Carnarvon National Park Travel Guide

Discover the top sights, activities, and practical tips for visiting Carnarvon National Park, one of the most stunning natural destinations in Australia.


Introduction

Carnarvon National Park is a spectacular World Heritage-listed park located in Central Queensland, Australia, straddling the central highlands and the sandstone belt. The park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, rugged landscapes, ancient Aboriginal rock art, and stunning sandstone formations. Spanning over 298,000 hectares of land, Carnarvon National Park is a nature lover’s paradise, home to a variety of flora and fauna. In this guide, we’ll highlight the top places to see, activities to do, and practical tips for making the most of your visit to Carnarvon National Park.

List of Places to Visit in Carnarvon National Park

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Art Gallery:
    • Carnarvon Gorge is home to one of the world’s most significant collections of aboriginal rock art. The Art Gallery houses over 2,000 engravings and stencils, including depictions of hands, animals, and spirits.
  • Ward’s Canyon:
    • This ancient glacial remnant is home to a colony of rare and unique king ferns. The walking track to Ward’s Canyon is a must-visit, with spectacular views of the rugged sandstone cliffs and valley.

Natural Attractions of Carnarvon National Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Carnarvon Gorge:
    • The park’s main attraction is Carnarvon Gorge, a vast sandstone chasm with towering cliffs, ancient Aboriginal rock art sites, and crystal-clear streams. A network of marked walking trails within the gorge offers a range of hikes for all levels of fitness.
  • The Amphitheatre:
    • One of the most popular sites in the park, the Amphitheatre is a natural rock formation surrounded by towering sandstone walls.
  • Moss Garden:
    • Located in the heart of Carnarvon Gorge, the Moss Garden is a lush oasis shaded by dense vegetation. The walking trail to the Moss Garden is an excellent option for those seeking a shorter walk.
  • Cathedral Cave:
    • This spectacular limestone cave contains a large chamber with towering stalactites and stalagmites.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Carnarvon National Park

Carnarvon National Park has over 200km of walking trails, ranging from short 30-minute walks to multi-day hikes. Some of the most popular hikes are:

  • Moss Garden:
    • This 2.4 km return hike is a moderate walk that leads to the lush Moss Garden, with plenty of opportunities for swimming along the way.
  • Carnarvon Gorge Main Track:
    • This 9.7 km return hike follows the Carnarvon Creek to the Moss Garden, and then to the Art Gallery.
  • Boolimba Bluff:
    • This strenuous 6.4 km return hike leads to panoramic views of the gorge from the summit of Boolimba Bluff.
  • Moolayember Campground to Saloman’s Cave:
    • This 14.6 km return hike takes in the stunning landscapes of the northern end of Carnarvon Gorge and leads to Saloman’s Cave, an impressive cave system featuring ancient rock art.

Best Things to Do in Carnarvon National Park: Activities and Tours

  • Wildlife Spotting:
    • Carnarvon National Park is home to a range of wildlife, including wallabies, echidnas, and a variety of bird species.
  • Stargazing:
    • The park is a designated Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in Australia for stargazing.
  • Guided Walks:
    • There are several guided walking tours available in the park, including ranger-led tours of Carnarvon Gorge, birdwatching tours, and Aboriginal cultural tours.

Week-Long Itinerary for Carnarvon National Park

Day 1: Arrive at Carnarvon National Park and set up camp at one of the park’s campgrounds.

Day 2: Take a short walk to the Moss Garden and enjoy a refreshing swim. In the afternoon, visit the Art Gallery to see the ancient Aboriginal rock art.

Day 3: Hike to the Amphitheatre, an impressive natural rock formation. Spend the afternoon spotting wildlife around the park.

Day 4: Take a guided tour to learn about the Aboriginal culture of the region. In the afternoon, visit Cathedral Cave.

Day 5: Hike to the summit of Boolimba Bluff for stunning views over Carnarvon Gorge. Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your campsite.

Day 6: Take a longer hike to Saloman’s Cave to see more of the park’s natural beauty.

Day 7: Depart Carnarvon National Park and head to your next destination.

Food and Drink Scene of Carnarvon National Park

Must-Try Dishes

  • Damper Bread:
    • A traditional Australian bread made from flour, water, and salt cooked over an open fire.
  • Bangers and Mash:
    • A classic British dish, consisting of sausages served with mashed potatoes and a rich gravy.

Local Beverages

  • Queensland Beer:
    • Queensland is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with a range of locally brewed beers available throughout the state.
  • Australian Wine:
    • Australia is famous for its wine, and there are plenty of great Australian wines available in the region.

Where to Stay in Carnarvon National Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several accommodation options available within the park, including campgrounds and cabins. Some of the most popular options are:

  • Takarakka Bush Resort:
    • This resort offers a range of accommodation options, from campsites to cabins and luxury glamping tents.
  • Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge:
    • This lodge offers comfortable cabins and a range of guided tours and activities.

What to Buy in Carnarvon National Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Aboriginal Art:
    • There are several galleries within the park that sell authentic Aboriginal paintings and sculptures.
  • Local Honey:
    • The region is known for its delicious honey, which is available to buy from several local producers.

Local Culture and Customs of Carnarvon National Park

The traditional owners of the land are the Bidjara and Garingbal Aboriginal people, who have inhabited the area for thousands of years. Visitors to the park are asked to respect their traditions and customs.

Best Time to Visit Carnarvon National Park

The best time to visit Carnarvon National Park is during the Australian winter months, from June to August, when the temperatures are milder and the vegetation is lush.

Do’s and Don’ts of Carnarvon National Park

Do:

  • Respect the environment and wildlife
  • Pack plenty of water and snacks for hikes
  • Follow marked trails and instructions from park rangers

Don’t:

  • Take anything from the park, including rocks, plants, and animals
  • Leave any rubbish behind
  • Make unnecessary noise

Safety and Health

Safety in Carnarvon National Park

  • Always inform someone of your intended hiking trails and expected return time.
  • Only swim in designated areas and be aware of potential hazards such as strong currents or submerged objects.

Health in Carnarvon National Park

  • Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during hikes.
  • Be aware of ticks and other insects that may carry diseases.

Getting to Carnarvon National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Carnarvon National Park

  • The closest major airport is in Rockhampton, approximately 400km from the park.

Bus Stations Near Carnarvon National Park

  • Local bus services operate from Rockhampton to Springsure, where you can then take a taxi or organized transfer to the park.

Other Options

  • There are several companies that offer organized tours from major cities to Carnarvon National Park.

How to Get Around in Carnarvon National Park

The park is best explored on foot, with a range of walking trails available. It is also possible to cycle some of the trails.

Where to Go Next from Carnarvon National Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Great Barrier Reef:
    • The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most stunning natural wonders of the world and is located just off the coast of Queensland.
  • Fraser Island:
    • Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and offers a unique wilderness experience, with pristine beaches, rainforests, and crystal clear lakes.

Conclusion

Carnarvon National Park is an awe-inspiring destination that offers something for everyone. From challenging hikes to stunning natural beauty and fascinating Aboriginal culture, it is one of the most rewarding places to visit in Australia. With careful planning and a bit of extra information, visitors can make the most of their trip to this incredible wilderness region.

Art Gallery detail. Art Gallery detail. Spectacularly eroded walls of Boowinda Gorge. Spectacularly eroded walls of Boowinda Gorge.