Guide to Carnarvon Gorge, Carnarvon National Park

Deep in the rugged sandstone ranges of Central Queensland, Carnarvon Gorge in Carnarvon National Park is one of Australia’s most spectacular natural attractions. Towering cliffs, lush side gorges, and freshwater creeks create a striking oasis in an otherwise dry landscape. The area is also rich in cultural heritage, with some of the best examples of Aboriginal rock art in Queensland.

Why do people go to Carnarvon Gorge, Carnarvon National Park?

People visit Carnarvon Gorge to experience its extraordinary combination of Aussie Outback, culture, and wildlife. The gorge slices through sandstone cliffs up to 200 metres high, creating a network of shaded side canyons, clear streams, and cool rock pools. Hikers can follow the Main Gorge Track to highlights like the Moss Garden, Amphitheatre, Wards Canyon, and the Art Gallery, home to over 2,000 examples of Aboriginal stencil and engraving art dating back thousands of years.

The gorge’s permanent water sources also attract an incredible diversity of wildlife. You’re likely to spot kangaroos, swamp wallabies, platypus, and over 170 species of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles and colourful parrots. This blend of biodiversity and ancient culture makes Carnarvon Gorge one of Queensland’s most unbeatable national parks to explore.

How long should I spend at Carnarvon Gorge, Carnarvon National Park?

Because of its remote location, most travellers aim to spend at least two full days at Carnarvon Gorge. That’s enough to hike the Main Gorge Track and a few of the side trails, see major rock art sites, and enjoy an evening of stargazing back at camp.

If you’re keen on longer hikes or just want to slow down, plan for three or four days. This gives you time to tackle extended walks like Boolimba Bluff for sunrise views, the Big Bend overnight hike, or sections of the Carnarvon Great Walk, a 90-km multi-day trek through the park.

Overall, a short 1–2 day stopover can be worthwhile if you focus on a handful of highlights, but staying longer really lets you appreciate the park’s scale and serenity.

What town is closest to Carnarvon Gorge?

The closest town to Carnarvon Gorge is Rolleston, about 100 km (just over an hour’s drive) from the visitor area. It’s a small Outback community with limited services like fuel and a general store. Larger centres nearby include Injune (150 km south) and Emerald (250 km north), which have supermarkets, accommodation, and more fuel options. Because of the park’s remoteness, be sure to stock up on food, water, and fuel before you arrive.

How to get to Carnarvon Gorge, Carnarvon National Park

From Rolleston: Drive south on the Carnarvon Highway for about 55 km, then turn right onto Wyseby Road, which is clearly signposted for Carnarvon Gorge. Continue 45 km along this sealed road to the park entrance and visitor area (about 1 hour 15 minutes total).

From Injune: Head north on the Carnarvon Highway for roughly 140 km, then turn left onto Wyseby Road for the final 45 km to the park entrance (around 2 hours total).

From Emerald: Take the Gregory Highway south for about 110 km to Springsure, then continue 70 km south on the Carnarvon Highway to Rolleston. From there, turn left onto Wyseby Road and follow for 45 km to the park entrance (3.5 hours total).

All roads to the main visitor area are sealed, but some side tracks to remote sections of the park may require high-clearance vehicles.

Best time to visit Carnarvon Gorge, Carnarvon National Park

Best time of year to visit: The cooler, drier months from April to September are the most comfortable for hiking–and hiking is what Carnarvon does best! Daytime temperatures range from 15–25°C, nights can be crisp, and the creeks are clear and flowing. Spring (September–October) brings wildflowers and active wildlife, but daytime highs begin to climb. Summer (November–March) is hot (30–35°C), humid, and prone to storms, which can close tracks and make hiking uncomfortable. Peak visitation occurs during Queensland’s winter school holidays (June–July), so travelling just outside these dates offers a quieter experience.

Best time of the day to visit: Start longer hikes early in the morning (6:30–9 am) to beat the heat, enjoy softer light on the cliffs, and maximise your chances of spotting kangaroos, echidnas, and birdlife. Late afternoon (3–5:30 pm) is also magical, with golden light on the sandstone walls and cooler walking conditions, ideal for shorter walks like the Moss Garden or Boolimba Bluff Lookout.

Weather at Carnarvon Gorge, Carnarvon National Park

Carnarvon Gorge has a subtropical climate with marked seasonal differences depending on the time of year you visit. Summers (December–February) are hot, humid, and often stormy, with temperatures pushing 30–35°C. This can make hiking challenging, even for early risers. Autumn and spring bring mild to warm days (20–28°C) and cooler nights, perfect for hiking. Winters (June–August) are dry and sunny, with pleasant daytime highs of 15–20°C and nights that can drop to 0–5°C, which is ideal for campfires and clear starry skies. These conditions make April to September the sweet spot for most visitors.

Best place to park your campervan at Carnarvon Gorge, Carnarvon National Park

Visitors typically park at the public car park near the Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Area when setting off on walks or the Carnarvon Great Walk. This is an unsecured car park, so ensure valuables are locked away or left at your accommodation.

For overnight stays, book into the Carnarvon Gorge Camping Area, which operates seasonally during the Queensland school holidays, or nearby commercial campgrounds such as Takarakka Bush Resort and Sandstone Park. Both are set just outside the park entrance and offer powered and unpowered sites suitable for campervans, plus amenities like showers, toilets, and camp kitchens.