.
JUNE TO AUGUST
Winter
Mild, clear days and cold nights that can fall to freezing. The busiest time.
SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER
Spring
Warming days and busy school holidays. Storm season starts in October.
DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY
Summer
Days often above 35°C, with storms and flash flooding. Walk early, if at all.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Easter, June to July and September to October are the busiest times, and the only times the park camping area is open. Book accommodation and tours early.
Carnarvon Gorge weather this week
WHERE TO STAY
Camping and accommodation
IN THE NATIONAL PARK
Carnarvon Gorge camping area
Open only in the Easter, June to July and September to October Queensland school holidays. Book online and display your booking tag at your site.
WALK-IN CAMPING
Big Bend
At the end of the main track, 9.7km from the visitor centre, and open all year. A camping permit is required, and you'll need a fuel stove.
NEAR THE PARK
Private accommodation
Check each for camping, cabins and lodge options.
BEYOND THE WALKING TRACKS
See the Gorge country with a local guide
We live on Nyanda Station, a family cattle station next door to the park. Walk the Gorge with us, or see private country nobody else can take you to.
FULL DAY · GUIDED WALK
The main gorge sites with a Savannah Guide: geology, plants, bush tucker and the Art Gallery.
ABOUT 3 HOURS · YOUR 4WD
Nyanda's private sandstone ranges and Reid's Dome, with tea by a spring-fed creek. Dogs welcome.
ABOUT 5 HOURS · YOUR 4WD
A lookout over a hidden gorge and morning tea at Black Alley Creek.
FROM 2027
Hunt real Permian and Triassic fossils, and walk across the boundary of the Great Dying.
After dark, our friends at Australian Nature Guides run night wildlife and astronomy tours in the cooler months.
AFTER DARK
The Gorge comes alive at night
Echidnas wander the picnic area, yellow-bellied gliders call from the trees, and owls and bush stone-curlews take over once the sun goes down. Far from any city lights, the night sky out here is something else.
Our friends at Australian Nature Guides run night wildlife and astronomy tours in the cooler months.
TIPS FOR AFTER DARK
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Bring a torch with a red light to spot wildlife without dazzling it.
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Winter nights get cold. Pack a warm jacket and beanie.
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Look for platypus at the Rock Pool around dusk.
WILDLIFE AND PLANTS
What you might see
CULTURE AND HISTORY
A place of learning
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Kangaroos and wallabies around the picnic area, especially early and late.
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Platypus and turtles at the Rock Pool, if you're quiet and still at dusk.
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After dark: echidnas, yellow-bellied gliders, owls and the call of bush stone-curlews.
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Birds everywhere, best heard in the morning. Read our birds of Carnarvon Gorge guide.
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Ancient plants: cycads, King Ferns, cabbage palms, mosses and liverworts.
We acknowledge the Bidjara and Karingbal peoples, Traditional Owners of this country.
Aboriginal people have a long and continuing relationship with the whole Gorge landscape, not just its rock art sites, and Traditional Custodians often describe it as a place of learning. The ochre stencils of tools, weapons and ceremonial objects here are among the finest of their kind in Australia.
Ludwig Leichhardt passed east of the Gorge in 1844, and Thomas Mitchell is thought to have named the ranges after Wales' Caernarfon ranges. Part of the Gorge was declared national park in 1932. Carnarvon National Park now covers 298,000ha.
ESSENTIALS
What to bring, and staying safe
What to bring
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A first-aid kit
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At least 2 litres of water per person on walks
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Sturdy, ankle-supporting boots and hiking poles
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A hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
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A torch and some extra food
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Insect repellent
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A sealable, animal-proof rubbish container
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A fuel stove if camping at Big Bend
Staying safe
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Creek crossing stones can be slippery or unstable, so take your time.
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Keep well back from cliff edges. Sandstone crumbles.
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Treat all water before drinking, including tap water.
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Never dive or jump into creeks or waterholes.
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Finish walks well before dark, and tell someone your plans.
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Mobile coverage is limited. Carry a PLB on remote walks.
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In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
PARK RULES:
No dogs or pets Take your rubbish home Don't collect walking sticks or plants Drones need permission from Queensland Parks
GOOD TO KNOW
Carnarvon Gorge questions, answered
Is the road to Carnarvon Gorge sealed?
Yes. The 45km road into the park from the Carnarvon Highway is sealed and suits conventional vehicles and caravans. After heavy rain, creeks can make it impassable, so check QLDTraffic.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Dogs aren't allowed anywhere in Carnarvon National Park, but they're welcome on our Nyanda tours. Sandstone Park is dog friendly and has kennels available during the day.
Can you swim at Carnarvon Gorge?
Only at the Rock Pool, the park's only designated swimming spot. Never dive or jump into any creek or waterhole.
Are there park entry fees?
There's no fee to enter the national park. Camping fees apply, and permits must be booked ahead.
Do I need a 4WD?
Not to visit the Gorge. You'll only need one for tours outside the park, like our Nyanda tag-along tours.
Is there mobile reception?
Limited and unreliable. The visitor centre has free Wi-Fi from 8am to 4pm, and a public phone you can use 24 hours.
Is there drinking water?
There are taps at the camping and day-use area, but all water must be treated before drinking. Carry at least 2 litres per person on walks.
How many days do I need?
Three is the sweet spot: one for the main gorge, one beyond the walking tracks, and one for shorter walks.