Carnarvon Gorge, Carnarvon National Park Capricorn | Outback Queensland

Camp under a canopy of gums and Carnarvon fan palms at Carnarvon Gorge camping area. Photo credit: © Hannah Beaumont

Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Like to become a campground host?

The department is seeking volunteers to act as campground hosts at Carnarvon Gorge section, Carnarvon National Park over the Queensland school holidays. Photo credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Carnarvon Gorge camping area

You’ll be on the doorstep of Carnarvon Gorge when you set up camp in this well-equipped and shady camping area.

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle

Camping area facilities

  • Electric/fuel barbecue (free of charge)
  • Picnic tables
  • Telephone (pay phone)
  • Toilets (flush)
  • Wheelchair access (may require assistance)
  • Wifi
  • Tent camping
  • Camper trailer camping
  • Campervan camping
  • Tent camping beside car
  • Walking

During the Easter, June-July and September-October Queensland school holidays you can set up your tent or camper trailer in the heart of this bold landscape.

Explore the labyrinth of trails and gorges that crisscross this spectacular country, picnic in the shade of the towering eucalypts and Carnarvon fan palms or see how many of the park’s 170+ bird species you can find. At night, don a headlamp and spotlight in the trees for possums and gliders.

Be sure to pop into the visitor centre to learn all about the natural values and cultural history of the park, and to speak to a Park Ranger about walking in the area.

Campground host

Ever considered becoming a campground host? Campground hosts are needed during Queensland school holiday periods to help rangers greet visitors and maintain visitor facilities, and enjoy free camping in return. Find out how to apply (PDF, 706.6KB) .

Getting there and getting around

Carnarvon Gorge camping area is in the Carnarvon Gorge section of Carnarvon National Park in central Queensland's Sandstone Wilderness, about halfway between Emerald and Roma.

  • The camping area is near the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area, 5.9km by road from the park entrance.
  • To reach Carnarvon Gorge:
    • from Roma, drive 90km north to Injune then a further 160km along the Carnarvon Highway to the Carnarvon Gorge turn-off.
    • from Emerald, drive 65km south to Springsure then 70km east to Rolleston, and a further 61km along the Carnarvon Highway to the Carnarvon Gorge turn-off. From here, the 45km road to the park entrance is mostly sealed.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Carnarvon Gorge camping area is open 24 hours a day. Check-in to your camp after 2pm and check-out by 11am on the day of departure.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Image of the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area, seen here from Boolimba Bluff, is located beneath a canopy of gums and fan palms at the mouth of the gorge.

The Carnarvon Gorge visitor area, seen here from Boolimba Bluff, is located beneath a canopy of gums and fan palms at the mouth of the gorge.

Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government

You can camp in the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area only during the Easter, June-July and September-October Queensland school holidays. At all other times of the year this area is closed to camping.

The maximum length of stay at this camping area is 5 nights.

Features: Picturesque, semi-secluded camping area under a canopy of gums and Carnarvon fan palms.

Location: Between the carpark and the Carnarvon Gorge visitor centre.

Map:

Access: The camping area can be reached by conventional and 4WD vehicles and trailers. The road may be impassable for vehicles during wet weather as creeks may flood. For information on road conditions check with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (13 19 40) or with RACQ before setting out.

Number of sites: 35 numbered sites. See table below for camp site details. Dimensions include vehicle parking on camp sites. Some sites may have trees, which will reduce suitability for some structures.

Site number Suitable for Capacity (maximum number of people) Site dimensions
1 Tent camping only 6 9m x 12m
2 Tent camping only 6 10m x 11m
3 Tent camping only 4 12m x 6m
4 Tent camping only 4 11m x 8m
5 Off-road campervan or camper trailer 6 12m x 10m
6 Tent camping only 6 11m x 10m
7 Off-road campervan or camper trailer 6 12m x 10m
8 Tent camping only 6 12m x 8m
9 Tent camping only 4 10m x 9m
10 Tent camping only 4 10m x 8m
11 Tent camping only 4 14m x 6m
12 Tent camping only - small 2 6m x 8m
13 Tent camping only - small 2 10m x 4m
14 Tent camping only 4 10m x 8m
15 Tent camping only - small 2 9m x 6m
16 Tent camping only - small 2 7m x 6m
17 Off-road campervan or camper trailer 6 9m x 15m
18 Tent camping only 4 9m x 11m
19 Off-road campervan or camper trailer 6 8m x 12m
20 Off-road campervan or camper trailer 6 12m x 12m
21 Off-road campervan or camper trailer 6 9m x 14m
22 Tent camping only 6 7m x 14m
23 Tent camping only 4 6m x 10m
24 Off-road campervan or camper trailer 6 14m x 11m
25 Tent camping only 4 8m x 10m
26 Tent camping only 4 8m x 8m
27 Tent camping only - small 2 5m x 10m
28 Tent camping only - small 2 6m x 8m
29, 30, 31 Tent camping only

4 people each site

each site

7m x 10m

32 Tent camping only - small 2 10m x 6m
33 Tent camping only 4 6m x 9m
34 Tent camping only 4 10m x 8m
35 Tent camping only 4 7m x 10m

Camp sites are suitable for: details for each camp site are detailed in the table above. The camping area is not suitable for caravans or large motorhomes. These vehicles are catered for at accommodation available just outside the national park.

Camp site surface: Grass.

Facilities: Drinking water (treat before use), flushing toilets, wheelchair-accessible picnic tables, gas barbecues.

Open fires: Prohibited.

Generators: Not permitted.

Essentials to bring: Animal-proof sealable containers for rubbish (there is no rubbish collection/removal available), insect repellent.

Bookings: book online or learn about our camping booking options. The maximum length of stay at this camping area is 5 nights. Camp sites are often booked 6 months in advance; it is recommended bookings be made as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Mobile phone coverage: Limited and unreliable.

Upcoming camping area availability

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Carnarvon Gorge safely and camp with care.