Carnarvon Great Walk
Posted on June 25th, 2019
Picturesque, remote and challenging. Three words that describe the miraculous Carnarvon Great Walk.
Set aside some time during your next Queensland holiday for the ultimate winter walking escape and discover this mind-blowing wonder which has been carved out by Mother Nature over millions of years.
The Carnarvon Great Walk links the Carnarvon Gorge and Mount Moffat sections of Carnarvon National Park. This 87 kilometre expedition is waiting for you to begin creating your truly unforgettable Sandstone Belt adventure.
With two feet firmly on the ground, we invite you to witness the bold and striking landscape of towering sandstone cliffs, endless tablelands, prolific wildlife and unsurpassed indigenous art sites which have been classed as some of the finest rock imagery in Australia.
The Carnarvon Great Walk is up there with one of the best walking destinations you will find anywhere in the world and with a little bit of authentic Aussie bush magic in the air, the trip is destined to become one of the nation’s ultimate walking experiences.
Situated approximately 700 kilometres north-west of Brisbane, 300 kilometres south of Emerald and 400 kilometres south-west of Rockhampton, the Carnarnon Great Walk starts along the main walking track within the Gorge, before exiting out and atop the Great Dividing Range.
Get ready to challenge yourself on this 6-7 day walking experience, testing your strength and stamina, as you venture down deep, mysterious gorges before wandering along a magical plateau which locals proudly name the ‘Roof of Queensland’.
Or perhaps you would rather choose a more shorter, easier route or an Australian Nature Guides guided tour, which still allows you to experience the feeling of splendid isolation in this unique wonderland as you discover the spectacular Moss Garden, Ward’s Canyon, Art Gallery and Cathedral Cave.
But if you are ready to take the leap on a multi-day challenge, there are six sections of the Carnarvon Great Walk which should be tackled in a ‘clockwise’ direction from the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area.
The sections are outlined via class tracks which indicate experience levels, challenges and distances that should be considered before commencing your trek.
Whatever trail you choose, it will be impossible not to be blown away by the dramatic scenery and sheer beauty surrounding you. Be sure to take a moment to appreciate the abundance of wildlife along your path including kangaroos, echidna, platypus and birdlife.
And when you are ready to hang up your boots after your adventurous exploration, relax and enjoy the magnificent Takarraka Bush Resort, a hidden treasure nestled in a tranquil bush setting, which provides the perfect haven to end your day. Keep an eye out for the playful Platypus that reside in the beautiful Carnarvon Creek that carves a twisted route around the Resort.
From self-contained accommodation through to glamping, caravanning or camping, it’s ‘Taka’ time all year round and there is a style of space to suit every taste and budget.
Alternatively, would you prefer to bring your fully self-contained caravan along sealed roads to Sandstone Park? Located just a short five-minute drive from Carnarvon Gorge National Park, every spacious, drive through site has stunning 360% views of the surrounding ranges ensuring every opportunity to maximise enjoyment and comfort during your stay.
The Carnarvon Great Walk is closed from the start of November to the end of February. However the Carnarvon Gorge and Mount Moffat sections of Carnarvon National Park (and the short walks within them) are open to visitors all year round.
It is essential to make sure you have a copy of either the Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Guide or the Mount Moffatt Visitor Guide when you tread in these protected and maze-like parks.
Start planning your Carnarvon Great Walk today. Our promise – you won’t regret it!
From 21 July 2019, the Carnarvon Great Walk will be highlighted as part of the National Trust Q10 Challenge – a 10-day promotional record breaking expedition aimed at all levels, from active families, couples and individuals seeking healthy challenges, to more traditional holiday travellers interested in Australian nature and Indigenous experiences in iconic locations.
Check out www.nationaltrust.org.au for more information on the 2019 Q10 Challenge.
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