Carnarvon Great Walk
Bidjara & Karingbal Country

4 days to 6 days

84.3 km
oneway

↑ 2592 m
↓ -2591 m

Very challenging
Starting from the Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Centre, Carnarvon Park, this great circuit walk takes you into the Carnarvon Gorge and gives you a grand tour of the interesting landmarks in and around the gorge. The 87 km long track features summit lookouts, amphitheatres, rock formations and much more. Typically spread out to 6 days, this journey will surely require some skill and determination. Yet the views you’ll get from Battleship Spur combined with the Mahogany trees along the trail will make the walk worthwhile on their own. It’s possible to come across emus, echidnas, sugar gliders and heaps of bird species; so keep an eye out. All of the designated campsites have water, yet you’ll need to carry enough to get you through the day. Keep in mind that you’ll need a permit to access Carnarvon Park and the said campsites. This walk is closed from the 1st of November to the last day of February. Bring some insect repellent to protect yourself from the mozzies(Australian slang for mosquitoes). Let us begin by acknowledging the Bidjara & Karingbal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. 
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Downloads GPX PDF


Warning
This journey requires significant bushwalking experience, specialised equipment and navigation skills.
Please ensure you and your group well prepared and equiped for this journey.

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Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
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Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-25.0602838,148.2354231)
Mode Car
Finish (-25.0602838,148.2354231)
Mode (end) Car Shuttle   Car  
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Centre, head towards the creek along the formed walking track. After crossing the said creek, keep left at the first intersection to join the Big Bend Walk. Stay on the track as it veers left and meanders along the creek(to your left) to continue along the Carnarvon Great Walk. Keep an eye out for the yellow trail markers.....
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Carnarvon Gorge to Big Bend
2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min
9.5 km
Getting Started
From the Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Centre, head towards the creek along the formed walking track. After crossing the said creek, keep left at the first intersection to join the Big Bend Walk. Stay on the track as it veers left and meanders along the creek(to your left) to continue along Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Centre to Big Bend walkers’ camp Track.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start heading along Big Bend Walk.
There is a toilet (about 75 m back from the start).
There is a pay phone (about 35 m back from the start).
After 105 m cross the ford.
Then cross the stepping stones (about 30 m long)
Then cross the ford.
After another 15 m (at the intersection of Nature Trail & Big Bend Walk) continue straight, to head along Big Bend Walk.
After another 1 km (at the intersection of Big Bend Walk & Boolimba Bluff Walk) continue straight, to head along Big Bend Walk.
After another 370 m cross the ford.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the Moss Garden, a place that has an incredibly peaceful and stunning scenery, along with a little waterfall to add to the serenity. To start this optional side trip veer left here. On returning from this side trip veer left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 1.3 km (at the intersection of Big Bend Walk & Moss Garden Walk) continue straight, to head along Big Bend Walk.
After another 130 m pass the toilet (50 m on your left).
Continue straight, to head along Big Bend Walk.
After another 85 m cross the stepping stones (about 140 m long)
After another 320 m cross the stepping stones (about 45 m long)
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the Amphitheatre. 60 metres deep, this acoustic rock formation presents a unique audible experience. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip error >360 when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 270 m (at the intersection of Big Bend Walk & Amphitheatre Walk) veer right, to head along Big Bend Walk.
After another 20 m find the "tiered ladder" (110 m on your left).
tiered ladder
tiered ladder

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After another 310 m cross the ford.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the Ward's Canyon. Step back in time as you're passing through the King ferns and slender tree ferns in this naturally cool spot. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip error >360 when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 305 m (at the intersection of Ward's Canyon Walk & Big Bend Walk) continue straight, to head along Big Bend Walk.
After another 480 m cross the ford.
After another 40 m cross the ford.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the historic Art Gallery, where Aboriginals of the time engraved and painted 2000+ pieces of art. Especially the ochre stencils here are amongst the best in Australia. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip error >360 when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 225 m (at the intersection of Big Bend Walk & Art Gallery Walk) continue straight, to head along Big Bend Walk.
After another 65 m cross the ford.
After another 60 m cross the ford.
After another 205 m cross the ford.
After another 550 m cross the ford.
After another 550 m cross the ford.
After another 60 m cross the ford.
After another 205 m cross the ford.
After another 610 m cross the ford.
After another 255 m cross the ford.
After another 230 m cross the ford.
After another 240 m cross the ford.
After another 180 m cross the ford.
After another 290 m cross the ford.
After another 260 m cross the ford.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the Cathedral Cave. Eroded by wind and rain, this cave was used as shelter by the Aboriginals for thousands of years. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 40 m (at the intersection of Big Bend Walk & Cathedral Cave Walk) continue straight, to head along Big Bend Walk.
After another 95 m cross the ford.
After another 9 m (at the intersection of Big Bend Walk & Boowinda Gorge) continue straight, to head along Big Bend Walk.
After another 25 m cross the ford.
After another 320 m cross the ford.
After another 75 m come to "Big Bend walkers' camp".
There is a fee to use this campsite.
About 75 m past the end is a toilet.
The end.

This optional side trip takes you to the Moss Garden, a place that has an incredibly peaceful and stunning scenery, along with a little waterfall to add to the serenity.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Moss Garden Walk & Big Bend Walk Start heading along Moss Garden Walk (a walking track).
After 135 m cross the ford.
After another 55 m cross the ford.
After another 310 m cross the ford.
After another 125 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 630 m to the main route.

This optional side trip takes you to the Amphitheatre. 60 metres deep, this acoustic rock formation presents a unique audible experience.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Amphitheatre Walk & Big Bend Walk Start heading along Amphitheatre Walk (a walking track).
After another 10 m continue straight, to head along Amphitheatre Walk.
Keep left.
After another 10 m cross the ford.
After another 60 m cross the ford.
After another 60 m cross the ford.
After another 15 m find the "tiered ladder" (on your left).
tiered ladder
tiered ladder

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After another 195 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 350 m to the main route.

This optional side trip takes you to the historic Art Gallery, where Aboriginals of the time engraved and painted 2000+ pieces of art. Especially the ochre stencils here are amongst the best in Australia.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Art Gallery Walk & Big Bend Walk Start heading along Art Gallery Walk (a walking track).
After another 335 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 335 m to the main route.

This optional side trip takes you to the Cathedral Cave. Eroded by wind and rain, this cave was used as shelter by the Aboriginals for thousands of years.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Cathedral Cave Walk & Big Bend Walk Start heading along Cathedral Cave Walk (a walking track).
After another 40 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 40 m to the main route.

This optional side trip takes you to the Ward's Canyon. Step back in time as you're passing through the King ferns and slender tree ferns in this naturally cool spot.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Ward's Canyon Walk & Big Bend Walk Start heading along Ward's Canyon Walk (a walking track).
After another 265 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 265 m to the main route.

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Big Bend to Gadd's
5 h 30 min to 7 h
14 km
Getting Started
From Big Bend walkers’ camp (in Carnarvon Gorge), head downstream along Carnarvon Creek via the Big Bend Walk track. After about 430 metres, turn right and head into the Boowinda Gorge to continue along Big Bend walkers’ camp to Gadd's walkers’ camp Track.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start heading along Big Bend Walk.
There is a toilet (about 75 m back from the start).
Big Bend walkers' camp (about 20 m back from the start).
There is a fee to use this campsite.
After 85 m cross the ford.
After another 290 m cross the ford.
After another 70 m (at the intersection of Boowinda Gorge & Carnarvon Great Walk) turn right, to head along Carnarvon Great Walk (a highway|).
After another 1.1 km (at the intersection of Boowinda Gorge & Carnarvon Great Walk) continue straight, to head along Carnarvon Great Walk.
After another 2.2 km head up the metal steps (about 7 m long)
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip takes you to the Battleship Spur where you can view the Carnarvon Gorge in all its glory. To start this optional side trip turn right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 670 m veer left, to head along Carnarvon Great Walk.
After another 9.5 km come to "Gadd's walkers' camp".
About 45 m past the end is a toilet.
The end.

This little side trip takes you to the Battleship Spur where you can view the Carnarvon Gorge in all its glory.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After 255 m pass the "Battleship Spur" (10 m on your left).
After another 40 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 295 m to the main route.

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Gadd’s to West Branch
5 h to 6 h 30 min
16.7 km
Getting Started
From Gadd’s walkers’ camp, head northwest along the singular dirt track, keeping the creek to your left. About 200 metres later, make a perpendicular right turn to continue along Gadd’s to West Branch Track.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
There is a toilet (about 45 m back from the start).
Find the Gadd's walkers' camp at the start.
After another 185 m turn right.
After another 2.1 km cross the ford.
After another 5.1 km turn left.
After another 8 km continue straight.
After another 1 km continue straight.
After another 20 m cross the ford.
After another 65 m come to the "West Branch walkers' camp" (6 m on your left).
There is a fee to use this campsite.
After another 60 m veer left.
After another 140 m come to a toilet.
About 55 m past the end is "West Branch camping area".
There is a fee to use this campsite.
The end.

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West Branch to Consuelo
5 h 30 min to 7 h 30 min
16.1 km
Getting Started
From West Branch campsite, head north along the dirt track as you keep the creek to your right. After about 135 metres veer right and cross the creek, then make a perpendicular left turn at the 3-way intersection to continue along West Branch to Consuelo Track.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
West Branch camping area (about 60 m back from the start).
There is a fee to use this campsite.
There is a toilet (about 40 m back from the start).
After another 175 m veer right.
After another 125 m cross the ford.
After another 15 m turn left.
After another 780 m veer left.
After another 8.3 km continue straight, to head along Carnarvon Great Walk.
After another 680 m veer left, to head along Carnarvon Great Walk.
After another 6 km come to "Consuelo camping zone".
There is a fee to use this campsite.
The end.

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Consuelo to Cabbage Tree
3 h to 4 h 30 min
13.6 km
Getting Started
From Consuelo campground, head south along the singular dirt track, then stay on the said track as it veers left and starts heading northwest to continue along Consuelo to Cabbage Tree Track. Keep an eye out for the orange markers along the way.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start heading along Carnarvon Great Walk.
Consuelo camping zone.
There is a fee to use this campsite.
After another 13.6 km come to "Cabbage Tree camping zone".
There is a fee to use this campsite.
The end.

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Cabbage Tree to Carnarvon Gorge
5 h to 6 h 30 min
14.5 km
Getting Started
From Cabbage Tree campground, head east along the Carnarvon Great Walk Track, then stay on-track as it veers left. Cross the creek (bed) as you’re heading south to continue along Cabbage Tree to Carnarvon Gorge Track.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start heading along Carnarvon Great Walk.
Find the Cabbage Tree camping zone at the start.
There is a fee to use this campsite.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This optional side trip takes you to the Boolimba Bluff Lookout(s) where you can get exceptional southerly views over the gorge. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 12 km (at the intersection of Boolimba Bluff Walk & Carnarvon Great Walk) turn right, to head along Boolimba Bluff Walk.
After another 135 m head down the steps (about 315 m long)
After another 890 m (at the intersection of Big Bend Walk & Boolimba Bluff Walk) turn left, to head along Big Bend Walk.
After another 1 km (at the intersection of Big Bend Walk & Nature Trail) continue straight, to head along Big Bend Walk.
After another 15 m cross the stepping stones (about 30 m long)
Then cross the ford.
After another 75 m come to a pay phone.
About 75 m past the end is a toilet.
The end.

This optional side trip takes you to the Boolimba Bluff Lookout(s) where you can get exceptional southerly views over the gorge.
Turn map Directions & comments
At the intersection of Boolimba Bluff Walk & Carnarvon Great Walk Start heading along Boolimba Bluff Walk (a walking track).
After 730 m come to the "Boolimba Bluff" (15 m on your right).
Continue straight, to head along Boolimba Bluff Walk.
After another 70 m come to "Boolimba Bluff".
Continue another 0 m to find Boolimba Bluff at the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 770 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Carnarvon Gorge to Big Bend

Big Bend to Gadd's

Gadd’s to West Branch

West Branch to Consuelo

Consuelo to Cabbage Tree

Cabbage Tree to Carnarvon Gorge


Grading
Class 5/6
Very challenging
Length 84.3 km
Time 4 days to 6 days
Quality of track Rough unclear track (5/6)
Gradient Very steep and difficult rock scrambles (5/6)
Signage No directional signs (5/6)
Infrastructure Limited facilities (such as cliffs not fenced, significant creeks not bridged) (4/6)
Experience Required Moderate level of bushwalking experience recommended (4/6)
Weather Forecasted & unexpected severe weather likely to have an impact on your navigation and safety (5/6)

Some facilities on route
Camp site: There are 6 on route, on average they are 12 km apart with the largest gap of 16.5 km.

Toilet: There are 5 on route, on average they are 14.1 km apart with the largest gap of 44.2 km.


Order of key facilities on route
ItemFrom StartName & link to notes
Toilet
-76 m[toilet]
Toilet
2.9 km[toilet]
Camp site
9.5 kmBig Bend walkers' camp
Toilet
9.5 km[toilet]
Toilet
23.5 km[toilet]
Camp site
23.5 kmGadd's walkers' camp
Camp site
40 kmWest Branch walkers' camp
Toilet
40.2 km[toilet]
Camp site
40.2 kmWest Branch camping area
Camp site
56.5 kmConsuelo camping zone
Camp site
70 kmCabbage Tree camping zone
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Articles
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