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Best trails in Carnarvon National Park

Best trails in Carnarvon National Park

4.6(2,017 reviews)

·

Australia
: 
#103 of 637 national parks

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The Carnarvon National Park is located in the Maranoa Region of Central Queensland. Its landscape is made of tall sandstone cliffs, gorges, sandy valleys, basalt capped tablelands and bush forests that are home to a variety of fauna and flora. 210 bird species and about 60 species of mammals make the park their home, as Carnarvon Gorge inside the Carnarvon National Park is a place of great Indigenous significance to the Bidgera people. The Dreamtime stories say that it was Mundagurra, the rainbow serpent, who carved the gorge as he travelled the creek system. The area is ideal for, bushwalking, trail running and backpacking.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Boolimba Bluff Walk

    4.8(301)
    ·Moderate
    ·4.8 mi
    ·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Golden morning light spills across the ancient sandstone cliffs on the ascent to Boolimba Bluff, rewarding those who make the climb with one of the finest vistas in the national park. The walk starts with a tranquil crossing of Carnarvon Creek, where you might be lucky enough to spot an elusive platypus if you’re moving quietly at dawn. As you leave the creek flats, the vegetation shifts from lush pockets of Carnarvon Fan Palms to diverse forests filled with wildflowers, such as native...

  2. #2 - Mickey's Creek

    4.7(226)
    ·Moderate
    ·2.3 mi
    ·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    Deep within the sandstone heart of Carnarvon National Park, the Mickey’s Creek track offers a cooler, more intimate alternative to the vast main gorge. This out-and-back journey traverses the traditional lands of the Bidjara and Karingbal people, characterised by towering Carnarvon fan palms and ancient king ferns beneath the 100-metre-high sandstone walls. The track meanders alongside the creek before forking into two distinct sections: Mickey’s Creek to the left and Warrumbah Gorge to the...

  3. #3 - Moss Garden Walk

    4.9(127)
    ·Moderate
    ·4.7 mi
    ·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Towering sandstone walls and ancient remnant rainforest define this spectacular journey into the heart of Carnarvon Gorge. The track follows the winding Carnarvon Creek, where you will navigate several water crossings across stepping stones. These crossings can occasionally lead to wet feet after rain, so a hiking pole can be handy for balance. As you move deeper into the gorge, the air cools significantly, providing a refreshing reprieve from the Queensland sun. The highlight of this walk...

  4. #4 - Battleship Spur via Big Bend and Carnarvon Great Walk

    4.7(102)
    ·Hard
    ·17.4 mi
    Nestled inside Carnarvon National Park of the Maranoa Region of Central Queensland, this trail follows the Carnarvon Creek to Battleship Spur via Boowinda Gorge along the Big Bend and Carnarvon Great Walk trails. The landscape comprises tall sandstone cliffs, deep gorges and bush forests home to various fauna and flora and incredible Indigenous rock art. The gorge is an area of Indigenous significance and should be walked respectfully. Several short out-and-back detours can be taken to...

  5. #5 - Carnarvon Gorge Nature Walk

    4.2(54)
    ·Easy
    ·1.0 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    A lovely family friendly circuit looping around Carnarvon Creek passing by the Platypus viewing platform that is great to visit around dusk and dawn when your chances of spotting this unique and incredibly special monotremes are highest. This is a great walk to take the kids on with little to climbs found along the way and a nice short length with plenty to keep them interested.

  6. #6 - Rock Pool Picnic Area to Rock Pool

    4.4(37)
    ·Easy
    ·0.5 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Cool off in a beautiful natural swimming hole on this easy walk in Carnarvon Gorge. The short track leads you to the Rock Pool, the only spot in the gorge where swimming is allowed. It’s a top spot for a refreshing dip after a day of exploring the longer walks. Towering gum trees surround the area and it's a great place to relax and enjoy the sounds of the bush.

  7. #7 - Nature Trail to Rock Pool

    4.6(36)
    ·Easy
    ·3.0 mi
    ·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    A surprisingly lovely walk through the Carnavon National Park, located in the central highlands of Queensland, Australia. The loop trail begins and ends from the Carnavon National Park Campground. The trail features most of the marked Nature Trail and then connecting to the Rock Pool Walk before returning along the road. Would be better as an out and back along the trail rather than the road loop. Don't forget your swimmers!

  8. #8 - Rock Pool Walk from Carnarvon Gorge Camping Area

    4.5(14)
    ·Moderate
    ·2.5 mi
    ·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    This is the perfect walk for a hot day in Carnarvon Gorge, leading you to the only designated swimming spot in the park. It's a relatively easy journey from the campsite to the Rock Pool, a beautiful spot carved out of Carnarvon Creek. Relax in the shade of the fig and casuarina trees and keep an eye out for platypus and turtles in the cool, clear water.

  9. #9 - Mount Moffat Loop

    4.5(13)
    ·Easy
    ·3.6 mi
    ·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    This trail explores a section of the beautiful Carnarvon National Park, home to gorges, canyons, and ancient aboriginal cave paintings, in central Queensland. The route commences from Carnarvon Park North Road, If you cross the road in the other direction from the trailhead you can visit the spectacular Cathedral Rock.

  10. #10 - Carnarvon Great Walk: Day 1 Visitors Centre to Big Bend Camp Site [CLOSED]

    4.8(479)
    ·Moderate
    ·7.5 mi
    ·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    Permits are needed to access the park and the campsites. You are advised to plan and book at least six weeks in advance. See the following link: https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/camping/bookings From the Carnarvon Gorge visitor area, the Great Walk heads along the main Carnarvon Gorge track, following the winding course of Carnarvon Creek up the ever-narrowing gorge. The main walking track is mostly flat, although side branches involve steeper sections. Surrounded by towering cliffs of...
Showing results 1–10 of 17
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Carnarvon National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Carnarvon National Park is Boolimba Bluff Walk, which has a 4.8 star rating from 301 reviews. This trail is 4.8 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,049 ft.

What is the longest trail in Carnarvon National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Carnarvon National Park is Carnarvon Great Walk: Full Trail [CLOSED]. This trail is estimated to be 53.7 mi long.

How many trails are in Carnarvon National Park?

There are 17 trails in Carnarvon National Park.These trails have an average 4.6-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Carnarvon National Park?

Carnarvon Great Walk: Full Trail [CLOSED] has the most elevation gain with 8,736 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Battleship Spur via Big Bend and Carnarvon Great Walk, which has 3,523 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Carnarvon National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 11 camping trails in Carnarvon National Park and the most popular is Battleship Spur via Big Bend and Carnarvon Great Walk with an average 4.7 star rating from 102 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Carnarvon National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 5 running trails in Carnarvon National Park and the most popular is Battleship Spur via Big Bend and Carnarvon Great Walk with an average 4.7 star rating from 102 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Carnarvon National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Carnarvon National Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with scenic viewpoints in Carnarvon National Park, including Boolimba Bluff Walk, Battleship Spur via Big Bend and Carnarvon Great Walk, and Carnarvon Great Walk: Day 6 Cabbage Tree to Visitors Centre [CLOSED].