Carnarvon Gorge

We'd heard Carnarvon Gorge was special, but nothing quite prepares you for the reality of this place. Three nights gave us enough time to properly explore the main gorge and some of the side canyons, though you could easily spend longer here.

The main walking track follows Carnarvon Creek through towering sandstone cliffs that rise hundreds of metres on either side. The permanent water in the creek creates a microclimate that's dramatically different from the surrounding dry country - lush vegetation, massive ferns, and ancient cycads that give the whole place a prehistoric feel.

Our first walk took us to the Art Gallery and Amphitheatre. The Art Gallery is one of the most significant Aboriginal rock art sites in Queensland, with stencils and ochre paintings that date back thousands of years. Standing there looking at those hand stencils and animal outlines, you get a genuine sense of connection to the people who've been coming to this gorge for millennia. Worth the walk just for this.

The Amphitheatre is extraordinary - a massive natural rock formation where the cliff face curves around creating incredible acoustics. The scale of it is hard to convey until you're standing there dwarfed by those towering walls. The moss-covered rocks and trickling water add to the cathedral-like atmosphere.

We had a swim at the Rock Pool, which was bloody refreshing after walking in the heat. The pool's formed by the creek and surrounded by those massive sandstone cliffs - a perfect spot to cool off and soak up the scenery. The water's surprisingly clear and cold, fed by springs further up the gorge.

Mickey's Gorge was another highlight - a narrow side canyon where you're walking between sheer rock walls that close in overhead.

What struck us about Carnarvon was how well-preserved it is. The walking tracks are maintained but not over-developed, and the accommodation at the gorge keeps visitor numbers manageable. You genuinely feel like you're experiencing something ancient and relatively untouched.

Three nights was about right for seeing the main attractions without rushing, though serious hikers could easily fill a week exploring the more remote sections. The camping facilities are decent, and if you're not into camping, there's proper accommodation available.

Pack good walking shoes - you'll be covering serious distance on rocky tracks. Plenty of water, sun protection, and insect repellent are essential. The gorge stays relatively cool compared to the surrounding country, but it's still Queensland in summer.Læs mere