The cliffs
White sandstone.
John Robert McPherson — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Will Brown — CC BY 2.0 · John Robert McPherson — CC BY-SA 4.0 · John Robert McPherson — CC BY-SA 4.0 · John Robert McPherson — CC BY-SA 4.0
Carnarvon Gorge lies in Carnarvon National Park in Central Queensland, about 593 km north-west of Brisbane and about 93 km north of Injune in a straight line; the nearest towns are Injune and Rolleston. Carved mainly by water erosion, it runs about 30 km and is 600 metres deep at its mouth. It is the most visited part of the park thanks to its variety and easy access, and in 2009 it was named one of Queensland's natural icons. Aboriginal stories tell of the Rainbow Serpent that made the gorges and lives in their permanent waterholes. Towering white and cream sandstone cliffs line the gorge, and a creek runs along its floor beneath palms, ferns and gums, with narrow, damp, mossy side gorges branching off. A main track follows the creek with side tracks along the way, and a full day is needed to walk it. The gorge holds Aboriginal rock art sites, so respect them and do not touch. The roads in are long, so plan to stay overnight.
White sandstone.
Moss and shade.
Aboriginal sites.
Carnarvon National Park, Central Queensland, Australia
At least a full day.
April to September.