Carnarvon Gorge, Carnarvon National Park Capricorn | Outback Queensland

Finish your Rock Pool walk with a swim at the only designated swimming spot in Carnarvon Gorge. Photo credit: Michael O'Connor © 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

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 1.5hrs walking time from the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area.
Grade
Grade 3 walking track

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle

Journey facilities

  • Toilets (flush)
  • Walking

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.