• Hike through the giant cycads to Consuelo camping zone on the Great Walk. Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
• Enjoy sunsets through the trees at Consuelo camping zone (Great Walk). Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Stay in this open grassy camping area, dotted with age-old cycads and towering eucalypts on the edge of the Consuelo Tableland, at more than 1000m above sea level. This walkers’ camp is one of five dotted along the Carnarvon Great Walk.

Watch the sun set through the trees as you relax in this stunning landscape. Spot some of the park’s 170+ bird species and if you’re lucky, watch eastern grey kangaroos around your camp site. At night listen for the grunting of koalas and the distinctive shrieks, gurgling chatters and soft murmurs of yellow-bellied gliders. Then sleep (if you can!) under a star-scattered sky and rise ready for another day’s walk.

Getting there and getting around

Consuelo walkers' camp is in Carnarvon National Park, in central Queensland's Sandstone Wilderness, about 720km north-west of Brisbane and 400km west of Gladstone.

• One of Carnarvon Great Walk's five walkers' camps along the Carnarvon Great Walk, Consuelo walkers' camp is 17.3km from West Branch walkers' camp and 57.9km from the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area in the Carnarvon Gorge section of the park, half way between Emerald and Roma.
• You can access the Carnarvon Great Walk from the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area, 5.9km by unsealed road from the park entrance in the Carnarvon Gorge section, or the West Branch camping area, 25km from the park entrance in the Mount Moffatt section of the park.

• 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 mostly sealed.

• To reach Mount Moffatt from Mitchell, drive 220km north on an unsealed road via Womblebank Station. If you are travelling from Injune, drive 160km north-west via Womblebank Station or Westgrove Station. High-clearance 4WDs are recommended and are essential to get around the park. There are no roads from Mount Moffatt direct to the other sections of the park.

• Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Consuelo camping zone (Great Walk) 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.

Seasonal closures

The Carnarvon Great Walk is closed from the start of November to the end of February—the hottest time of the year. The track may also be closed at other times during fires or adverse weather conditions, for essential track maintenance or for safety reasons.

Walkers’ camp features: Open grassy campsite where giant cycads and towering eucalypts are a feature of this highlands landscape.

Location: On the Consuelo Tableland, 17.3 km from West Branch walkers’ camp via the Great Walk trail.

Access: The walkers’ camp is accessible by foot.

Number of sites: There are no designated or numbered sites. The maximum capacity for the camping area is 10 people. Do not camp within 20 m of the water collection point—there are underground tanks that can be easily damaged.

Campsites suitable for: walk-in camping only.

Campsite surface: Grass. Visitors must camp at least 20m away from the water collection point, and not underneath the shelter.

Facilities: Water (must be treated before drinking). There is a water collection point nearby with hand pump, During winter, make sure to collect your water in the evenings, as water in the pumps can be frozen in the morning, and the pumps can be easily damaged by trying to force the water out.

There are no toilets at the Consuelo camping zone. Please bring a small hand trowel or spade (or human waste disposal kit) and toilet paper. Read more about toileting in the bush.

Open fires: Prohibited—fuel or gas stoves only.

Generators: Not permitted.

Essentials to bring: Fuel or gas stove, water treatment tablets or purification kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, rubbish bag. Read more about before you visit.

Bookings: book online or learn about our camping booking options.

Mobile phone coverage: Nil. For emergency communication advice see Walk safely.

Upcoming camping area availability

Visiting safely

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