Carnarvon Gorge, Carnarvon National Park Capricorn | Outback Queensland

Beneath the tree ferns, a small waterfall tumbles over a rock ledge into the icy pool at the Moss Garden. Photo credit: © Tony Kevin Photography

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

Moss Garden walk

Escape the midday sun in the main gorge to explore a lush 'garden' of cascading water, intricate rock formations and lush plant life.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
7km from visitor area (1.3km from Main gorge track) return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested
Allow 3hrs walking time.
Grade
Grade 3 walking track

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle

Journey facilities

  • Toilets (non-flush)
  • Walking

Discover a welcome respite from the heat of the day in this side gorge, branching off the Main Gorge track. Turn off the main track and climb into a sheltered side gorge, a haven of rainforest, moss-covered rocks and soaring cliffs.

At the end of the boardwalk your reward awaits! At the Moss Garden, a small waterfall cascades over the sandstone ledge, collecting in a clear pool, lined with colourful rocks and water-carved boulders. Elegant tree ferns create delicate shadows on the carpet of lush mosses, liverworts and ferns. Spend a while here, soaking up the cool atmosphere before tackling the return journey.

Getting there and getting around

The Moss Garden walk is in the Carnarvon Gorge section of Carnarvon National Park, in central Queensland's Sandstone Wilderness, halfway between Emerald and Roma.

  • The Moss Garden walk branches off the Main gorge track and continues for 650m to the Moss Gardens.
  • The turn-off to the Moss gardens walk is 2.8km along the Main gorge track from the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area.
  • The Carnarvon Gorge visitor area is 5.9km by sealed 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.

Drinking water

Drinking water is provided at Carnarvon Gorge visitor area.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Moss Garden walk 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