Visit Carnarvon Gorge National Park, Roma Qld
Spectacular Carnarvon Gorge lies hidden in the rugged ranges of Queenslands Central Highlands. Over millions of years, Carnarvon Creek has gouged soft sandstone from the vertical white cliffs of the Gorge. The creek flows all year, giving life to a luxuriant growth of ferns, palms, shrubs and trees.
Narrow side gorges are shaded for most of the day, providing moist havens for ancient remnant rainforests, ferns and mosses. Aboriginal rock art adorns the walls of sandstone overhangs.
Carnarvon Gorge is the most visited section of the vast 298,000 hectare Carnarvon National Park. The main gorge complex is all that most visitors see of the park. Above the cliffs are the inaccessible Consuelo Tableland and Great Dividing Range, providing a spectacular backdrop to the Gorge.
Carnarvon Gorge is the ideal place for a family camping holiday. Most visitors stay at least three nights to walk the 21 kilometres of graded tracks, explore the side gorges and view Aboriginal art sites.
How to get There
Carnarvon Gorge is between Roma and Emerald. From Roma, drive north 90 kilometres to Injune and then a further 111 kilometres to Wyseby, along the Carnarvon Developmental Road. From Emerald, drive south 65 kilometres to Springsure, and then east 70 kilometres to Rolleston. From Rolleston, it is a further 61 kilometres south to Wyseby. At Wyseby, take the signed turn-off to the park. From the turn-off, drive 45 kilometres to the park. The road is normally suitable for conventional vehicles and caravans in dry weather.
Activities you can engage in include...
Learn about the area's significance to Aboriginal people by walking 500 metres to Baloon Cave, completing a half-day walk to the Art Gallery, or spending a full day walking to Cathedral Cave and back.
Catch a glimpse of a platypus or other freshwater life on an early morning or twilight stroll along the Nature Trail.
Birdwatching: The park is ideal for birdwatching, with more than 183 bird species recorded.
Bushwalking: Short trips off the main gorge track lead to enchanting side gorges and waterfalls. Sites such as the aptly named Moss Garden, Amphitheatre and Ward's Canyon can be visited on a half day walk from the main camping area. Remember, all these special places are very fragile and must be treated with respect.
Camping: Camping is available in the park. Prior booking is essential. All campers require permits, which can be obtained up to 12 months in advance. The popular main camping area is beside Carnarvon Creek. Facilities near the camping area include a visitor information centre, showers, toilets and a public telephone. A small walk-in bush-camping site is located at Big Bend, 10 kilometres from the nearest car park.
A walk with a torch at night might reveal possums, gliders, bandicoots and rufous bettongs.
There are twenty-one (21) kilometres of graded tracks.
More adventurous and physically fit visitors can use the Big Bend camping area as a base from which to climb Battleship Spur, which offers breathtaking views along the gorge and beyond. Maximum numbers apply please see the Ranger before setting out.
For more information regarding Queensland National Parks and reserves go to Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service.
If travelling to Queensland have a look at Queensland Holidays.
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