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Two of us completed the Carnarvon Gorge hike all the way up to Big Bend in early April 2023. It was very spectacular hike as we started early as 6:30am. It was bit challenging when crossing the streams as one need to have good balance walking on the stones in the water with reasonable backpacks with water and food for the day.
On day one we went all the way up to Cathedral Cave, Big Bend and Boowinda Gorge, which is approximately 12 - 12.5km one way, approx 4.5 hours for us. But one could do this less time, as we met some did a run all the way and back in less than 2 hours!!
On the second day we visited the Art Gallery, Wards Canyon, Amphitheater and Moss Garden.
Cathedral Cave has Aboriginal paintings on the rock surfaces, but we loved the aboriginal art at the Art Gallery. What we loved most is the Amphitheater. The wind blows between two rock faces feels the area like fully air conditioned. What an amazing rock formation! Our next best is Boowinda Gorge.
We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge, very comfortable cabin accommodation. There are 28 cabins (some are larger cabins for families) with cooling and heating, and two open air kitchens with all cooking facilities. Wonderful, we enjoyed our stay there.
No cellphone coverage in the Lodge area, however we were told that there’s Telstra coverage (unfortunately we were not on Telstra). There’s internet (via satellite) available only at the restaurant area.
We were told that the restaurant is closed for the entire year due staff shortages since...
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So glad to have visited the Gorge and completed the walk from the visitor center to the Big bend and then all the smaller walks on the way back (except Bulimba Bluff as I was too tired) . It is a long walk , so start early (I started at 6:30 am) and go prepared with food and water. The later you go, it gets hotter, fewer bird/animal sightings and more people.
Beautiful stream crossing ( 1 or 2 of them are tricky) and generally there are short stretches of climbs and descends. Good chances of spotting wildlife early (we spotted loads of birds, wallabies and a snake).
The rock paintings are stunning and well preserved. Thanks to the communities and rangers who maintain the sites.
Personal highlights were - 1st : The Amphitheater - I got 10 mins of this entire place to my self and it was amazing. Such a wonderful natural beauty. 2nd: Boowinda Gorge - walk through narrow high walled pathway. I would recommend going for about 500 m and then returning( you can keep going but save your energy for the long return). 3rd - The Art Gallery and the Cathedral - the rock paintings are special and a must see. 4th - Moss garden - loved how tranquil and cool this place was.
You will see familiar faces at every spot so lots of G’days G’days .
You have toilets along that way for those whose bowels refuse to move early ;)
Enjoy this place and keep it beautiful for...
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A fantastic and quintessentially Australian place in central Queensland.
We camped in the national park campground for 3 nights and hiked to the Moss Garden, Amphitheatre, Ward's Canyon and Art Gallery on the first day. They were all wonderful and unique in their own way.
On the second day we hiked further to Cathedral Cave and the Big Bend campsite which was stunning.
On the third day I went up to Boolimba Bluff which had stunning views.
My recommendation would be to camp in one of the commercial campgrounds just outside the park or at the Carnarvon Wilderness Lodge if your budget allows it.
There was no shower block at the national park campground and we also weren't allowed fires, which is understandable but makes the camping vibe a bit low after it gets...
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