Gorge-ous Days at Carnarvon (part 2)
There are places you wait years to visit — and Carnarvon Gorge was one of them. Tucked deep in Queensland’s Central Highlands, this slice of rugged wilderness has been on our radar for a long while. We finally rolled in and set up camp at Sandstone Park, where the views stretch endlessly over the escarpment and kangaroos graze between the motorhomes. We spent three nights here, waking to the sound of kookaburras and watching sunsets spill across the hills.
On our second day, we tackled the main event — the 16-kilometre return walk through Carnarvon Gorge. It’s a trek that takes time, water and sturdy legs, but what a walk it is. The trail winds through towering sandstone cliffs, shaded by cabbage palms and cycads, crossing the creek multiple times on stepping stones. Along the way, the gorge reveals its wonders.
The Art Gallery is something else entirely. Thousands of years of First Nations history are etched into the rock in ochre, stencil and charcoal: handprints, boomerangs, net designs, stories told through layers of time. The silence around the site felt respectful, like the gorge itself was holding its breath.
Just a little further back on the track, the Amphitheatre revealed its hidden magic. A narrow crack in the rock wall opened into a vast, echoing chamber, cool and shaded, with high walls that seemed to hum with stillness. We sat inside for a long moment, letting it sink in. Magical doesn’t quite cover it.
The next day, Cameron and Zoe had a well-earned rest (Zoe made it clear she wasn’t impressed at being left behind) while Neil headed back into the gorge solo, this time to explore the Moss Garden. Tucked away and shaded, the garden lives up to its name with moss-covered rocks and a gentle spring-fed stream trickling over the ledge. Cool, green and peaceful—well worth the extra kilometres.
Carnarvon Gorge was every bit the highlight we hoped it would be. It’s wild and ancient, but accessible. Grand, but intimate in moments. And it gave us that rare feeling of ticking something off the list and knowing it was worth the wait.
Exploring the unbeaten paths of Australia, one adventure at a time! 🌿 Follow along as we uncover hidden gems, tackle rugged terrains, and head Off the Main Road to embrace the thrill of exploring offbeat destinations. 🚙💨
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Carnarvon Gorge had been on our bucket list for years, and it didn’t disappoint. Panoramic views, ancient rock art, dramatic cliffs, and lush pockets of green made this one of the most rewarding stops so far.