Name: Best trails in Carnarvon National Park
Address: Queensland, Australia
Rating: 4.6

Best trails in Carnarvon National Park

4.6(1,998 reviews)

Australia
:
#76 of 637 national parks

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.

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Trail reviews for Carnarvon National Park

2,155 trailgoers Busiest in July

Michelle Kellner

Dec 22, 2025·Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Absolutely beautiful in summer I loved visiting Carnarvon Gorge at this time of year. With fewer people around, it genuinely felt like I had the place to myself—quiet, spacious, and deeply peaceful. The temperature was surprisingly comfortable thanks to cloud cover, making it a really enjoyable walk. The trails are nice and easy, perfect for soaking it all in without rushing, and there’s so much to see along the way—towering sandstone cliffs, lush greenery, and constant little moments that make you stop and take it all in. If you’re someone who loves having space, moving at your own pace, and really connecting with nature without crowds, I highly recommend coming here in summer. It’s calm, beautiful, and feels incredibly special.

Difficulty: Easy

Art Gallery via Ward's Canyon, Amphitheatre and Moss Garden [CLOSED]

melita collins

Sep 4, 2025

Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat views

Favourite trail at Carnarvon

Boolimba Bluff Walk

Regina Baker

Aug 1, 2025·Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Moss Garden Walk – Carnarvon Gorge Today I ventured along the 7 km return track to the beautiful Moss Garden in Carnarvon Gorge. The walk was easy and peaceful, with a cool and refreshing temperature of 13°C – perfect for a day of exploring nature. As I continued through the track and entered the shaded sanctuary of Violet Gorge, the temperature dropped to a crisp 10°C, adding to the serene atmosphere. Inside the gorge, I was greeted by towering sandstone walls, glistening with fresh water trickling down from hidden cracks above. The sandstone was blanketed in soft, lush green moss, creating a living tapestry of texture and life. At the heart of the Moss Garden lies a stunning waterfall that flows gracefully from a rockpool perched above, its gentle cascade adding a soothing rhythm to the surroundings. A beautifully constructed boardwalk leads up to the viewing area, complete with steps, handrails, and benches that invite you to pause and take it all in. I sat quietly in this magical place, embraced by the peace and tranquility of the natural world around me. It was a moment of spiritual connection – listening to the delicate sound of dripping water, birdsong in the distance, and the stillness that only places like this can offer. The Moss Garden is truly a hidden gem, a cool, green oasis that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature.

Conditions: Bugs, Poisonous plants, Wildflowers, Dry ground, Well maintained

Moss Garden Walk

Regina Baker

Jul 30, 2025·Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

Trail Name: Mickey Creek Gorge & Warrumbah Creek Gorge Location: Carnarvon Gorge, Queensland, Australia Distance: 7 km return Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Trail Type: Out & Back Estimated Time: 2.5–3 hours Elevation Gain: Minimal, with some uneven creek beds ⸻ Trail Overview Tucked deep within Queensland’s breathtaking Carnarvon Gorge, the walk into Mickey Creek Gorge and Warrumbah Creek Gorge is an unforgettable journey through ancient landscapes, towering cliffs, and tranquil forest-lined creeks. This 7 km return walk begins easily along a well-formed track that meanders gently through open forest. Early on, you’ll cross a few stony creek beds—mostly shallow and manageable, though footing can be uneven. As you enter Mickey Creek Gorge, the trail gradually transforms from a simple stroll into a more adventurous, immersive experience. Beyond the maintained path, the real magic begins. The gorge narrows as you follow the creek between massive sandstone cliffs, where time and water have carved a breathtaking passageway. The further you go, the more the noise of the world falls away—replaced by the hush of flowing water and the echo of your own footsteps. Mosses and ferns cling to the cool sandstone walls where shafts of sunlight filter down from high above, creating an ethereal atmosphere. It’s here, in these quiet, shaded spaces, that we felt most at peace—enveloped by the ancient stillness of the land. Warrumbah Creek Gorge offers a more adventurous offshoot. With no formed path, you’ll be boulder-hopping and squeezing through narrow passageways. While not technically difficult, it does require sure footing and a sense of curiosity. It’s well worth the extra effort for those wanting to explore deeper into this dramatic terrain. ⸻ Highlights • Narrow gorges with dramatic cliff walls • Moss- and fern-covered rock formations • Shaded, peaceful walking environment • Unique creek crossings and natural acoustics • Wildlife sightings possible (including birds and lizards) ⸻ Tips for Hikers • Wear sturdy shoes with good grip, especially beyond the main track • Creek crossings may be slippery after rain—take care • Carry plenty of water and snacks • Best explored during cooler parts of the day • Phone signal may be limited—let someone know your plans ⸻ Final Thoughts The Mickey and Warrumbah Creek Gorges walk is more than just a hike—it’s a peaceful, almost spiritual experience through some of Carnarvon Gorge’s lesser-traveled corners. Perfect for those seeking a deeper connection to the landscape, this walk offers beauty, solitude, and a sense of ancient wonder at every step.

Difficulty: Moderate

Mickey's Creek

Regina Baker

Jul 28, 2025·Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

I had the most peaceful and soul-nourishing walk today in Carnarvon Gorge. It’s a 22 km return track to Big Bend, and the weather was perfect — a cool 17°C most of the way, then dropping to 12°C inside the gorge. I did the Moss Garden yesterday so I never did that today, however the others were spectacular. The track is well marked with steps in place along steep sections, stoney creek crossings and some bridges, lovely boardwalks with steps and seating, so I took time to sit, reflect, and just listen… the sound of water, the stillness of nature — it felt deeply grounding and spiritual. A truly special place I won’t forget.

Parking: Free, Large lot

Carnarvon Great Walk: Day 1 Visitors Centre to Big Bend Camp Site

Matt Gregory

Apr 11, 2025·Hiking

Easy to parkNot crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

From the Carnarvon NP Visitor centre we planned a long day walk to Battleship Spur. 32 km round trip with some side trips. Its quite easy walking up to Cathedral Cave. After that take the river bed walk to the turn off to Boowinda Gorge.Battleship Spur track leads off from here. The goat track was challenging. It gets steep, track is overgrown and you are up to your hips with long grass. The view from BS is good but you are not close to the canyon in the distance.

Difficulty: Hard

Battleship Spur via Big Bend and Carnarvon Great Walk

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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 Carnarvon Great Walk: Day 1 Visitors Centre to Big Bend Camp Site, which has a 4.8 star rating from 480 reviews. This trail is 7.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,581 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. 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 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 Carnarvon Great Walk: Day 1 Visitors Centre to Big Bend Camp Site with an average 4.8 star rating from 480 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.