Solo Carnarvon Gorge Great Walk: 6 days wilderness hiking
Carnarvon Gorge National Park is one of the most scenic places in Australia with crystal clear rivers, amazing Aboriginal art and history, waterfalls, epic diversity of wildlife and five species of gliding possum. Traditionally this hike is 6 days. I did an extension off-track up the gorge for one day and completed the hike in 6 days, combining a couple of days.
The National Parks description is so accurate:
“Unforgettable journey deep into a spectacular steep-sided gorge, where towering white white sandstone cliffs envelop a creek-side oasis. Let every and turn of boulder-strewn Carnarvon creek revel a splendid scent, new plant or amazing animal. Venture deep into cool, lush side-gorges, their subtly-coloured walls carved by water and time. Awaken your senses and nurture your spirit discovering the wealth of culture and natural treasures of this very special park.”
Driving to the Gorge you truely get a feel for the isolation and the true oasis that Carnarvon Gorge is.
The gorge was some of the best hiking i have ever done. It was simply breathtaking. Walking though the gorge, every bend in the river brings something new, from spectacular cliffs and amphitheatres, amazing Aboriginal artwork and ancient ferns that survive deep in wet gorges. I was simply mesmerised. Day 2 i went off track and hiked further up the gorge - this was really beautiful and it was fun to explore each bend. It was hard to call an end to the day and turn back to Big Bend, I just wanted to keep going. Day 3 I was back on the formal trail. This day was amazing too, as you climb out of the Gorge and get the most spectacular view of the full gorge from Battleship spur. This day you also get to appreciate 'the roof of Queensland' as you climb out to the very dry savanna and basalt lands at over 1100 meters elevation. Day 4 is more dry dusty hiking, but the bird diversity is mind boggling with Noisy Friarbirds almost deafening and the change in vegetation keeping things interesting. Day 5 you enter the Mahogany Forest, in contrast to the the dry grasslands, the tall trees make you feel tiny. The birds let you know that the vegetation has changed and I felt so happy in the cool shade and air. I reached the formal campsite early and continued on to the next campsite. Day 6 was once again mind-blowing as you reach epic cliffs that look over what feels like the whole of Queensland. Sunrise here is simply magic. You follow this cliff line and the terrain is so spectacular. The drop down and ladders through steep cliffs, back to the visitors centre is also spectacular.
Carnarvon Gorge National Park is one of the most scenic places in Australia with crystal clear rivers, amazing Aboriginal art and history, waterfalls, epic diversity of wildlife and five species of gliding possum. Traditionally this hike is 6 days. I did an extension off-track up the gorge for one day and completed the hike in 6 days, combining a couple of days.
The National Parks description is so accurate:
“Unforgettable journey deep into a spectacular steep-sided gorge, where towering white white sandstone cliffs envelop a creek-side oasis. Let every and turn of boulder-strewn Carnarvon creek revel a splendid scent, new plant or amazing animal. Venture deep into cool, lush side-gorges, their subtly-coloured walls carved by water and time. Awaken your senses and nurture your spirit discovering the wealth of culture and natural treasures of this very special park.”
Driving to the Gorge you truely get a feel for the isolation and the true oasis that Carnarvon Gorge is.
The gorge was some of the best hiking i have ever done. It was simply breathtaking. Walking though the gorge, every bend in the river brings something new, from spectacular cliffs and amphitheatres, amazing Aboriginal artwork and ancient ferns that survive deep in wet gorges. I was simply mesmerised. Day 2 i went off track and hiked further up the gorge - this was really beautiful and it was fun to explore each bend. It was hard to call an end to the day and turn back to Big Bend, I just wanted to keep going. Day 3 I was back on the formal trail. This day was amazing too, as you climb out of the Gorge and get the most spectacular view of the full gorge from Battleship spur. This day you also get to appreciate 'the roof of Queensland' as you climb out to the very dry savanna and basalt lands at over 1100 meters elevation. Day 4 is more dry dusty hiking, but the bird diversity is mind boggling with Noisy Friarbirds almost deafening and the change in vegetation keeping things interesting. Day 5 you enter the Mahogany Forest, in contrast to the the dry grasslands, the tall trees make you feel tiny. The birds let you know that the vegetation has changed and I felt so happy in the cool shade and air. I reached the formal campsite early and continued on to the next campsite. Day 6 was once again mind-blowing as you reach epic cliffs that look over what feels like the whole of Queensland. Sunrise here is simply magic. You follow this cliff line and the terrain is so spectacular. The drop down and ladders through steep cliffs, back to the visitors centre is also spectacular.