Carnarvon Gorge, Carnarvon National Park Capricorn | Outback Queensland

Follow Carnarvon Creek along the Main Gorge track for a truly wonderous adventure. Photo credit: Adam Creed © Queensland Government

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

Be inspired: Beyond brilliant—an adventurers’ guide to Carnarvon Gorge

Nestled in Queensland’s sandstone wilderness, Carnarvon Gorge is on everyone’s bucket list, or should be! Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government

Main gorge track

Wind your way into the spectacular Carnarvon Gorge and explore canyons, side gorges, ancient rock formations and Aboriginal art sites.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
19.4km return from the visitor area return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested
Allow 8hrs walking time.
Grade
Grade 4 walking track

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle

Journey facilities

  • Toilets (non-flush)
  • Walking

Choose your own adventure as you follow Carnarvon Creek into the heart of the main gorge. Under towering cliffs, discover fern-filled side gorges, ancient sandstone formations, breathtaking geological structures and important Aboriginal rock art sites.

Tackle the track as a full day walk, or plan to spend a couple of days. We recommend you walk to the furthest point on the main track first, and explore the side tracks on your return. That means you don’t have to walk as far the next day! If you’d like to spend the night in the gorge, bed down under the stars at the Big Bend camping area.

Getting there and getting around

The Main gorge track is in the Carnarvon Gorge section of Carnarvon National Park in central Queensland's Sandstone Wilderness, halfway between Emerald and Roma.

  • The Main gorge track starts in 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. If you are travelling 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 sealed.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Main gorge track is open 24 hours a day.

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

Visiting safely

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

  • There are currently no park alerts for this park.

View all park alerts