Rock Pool walk
Take an invigorating dip in this rock pool's cool waters, then spend the afternoon picnicking in the shade.
- Journey type
- Walk
- Distance
- 400m from the Rock Pool car park and 3.6km from the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area, both return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
- Time suggested
- Allow 10min walking time from the Rock Pool car park and 1.5hr walking time from the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area.
- Grade
- Grade 3 walking track
Accessible by
- Conventional vehicle
Journey facilities
- Toilets (flush)
- Walking
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Photo credit: Michael O'Connor © Qld Govt
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Finish your Rock Pool walk with a swim at the only designated swimming spot in Carnarvon Gorge. Photo credit: Michael O'Connor © Queensland Government
Near the gorge entrance, enjoy a refreshing dip in the park’s only designated swimming area. Walk the short track to the Rock Pool, carved from the bed of Carnarvon Creek, and find the perfect place to beat the midday heat.
Relax with your picnic in the shade of fig and casuarina trees. As the shadows lengthen and the heat of the day dissipates, take a stroll down to the rock pool. If you’re quiet and still you might just spot a shy platypus coming out to feed, or a timid turtle popping its head above the surface.
Getting there and getting around
The Rock Pool walk is in the Carnarvon Gorge section of Carnarvon National Park in central Queensland's Sandstone Wilderness, halfway between Emerald and Roma.
- The Rock Pool walk starts from the Rock Pool car park, 4.6km from the park entrance along the access road to Carnarvon Gorge visitor area.
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
Rock Pool 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.
- Carnarvon Gorge - smoke alert 4–11 October 2023